How do you keep your junk food siren at bay during pregnancy?

Suggests Sheri Wallace from Tucson, AZ:

"During my pregnancy I kept a really simple food journal. I printed several pages...with the various food categories listed. You know, carbs, proteins, etc. Then, as I ate, I just made check marks in the appropriate columns. Every few days I'd look over my patterns, and make an effort to eat an extra cup of yogurt or perhaps that missing banana."

For Elissa Sonnenberg of Cincinnati, OH, the biggest challenge was drinking enough water and eating enough vegetables. Her solution?

"I always had a glass of water nearby, and I made sure that I had at least one full glass of water with every meal and every snack."

Sonnenberg says she also stocked up on healthier snacks.

"Apples and bananas were great because they were easy and portable. As for vegetables, I would sneak fresh spinach into my sandwiches and salads, grated carrots into baked breads, and cooked, mashed squash into cookies."

Most often, how much you're eating is as important as what you're eating. “In my first pregnancy, I started planning my meals out in advance because I was gaining too much weight too quickly,” says Lisa Beamer of Pittsburgh, PA. “I made the menus up making sure I was eating only the recommended amount of servings of each food group. This helped me eat more fruits and veggies, and it did slow down the weight gain.

Despite Nancy Price's hectic schedule, she has found that the best solution to eating well is to take the time to do it! “We always have dinner as a family, but I also try to share breakfast, lunch and snack time with my kids, too, and avoid eating in front of the TV or computer. Your responsibility is to eat well and eat the foods you need for good health,” says Behan. “When you eat well, exercise appropriately and rest as needed, your body will do all the work of building your baby.” Janet Bleyl, founder of the Triplet Connection and co-author of EXCEPTIONAL PREGNANCIES (The Triplet Connection, 2000), offers the following tips for moms who are expecting more than one:

• Don't let appetite be your guide. As the babies grow, your stomach has less room, and your sensations of hunger decrease.
• Make an appointment with a registered dietician. She can show you how to get more protein and calories in a smaller amount of food.
• Eat small meals often. And don't forget the water!
• Make every bite count - don't waste it on empty calories

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