General Dietary Recommendations For IVF

Guidelines

FruitsPapayas, strawberries, pineapples, oranges, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, avocados, tomatoes, apples, apricots, kiwis
VegetablesCauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, mushrooms, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, parsley, onions and salad greens, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, swiss chard, collard greens
NutsPeanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios
LegumesLentils, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), black beans
GrainsQuinoa, barley, millet, amaranth, buckwheat, bulgur, brown rice
FatsOlive oil, sesame oil, walnut oil, sunflower oil, avocados
DairyAlmond milk (unsweetened), certified organic skim milk, fat free or reduced fat Greek yogurt
ProteinSalmon, sardines, turkey, chicken, eggs, certified organic tempeh or tofu, 90% lean red meat (organic preferably)
BeveragesPlain unsweetened coconut water
AvoidCaffeine, trans fats, saturated fats (red meat, butter, full-fat cheese, among other) sodas, added sugar, white carbohydrates (white pasta, white rice), alcohol, processed soy foods, BPA food packaging in cans, bottles, and plastic

Protein Intake

The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This amount varies according to other health factors and lifestyles such as physical activity.

Protein Food SourcesServing SizeGrams
Tofu, firm1/2 cup20
Fish (salmon, tilapia, and other low-mercury fish)3 oz 20
Pork Tenderloin (lean cut)3 oz18.4
Greek Yogurt, non fat or reduced fat6 oz15
Chicken breast, boneless/skinless3 oz13.4
Cottage cheese, low fat1/2 cup13.4
Soy milk certified organic, unsweetened1 cup (8 oz)11
Soy beans1/2 cup11
Vegetables patty1 patty11
Pumpkin seeds1 oz8.5
Milk: fat free, low fat1 cup (8 oz) 8
Peanut butter, smooth or creamy2 tbsp8
Egg substitute 1/4 cup7.5
Cheese, fat free or reduced fat1 slice (1 oz)7
Kidney beans, canned1/2 cup7
Nuts: peanuts, pistachios, almonds1 oz6
Egg, whole or hard-boiled16
Sunflower seeds1 oz5.5

Water Intake

Total water is the sum of water consumed: 80% comes from water and beverages and 20% from food sources

  • Adequate Intakes for Adult Females: 2.7 L/day; Total Water (91 oz); 80% = 73 oz from beverages

Other Guidelines

You may have a diet around 1,300 to 1, 800 calories per day. Spread them out over three meals of around 300-400 calories each and two snacks of 120-200 calories each the protein intake at every meal should not go beyond 25 grams, while a snack should have 10-15 grams.

  • Have plenty of food rich in water: vegetables and fruits like berries, kiwi, and watermelon, among others