The holidays are here, and you know what that means – lots and lots of delicious, irresistible foods and drinks and parties galore! While tempting, it’s important to maintain a normal, healthy lifestyle during the holidays ESPECIALLY when you are trying to get pregnant (this goes for the guys as well).
The main reason to follow our healthy tips for the holidays? Well, weight gain is known to cause abnormalities in hormone levels in both men and women that can have a negative effect on eggs and sperm. Being overweight also puts the cardiovascular system in overdrive, promotes pre-diabetic and diabetic states, and increases cholesterol levels. Plus, losing weight may improve your sexual function.
So how do you keep your healthy lifestyle in check throughout the holidays? Just follow these holiday health tips to help your fertility:
Tip 1: Stop the bad habits!
Sure, this may be difficult during the holiday season, but try your hardest to minimize alcohol intake, and cut out smoking completely (This includes cigarettes and marijuana.)
Tip 2: Make the meal your friend
We get it that holiday buffet looks delicious, but aim for well-balanced options. Choose lean protein (white meat chicken and turkey, lean cuts of red meat, nuts, beans, and tofu), healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables.
Proteins and healthy fats not only provide physical health benefits, but also make up essential hormones that influence brain chemicals to stimulate and create positive moods. And with the potential stress of dealing with infertility over the holiday season, you’ll want to stay positive.
Tip 3: Or, eat before you go.
If you’re heading to an event, eat a healthy meal before you go. This will help you steer clear of unhealthy temptations. If you can’t do that, then feel free to bring a healthy treat with you to the party; a healthy crudité gets the veggies you need while sounding super fancy for the holidays.
Tip 4: Make exercise a priority!
While it’s difficult during the holidays, it is imperative to stick to your exercise regimen. Exercise not only provides physical, mental, and emotional benefits, but it also has been proven to help sperm production. Go for an early morning walk or exercise with your partner to get exercise done for the day!
Tip 5: Get some zzzzz’s
A healthy lifestyle also includes a good night’s rest. Lack of sleep can throw off the natural cycles in a woman’s body, including ovulation. Shoot for a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night even if it means leaving the party early.
While it’s certainly a challenge, especially during the holidays, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on fertility in both men and women. Remember: our team is here for you! For more information on your infertility treatment options or to schedule a consultation at our Raleigh, NC fertility center, please give us a call at (919) 908-0000.