Dieting while doing IVF/ICSI

[Loulaki]

Hi all,

I have been on the 1:1 diet (ex Cambridge plan) to lose some weight so that I can improve my egg quality and be somewhat healthier for starting IVF. My BMI was over 35 and now it is 32.8. So while I am well within my clinic's limit I would still like to continue the diet as I find it really easy now and actually enjoyable.

My consultant from the 1:1 diet has spoken to their medical team and advised me re the right amount of calories I need to be in while doing IVF (1200cal per day). I also mentioned it to the nurse during my treatment planning meeting and she didn't think there was a need for me to stop the diet. I will drop my clinic an email so that I have this in writing as well but wanted to check if any of you have been in a similar situation?

Thank you :)

Hi, I haven't been in this situation but I know the 2 clinics I have been with don't recommend any really low calorie diets or sudden change to your diets and to avoid things that are "low fat". Obviously it's all how you view it and in context to what you do activity wise too or how long you have been owing this diet. I have a BMI of 31 at the moment and have tried to remain at that in a health way for last 2 months, (reduced from around 35 in the 6 months prior). I have cut out processed food and tried to introduce more veg/protein and full fat dairy products which does increase my calorie intake but from my readings these are better for you. I have previously done low calorie diets of 1200 but for me found they actually interfered with my periods so since then have worried what other ways the could impact such as egg quality etc.

There's a book by professor Adam balen that gives good information and research around diets before IVF and they don't speak highly of some. I don't wanna incorrectly quote anything so may be worth a look or if you can PM me I can send pictures of some of the pages that may be of use

thank you @ttcsolomumtobe ! I was actually a bit confused when the clinic did not give me any clear guidance on diet - apart from Mediterranean diet which is what I eat anyway.

Is this the book you meant: The Fertility Book: Your definitive guide to achieving a healthy pregnancy?

@Loulaki yes Mediterranean was mentioned to me but not much else diet wise.

And yes that's the book, i felt the book just gave alot of things to consider when doing a low calorie diet. Happy to send on a few snippets if you like later this afternoon. You may also be able to read some of the opening pages via Google

Thank you so much, yes just looked at it on Amazon and may just get the kindle version :)