Firstly I am not a nutritionist, I’m a nutritional doula. I can never diagnose or tell you how to eat. I educate you so you can make informed choices when it comes to your eating habits.
My nutritional doula side has been itching to get this out as I had read quite a bit of books on fertility so prepare for some mindful eating tips for fertility.
1. When Should We Be Eating?
According to Chinese medicine the best time to eat breakfast is 7am to 9am, as it is the peak time of the stomach. For lunch eating more protein vs carbs is better for your energy levels. The best time to eat carbs is during the evening.
Now if you’re anything like me I’m a scheduled eater… if I don’t eat something specifically at 7:30 am, or noon, or even my usual 5pm dinner routine, I can get quite hangry. As a birth doula, I can’t predict my eating schedule, and that’s when things like this are hard to manage. So even though it’s recommended, we all struggle with the day-to-day life being so different for everyone. (Especially if you work in the health care field)
2. Why is Protein so Important?
According to studies done on animals low protein can be an indicator of poor egg quality and more protein helps with your FSH and LH hormone production.
Protein can be found in quite a few things, and with today’s Protein Powders you can mix it into most meals! Although, personally I am fond of natural protein found in beans, and meat. But the more protein you have can be beneficial for your diet, so try to increase each day to meet your daily needs.
3. All things Iron…
Low levels of iron can affect your fertility. It is known that an adequate amount of iron can actually be a guard against miscarriage. Iron deficiency in women is very popular, I myself have anemia and take EasyIron from my local natural nutrition stores.
I haven’t even mentioned it but the next time I speak with a naturopath. I wonder why no one has made a connection with my menstruation problems if there is something linking them.
I put my doubt here so that you too can always be a detective for your health and promote curiosity trying to learn more about your body.
4. All things Magnesium…
Magnesium is another common deficiency and if you’re low on it there is a chance you might be suffering from infertility. Also with it being low you can have an increased risk of miscarriage. Popular foods include:
- Pumpkin & Chia Seeds
- Spinach
- Almonds & Cashews
- Black Beans
- Brown Rice
- Salmon
5. I thought fats were bad for me…
It’s the opposite and fats are actually a vital role in our fertility. You can make hormones, transport cholesterol, and helps reduce inflammation. If you are lacking fats you may see an increase in dry skin, PMS, cracked lips, and tender breasts. Eat some butter and thank me later.
I always recommend you do your own research, be your own provider to care for your body. You might be like – why I have one and that’s what I hire them for. Well only you know you best, and they may study lots of things for many years, it comes down to putting yourself first. Always.
6. Carb it to me babe…
Carbs should make up 55 percent of the food you eat. They are vitally important in maintaining a balance of hormones and blood sugar. There is also a huge difference between fast releasing carbs and slow releasing carbs.
7. What every woman should know about folate…
Folate should be a staple in your supplement game. We need a minimum of 400mcg of folic acid daily. At least three months prior to TTC. Follow up with another two months after conception. You can find this in good sources like dark leafy greens and organ meats.
And this isn’t everything. Things like vitamin D, B12 vitamins and other minerals are so important. When people are trying to conceive, remember to check your diet for both you and your partner.
P.S. If this post didn’t make you hungry… I did not do my job correctly, after writing this, and editing it. I now both desire something to snack on. What a mind game!