health fitness during pregnancy

Best Maternity Leggings | Workout Bra

“Just be kind to yourself” is a phrase I’ve heard all too often during my pregnancy in relation to eating super clean and keeping a consistent workout schedule.

It’s something I’ve actually found super disappointing, because choosing to move my body and nourish myself (and baby) with only clean and healthy foods DOES feel like I’m being kind to myself!

Listen, there are many days when I skip a workout in favor of laying on the couch or grab a donut instead of protein bar, but it’s the exception to the rule. It’s been my choice not to let pregnancy become an excuse for overindulging. If I wouldn’t do it to my own body before baby, then why start now?

And hey, if you are pregnant doing the exact opposite and that’s what feels good to YOU, then that’s just awesome too! I think listening to your OWN body now, more than ever, is what’s important.

I’ve gotten a lot of DMs from mamas-to-be who are on the same path as me, so I wanted to share my routine of health and fitness during pregnancy here on the blog. Check it out below…

Pregnancy Workout Routine:

I was super active before becoming pregnant and my doctor advised that I could continue all of my current workouts as long as I felt good and modified when necessary (ex: no working out on your back). She even mentioned it’s her belief it helps with the labor process and definitely the recovery.

I usually aim to workout 4-5 times per week. Here’s a sample of my weekly workout routine…

Workout Classes: I schedule myself to take 3 classes per week. I find working out in groups to be much more motivating and find I’m more inclined to workout on my own later in the week when I’ve hit my goal of all three classes. I like to do a combination of yoga, barre and HIIT/Bootcamp (usually Orange Theory) weekly.
Cardio: I try and clock some quality time on the treadmill 1-2x/week. I’ll either run 2-3 miles or walk for 30 minutes on an incline while listening to a podcast. I just try to tune into my body and do what feels good that day.
Youtube Videos: I usually follow up my cardio sessions with a YouTube Video or two. Here are some of my favorite at home pregnancy workouts:
- Legs & Booty: One of the BEST things I recently purchased for myself were these leg and booty bands! This is my favorite booty band video (I do it twice through) and I also love this longer version.
- Arms: My favorite arm burnout video takes just 8 minutes.
- Pilates: This old school Windsor Pilates video is my JAM. This workout is gentle yet REALLY brings the burn. I love to do this pilates video on days when I don’t feel like working out. I am ALWAYS glad I moved my body in some capacity.
Pregnancy Diet

As I mentioned, before I got pregnant I’ve ALWAYS eaten super clean and healthy. During the first trimester, I found myself indulging in more carbs than normal and by the time the holidays hit I felt HORRIBLE physically and mentally. It’s true, the food you put into your body has such a strong connection to your mood and emotional state.

To get back on track, I decided to do Whole30 during the month of January for the first time and I LOVED it. I actually found it to be easy because usually the hardest part of a “diet” is cutting out wine. Since I’ve had the no wine thing covered for a good 6 months, Whole 30 felt like a breeze and I never felt better afterwards. On Whole30 you aren’t supposed to snack (except for pre/post-workout) but when you’re pregnant that rule goes out the window since you need more calories (350-450 extra depending on the trimester). So, I always had 2 Whole30 approved snacks/day whether I worked out or not.

To set myself up for success, I buy tons of fruit and veggies at the beginning of the week and have them cleaned, chopped and ready to snack! I also prepare my salads for the week (sans dressing) and avoid keeping things in the house I DON’T want to eat (chips, candy & desserts).

Since completing Whole30, I’ve pretty much continued to eat Paleo 80% of the time. I allow myself carbs in the AM and pizza or pasta on the weekends. I also love the occasional donut and can never say no to twizzlers. Below I’m sharing my pregnancy food guide!

Sample Pregnancy Meal Plan
- 8 AM Breakfast– 2 eggs and Ezekial toast or oatmeal…both with a side of fruit
- 10 AM Pre-Workout– smoothie with 1/4 cup frozen berries, handful of greens, 1 tsp chia seeds, 1 tbs almond butter & my fav protein powder
- 12 PM Lunch- usually a salad with protein like chicken, canned tuna or salmon
- 3 PM snack– apple with almond butter, Larabar (if I am on the go), a handful of pistachios or plantain chips and guac
- 6 PM dinner– zoodles, non-creamy soup or lean protein + veggies
I’m not perfect and there are definitely times I stray from my health and fitness pregnancy goals or have a bad weekend, but I always try my best and strive for balance!

If you are a mama-to-be I’d love to know you stay fit and healthy! Leave me a comment below with your tips.