Food for Fertility

As many you know, I am currently in the process of trying to conceive. This means that my hormone research has taken a deep dive into the world of fertility.

So of course, that comes with questions about what foods might be best to support my body, healthy ovulation, and conception.

If you have been following along with the podcast, you also know that I have been experiencing painful periods (pain during ovulation, before and during my period, as well as hip and back pain) and abnormal pre-menstrual spotting.

This has grown my awareness as to how these symptoms might potentially impact my fertility.

It has also allowed me to be proactive and seek out additional healing resources (especially in the world of endometriosis), to get gain more clarity.

All this to say, I have been working on my hormonal health and studying nutrition, for almost 5 years now.

And I have I experienced life changing improvements. Especially in terms of my chronic anxiety, energy levels, increased estrogen and progesterone levels, consistent cycles … I could go on and on.

while there is SO much power in supportive nutrition, I also want to remind you that food isn’t everything.

Yes, it’s important.

But I don’t want you spiraling down the road of fertility diets or “magical fertility foods…” because this can do way more harm than good.

Take it from me…

I was becoming extremely frustrated (and obsessive), that I was still struggling with hormone imbalance symptoms, despite my best efforts. Worried that I “wasn’t eating well enough” and that it was all my fault.

Do you think this was promoting a positive and supportive relationship between myself, my body, and my fertility? Nope.

I was still fighting. I was still controlling.

This false idea that my body was somehow broken, and it was all my fault, was not a healthy mindset to be in.

The way you learn to appreciate your body + view your fertility is WAY more important than the food you eat.

Now, don’t get me wrong…

I still believe in the power of nutrition, holistic hormone therapies, and supportive lifestyle changes.

I just believe that the way we approach these changes, and our relationship with food/body, is JUST, (if not more), important.

So my challenge for you?

Reflect on your relationship with your body FIRST. Where can you learn to soften, and understand, that your body is doing the best it can? It’s on your side and it’s so resilient and wise.
Reflect on your relationship with food. Are you controlling? Are you blaming yourself and the food? Are you coming from a place of fear? It’s time to create space and peace in the body.
Get curious about what foods make YOU feel good. It’s ok to do food/fertility research, (believe me, I do!), but simply use it as good information…. NOT as the only source of truth.
Get support. This can be hard! It’s ok to reach out to someone for advice. Especially when it comes to hormone balance and fertility – sometimes we need to get out of our own heads. Find someone who can help hold space for you and help you piece the clues together.
Stick to food BASICS: When it comes to nutrition, your main focus should be getting in as MANY nutrients as possible. This means eating a wide variety of foods, (literally eat the rainbow!), so you can support healthy ovulation, a strong luteal phase, and implantation.
- Quality protein (organic animal protein, beans/legumes, eggs…)
- Optimal fats (nuts, seeds, avocados BABY, wild-caught fish…)
- Complex carbs (whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes 😍)
- Tons of fiber (leafy greens, seeds, your favorite veggies…)
- Limiting highly processed seed oils (canola, sunflower/safflower, peanut, soy…), and being mindful of caffeine (and stress reduction!), can also be extremely supportive for fertility.