The holiday season is upon us and that brings mixed feelings for many on the topic of food and diet. Eating around the holidays can be filled with stress, pressure, and indulgence which can be harmful to one’s health.
Below are some reminders and tips to help you manage a healthy and fertility-friendly diet this holiday season, alleviating stress and allowing you to enjoy your time with friends and family!
Indulge Safely
Do not feel you need to deprive yourself of all the amazing holiday meals you have been looking forward to all year, but be mindful to not overindulge. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach to eating, enjoy small portions of the food you want most. Choose a few portion-controlled indulgences during a large meal and don’t feel bad about it. Choose what you know you like best and what you can realistically portion control– whether it’s stuffing, gravy, marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, or your favorite pies and desserts.
Bring Your Own Options
The best way to stick to your diet in a group setting is to bring options you know you can eat without the guilt and stress of calorie counting or over/under-eating. Instead of relying on what your family or friends will be serving at the holiday meal, bring some healthy options that you, and the other guests, can enjoy. Some great options include fruit and veggie platters, sautéed green beans, salads, cauliflower rice, and roasted vegetables.
Avoid Leftovers
Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or visiting a family/friend, leave the leftovers with others to avoid the temptation.
Get Active
Take advantage of family time and time off from work and get moving. Take a walk after mealtime, work out the next day, or go for a pre-meal run to relieve stress and keep the body active.
Fertility-Friendly Food Swaps:
- Mashed Potatoes -> Roasted Sweet Potatoe/Butternut Squash
- Traditional Gravy -> Low Sugar/Low Fat Gravy
- Pie -> Dark Chocolate
- Cocktails -> Mocktails
Go for gluten-free, grain-free, low-calorie, low-sugar options when available! Check out Anna Rapps cookbook for great recipes and fertility-friendly options.
Why managing your diet around the holidays is important for your fertility –
You may be asking, “why does it matter what my diet is around the holidays for my fertility?” The quick answer is that even the smallest shift in BMI has been shown to impact egg production and quality. If you are someone struggling to conceive, it is important to keep your body at its healthiest point to best prepare it for your IVF cycle. This is not a concern for everyone going through fertility issues, but for those who are concerned with keeping their current diet plan, it is important to be more aware during the festive season!
Why New Hope?
New Hope Fertility Center is home to world-renowned fertility specialists. We custom-design fertility treatments for the individual to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Our specialists believe in putting the patient first and being with them through every step of the fertility journey. Our team is well-versed in helping women of all ages reach their fertility goals and we are passionate about educating, and supporting our patients throughout their journey. If you want compassionate fertility care, New Hope is the right place for you. Call us at (347) 970-8479 or schedule your initial consultation today!