Why You Don’t Need to Avoid Holiday Foods On Your Fertility Journey!

Are you avoiding holiday foods while trying to conceive?

When you’re trying to conceive you might worry that indulging in traditional holiday foods could harm your fertility.

But here’s the good news:

you don’t need to completely avoid these festive treats.

And you definitely don’t need to do things like substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes, because they are “healthier”!

There is too much incorrect information about diet ‘out there’ and I want to help you become aware of it.

As a Chinese Fertility Medicine expert with over 25 years experience in helping many hundreds of women (mostly over 40) to get pregnant, I’m here to share why you don’t need to avoid your favourite festive treats.

Many holiday foods actually support fertility, and the ones that wouldn’t normally be your first choice (like sugar), are okay when enjoyed in moderation.

Here’s why:

In my fertility method I focus on identifying and rebalancing the 8 key health patterns of ‘disharmony’ that cause all known fertility and pregnancy disorders according to ancient Chinese Fertility Medicine [1].

Once we identify which of the 8 patterns each of my clients has, we can easily choose the right foods (and lifestyle, mindset, treatments, and more) for them to use specifically for their unique health balance.

Food then really can “be thy medicine”, just as the Greek physician Hippocrates said over two thousand years ago.

You see, there is no such thing as a “fertility food”.

ALL natural foods have good and bad qualities that need to be understood in relation to each person’s health balance.

Some foods activate the body and increase energy and activity, others de-activate the body slowing it down and decreasing activity, whilst also increasing water accumulation.

For someone who is cold, tired, sluggish, bloated, and/or has digestive issues, eating a food that de-activates and slows the body down is an absolute no-no, as it increases the symptoms they already have.

They need the complete opposite and should eat foods that activate, warm, increase circulation, to optimise their fertility health.

Once you know what your unique health patterns are, you can easily identify which foods are best for you.

You’ll then also see just how many foods you can actually eat, without restricting yourself.

Want to find out what YOUR unique health patterns are – that are causing your fertility issues?

Grab a free copy of my guide: “8 Missed Clues Your Fertility Is Out Of Balance” here

This guide will help you pinpoint the patterns you have, so that you can get to the real root of what’s going on with your fertility!

Knowing your patterns helps you to understand the root cause of your fertility issues, and it also clarifies which foods (and other things) are good and bad for you specifically.

For example:

If you’re tired, bloated, cold, and have digestive issues, you will likely have a “Qi defiiency” pattern.

If that’s the case, then you can specifically choose foods that support your Qi, such as turkey, potato, carrots, and more.

Let’s explore which common holiday foods support each of the 8 patterns:

1. These foods are great when people are lacking power/vitality (this is a Qi deficiency pattern):

   – Turkey: Rich in protein, essential for energy production and egg health.

   – Root vegetables: Carrots, potatoes (no need to avoid these), and sweet potatoes support Qi.

   – Nuts: Almonds, chestnuts, and walnuts are excellent Qi-boosters.

   – Fruits: Dates and figs are traditional holiday treats that support Qi.

2. These foods are beneficial for those with a Blood deficiency pattern, where their blood is ‘weaker’ than usual:

   – Red meats: Grass-fed beef or lamb, often featured in holiday roasts.

   – Dark leafy greens: Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard in holiday side dishes.

   – Fruits: Cherries, black grapes, and mulberries in desserts or as snacks.

3. These foods promote Qi circulation to reduce a Qi stagnation pattern:

   – Aromatic herbs and spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and peppermint, common in holiday baking.

   – Citrus fruits: Oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits, often enjoyed during winter.

   – Onions and garlic: Staples in many holiday dishes that promote Qi circulation.

4. These foods promote blood circulation to improve blood flow:

   – Warming spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in holiday baking.

   – Leafy greens: Spinach and kale in any dish.

   – Nuts: Walnuts and pine nuts, often used in holiday baking or as snacks.

5. These foods have a ‘drying’ effect to reduce excess water in the body, for a Dampness pattern:

   – Pumpkin: A common ingredient in holiday pies and soups.

   – Aromatic herbs: Rosemary, sage, and thyme used in roasts and stuffings.

   – Lean meats: Turkey and chicken, staples of many holiday meals.

6. To combat a Dryness pattern, incorporate moisture-rich foods:

   – Meats: Organic grass-fed pork and duck

   – Fruits: Pears, apples, pomegrantes, and persimmons, common in winter desserts.

   – Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, yams, and beets often featured in holiday dishes.

7. For those with a Heat pattern, focus on ‘cooling’ foods:

   – Winter greens like endive and radicchio can cool the body.

   – Herbs: Mint in holiday teas or as a garnish has a cooling effect.

   – Vegetables: Cucumber and celery in crudité platters are naturally cooling.

8. To address Cold patterns, emphasize warming foods:

   – Roasted meats: Turkey and lamb are warming.

   – Warming spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in holiday baking and mulled wines.

   – Nuts: Chestnuts, often featured in holiday stuffings, have a warming quality.

Only apply the above if you know you’re actual patterns (see my free guide above).

Each food has different uses and you can see that even potatoes, which are often given a bad name, have a medicinal use and are fine to eat.

So, what about sugar, coffee, and alcohol?

My advice is: if you want them consume them in moderation and enjoy them!

If your diet is good and balanced for 70% of the time (5 out of 7 days a week), then you can afford a little mild indulgence.

I warn my clients against is drinking too much alcohol, as it isn’t good for anyone, but in small amounts and infrequently it’s fine.

A glass or two of something alcoholic over a few days isn’t a problem for anyone on a fertility journey unless you are having IVF treatment or you are pregnant of course, in which case abstain completely.

And if you do drink some you can make it even less of a problem by watering it down a bit.

This is common in Europe where wine will often be diluted with water to reduce it’s strength.

As with all aspects of healthcare, supporting fertility health is also about moderation and balance and not complete abstinance of most commonly consumed things.

By making balanced choices and savouring the flavors of the season, you can nourish both your body and your spirit and enjoy this special time of year with friends and family.

Nourishing the emotions of the heart are just as important as eating the ‘right’ foods, and I always encourage people to embrace these special times of the year.

Most importantly, be gentle with yourself.

Your fertility journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to it or to navigating the holidays.

Understanding your unique health patterns is key to making the right choices for all aspects of your fertility journey – as you can stop following the general advice and start applying exactly what your body needs!

Whether it’s enjoying holiday foods or making lifestyle changes, a personalised approach is the answer.

Download a free copy of my guide “8 Missed Clues Your Fertility Is Out Of Balance” to identify your patterns now.

NEED MORE HELP?

GRAB YOUR FREE E-COPY OF MY #1 BOOK (3rd Edition)

THE ULTIMATE FERTILITY GUIDE

Claim your free guide to discover the 3 steps that could dramatically speed up your journey to having your baby!