When you’re trying to fall pregnant, you want to be as healthy and as fertile as possible! Whether that means eating a diet full of super-foods, exercising regularly or avoiding stress wherever possible, you’ll do everything you can to fall pregnant. There are however, some foods you should avoid when you’re trying to conceive. Let’s take a look…
Foods high in mercury
Kiss goodbye to eating fish that are high in mercury, as they can be dangerous to your unborn baby. Steer clear of mackerel, shark, tilefish and swordfish, which are all high in mercury. If you’re a big fan of eating fish, don’t worry – flounder, salmon and trout are all fine!
Foods high in sugar
Avoid foods that are high in processed sugar when you’re trying to conceive. Not only can high-sugar foods mess with your hormones, they can also lead to unwanted weight gain, which does not help your fertility one little bit!
Alcohol
Ok, ok… so it’s not technically a food, but alcohol is a big no-no when you’re trying to fall pregnant. Not only can it lead to birth defects, but it’s also been found to lower a woman’s fertility. And hey, you may as well get used to being a teetotaler – you’re going to be one for nine months soon anyway!
Foods high in fat
When you’re trying to conceive, you want to aim to have a BMI in the healthy range. Unfortunately, a Big Mac and fries is not going to help with that goal. Say goodbye to foods that are high in fat and hello to foods that contain ‘good’ fats (ie. avocado, almonds etc).
Artificial sweeteners
Stick to a clean, healthy diet when trying to conceive and avoid artificial sweeteners. If you need to sweeten up your tea or coffee, add a teaspoon of raw sugar instead.
Caffeine
Don’t worry – you don’t need to give up your morning coffee just yet! Caffeine is ok in small amounts when you’re trying to get pregnant, just don’t overdo it! Cut back to about two cups of coffee a day to be on the safe side (but don’t forget that chocolate and tea also contain caffeine!).
Raw/undercooked eggs, meat & fish/ Unpasteurised cheeses
Step away from the raw cookie dough! I know it tastes sooooo good, but raw or undercooked eggs, meat and fish, as well as unpasteurized cheeses can lead to food-borne bacteria such as salmonella and listeria. So make sure you cook your eggs, meat and fish really, really well before eating. See… you can still have your cookies – you just need to wait until they’ve been baked!
Are you trying to fall pregnant? Are there any foods you’re avoiding?
