So...one of the things that I get pretty crazy obsessive about going into IVF is my diet. There's so little I can control in this process, and that's one thing I can control. I guess this isn't surprising given that I was about two steps away from anorexia in high school, and I have a history of food allergies/sensitivities on top of that. Anyhoo...
Generally speaking, I've eliminated dairy, wheat, and soy (I cheated on vacation [ice cream! pie!] and need to get back to hard core elimination. I don't do caffeine. I don't do alcohol (other than the BFN Vodka Night). I eat organic when possible. I'll include one treat (dark chocolate?) but otherwise am avoiding sugar. I'm trying to eat more nuts and other foods with healthy fats (olives, nuts, etc). I'd really like to take a fish oil supplement, but the only one I've tried I literally couldn't swallow. Does anyone know of a fish oil supplement that comes in a small capsule or other palatable delivery system?
Also, I think I'm giving up decaf. I love coffee. I love drinking coffee in the morning. But things I've read suggest that from an immune standpoint decaf is worse than actual coffee. I like teas, but herbal teas are a little too boring for breakfast. Suggestions?
I'd like to not become an obsessive freak during this round of IVF (do I count this one as 2 or 3?) but I figure I have enough immune wackiness going on that I need to keep my system as strong and stable as possible.
And now I'm going to wrench LG away from the TV and take my first pill of the cycle. I'm on the clock, people.
Wow, your self-discipline is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat if you break open the fish oil and put it in a fruit smoothie to drink?
I know you have cut out dairy, but make sure you consume enough fat. I have read in numerous places that a low-fat diet is associated with lower fertility rates, so maybe just for the IVF cycle you could include either some delicious ice cream or whole milk in your tea/coffee? Or avocados? Or something else along those lines.
For what it's worth, I think it is good to spoil yourself rather than to be so strict. I found it less stressful to just try to eat healthy but also not worry about all the details. This sounds like it's pretty counter to your personality type, so maybe that won't work for you though.
Thanks, InB. I think I do spoil/nurture myself in other ways. The dairy/soy/wheat elim is largely for allergy purposes, but it seems to mesh with everything I've read in terms of my own fertility issues. I get plenty of fat from nuts and olive oil, so I'm not particularly worried. But perhaps coconut milk ice cream might be the thing to do! Smoothies are a good idea; I'd sort of forgotten about them. LG and I need to crack out our blender and ice cream maker!!
ReplyDeletemmm. coconut milk ice cream -- I've never heard of that! I'll have to go check it out. I love those Thai soups with coconut milk...
ReplyDeleteIt's wicked expensive, but MUCH better than all other ice cream substitutes, provided you like the taste of coconut. The chocolate is *divine*
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be so good with my diet - for my next IUI in a month - but I'm no where near as disciplined as you are! Maybe a little of your willpower will rub off on me. *g*
ReplyDeleteAs for fish oil, I know that Carlson's makes a liquid that isn't too horrible (or so I'm told) and the quality is supposed to be very good as well. I take prescription fish oil called Lovaza. The pill is big, but once you wet it with your saliva, it just slides right down. And it doesn't taste bad.
Hi Gwinne -
ReplyDeleteHow about Nordic Naturals? They have a liquid formula, or their Ultimate Omega 500s (those are half-sized pills that are supposed to be good for those who have trouble with big pills and also those, and also good for kids).
Thinking of you!
Thanks, Claudia and Shannon, for your suggestions. I'll see what the health food store has when LG and I go on our rice milk shopping trip later today!
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