A new study has found that eating a Mediterranean diet may significantly boost women’s chances of becoming pregnant. Experts said that women who followed a Mediterranean diet had a better chance of becoming pregnant than women who did not.
Mediterranean diet is filled with fertility fuelling foods. Unlike our normal diet which tends to be very high in saturated fats, the Mediterranean diet consists more of fresh vegetables, fruits, plant oils, nuts, seeds, and fresh fish. It promotes a better balance of fats, improves reproductive health and lowers the risk of birth defects.
In this article, we have listed down the main components of Mediterranean diet. Snap some of these food items to create your own pregnancy meal plan, or sprinkle them into your plate to add some flair to your healthy eating routine.
Whole grains: Whole oats, brown rice, rye, barley, corn, buckwheat, whole wheat, whole-grain bread, quinoa are some of them.
Fresh Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, grapes, dates, figs, melons, peaches, etc.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, broccoli, kale, spinach, onions, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, etc.
Fish: Salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, mackerel, shrimp, etc.
Milk and dairy: Cheese, yogurt, smoothies, parfaits, etc.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.
In addition, water should be your go-to beverage in your fertility diet plan. Drinking adequate water can stimulate blood circulation and improve egg health. It will enhance your health and help you have a healthy pregnancy phase. It’s recommended that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day. However, this can prove challenging, to some busy women, who are regular office goers. In this case, it’s always advisable that you carry a bottle of water wherever you go. This practice will encourage you to sip water on a regular basis, no matter how busy is your day.
While you follow a proper diet for conception, ensure you also sleep well. Sleep is essential for hormone regulation, which is a cornerstone of a healthy reproductive cycle. Inadequate sleep not only disturbs your health but has also been linked with poor egg quality.
If you’ve been trying for more than six months to get pregnant without success ensure you consult a doctor or a dietician. A qualified doctor or a dietician will not only advise you on how and what to eat but will also help you develop a healthy lifestyle in order to have a healthy pregnancy.