As Beyonce, who is expecting her first child with husband Jay-Z any time now, remains committed to a mostly-vegan pregnancy diet. The actress and singer, who is also a part of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign, has been outspoken about her past use of The Master Cleanse to prepare for the movie Dream Girls.
Contrary to celebs like Jessica Simpson, who signed a $3 million dollar contract to lose her baby weight with Weight Watchers, and Jennifer Lopez, who shared her post-pregnancy diet secrets, Beyonce hasn’t yet spoken up about her post-baby plans. In the meantime, she and Jay-Z have remained committed to eating a healthy diet to avoid excessive baby weight gain.
“I’ve been really conscious [about food],” Beyonce told 20/20. “I’ve been trying my best not to lose control.” Instead of indulging in stereotypical pregnancy junk food cravings, the couple has been eating balanced meals that include stir-fried vegetables and tofu.
Along with her healthy diet, Beyonce has remained active throughout her pregnancy, which is important for any mom who wants to avoid excessive pregnancy weight gain.
Some celebrities, including Miranda Kerr, Victoria Beckham and Jessica Simpson often set unrealistic precedents for alarmingly quick post-baby weight loss. However, most health experts agree that drastic post-baby weight loss can be unhealthy for mother and baby.
Instead, health experts agree that expectant moms don’t have a license to binge. Jillian Michaels told us that “You won’t need to lose baby weight if you don’t gain it. It takes about 55,000 calories to make a baby. This breaks down to about 200-300 extra calories a day.” Nutrients should come from prenatal vitamin supplements and plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats from foods like olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
As for pregnancy fitness, Michaels advises that “stretching is critical,” as well as stresses the importance of abdominal and back exercises. “They help with postural changes and stability and keep your body strong after the baby’s born, when you’ll have a lot of lifting to do.”