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Preconception Weight-loss Planning
Easy Ways to Boost Health and Increase Fertility
By Kim Seidel
"People that exercise feel better about their bodies, so they enjoy having sex more," Dr. Kulze says. "You're more vibrant when you exercise. Let's face it – you can't get pregnant if you're not having sex."
Passe brought up her treadmill from her basement and put it in their bedroom. "It's the first thing I see right away in the morning now," she says. "I get on it right after I wake up."
Keep in mind that too much exercise also can impair fertility. Exercising too vigorously impacts your estrogen levels, so be mindful of your body's state of balance, Dr. Kulze says.
If you're not already exercising, Dr. Kulze recommends starting out slowly, building up to at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise. This is what Passe did – she started at 10 minutes on the treadmill and built up to 30 minutes.
Doctor's Tip: Aim for 30 minutes, five days a week. If you're trying to lose weight, set a goal of 45 minutes, five days a week. Low-impact exercise – walking, bicycling and swimming – is best for trying to increase fertility, Dr. Kulze says.
Maximizing fertility through your diet doesn't need to be complicated. There are foods to avoid and those you can add into your day to enhance your health. For starters, never skip breakfast and consume small, frequent meals, Dr. Kulze says. Passe never ate breakfast before she went on her weight loss plan. Now she never misses it, even if it's just a bowl of cereal. Strictly avoid the highly refined, high glycemic "bad" white carbohydrates. These include white flour, white rice, white potatoes, sugar and products containing them. "Consume your carbohydrates from those with a low to moderate glycemic index – vegetables, some fruits, beans and whole grains," Dr. Kulze says.
