When you’re someone undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or any kind of assisted reproductive technology (ART), it’s easy to feel like you have no control over your body, but one thing you can control is what you eat! In fact, it may even help you get better outcomes.  

Truth behind IVF Diets

There is no one magic diet for IVF support, even if celebrities and influencers might like you to think so. 

The truth is that IVF can be a lengthy journey and highly demanding for your body physically, and mentally. That means making major changes to your diet during this time is not recommended because you need to provide your body with all the support possible to meet nutritional needs. 

Going on a specific diet or restricting foods can do more harm than good by depleting essential nutrients your body relies on. I see a lot of people who restrict and eat less than they should, but this can actually cause your body to stop ovulating, achieving the opposite of what you want to get pregnant! 

You want to focus on making sure your body is as nourished as possible throughout IVF. Plus, certain foods are shown in studies to be associated with better IVF outcomes. What does this look like when you’re planning out what to eat?  

Guide to a balanced plate: 

• 1/2 a plate of fruits and/or veggies
• 1/4 whole grains
• 1/4 plate of lean or plant proteins (fatty fish or legumes are the best!)
• Add in some extra healthy fats 

Let’s dive into the fertility benefits of a balanced plate:

Whole grains contain B vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that may help with egg quality, increasing endometrial thickness, and conception. 

Colorful vegetables and fruits are loaded with inflammation fighting benefits, which have been associated with increased pregnancy chances following IVF. Fruits are a great snack while undergoing IVF, as they’ve been associated with better fertility. 

Omega-3 rich foods are so important for fertility health. This is another powerful nutrient that combats inflammation and is essential to fetal development. Many studies have shown continuous positive outcomes with improved fertility outcomes with eating fish and seafood as well as other omega 3 rich foods during IVF. 

Switching out some more proinflammatory red meats and processed meats with plant proteins  have been shown to be more conducive to better fertility as well.

Adding in monounsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts and seeds also helps fight inflammation and is associated with better fertility outcomes. 

Are you looking for more guidance on what foods you should start adding right now to help you get pregnant and support you through IVF? Book a free Nutrition Chat to get the individualized plan you need!