Foods to avoid when trying to conceive—without the fear
I remember printing a long list of 'forbidden' foods and feeling more anxious every time I opened the fridge. Demonising food only leads to more fear and stress around it. At Storka we prefer a way of eating anchored in pleasure and abundance.
Still, some foods and drinks don't serve the purpose of feeling well and nourished. They can contribute to avoidable stress, inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Why inflammation is part of the conversation
Inflammation itself isn't bad—it's the body's natural response to injury and illness, and essential for repair. It becomes a concern when it is low-grade and chronic, and everyday eating patterns can play a role.
What we gently limit
- Highly processed foods such as chips, deep-fried fast food, highly processed vegetarian or vegan burgers, and packaged snacks with long ingredient lists—especially those containing many non-natural ingredients or additives.
- Ready meals with long ingredient lists and many additives.
- Large amounts of caffeine from drinks such as coffee and energy drinks.
- Alcohol, when reducing or avoiding it feels appropriate for your preparation.
- Foods you personally don't tolerate well—temporarily, and ideally with professional guidance. The gut plays a role here too, as we explored in gut health and fertility.
Every 'less' works best with a 'more'. Crowd out, rather than cut out.
Our five preconception nutrition principles show what to add instead.
