Optimized Fertility and Nourished Pregnancy
Our American societal approach to pregnancy is often doing as much as we can to avoid pregnancy with oral contraceptives followed by immediately wanting to become pregnant with very little preparation outside of just incorporating a prenatal supplement. The truth is in ancestral cultures, preparation for fertility often involved a period of several months to a year of dietary changes, ritual practices, and sometimes even specific ceremonies aimed at aligning with the natural cycles and promoting physical and spiritual wellbeing to increase the chances of conception.
Preparation for pregnancy often involved a focus on a healthy diet rich in natural foods, moderate exercise, spiritual practices to connect with ancestors, seeking guidance from elders and midwives, and observing food taboos or specific dietary restrictions considered beneficial for the mother and baby, all while maintaining a strong connection to nature and the community around them.
I am pointing this out because there is scientific merit and health benefits to both parents and future child when each body sufficiently prepares for fertility; best prepared for at least 3 months in advance. Physician and biochemist Dr. Cate Shanahan shares the science in her book Deep Nutrition: Why Your Genes Need Traditional Food how what the parents (both mother AND father) eat influences fertility and even the baby’s health, intelligence and beauty. It seems rather far-fetched that diet can have so much power over these outcomes, but discoveries in epigenetics is solidifying this profound effect.
Epigenetics, in a simple pregnancy context, means that a pregnant person's lifestyle choices, like diet and stress levels, can influence which genes are "turned on" or "off" in the developing baby, potentially impacting their future health even though their DNA sequence remains the same, similar to adding "tags" to the DNA that affect how it's read; essentially, it's how the environment during pregnancy can "program" a baby's genes without changing the genetic code itself. Example: If a pregnant person experiences high stress during a critical developmental window, it could trigger epigenetic changes that might increase the baby's susceptibility to developing certain health issues later in life, like high blood pressure, even if they have the same genes as someone who experienced less stress during pregnancy.
If you’re looking for a professional to help you optimize your fertility and your epigenetics, you’ve come to the right place! In addition, if you’re already pregnant and want guidance on trimester-by-trimester nutrition tweaks as well as guidance on a holistic pregnancy and delivery, we can help with that too! Further, we are different than mainstream gestational diabetes dieticians. If you find yourself with the diagnosis, we can offer an alternative low-carb solution to help you manage your gestational diabetes with the likelihood of not needing to manage with medication. This closely resembles Lily Nichols approach using real food nutrition for pregnancy and gestational diabetes.
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Are Carbs Required for Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time when what you eat becomes even more important. Your body needs extra nutrients to support both your health and the growth of your baby. One nutrient that often comes up in discussions is carbohydrates. But are carbs really needed during pregnancy? Understanding their role can help you make better food choices for you and your baby.
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Unraveling PCOS and Fertility: Debunking Common Misconceptions
Many women with PCOS worry they might not be able to have children. This condition can make it harder to get pregnant, but it doesn't mean pregnancy is impossible. Understanding PCOS and debunking common misconceptions can help you manage the condition better and improve your chances of conceiving.
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Gestational Diabetes Myths
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy. It can be a surprising diagnosis, and many myths surround this condition. Understanding the facts about gestational diabetes is essential for the health of both the mother and the baby. Let's dive into the most common myths and set the record straight.
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How to Find the Right Prenatal Nutritionist for Your Journey
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to nutrition. What you eat during pregnancy is crucial for both your health and your baby’s development. That’s where a prenatal nutritionist can help. A prenatal nutritionist specializes in guiding expecting mothers through the complexities of pregnancy nutrition, ensuring both mom and baby get the nutrients they need.
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Metabolic Health During Pregnancy & Its Long-Term Effects on Our Children
Metabolic health during pregnancy is incredibly important for both mom and baby. It goes beyond just what you eat; it includes how your body processes nutrients and maintains energy balance. When expecting a child, your body undergoes major changes that require careful management of metabolic health. This ensures that both you and your baby get the right nutrients and energy needed for healthy development.
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Iodine's Role in Fertility, Pregnancy, and Lactation: What You Need to Know
Iodine is a crucial mineral that supports many body functions. It is especially important for women during key stages such as fertility, pregnancy, and lactation. This mineral helps in the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate growth, metabolism, and brain development. Without enough iodine, you might face challenges that can affect your health and the health of your baby.
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Essential Elements of a Healthy Pregnancy Diet [Guide]
Welcome to our comprehensive guide that highlights the most nourishing way to eat during pregnancy! If you're an expectant mother or planning to become one, you know that proper nutrition is crucial for both you and your baby's well-being.
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Easy and Exciting Pregnancy Diet Recipes To Try
Pregnancy is a remarkable phase in a woman's life. Expecting mothers are experiencing profound changes, anticipation, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing a new life. Read on to learn various easy and exciting pregnancy diet recipes that not only cater to your taste buds but also offer a wealth of benefits for a thriving pregnancy.
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A Healthy Organic Diet Plan for Expecting Moms
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the health related characteristics of consumed organic food during pregnancy and provide you with a well-structured organic diet plan that caters to the unique nutritional needs of expectant mothers as well as reducing most pesticides.
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Post-Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods To Rejuvenate Your Body
Welcoming a newborn into the world is an awe-inspiring experience, and as you embark on this incredible journey of motherhood, it's essential to prioritize your own well-being. After giving birth, your body requires special care and nourishment to heal and regain its strength. Postpartum nutrition helps support your recovery, promoting optimal health, and even aiding in breastfeeding.
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Low Sodium Diet Plan for Pregnant Women
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of sodium in the context of a whole foods pregnancy diet, plus how high blood sugar impacts blood pressure and provide you with a practical plan to help you make informed dietary choices.
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Bariatric Pregnancy: Crafting a Post-Surgery Diet
Mothers who have undergone bariatric surgery can improve their health with a bariatric pregnancy diet. By eating and selecting low-carb foods, mothers who have undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery can address nutritional deficiencies, improve nutritional intake and fetal growth, and recover faster.
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Low Carb Diet: A Healthy Ally in Your Pregnancy Journey
By exploring both the advantages and potential drawbacks of low-carbohydrate diets, we hope to provide you with valuable insights to make informed decisions about your dietary choices during this transformative time.
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Crafting Your Diet Meal Plan for Gestational Diabetes
As you navigate this unique chapter in your life, crafting a healthy diet for gestational diabetes becomes an indispensable tool in ensuring a healthy remainder of your pregnancy. Read on to learn how to craft a meal plan and cook recipes perfect for those diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
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Kickstart Your Day: Breakfast Ideas for Gestational Diabetes Diet
Pregnancy is a breathtaking journey. But if you've just received a gestational diabetes diagnosis, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about what safe foods there are to eat. From protein-packed smoothies to fiber-rich avocado mousse and many other low carb options, we have an array of good gestational diabetes breakfast options that not only taste delightful but also help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
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Navigating Your Meals: Gestational Diabetes Food Guide
In this comprehensive gestational diabetes food guide, we will further explore gestational diabetes, provide practical meal planning tips, offer nutritious snack ideas, and discuss the importance of seeking professional advice to help manage gestational diabetes effectively.