Whether you are trying to conceive naturally, preparing for fertility treatment or currently going through treatment, read our advice on how to avoid overindulgence at Christmas.
With so much rich food, sweets and alcohol around at Christmas, it can be very difficult to not join in with the festivities along with all your friends and family.
However, it is important to keep in mind that there is a good reason for why you are trying not to overindulge – although you can have a few treats! – and it’s this mind-set that will help you focus on keeping on track! Also, as discussed in previous articles one of the key areas of importance in relation to fertility and nutrition is to try to keep your blood sugar levels balanced!
Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates erratically throughout the day will cause blood sugar levels to rise and fall, insulin levels to peak and trough, which may eventually lead to insulin resistance. Excess Insulin can affect ovulation. This may affect fertility in a number of ways … a main example of which is in the case of PCOS.
Here are some top tips to help you out along the way!
- Try to still have your three meals a day to help with balancing of sugar levels. For instance, a handful of chocolate for breakfast won’t help too much! Instead, maybe plan a few different meals ahead so that you feel that you are still having treats but in a sensible way, such as a special smoothie for breakfast or a poached egg on granary toast, with a little smoked salmon as a treat.
- When everyone around you is toasting with Champagne, join in with our Pomegranate and Clementine Mocktail, or a non-alcoholic sparkling apple or grapefruit juice from a Champagne glass or substitute with ‘treat’ drinks like sparkling elderflower pressee, homemade fruit punch, smoothies or non-alcoholic mulled wine.
- Enjoy your Turkey! Turkey is an excellent fertility boosting food and a great source of protein. All the B vitamins are present in turkey meat, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folate, biotin (in varying amounts depending upon the diet of the turkey), and choline. Turkey is an excellent source of vitamins B3 and B6 as well as a good source of choline, vitamin B1, and vitamin B12. Turkey is an excellent source of selenium and phosphorus and a good source of zinc.
- Wherever possible, eat as much fresh, organic fruit and vegetables as you can.
- Enjoy seeing your family and friends, but don’t forget to set aside times where you can relax. Try to plan ahead to avoid any stressful family situations that you know are likely to crop up.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water.
- Make lots of different salads and eat them with fish, cold meats or cheese etc in order to maintain your vitamin boost.
- Go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air! A good walk each day helps to boost serotonin and thus boosts mood!
Why not try this non-alcoholic alternative to Champagne.
Sparkling Pomegranate and Clementine Mocktail
If you’re trying to avoid alcohol this Christmas why not try making this sparkling pomegranate and orange mocktail, it really is a fabulous alternative.
One of the oldest known fruits, the pomegranate, has long been revered as a symbol of health and fertility. Pomegranates contain high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants. They also contain vitamin C, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), folic acid and they also contain vitamin A, vitamin E and Fibre.
Pomegranate is thought to improve fertility in women by helping to balance oestrogen and progesterone levels, and for men they may help improve sperm quality and erectile dysfunction.
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 2 large pomegranates – using the seeds
- 3 oranges or 6 sweet clementines or tangerines – the sweeter the better
- Half a pint of sparkling water
- Squeeze of fresh lime
- Ice cubes
Method:
Squeeze or use a juicer to extract the juice of the oranges and pomegranates.
Add the sparkling water.
Serve immediately, garnished with orange, mint, strawberries and maybe a dash of fresh lime juice.
Further interesting reading:
Jurenka, J (2008) Therapeutic Applications of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): A Review. Alternative Medicine Review Volume 13, Number 2.
If you have concerns about your fertility and are interested in finding out about male and female fertility assessment, please call 01992 78 50 60 or email us on enquiries@hertsandessexfertility.com or via our online contact form.
