Foods to Cut Out During IVF for Better Fertility
- empty crib
- Sep 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Starting IVF is often a mix of hope, nervousness, and determination. For many of us navigating fertility treatment, every choice feels significant, especially what we consume. For me, this also meant rethinking my diet—one meal, one ingredient at a time.
Fertility nutrition isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline to feeling empowered and giving your body what it needs to support this incredible process. If you're exploring the world of IVF or fertility-focused diets, you're not alone, and I hope to share an honest, supportive perspective on what worked for me. Here are some Foods to cut out during IVF for better fertility
Join me as I uncover the foods I chose to cut out during my fertility treatment and how small dietary changes made a big impact on my mindset and wellbeing.
Why Focus on Fertility Nutrition During IVF?
What we eat directly impacts how our bodies function on a cellular level. For women undergoing IVF, this means supporting the body’s ability to produce healthy eggs, prepare for successful implantation, and maintain balance amidst hormone treatments.
On a broader scale, research suggests certain foods can influence hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and insulin—all elements that factor into reproductive health. Pro-inflammatory foods, for instance, can cause unnecessary stress on the body, while nutrient-rich options can help prepare it for the challenges of IVF.
Though diet alone isn't a magic solution for infertility, it can make a difference in how you feel physically and emotionally throughout the process.
Foods I Cut Out During IVF for Better Fertility
Here’s a closer look at some specific food choices I reconsidered during my IVF diet, and why.
1. Processed Sugars and Sugary Treats
It’s no secret that sugar is everywhere—from seemingly innocent sauces to your favorite cookies. During my IVF prep, I became mindful of reducing processed sugars to avoid the spikes in blood sugar levels that can affect hormone balance.
Why I Cut It Out:
High sugar consumption may lead to insulin resistance, which studies have linked to reproductive challenges. Choosing foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole fruits or nuts, helped maintain consistent energy levels. My favorites? Swapping milk chocolate for dark chocolate or fresh berries when cravings hit.
What to Replace It With:
Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup (in moderation)
Whole fruits like apples, oranges, and berries
2. Trans Fats and Fried Foods
Fried chicken, chips, and other fried indulgences earned a backseat. These foods often contain trans fats, which can disrupt ovulation or affect fertility in women.
Why I Cut It Out:
Trans fats alter how insulin functions in the body, and during IVF, stabilizing hormones became a top priority for me. I started cooking my favorite “fried” dishes in an air fryer for a similar comfort-food feel without the added fats.
What to Replace It With:
Baked or air-fried versions of your go-to snacks
Healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and nuts
3. High-Mercury Fish
Sushi and sashimi nights were shelved—for now. Fish like tuna, swordfish, and mackerel can contain high levels of mercury, which negatively impacts fertility.
Why I Cut It Out:
Mercury exposure may influence fertility by disrupting certain hormone pathways. Instead, I focused on low-mercury fish, which still provided omega-3 fatty acids without the unwanted risks.
What to Replace It With:
Low-mercury options like salmon, trout, or shrimp
Plant-based omega-3s like flaxseed or walnuts
4. Excessive Caffeine
I’ll admit this was the hardest for me. Cutting back on coffee—my daily ritual—was a real challenge. Studies suggest that consuming more than 200-300 mg of caffeine daily (about 2 cups of coffee) could potentially impact fertility or the success rates of IVF.
Why I Cut It Out:
Caffeine, in high doses, may constrict blood vessels, impacting blood flow to the uterus. I opted for decaf during the day or switched to herbal teas that also felt nurturing.
What to Replace It With:
Decaf coffee or green tea (in moderation)
Herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos
5. Highly Processed Snacks and Refined Carbs
Foods like white bread, packaged crackers, and instant noodles made their way off my plate. These ultra-processed items are often stripped of their natural nutrients and loaded with added salt and preservatives.
Why I Cut It Out:
Refined carbs quickly convert to sugar in the body, causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin. Instead, I leaned on whole grains that provided more fiber and sustained energy. Think brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread.
What to Replace It With:
Whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and quinoa
Homemade trail mix with almonds and dried fruit
6. Alcohol
This won’t come as a surprise to anyone undergoing fertility treatment. My nightly glass of red wine was completely paused during IVF.
Why I Cut It Out:
Alcohol can lower egg quality and affect hormone levels. While the occasional sip might not hurt, abstaining entirely gave me peace of mind and improved overall health. I replaced it with sparkling water or mocktails with a creative twist (lime, mint, and a splash of cranberry juice became my go-to).
What to Replace It With:
Non-alcoholic alternatives or flavored sparkling water
Mocktails made with fresh ingredients
What Cutting These Foods Gave Me
Initially, cutting out some of these items felt overwhelming. It wasn’t just about changing habits; it was about letting go of comforts I’d relied on during emotionally vulnerable times. Still, the benefits spoke louder than the sacrifices.
Improved Energy: Eating clean gave me a steady stream of energy, helping me show up for both IVF appointments and everyday life with confidence.
Reduced Bloating: A diet lower in processed foods and sugars reduced bloating, making me feel lighter and more comfortable.
Peace of Mind: Knowing I was giving my body the best possible support for IVF helped ease some anxiety around outcomes.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
If you’re on this IVF or infertility journey, know this—every choice you make, whether it’s about food or otherwise, is about giving yourself the best chance while finding ways to be kind to yourself. My choices were deeply personal, and yours will be too.
It’s also important to note that changes like these work best when approached with balance. Rather than aiming for perfection, aim for progress.
Final Thoughts: Giving Your Body the Best Foundation
Your IVF diet is just one piece of the puzzle; it’s part of a broader tapestry of hope, care, and resilience. If you’re ready to explore fertility nutrition in a way that works for you, remember to consult with a healthcare professional or a fertility nutritionist.
Curious about refining your fertility-focused diet? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments, or reach out—we’re here to support every step of your fertility story.
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