5 Tips For Staying in Shape During Pregnancy

tank: Target

cardigan: Target

jeans: Pink Blush Maternity c/o 

sneakers: New Balance

sunglasses: Tory Burch

When it comes to pregnancy, our society has given a no-limit, all-excuses fly, don't-tell-her-what-to-eat pass to women. For some reason, when a woman is growing a human being, it's OK for her to give in to every single craving, over indulge and watch her body become a shapeless mess. Yes, I know, trust me! I've been there. I ate way too many chicken sandwiches and crepes during my first pregnancy and gained too much weight (while doctors said nothing). This time around it's very different - I diligently watch what I eat, exercise, don't give into cravings and keep on top of my fluid intake . Here are some of my tips for keeping the weight gain under control.

1. Drink Water. Drinking plenty of water (not juice, not smoothies or lattes, just plain old water) will keep all those extra calories away from you. A few calories here, another there and drinks can add up to a hefty amount of your daily calorie intake. Stick to water. If you can't do plain, infuse it with fruits and citrus, which is a great way to detox your body of all the unhealthy stuff, without causing damage to the baby.

2. Cut Back on Salt. When people think pregnancy cravings, they imagine ice cream and cupcakes. I'll take smoked salmon and clam chowder any day over the cakes and pastries. It's my weakness. Salt retains fluid and makes you thirsty, causes edema and unnecessary weight gain. I have cut back significantly on amount of salt I put into my food (husband always complains that everything is under salted - good for me though). I don't salt my scrambled eggs if I know I'll be putting ketchup over them and avoid overly salty snacks like chips, salted nuts and cheese.

3. Skip One Complex Carb a Day. I love my bread as much as the next girl and can't live without potatoes but I have been trying to go one meal without any kind of complex carbohydrates (fruits don't count). If I know I will be having mashed potatoes for dinner, I won't have toast with my breakfast. If have croissant for lunch, I will skip starch during dinner time and load up on salad and protein.

4. Eat Healthy Snacks. I fall off the wagon plenty of times, but my day to day go-to snack is plain yogurt loaded with fruits, or simple granola (not the one drenched in chocolate or peanut butter). Also, I'm a big lover of fruits so I load up on those whenever I feel hungry. The key here is not to treat fruits as free pass, they still have calories and sugar. Have just a little bit to satisfy your craving and make sure to drink plenty again.

5. Do Some Kind of Moderate Exercise. When I say moderate, I mean, get up and walk, park further away from the store and take stairs instead of elevator. Every time an opportunity to move arrives, take it and welcome it instead of complaining about having to get off the couch. Either it's palates or simply taking a walk around the neighborhood, move that booty more rather than less. You will thank me later. 

I don't deprive myself of any certain food group but eat everything in moderation. If I have a pistachio cupcake, I have just one and don't add sugar/honey to my tea. If I buy smoked salmon, I don't salt the eggs and have only 1/2 of the toast. It's all about portion control. Every day, every time you sit down to eat or open your cupboard think how is it going to benefit your body and what exactly are you putting inside. Trust me, it's a lot easier to keep the weight off than try to loose it when the baby arrives and you have absolutely no time for yourself. I learned it the hard way so take it from me, instead

Link Up: DC in Style

Shop My Look

About a Million Years Late

gold New Balance // green Addidas // blue New Balance // Converse // Nike // black New Balance

I'm just getting on the sneakers trend and liking how they are being styled all over the fashion blogs. I have been eyeing a few (one, two and three) but honestly can't decide which pair to get. Spring is coming and I know with the growing belly, and back aches I will need more comfortable shoes (although I will never get rid of my heels haha). Here are some of my top choices!
Do you like the sneaker trend? Have you styled them with dressy pants or just used them for walking? Do share and give me some ideas on how to style them.

Link Up: Classy Yet Trendy, Mummy's Got Style

More Sneakers to Shop

Spring 2015 Must Have Shoes

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

It's almost spring and that means, it's time to get your pretty shoes out. A lot of the trends are new this season but more are here to stay from last season.  The cut outs trend is definitely making a huge statement this season, with gorgeously cut out flat, booties and sandals.  Also, the gladiator sandals are here to stay but I'm not sure I how I fell about them. I definitely want a pair of cut out ankle but those really nigh sandals aren't my thing. But with the upcoming spring showers and a great thaw, you have to have cute rain boots - the classic that's going to make appearance season after season. I love this mint blue color from New Look and can't wait to get my hands on them, considering they are under $50! Another great shoe for transitioning into warmer weather is the Dr. Marten original from UnionJack Boots. With the different colors and pattern, you can pair them with almost anything. How about mixing dressed up looks with New Balance sneakers (also love these and these)? Totally in and so many fashionistas are rocking it.!

What's your favorite shoe trend for this spring?

xo, Anna

Linking up with Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So, The Pleated Poppy