Holiday Food: What to Look For During Fertility Treatments

If there’s one thing a woman who is struggling with infertility knows it’s that you have to watch what you eat. Unlike the majority of the planet, worrying solely about caloric intake over the holiday season, you’re stuck wondering what potential chemicals could be lurking in your food. Of course, the high-sugar aspects of holiday food doesn’t help either since insulin-resistance and infertility seem to go hand in hand. These tips can be especially helpful for those of you who have been diagnosed with PCOS.

Worried About Infertility? What to Watch Out For When it Comes to Holiday Food

There are several reasons why holiday foods can pose a threat to your typical diet.

1. You’re eating so well! Diets are one of the easiest things to control when you’re battling infertility and most couples immediately change their diet to one that is more nutrient-rich, laden with lean proteins, lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and less sugary snacks and/or processed foods.
2. You’ve eliminated or reduced your alcohol intake. We recommend you reduce your alcohol intake significantly – if not altogether – while going through fertility treatments. Unfortunately, holiday events are typically bubbling over with tasty alcoholic concoctions.
3. You’re prioritizing organic and/or hormone and pesticide-free foods. Studies show that the hormone and pesticide-laden foods most readily available in our markets may be wreaking havoc on natural hormone levels, especially those related to fertility.

So what do you do when you know you’re walking in to a home or event that will have everything you’re trying not to eat on the table?

Eat Before You Go

We recommend eating a good-sized meal filled with the foods you can and should eat before showing up at the party. You won’t be starving this way, and you’ll be much less likely to gorge yourself on foods that have been removed from your list at the moment.

Go Virgin

Go ahead and skip the libations this year. In addition to having alcohol, many of the holiday-themed cocktails are also sugar-rich. Opt for a soda water with lemon and a dollop of sugar-free flavored syrup, or a splash or 100% fruit juice, so you can drink in style – – but sans alcohol.

Bring a Healthy Dish of Your Own

Many of the shindigs you attend will be potluck style, which gives you the opportunity to share a tasty and healthy dish of your own. Most people are so set in their ways, they forget that delicious food doesn’t have to be bad for you.

Celebrate Fertility Foods

Instead of focusing on foods and ingredients linked to infertility, focus on the ingredients that can boost fertility. These include dishes like guacamole, lentils, chicken with Portobello mushrooms, crepes with berries, and more.

Give Yourself a Break

If you’re in the middle of an IVF cycle or another fertility treatment, talk to your doctor to see what she recommends. If not, feel free to give yourself a small break. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a small New Year’s toast with your favorite mocktail or a portion or two of your favorite foods. Your psychological and emotional well-being are as important as your physical health so nurture them as well.

In the meantime, feel free to contact RRC to learn more about your fertility options and to meet with compassionate and professional fertility experts who are committed to helping you realize your dream of becoming a parent.