According to the National Infertility Association, thirty percent of infertility is due to either being overweight or underweight. Both of these extremes in weight trigger hormonal changes, which can negatively affect ovulation.
"Establishing a healthy eating pattern and weight is a good first step for women who are looking to conceive," explains Brooke Schantz, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN at Loyola University Health System. "Not only will a healthy diet and lifestyle potentially help with fertility, but it also may influence fetal well-being and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy."
If you're trying for a baby, Schantz recommends these nutrition tips that will boost your fertility:
1
Reduce intake of foods with trans and saturated fats while increasing intake of monounsaturated fats, such as avocados and olive oil
2
Lower intake of animal protein and add more vegetable protein to your diet
3
Add more fiber to your diet by consuming whole grains, vegetables and fruit
4
Incorporate more vegetarian sources of iron such as legumes, tofu, nuts, seeds and whole grains
5
Consume high-fat dairy instead of low-fat dairy
6
Take a regular women's multivitamin