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Holiday Preconception Prep

Tips for Avoiding the Top 3 Seasonal Fertility Traps

By Kim Seidel

Yikes! The holiday season is upon us. For women who are trying to conceive, it's a very stressful time, especially if they have been trying to conceive for an extended period. The emphasis on family and children around the holidays can be particularly difficult to handle.

Women trying to conceive can learn to deal gracefully with three common fertility traps – food, drink and family stress.

The prevalence of fatty, high-calorie foods can cause undue stress, especially to the woman trying to lose weight or avoid gaining weight to restore, increase or not inhibit her fertility. Fortunately, you can confront nutritional sabotage, including the tempting holiday buffet.

The most sensible strategy for eating moderately at holiday parties and other events is to eat before you go, says Marie Davidson, a clinical psychologist at the Fertility Centers of Illinois in Chicago. "Have a nutritious snack, such as peanut butter on whole wheat bread, and a glass of skim milk a half hour before you leave. Then you won't be ravenous."

At the party, use "weight-watcher" tricks, Davidson says. These tricks include putting small portions of the offerings on your plate, and focusing on greens, veggies, grains and some protein.

"It is the holidays, so you shouldn't deprive yourself," Davidson says. "It's more about balance, which allows you some dessert, so you can have that too. If you control amounts, you won't be overeating."

Eat your food slowly and with appreciative attention. "If you are combining eating with having conversation, so much the better; it will slow you down," Davidson says. Foods to skip include chips, dips, cream sauces and gravies – a little gravy won't hurt – and seconds.

"It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with fertility-friendly foods, since these can actually be 'hiding' in a typical holiday array," says Beth Heller, a former fertility patient and co-founder/co-director of Pulling Down the Moon, specialists in holistic fertility care in Chicago.

Want to see more?

• All I Want for Christmas Is a Baby: Infertility During the Holidays
• Surviving Family Celebrations: Holiday Gatherings and Infertility
• Healthy Eating During Preconception: Good Nutrition While You're Trying to Conceive
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!