My Current Workout & Nutrition Routine (16 Weeks Pregnant)

7 Jul 2025 · 39 min · 16 chapters

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In short

Solo episode by Mari Llewellyn (16 weeks pregnant) sharing her current nutrition, workout routine, skincare/self-care, and pregnancy Q&A (caffeine, cravings, protein, gluten, core work, etc.).

Guest backgrounds

No guests appear; it’s a solo episode.

Key claims

She feels great in the second trimester (more energy, no significant nausea). She prioritizes protein/muscle and nutrient-dense foods, uses pregnancy-safe supplements, and lifts weights 4x/week with a prenatal-certified trainer. She avoids direct ab work and hip thrusts due to placenta previa risk she heard from a friend. She manages caffeine with up to two matcha drinks/day and prefers cold drinks now that it’s hot.

Notable examples

Raw protein bar (RAW Bars, dark chocolate almond butter), Elizabeth cereal with whole milk + banana, eggs from her chickens, green salad with feta/olives/chickpeas + roasted chicken, salmon weekly (Atlantic wild-caught) and salmon roe on crackers, fruit-focused “dessert,” 10,000 steps/day, hiking plans in Aspen, lymphatic drainage/guasha, pregnancy-safe deodorant (Buddha Cream), and face taping (Sealed Wellness).

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Pregnancy Update

0:03 to 0:31

Mari shares updates on her pregnancy and nutritional focus.

“So you were scrolling on Marketplace and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for.”

Pregnancy Update

1:14 to 1:28

Mari shares updates on her pregnancy and nutritional focus.

Nutrition Overview

1:28 to 2:27

Insights on Mari's nutritious eating habits during pregnancy.

“because I'm still focused on protein and muscle and things like that.”

Typical Daily Meals

2:27 to 7:53

A walk-through of Mari's typical meals and snacks.

“I think in the first trimester, I was like just sort of eating whatever I wanted, not because I was struggling a lot with, well, I had some food aversions for sure.”

Typical Daily Meals

7:57 to 9:22

A walk-through of Mari's typical meals and snacks.

“I have been really focused on my hair health lately.”

Food Preferences and Changes

9:22 to 12:19

Discussion on Mari's evolving food preferences during pregnancy.

“Then my next meal is usually lunch, unless I need a snack in between, but usually I'm okay.”

Workout Routine During Pregnancy

12:19 to 14:00

Mari discusses her workout routine and adjustments during pregnancy.

Avoiding Certain Exercises During Pregnancy

14:00 to 14:34

Learn why the host chooses to avoid specific exercises like hip thrusts while pregnant.

“there's certain things I don't do everyone's different I personally just don't do abs I just don't really feel the need to.”

Avoiding Certain Exercises During Pregnancy

14:37 to 15:04

Learn why the host chooses to avoid specific exercises like hip thrusts while pregnant.

“So you were scrolling on Marketplace, and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for.”

Current Workout Routine and Goals

15:04 to 16:08

Understand the host's current workout routine, including trainer sessions and daily steps.

Show all 16 chapters

Skincare and Self-Care Adjustments

19:52 to 23:00

Hear about the host's updated skincare routine and self-care practices during pregnancy.

“okay let's also just talk about quickly skincare and things i've been doing differently so i guess because I've been trying to conceive for so long.”

Face Taping and Other Beauty Tips

23:00 to 24:32

Learn about face taping as an alternative to Botox and other beauty adjustments.

“So that has been my solution for deodorant.”

Answering Pregnancy Questions

24:32 to 27:58

The host answers various listener questions about pregnancy, cravings, and nutrition.

“Have you had any strange pregnancy cravings yet?”

Answering Pregnancy Questions

29:53 to 31:20

The host answers various listener questions about pregnancy, cravings, and nutrition.

“It can be really challenging to fit in these self-care moments, especially when you have work, families, you're trying to stay active, keep up with the skincare routine.”

Current Workout and Nutrition Insights

31:42 to 37:10

Explore my workout routine and nutrition choices during pregnancy.

“It's always weightlifting for me you guys know I love a weightlift when I work out alone probably 40 minutes I'll do like circuit style training like full body, upper body and lower body in one.”

Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

37:10 to 38:04

Wrap up with gratitude and plans for future content.

“Maybe you do a smoothie instead and make it drinkable.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00This episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on Marketplace and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for. You sent a message and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist. The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group. The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for. From a browse to a bike ride, this summer, find more on Facebook. Hey Chicago, class it up with Crocs. You know back to school is coming in fast. So why wait to find your new fave footwear? Step into a local Crocs store and step into your new look.

0:44Try it, style it, make it yours. Because the right pair doesn't just show up, it shows off. First day fits, handled. Walk out ready for whatever's next. Visit your nearest Crocs store today. This is the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, and I'm your host, Mari Llewellyn.

1:08What is up, guys? Welcome back to another solo episode with me. Today, we're talking about my current nutrition and workouts. I am 16 weeks pregnant, but I'm also just someone who cares about health and nutrition, and even if you're not pregnant and you're listening, I think this will be beneficial because I'm still focused on protein and muscle and things like that. But obviously it looks a little bit different now that I am pregnant. I just hit the 16 week mark today, which is so exciting. Every time I hit a new week mark, I just am like so excited and so grateful. The baby is the size of an avocado today.

1:48Oh, I keep forgetting you guys know the gender now, so I can say he is the size of an avocado. Love that. I am in my second trimester. I feel really good. My energy is definitely up lately. I used to kind of be like crashing a lot in the day and like taking naps, even though I have to say, and I feel very privileged to say this, but I really didn't struggle with any nausea, didn't throw up, like really have had a lovely pregnancy so far, which is such a blessing. I'm going to knock on wood. But yeah, I think in my second trimester, I've definitely been able to focus a lot more on getting in a good routine.

2:26I'm working out again frequently. I'm lifting weights. I'm feeling strong. I'm definitely eating a bit healthier. I think in the first trimester, I was like just sort of eating whatever I wanted, not because I was struggling a lot with, well, I had some food aversions for sure. Like could not eat things that were left over. Certain proteins grossed me out. I would occasionally just want quesadillas and pizza and whatever. Now I'm in my second trimester. I feel a bit more myself again, and I'm able to really get back to nutrient dense, good foods, which I have been focused on the whole time, but now I just feel a bit more in a rhythm.

3:07So let's talk about nutrition first. and what I like to do is kind of walk you guys through a sort of typical what I eat in a day currently and fill you in on the things I'm eating because I am quite repetitive I think but I'll also tell you things that I'm sprinkling in there every now and again because I am someone who's really obsessed with nutrition and ingredients and I know that there are certain things to incorporate in your diet that are good for the baby's development but I'll just kind of give you an idea of what I'm eating. And I actually did film what I eat in a day recently, which I haven't done in so long, but I know people are interested.

3:45I'm just kind of always hesitant with that stuff because people can be so intense when it comes to food, which is so interesting. But anyway, first thing when I wake up in the morning, and this is different, I used to wait a couple hours to eat. That is not happening nowadays. I wake up ravenous. And if I wait too long to eat I will not feel great. So the first thing I do when I wake up is eat my raw protein bar. I'm pretty sure you guys have heard me talk about these protein bars for legitimately three years at this point. It's spelled R-A-W-R, raw bars and they are a small family business. They take a long time to arrive but they are so good and I have literally been eating these things for the last three years every single day.

4:30I only eat the dark chocolate almond butter one I'm on a subscription for it it's high in protein great ingredients and I love it so I eat one of those and that like satiates me because they're pretty high calorie I think they're like 390 calories or something and I have a bunch of water fill my Stanley with ice sometimes I'll put electrolytes in there maybe I'll add a scoop of bloom colostrum and that'll be like my drink of the day well no I fill my Stanley cup like probably three times and it's actually not a Stanley cup it's a hydro flask sorry Stanley but um I like the fact that I can put the straw down on this one and I have a bunch of water then that's the point where I usually walk Arnold get my steps in if I feel good enough I'll do a workout I'll get to the exercise part in a minute but if I am lifting weights I'll probably eat a banana or a piece of toast because I can't just work out fasted the way I used to.

5:27I need to have food in my stomach. Then my actual breakfast, I've gone through different phases. Like sourdough eggs and berries was my breakfast for the longest time. It has shifted a little bit lately. I'm doing purely Elizabeth cereal and I saw so many questions about this cereal that I eat every day. I get the vanilla blueberry one, I think it is. So freaking good. Something about the cereal with the cold milk and the crunch is just giving me life right now. And I put a slice of banana in there. I have two eggs from my chickens, two fresh eggs. Love my girls. They're working hard back there.

6:07A little sprinkle of berries, usually strawberries and blueberries. And this is the point where I take all my supplements. So I take my prenatal, I take my fish oil. I take, sometimes I'll take my bloom greens. Yeah, that's pretty much it. I actually have way simplified my supplements being pregnant.

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9:29Then my next meal is usually lunch, unless I need a snack in between, but usually I'm okay. So lunch, I've been hyper fixated on this green salad and the first trimester I wouldn't have touched a salad, honestly. I felt like it sounded disgusting. now I'm into salads again and I get it with feta cheese green olives chickpeas and a lot of roasted chicken for the protein every now and again I'll get myself a sandwich and I know people say don't eat deli meat I'm eating deli meat I get it from a good place I feel good about it do what feels good for you so that is generally my lunch and then I'll definitely have a snack so here are some of the snacks that I'll have.

10:11A protein smoothie, which I make at home with banana, strawberry, whole milk, organic grass-fed whole milk, protein, like two scoops of protein and ice. I will have rice cakes. I actually have those in my bag right now. I've been eating them throughout the day and I'll put goat cheese or I'll smash an avocado and put that on the rice cake. I also have been loving the organic valley string cheeses. They're really easy. Get them from Costco, throw them in your bag. And fruit. Have been obsessed with fruit my whole pregnancy. Dinner. Okay, dinner varies. This is where Greg usually comes in the picture.

10:47Maybe he wants to make something. I usually have my own requests, but it's usually always a protein. Either chicken, steak, or salmon. I try to have salmon at least once a week. Atlantic wild caught salmon because it's really great for the baby's development. I'm sure you have me mentioned, but Greg does order me fish eggs as well from the same company, Salmon Eggs, which is quite disgusting. I try to think of it as like this bougie caviar experience, but it just really isn't. And I put a scoop of those on a cracker. I have those maybe once a week right now. I think I'll probably amp that up when I'm in my third trimester and then I'll have it with either rice potato or pasta and a side salad and then I'll have it with a bloom pop I'm obsessed I usually have the Shirley Temple flavor or the orange flavor so freaking good and much better macros than some of our better for you soda competitors so that's usually my dinner then dessert I have not been obsessed with sweets weirdly enough I'm I'm not like, chocolate sounds gross to me, would never want a cookie, no brownie.

11:59Like it just doesn't sound good. I've dabbled with Swedish candy, but like even that isn't really hitting the spot for me. The only thing that really hits is mango or pineapple or like cut fruit. Like that is just what I want right now. So that kind of sums up my whole day of food. That's kind of where I'm at. Obviously this varies. I did see a lot of you ask me about caffeine I've only been drinking matcha and I will have maximum two a day I make them at home usually right now I'm in the studio and I got one on the way but I'll generally only have two matches a day I love matcha I love the taste of it I like it quite strong like I don't love it super milky like it has to be quite green I'll either make it americano style or add some whole milk and do it iced currently because austin is 100 degrees plus at the moment coffee to me right now doesn't taste amazing and is making me so anxious so i just don't even bother with it like the other day i thought i wanted one and i had a sip of it and i was like no don't feel good so no coffee for me at the moment i know there's like a max amount of caffeine that you're supposed not supposed to have like not over 200 or something um I mean I just have two marches and I feel fine with that let's talk about workouts I have been back to weightlifting about four times a week at this point which feels amazing I wasn't allowed to work out for a while during some of my IVF phase and at the beginning of my pregnancy and it feels so good to be back working out and it's this crazy feeling of like holy shit I'm like doing all these strong cool movements and I'm carrying a baby like how crazy is this so it is a really cool feeling and I know it's beneficial for the fetus as well I actually don't know the science behind that I would love to have someone on the show to explain how that works but they say it's really healthy to do for childbirth for the health of the baby so I feel really good about it obviously there's certain things I don't do everyone's different I personally just don't do abs I just don't really feel the need to.

14:11Some of the movements are hitting your core anyway, like squats, push-ups, like those things are going to hit your core, but I'm not doing direct ab movements. I don't hip thrust. I just feel weird about it. I had a friend who had placenta previa and she ended up bleeding excessively from hip thrusting. And I just don't want to mess with that. So I'm avoiding that. This episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on Marketplace, and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for. You sent a message, and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist.

14:48The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group. The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for. From a browse to a bike ride, this summer, find more on Facebook. I've also hired a trainer who is prenatal certified and she's training me about twice a week and I'm loving it actually she trained me earlier this week and I could barely walk um for four days so that was humbling it's been really nice to work out with friends have them come over to my gym and yeah I just feel good about it I think like embracing the way my body's changing and working out for strength and like purpose is really cool you know because for a long time I worked out because I aesthetically wanted to look a certain way so this feels like a good shift I definitely get out of breath like way easier and my heart rate's through the roof but like you know I just take the necessary breaks in between and whatever so I'm also aiming for 10 ,000 steps a day usually I hit around there maybe a little below maybe a little above depends on the day really um and I always start the day with a walk end the day with a walk we're about to be in Aspen Colorado for a month and I'm really excited to do some hiking I think it will be challenging at altitude for me so we're going to do some sort of like moderate easy hikes the weather there is gorgeous I just can't wait um so that's the plan there

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19:52okay let's also just talk about quickly skincare and things i've been doing differently so i guess because I've been trying to conceive for so long. When I went to my esthetician originally, she always had me on a pregnancy safe skincare routine. So everything I used was already pregnancy safe. My clear stem cleanser, my face reality stuff, I use a very light mandelic acid, my moisturizer, all of that stuff was pregnancy safe anyway. I think what I've been doing more of is like lymphatic drainage gua sha because my face definitely has changed being pregnant like it just feels a lot fuller so not that that's a bad thing but I just want to encourage like you know drainage of any inflammation so I do that I ice roll I love my eye patches in the morning I also found an amazing prenatal certified lymphatic drainage massage here in Austin and that was awesome because I was kind of scared to do that and when I got to my second trimester I went to see her and it was so gentle but so effective at the same time so just like taking time to do self-care things like that I think is really effective oh also paying way more attention to body stuff like everything I'm putting on my body first of all the oil on the belly thing I have to keep reminding myself to do it because I keep forgetting but I have like a Bahama Mama natural body oil I think it is and I like that one I also ordered this like natural stretch cream stuff that I might blend the two together and see how that goes but I also put it on my boobs because my boobs have been really itchy um and I think it's because the skin is stretching so I want to make sure I'm like doing that my thigh area whatever so doing that as well as like an all-natural body lotion I'm definitely paying more attention to body care than I ever did also I like being tan if you have been following me for a while you remember I used to get a weekly spray tan which was a really crazy time of my life and then I just started doing my own self tanner and now I like looked up myself tanner it wasn't a hundred percent pregnancy safe so I was like shoot I have to find something else salty face is a pretty natural pregnancy safe one they say that loving tan is pregnancy safe um I don't do it as often as I used to because it freaks me out I do it when I really need to for like a big event or something oh deodorant that's a big one.

22:34So deodorant freaks me out also. And I went, I went a while not wearing any, but it has become apparent to me that when you're pregnant, you smell really bad, no matter how clean or how many showers you take. I feel like I just smell like an onion. And I don't know if it's me having an extra sense of smell or if my hormones are just making me smell, but me and my other pregnant friend are like, wow, we reek. And like, I really do reek. so I found or someone told me about this all-natural deodorant called buddha cream and it's like coconut cream in a jar and I like put my hand in it and spread it around in my armpits I actually order it on instacart from like natural grocer or something and it is effective like it actually does work maybe by the end of the day it's not perfect but it's better than nothing and I do not want to put any weird stuff near my lymph nodes.

23:30So that has been my solution for deodorant. Another thing I've been trying, I need to be better because I forgot the last night and then I did it the two nights before, is this face taping concept. So everyone's doing this face taping instead of Botox and I wanted to try it. So this company called, this sounds like an ad, it's not, Sealed Wellness sent me some tape and I tried the forehead tape which was good and then I did the smile line tape and the eye tape I'm a very sensitive sleeper if I am at all uncomfortable I can't sleep the eye tape for me was too much I was like this I have to take it off the forehead tape I felt like it just like stops you from like crinkling your head when you're sleeping like imagine maybe you're having like an annoying dream and you're like crinkling your head I felt like when I took off the tape, it did make it appear that I wasn't, like there weren't as many lines.

24:26Who knows? I think you have to be quite consistent with it, but I'm trying it. So I'll keep you guys posted. Okay, let's answer some Q &A questions, see what you guys have to say. Have you had any strange pregnancy cravings yet? No. Okay, fruit has been consistent, like mango, that type of thing it's more like if I hear about something or see something and I absolutely need to have it that day and I will do anything I need to to get it like that's more the vibe like the other day a club sandwich I saw a club sandwich and I was like I absolutely need to have a club sandwich today or you know what's been happening recently that really is quite annoying the Europe photos everyone's posting online and how good that European pasta looks and Italy and the France and the that I mean and I can't get to it yeah that's the vibe like if I see something I need it what bottoms and tops are you working out in are you finding you need to try different types yes I am in a good spot now with where I'm at bras are still my biggest challenge I'm wearing my form shorts my one of my closest friends Sammy Spalter owns the company I wear my form shorts size large I did size up because otherwise it's too tight on my stomach.

25:44I wear like these Skims sports bras I've had for so long. They are like the only thing that feels comfortable. And then I wear like these soft free people, like loose crop tops. That feels good for me. I also love a bodysuit now from like Beyond Yoga. Those are really comfortable. A lot of people are asking if I'm having nausea. I'm not. And I feel for you. I know it can be so rough. Like a lot of girls are bedridden. I have not struggled with that. I had morning nausea very mild in my first trimester. Are you still gluten-free? No, I'm not actually. I am, as you guys might remember, I was like dairy-free, gluten-free, all the things for my acne for a long time.

26:25And then once we healed my H. pylori and acne, I stopped that because I enjoy gluten and dairy. So I have it now, every now and again. Are you still weighing your meals or eating intentionally? Pregnant here too. No, I have not weighed my meals since probably 2018. Maybe like once or twice since then, but like not for a long, long time. I used to use MyFitnessPal and that was when I didn't understand macros and I didn't really know how to eyeball food. Now I'm really aware of nutrition and I don't feel like I have to do that as much. are you prioritizing protein or focusing more on healthy fats and carbs love you protein is like always a must for me I try to have protein with every single meal and definitely having a lot of healthy fats right now olive oil olives cheese you know avocado I think that's really important when you're pregnant and carbs yeah I mean I have rice potato pasta like I'm a little bit less worried about that stuff right now I need to know the cereal you're eating and what kind of milk, purely Elizabeth vanilla blueberry.

27:36And that was like a farm milk that I had from Austin that was like organic whole milk. Does anything trigger acne for you anymore? I mean, I have a couple zits. I feel like they're hormonal, but they're like on the side of my face. So that makes me wonder if it was like a hair product maybe, but I don't get the same level of acne as I used to have. Like it used to be so, so bad. So anything else I'm like just grateful for.

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28:47I have found such a benefit learning positive coping skills, how to set boundaries and really empowering me to be the best version of me. I think therapy is a huge reason I am where I am today and it really has navigated me through some of the hardest times in my life. If you haven't yet I highly recommend checking out BetterHelp with over 30 ,000 therapists. BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform having served over 5 million people globally and it works with an app store rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 1.7 million client reviews. It's convenient too. you can join a session with a therapist at the click of a button helping you fit therapy into your busy life plus switch therapists at any time as the largest online therapy provider in the world better help can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise unwind from work with better help our listeners get 10 off their first month at betterhelp.com slash pow that's betterhelp.com slash pow you guys know I love my red light therapy it's something I've continued to do during pregnancy I find it to be so relaxing and beneficial for my skin and I personally love the brand bond charge bond charges mission is clear to empower individuals to live more fulfilling lives through science-backed beauty and wellness products.

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30:46I struggled with acne for 10 years and I definitely have hyperpigmentation and scarring and red light is probably the number one thing I've seen a difference with. So I really like to make sure I wear it every single day. Also I'm 31 and I've started noticing more fine lines and wrinkles prop up and this has definitely made such a big difference bond charge red light devices promise a non-invasive approach that utilizes specific wavelengths of red and near infrared light to penetrate skin offering a range of benefits that continue to garner attention from researchers and health professionals alike they ship worldwide in rapid time with easy returns and exchanges and a one-year warranty go to bondcharge.com and use coupon code pursuit p-u-r-s-u-i-t to save 15 % off that's b-o-n-c-h-a-r-g-e.com and use coupon code pursuit to save 15%.

31:41What workouts do you typically do and for how long? It's always weightlifting for me you guys know I love a weightlift when I work out alone probably 40 minutes I'll do like circuit style training like full body, upper body and lower body in one. And then when I'm with the trainer, it's for a full hour and it's usually focused on either legs or upper body. Are Bloom Greens pregnancy safe? I am taking them, but 100 % talk to your doctor and figure out if you feel comfortable with it. But I feel good about it. The brand of Salmon Roe, the company's called Vital Choice Alaskan Salmon and Salmon Roe.

32:18And we order both our salmon and salmon eggs from there. Do you have any unhealthy cravings? I mean, yeah, honestly, not that bad, but like I do enjoy pizza and pasta, like more savory stuff, honestly, than sweet, which I'll obviously enjoy when I feel like it. What app are you using to track Coco Bean? I love that you guys are calling him Coco Bean. What to Expect is the name of the app. It's really cute. Like it shows you the fruit size of the week and you get to watch a video like what's happening I remember you used to eat quite blood sugar friendly is that still the goal for you it's definitely something I think about and I think I am someone that's like blood sugar sensitive so like like if I'm having yogurt I'm not gonna put honey on it because it doesn't make me feel great I like the taste of it and I think honey's good for you but if I have too much sugar at a meal I won't feel good afterwards I've always been that way so I think it's just kind of how I live now um but it's not something I think about too much honestly do you sweeten your matcha lattes no here's the other thing like I don't love a sweet drink never have never will like I know everyone's obsessed with the brown sugar shaken iced thing from Starbucks and it does sound good to me but I never enjoy that type of drinks.

33:38So no, I never sweeten any of my drinks. Do you drink cold drinks again like smoothies? Yes, I do. Before my transfer and like at the beginning, there's like a Chinese medicine rule that you don't consume anything too cold because the embryo likes it to be warm. That was just something I followed, but now I am eating cold things, thank God, because it's hot here. Are you riding red still? If not, what's your plan with him during pregnancy? I have chosen to not ride horses while pregnant it just for me I've had too many freak things happen while riding and I just know it's never going to be worth it for me and I miss it so much and it hurts my heart to even think about it red is being ridden by this lovely girl Kaylin who works at the barn she rides him every day I even got him like fitted a new custom saddle he's loving life.

34:29I miss him so much. I really need to go visit him. But honestly, I think I'm just really emotional. But when I go and see him, it like hurts my heart that I can't ride him, which is silly. I should just go groom him or something. But I miss it so much. It's such a joy in my life. What's your go to meal when nothing sounds good? Toast, eggs and fruit. honestly like that's kind of my go-to are there any foods you have been told to avoid but haven't I mean I think everyone says like don't eat deli meat undercooked meat I make my meat medium rare and I've sort of switched maybe to medium now um I still eat deli meat as long as it's from a good place because I read the studies on it and I I felt like it was okay I don't eat sushi I avoid eating too much tuna or fish with like like larger fish with metals in them I don't drink alcohol unpasteurized yogurts or milk I don't think I've done that I think everyone has like different takes on things and you know I would recommend getting that book what expecting better by Emily Oster I think that's a good one to read because then you can kind of make your own decision based on the facts and the statistics rather than someone just like telling you you know do you have any anxiety about losing the weight afterwards?

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35:51I don't. I think because I've done it before on my own, I don't have anxiety about it because I just know I'm capable of it. Does that make sense? Like having gone through my own weight loss journey naturally, I know what to do. So no, I don't really have anxiety about it. Why aren't you doing any core workouts? Isn't it good to strengthen your pelvic floor? I definitely want to incorporate pelvic floor specific exercises, which I haven't done yet. I need to look into that. But I just was told by my IVF doctor that doing unnecessary amounts of core workouts wasn't necessarily a good thing. So like that's why I stopped going to Pilates because there's just so much core.

36:31But anything that's like pelvic floor focused, I would definitely do. Someone said, didn't you say farm fresh eggs trigger your acne? I don't find that anymore. That was only when I was struggling with H. pylori. Did you use GLP-1 before to lose weight and will you do it again? No. When I lost the weight in 2017, 2018, I lost 90 pounds. I didn't even know what GOP1 was. It probably would have been helpful, but I didn't know what it was. And who knows if I'll ever take it one day. I've had some interesting conversations about it on the show and I know so many people it has helped greatly. So I'm not anti it, but I also know that I'm capable of doing it naturally.

37:10What do you recommend to have for breakfast in early stages of pregnancy okay so obviously I'm not a professional I'm not qualified to give you guys advice and I also didn't struggle that much with nausea but when I did have some nauseous days I loved having a protein bar to grab that was quick that I knew I loved I also think simple toast with butter sometimes is just the easiest with some salt on it definitely put salt I think people are afraid of salt and that can actually help you with like electrolytes and minerals I was able to eat eggs. Not everyone is. That's okay. Maybe you do a smoothie instead and make it drinkable.

37:48I also think like rice cakes, fruit, like just keep it really, really simple. Guys, thank you so much for tuning into today's nutrition, workout, skincare update. I hope it was useful to some of you and gave you some ideas. I am going to start uploading more what I eat in days during my pregnancy just to give you guys ideas and I would love to hear what you're enjoying right now share it with me leave a comment leave a review also don't forget to subscribe I upload a new episode every Monday we have some amazing guests coming on the show I know you're going to love them and I will see you guys in the next episode bye

38:40Thank you for joining us on the Pursuit of Wellness podcast. To support this show, please rate and review and share with your loved ones. If you want to be reminded of new episodes, click the subscribe button on your preferred podcast or video player. You can sign up for my newsletter to receive my favorites at marilowellan.com. It will be linked in the show notes. This podcast is a Pursuit Network production brought to you by Michaela Phillips, Joel Contartese, Davielle Waldner, and Mackenzie Mizell. You can also watch the full video of each episode on our YouTube channel at Pursuit of Wellness Podcast.

39:15Love you, POW girls and POW boys. I will see you next time. The content of this show is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual medical and mental health advice and does not constitute a provider-patient relationship. As always, talk to your doctor or health team.

39:36I want to date with Rawls, Carty says. Rawls? Raka asks. This is the love story of real hinge couple Carty and Raka. Written and read by me, Nicola Dynan. Listen to the free audiobook now. push your limits train with precision see the results at equinox that's high performance loving everything you need to lock in and unlock your potential at equinox start today at equinox.com

From the publisher

Ep. 192: Pregnancy has shifted a lot in my life, but one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for wellness. In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing how my workouts, nutrition, and self-care routines have evolved now that I’m 16 weeks along. From what I’m eating (spoiler: still all about protein) to the skincare swaps I’ve made, I walk you through a typical day and answer your most asked Q&As. Whether you’re pregnant or just looking for a wellness reset, this one’s for you.

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Topics Discussed

00:09 Welcome and pregnancy update

01:00 Second trimester routines and eating shifts

02:05 Current what I eat in a day

2:53 Breakfast foods and supplements

08:30 Salads, sandwiches, and lunch staples

09:14 Favorite snacks and protein smoothies

09:45 Dinner staples and eating salmon

10:50 Dessert cravings and sweets aversions

11:25 Thoughts on caffeine and matcha

12:20 Pregnancy workouts, mindset shifts, and daily movement

18:22 Skincare, stretch marks, and natural beauty routines

23:03 Pregnancy cravings and food inspiration

23:50 Favorite workout clothes while pregnant

24:30 Pregnancy nutrition, nausea, and food changes

26:14 Acne triggers and skincare

30:12 Workout structure and timing

31:06 Tracking baby with app

32:29 Not riding during pregnancy

34:19 Postpartum weight and body image

35:15 GLP-1, past weight loss, and future plans

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