When a woman becomes pregnant, she typically says one of two things:

1. I'm finally going to start working out!

2. I'll worry about working out after the baby is born.

While I applaud the woman who says the former, they should take a few extra precautions in their workouts since they weren't active prior to becoming pregnant. But it's the woman who says the latter that makes me wonder...why wait?

From what I've seen, most woman use pregnancy as an excuse to eat anything, lay around all day and as an excuse for every ache and pain. They say they'll get back on track after the baby is born and worry about losing the baby weight when the time comes. After all, gaining weight is necessary in pregnancy, right?

Disclaimer: This article is meant for the average woman and typical pregnancy. For those with medical issues or contraindications, please disregard. Also, every woman is different. Some will gain more weight regardless of exercising and eating right, while others can eat cheeseburgers for every meal and only gain the recommended 25 pounds.

Then, once the 7 pound 10 ounce baby is born, they realize the 40, 50, or 60 pounds gained is still there. And if it took you nine months to gain the weight, you surely won't lose it overnight.

I had my issues when pregnant with each child. My first trimester was characterized by my inability to eat (or smell) chicken and the ability to fall asleep while standing up. Yes, I was that exhausted and tired. But I still managed to workout at least twice a week.

I know you're dying to know (or at least tell your wife) what I did when I was pregnant. But before I get into that (which is a whole different article in itself), I'd like to touch on the nutritional side of things first. Remember that what you put into your body is essentially feeding your baby.

I'm going to assume you know what to eat. I mean, really, we all do. We know that almonds and sweet potatoes are better than granola bars and pop tarts (unless they are the brown sugar and cinnamon kind, then you're clear).  So load up on good protein, veggies, fruit and carbs.

Here are a few tips to remember throughout the nine month roller coaster.

1. The extra 300 calories that they recommend is just that...300 calories. Not 3000. That is equivalent to a couple servings of almonds, a protein shake, yogurt with fruit and homemade granola, or nearly four apples. Now, what's going to fill you up and keep you satisfied longer, eating an apple every 2-3 hours or a candy bar that doesn't even fill the aching hunger pangs in your gut? Exactly. The 300 calories can also be equivalent to an entire extra meal of three ounces of chicken breast, a small serving of rice or potatoes and some broccoli!

2. Caffeine should be kept to a minimum. I switched from regular coffee to decaf and didn't drink a whole lot of pop (I love me some Diet Coke). But it definitely forced me to drink more water. I also limited the use of artificial sweeteners.

3. Vegetables were also my nemesis during the first trimester. I knew I had to eat them, but I felt like vomiting every time. I talked to John Berardi about my issues and he came up with the grand idea of drinking my vegetables. I went out and bought a cheap juicer and I would combine carrots, celery, and other greens with a fruit. The reason for the fruit was to taken the edge of the bitterness off the drink and make it semi-enjoyable.

4. 15 servings of fruits and veggies every day, with a ratio of 3:1 veggies to fruits. It sounds like a lot, but here's where the juicer comes in handy. You can easily get five or six servings in one juice drink.

5.  The fats you eat are crucial too. In addition to the normal fats from nuts and animal fats, be sure to supplement with olive oil, flax oil and fish oil. Another recommendation from Dr. Berardi was to take 2 Tbsp of olive oil a day, 2 Tbsp of flax oil a day and concentrated fish oil. But make sure it's something with EPA and DHA together. The one I took had 900mg of DHA and 1300 mg EPA in four gel caps. These oils are crucial for the development of the baby and help prevent the depletion of omega 3's in you. (Many of the health effects from gestational diabetes to post-partum depression are linked to the baby stealing the mother's DHA and EPA.)

Aside from the above mentioned tips, your eating should continue as "normal" (with normal being good protein, carbs, and limited processed foods). Cravings do occur. I was once known to devour an entire eight ounce bag of Honey Barbecue Frito Twists. Thank goodness that only happened once. Don't use cravings as an excuse to eat garbage every day. Your baby needs and wants quality food, and your body will thank you once he's born.