Trying to conceive, lovingly referred to as TTC, is a stressful time for mamas-to-be. There are a lot of factors to consider from ovulation tracking, to exercise, and one of the most important, getting the proper nutrition your body needs for the best chances of conceiving a baby. But here’s the kicker – it’s hard to keep everything straight and not stress out, because, as you’ve probably heard, stress can be the #1 factor behind trying to conceive. Erin shares a few quick nutritional guidelines that have helped when she’s been TTC.
Make Small Adjustments
The first thing I want to focus on, before giving you nutritional tips, is that if a diet and restrictions stress you out, then go small— just make tiny adjustments! The number one goal is not to stress. Maybe start by adding one thing a day. I’ve noticed that when you incorporate one thing into your daily routine that is pure goodness for you and your body, the junky food doesn’t appeal to you as much as it did before. So just add something, do not take anything away!
3 Tips for a Better Nutritional Foundation While You are TTC:
1.Water Rules
For every ounce of liquid you drink that’s not water, drink the equivalent amount of water. For example – I used to be a hard core Diet Coke addict. All that caffeine, let alone the fake sugars, were NOT good for my body or trying to get pregnant. But I craved diet coke and the days I went cold turkey were miserable. So, I set up a rule for myself. Instead of drinking only water every day I matched the amount of water I drank with equal amounts of Diet Coke. Eventually, I was down to only one Diet Coke a day or less. And guess what, water started tasting better. That simple rule worked, my energy increased, my skin cleared up, and I just felt better all day.
2. Protein and Greens
Add a protein shake with greens to your daily diet. Trying to incorporate a salad every day into my diet was hard for me. Well, I told myself it wasn’t easy. Getting out veggies, chopping them, 
mixing them and then adding a low calorie dressing that tastes terrible? Ummmm, no thanks. So I found a hack that worked like a charm and gives you the veggies you need easily. SPINACH!
I love vanilla-based smoothies and so I just started adding spinach. The miracle is that the taste doesn’t change that much. The smoothie is still really vanilla-y and delicious! A large handful of spinach with 10oz of milk or in my case almond milk, 1 serving of Mommi Vanilla protein powder and a few ice cubes and BAM. No more stress about making a salad every day. I still did occasionally, but at least I knew I was getting it at the beginning of the day so I didn’t have to worry later. It was a bonus if I did.
3. Not All Carbs are Bad
Don’t give up carbs. Just eat good carbs. I swapped wheat bread for white. Brown rice for white. Quinoa instead of rice. And to make it taste delicious I added veggie stock to the water when boiling it. That extra flavor boost made it so I didn’t need as much sauce or condiments to make my meals taste good, and I wasn’t starving after letting the carbs go. Plus, carbs aren’t as evil as some would leave you to believe – just eat the good kind and you are good to go!
Less Stress More Baby Dust
I hope these 3 tips that I’ve shared with you today help you design a nutritional plan that works for you, and stresses you out less than a strict diet while you are trying to conceive. There is also some terrific research on “the fertility diet” which was recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report, as the 10th best diet overall.
I know how emotionally difficult it can be while trying to conceive. So setting yourself up with a foundation of good health can make a huge difference in your steps forward. All the baby dust to you friend as you go through this journey! If you have tips of your own to share please send them to me at [email protected] —I’d love to hear from you!
