Holiday Foods to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

The holiday season is in full swing. And with it, you’ll find tempting foods around every corner. But did you know that what you eat can affect your chances of conceiving? Before you head to the next holiday party, let’s take a moment to learn which foods are best left on the serving table 

Processed Meats

Whether it’s ham, sausage, or a charcuterie board, processed meats have long been a part of many holiday gatherings. However, all those additives can work against you when you’re trying to conceive. 

In fact, consuming processed meat has been linked to a host of fertility problems. For example, men who eat a lot of processed meat are more likely to have low sperm counts, problems with sperm motility and lower fertility rates. And because processed meats tend to increase inflammation in the body, it’s best for both men and women to avoid them when trying to conceive. 

Red Meat

Red meat also has a negative impact on fertility due to its large amounts of trans and saturated fats. Animal protein in general is also linked to worse fertility outcomes, so high amounts of red meat are best avoided.

Studies have found that women who eat more vegetable protein rather than animal protein are less likely to suffer from ovulation disorders that negatively impact fertility. So if you’re trying to conceive, consider opting for protein alternatives like lentil stew, black-eyed peas and collard greens, or tofu instead. 

Candy and Baked Goods

Cookies, brownies, cakes, pies and candy–you can find all of it at holiday parties. And it’s common to receive sweet treats as gifts, too. But best to avoid sweets when trying to conceive because they contain high amounts of trans and saturated fats, and refined sugar, all of which have been linked to fertility problems.

For men, indulging in too many sweets can contribute to poor quality semen, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances that interfere with ovulation. So when you’re craving something sweet, indulge in fruit instead. That way, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and provide your body with nutrition. 

Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks are also problematic when you’re trying to conceive. In fact, drinking just one sugary drink per day has been linked to a whopping 20% lower chance of conceiving. Further, sugary drinks are linked to weight gain, diabetes, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome, all conditions that can negatively impact your fertility. 

Sugary drinks have also been linked with lower IVF success rates. So as you make your rounds this holiday season, steer clear of the soft drinks, punches and lemonade. Instead, try fruit-infused sparkling water or unsweetened herbal tea. 

Alcohol

You probably already know that you need to forgo alcohol during pregnancy. But did you know you should also avoid alcohol when you’re trying to conceive? Alcohol lowers libido, contributes to impotence and can affect sperm count. And alcohol consumption in women often leads to hormonal imbalances and changes in menstrual cycles that make it difficult to conceive.

Plus, if you do happen to conceive while enjoying holiday toasts or eggnog, drinking any amount of alcohol can be dangerous for a developing baby. Remember to also ask hosts whether alcohol has been added to any of the offerings since desserts frequently contain brandy, rum, wine and other types of alcohol. 

Caffeine

It’s easy to think of caffeine as harmless. Most everyone loves a cup of coffee in the morning, right? But caffeine impacts the absorption and metabolism of many nutrients that can hinder your ability to conceive. And if you do become pregnant, caffeine increases your risk of many complications, including miscarriage. 

Remember, caffeine is found in many foods and drinks, not just coffee. So while it’s a good idea to avoid the holiday cappuccinos, you should also steer clear of energy drinks, soft drinks, caffeinated teas and chocolate. 

Some Types of Dairy

Dairy seems to affect men and women differently, but some types of dairy can negatively impact the ability of both men and women to conceive. For women, low-fat dairy is associated with infertility due to ovulatory problems. The opposite appears to be the case for men, with high-fat dairy being linked to worse fertility outcomes. Some studies have also found that high dairy consumption of any type is linked to lower semen quality. 

Additionally, unpasteurized dairy products make the list of foods to avoid when trying to conceive and after becoming pregnant because they often contain dangerous bacteria that could make you ill or result in a miscarriage. So you may want to skip the eggnog, soft cheeses and other dairy products made with unpasteurized milk or eggs.

Processed Carbohydrates

Like sugary foods, foods made with processed carbohydrates are linked to fertility problems because they are easily broken down into sugar in your body. Plus, since most of the fiber has been removed from processed carbohydrates, you don’t get the health and fertility benefits that are associated with higher fiber consumption.

Avoid holiday foods that are high in processed carbohydrates, like crackers, white bread, pasta and baked goods. Instead, opt for whole grain alternatives that include plenty of fiber and won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar.

When you face fertility challenges, it can feel like everything enjoyable appears on the list of holiday foods to avoid. But there are still plenty of delicious foods to enjoy. And remember, the work you put in now to support your body will be well worth it in the long run. 

RHWC has put together a plan to help you get through the holidays AND boost your chances to conceive. Enjoy the season and  contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your fertility.