Friend not Foe.

Carbohydrates tend to get a bad rap.

Short story, our bodies uses carbohydrates as one of the main sources of energy for not only brain function but other activities. However, that’s not a green light to eat all the cakes and pastries.

Carbohydrates are a macronutrient group which means that they are an important part of your diet, giving the body energy to function.

What does fertility need in abundance? Energy, to aid cell growth. Studies have suggested that the type and quality of carbohydrate you eat may have an impact on your fertility.

As we digest carbohydrates they are broken down into simpler, more soluble sugars like glucose. Eating lots of processed simple carbs (think sugar-sweetened drinks, biscuits, packaged snacks, sweets) can potentially lead to insulin resistance and blood sugar spikes due to the speed at which the body absorbs them. If you’ve seen one of my previous posts, you’ll know how important blood sugar balance is when it comes to conceiving.

Complex carbohydrates on the other hand are broken down more slowly by the body, releasing glucose at a slower rate with less chance of a spike in insulin levels and a more sustained release of energy.

Rather than thinking all carbs are the enemy and avoiding them altogether, think about where you can add in some of the ‘good’ slow release ones. Whole food,unrefined carbs (as close to their natural state as possible) include things like vegetables, fruit, quinoa, oats. lentils, chickpeas, brown rice. Whole food carbohydrates are also a good source of fibre (important for bowel health) and are nutrient-dense, meaning they provide your body with some of the important vitamins and minerals it needs to help create new iife. Eating protein, fat and carbohydrate (the 3 macronutrient groups) with every meal and snack can also help to keep blood sugar stable throughout the day.

So, don’t ditch the carbs completely if you’re trying to conceive,you need them on your team! Carbohydrate restriction may affect the production of sex hormones and once pregnant carbohydrates are important for optimal brain growth and development in the growing foetus.