Kiddipedia
You’ve been trying to conceive, but you’re not pregnant yet. You might be starting to wonder how you can increase your chances of falling pregnant. Perhaps you’re wondering what’s wrong with your body (or even blaming your partner’s body). But have you thought about how what you’re eating is affecting your fertility?
Yes, it’s true. There is growing evidence that a number of foods can reduce your chances of conceiving, yet there are some foods that can increase your chances of conceiving.
Sugar might not come as a surprise as one of the foods that can decrease your fertility. If you’re trying to get a bun in the oven, you’ll need to lay off the cakes and sweets. When your sweet tooth strikes, opt for fresh fruit, or make some healthy protein balls with dried fruit, nuts and protein powder.
Caffeine can also hinder your chances of conceiving. Coffee, tea, cola, and even chocolate will need to leave your diet if you want the best chances of conceiving. It’s best to avoid these for the duration of your pregnancy too, and during breastfeeding, for the health of your baby. If you’re hooked on warm beverages, try herbal teas instead.
Increasing your intake of plant based proteins (think chickpeas, tofu, lentils, nuts) can increase your fertility. Opt for vegetarian/vegan meals loaded with these fertility-boosting ingredients. Reducing your intake of animal based proteins has numerous health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels and reducing consumption of antibiotics, pesticides, and other toxins.
Sources of omega 3 essential fatty acids are also super important to include in your diet, especially when trying to conceive. Make sure you’re consuming some omega 3’s every single day. Chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds and walnuts are good sources of omega 3s, so add them to salads, smoothies, or make a delicious chia pudding. Fish is another good source of omega 3 fatty acids, however it’s best to limit fish intake when trying to conceive to limit exposure to mercury.
Getting your partner involved in making some healthy fertility food choices is vital too. Don’t forget a new baby is 50% from you, and 50% from your partner! The health of the sperm is just as important as the health of the oocyte (egg).
Want more information about how to improve your fertility? I’m giving away a FREE Fertility Cheatsheet, full of essential tips so you can increase your chances of conceiving. Get the cheatsheet here!
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