So, you’ve decided you feel healthy and you are ready to start trying to conceive, you’ve followed my tips on what to eat to improve fertility and you want to take it to the next level.
Now you want to consider what you should be eating at the different phases of your menstrual cycle.
The First Phase
During menstruation you should of course rest as and when you can, and eat foods that nourish and move your blood; green leafy vegetables, beans, pulses, seaweed, seeds, nuts, fish, aubergines, eggs, leeks, radishes, onions, spring onions, sticky rice and turmeric.
When the period has just finished, eat lots of nourishing foods such as bone marrow, beef, eggs, dates, figs, kale, leafy green vegetables and watercress. I recommend that you avoid all coffee and alcohol.
The Second Phase
During the follicular stage after your period, it’s important to nourish the blood and realise this is the growth part of your cycle.
Avoid over stimulating foods such as spicy foods, coffee, caffeinated drinks, junk food, excessive amounts of fried food.
Instead chicken soup can be your best friend. You can also have bone broth and if you are vegetarian seaweed broth.
During this time it’s good to eat mangoes (if they are in season!), apples, avocados, bananas pineapple, pomegranates, seaweed, watermelon, yams, kidney beans and some light meat.
The Third Phase
Ovulation is in a 28 day cycle. Normally, on day 14 (this may be different for you as we are all unique), you will either feel ovulation or track it with your menstrual app. You can also use an ovulation predictor kits or observe your cervical mucus.
During this time it is important to support your digestive system and have good energy along with a balance of rest and exercise – fresh vibrant healthy foods are just what you need.
Women often say it is difficult to convince their male partners to eat more healthily and drink less. In my experience once they begin to enjoy the feeling of health benefits and increased energy, they will automatically want to do it for themselves, not just for the period of time you are trying to conceive.
The Fourth Stage
In the luteal phase it is often underestimated how long it takes for implantation to occur this could be 8 to 10 days after ovulation so rest, healthy food, gentle movement and keeping the abdomen warm during this time is important, as well as getting as much sleep as possible.
Eat foods that support your yang energy, as you are trying to create cellular growth – pineapple, warm vegetable soups, leafy greens, carrots, cantaloupe melon and sweet potatoes. During this time particularly stay away from cold foods raw vegetable ice cream and ice in drinks.
Put This Into Practice
I recommend getting out your calendar and making notes of the types of foods you need to eat during the phases of your cycle.
For example, if you particularly love pineapple, make a note to buy some for the fourth stage of your cycle.
Use the guidance here to plan your meals to maximise your fertility.
One to One Advice
Everyone is different. Every woman trying to conceive would benefit from tailored advice on what to eat during the phases of their cycle.
I can discuss your current diet with you and create a unique plan for you.
Book in a 2 Hour Call with me to thoroughly review your diet for improved fertility.
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