If you are trying to conceive, you probably know all about the 2 Week Wait. It is the time period between ovulation and the date that you find out if you are pregnant and it is often filled with worry. In my Nourishing Fertility e-book, I talk about “adding in” foods that are nurturing and good for you. Here is a little list of great foods for the second half of your cycle.
- Adzuki Beans: Have you ever heard of Adzuki beans? In Chinese Medicine, these easily digestible beans are great for strengthening the Qi, Yin and Blood — all necessary for boosting fertility. They are also very high in fertility friendly minerals and vitamins such as folic acid, antioxidants, potassium, B vitamins, fiber, iron and zinc! You can purchase canned organic beans but I prefer preparing a huge pot at home to eat throughout the week. Visit this post for a very easy recipe for Blossom’s Hearty Adzuki Bean Stew.
- Brazil Nuts: These large and hearty nuts are not only high in selenium but also act as antioxidants, which are needed to prevent chromosomal damage in both egg and sperm. I recommend eating 3 brazil nuts a day. You can grind them and add to oatmeal or salads or add them to a fertility friendly smoothie. If you opt for the smoothie, I recommend having it in the afternoon– It is better to begin your day with energetically warm foods like eggs or oatmeal.
- Eggs: Not only do pasture raised, farm fresh eggs have amazing color and taste, they also have higher amounts of vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, beta carotene and vitamin D. Eggs are also high in folic acid, iron, zinc, and choline. If you don’t have access to eggs from a local farmer, choose organic eggs high in DHA.
- Lamb: In my Nourishing Fertility e-book, I talk about the benefit of energetically warm foods. Lamb warms the yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is beneficial in the second half of the cycle. It also strengthens the blood and increases circulation in the body. I typically make it as a large stew in a crock pot with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and cumin.
- Pineapple: Pineapple, and specifically its core, contains an enzyme called bromelain that is thought to help with implantation. According to Dr. Elise, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and a blood thinner. I recommend slicing a pineapple into five cross-section pieces and eating one-fifth a day from days 5-10 post ovulation (or after embryo transfer if doing IVF). For more information on pineapple, head on over to this post.
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Have any other 2 week wait foods to add to this list? Please post them in the comment section!!
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