By Monica Bearden, RD and Shara Aaron, MS, RD, Authors of the Baby Fat Diet: A busy mom’s guide to losing weight and looking fabulous

A researcher at the University of Calgary is studying a possible link between nutrition and postpartum depression. Having analyzed the diets of pregnant and postpartum women over the years, I completely agree that there must be a link. Of the women I have counseled, several have nutrient deficiencies before pregnancy and then once pregnant the deficiencies tend to get worse based on how the women feel.

In 2005, the USDA reported that many Americans do not get enough vitamin E, calcium, potassium and fiber. Additionally, women of childbearing age may not be getting enough iron in their diets. All together, these deficiencies can cause all kinds of problems including affecting energy and mental well being. To help you get enough of these nutrients:

• Eat a handful of raw nuts a day.
• Include beans in one of your meals.
• And eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day (actually count how many you ate at the end of the day before dinner and make up for the number you are missing at dinner and afterwards). As for getting enough calcium, eat some yogurt -- you will not only benefit from the nutrients but bonus, you will get the healthy bacteria that is good for your digestive and immune systems.

Monica Bearden, RD is a registered dietitian and weight loss expert, helping countless women lose weight.  She teaches groups of pregnant women how to gain the weight in a healthy way and then helps women to lose the baby fat.  After years  of helping people lose weight and keep it off as well as writing numerous  health and wellness articles, Monica Bearden now brings you tried and true  tips for losing the baby fat.  She is also co-owner of NutCom, LLC a nutrition communications company and is a certified fitness instructor.
 

Shara Aaron, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with years of healthy eating and weight loss communication experience.  Starting as a nutrition and health editor for Family Circle magazine and now the nutrition columnist and member of the advisory board for American Baby Magazine, Shara teaches moms how to eat healthfully and feed their families.  Shara has also written for www.Kaboose.com, Parents Magazine and Family Circle and is co-owner of NutCom, LLC, a nutrition communications company.

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