New Year, New Attitude, New Goals!

I love the new year. I love the sparkles. I love how January slows down some after the hustle of Thanksgiving to Christmas.  I love how inspired people are to make changes to benefit their lives.  I feel like it is always a moment to reflect on your accomplishments of the year before, move on from the things that did not go your way, and provide a new energy for the year to come.  I know that many, wanted to have a baby or be pregnant in the year before, but things did not go as planned.  While that can be difficult to step into the new year, I encourage those who are in the middle of their fertility journey to pivot from disappointment into,  "What can I do to optimize my fertility for 2024?"  There are so many things that are out of our control, and sometimes it is difficult to accept.  Even for my clients who do everything perfectly, sometimes things do not work out the way we hope.  But being mindful that the fertility journey is a spectrum, I know that the smallest changes can lead to big impacts AKA- pregnancy/more high-quality eggs.

For me in 2024, my goals are to focus on a more plant-based diet, incorporating more whole foods, vegetables, and whole grains.  My goal is to also not spend money on things that we do not need.  To be more intentional about my purchases and focus on preserving or using things I already have.

I Encourage others to also set intentions for the future.  Start taking proactive steps to enhance your overall well-being as this will lead to a more positive mindset and overall health which leads to longevity.  

One thing that I have realized throughout the years is that positive actions can lead to a positive mindset.  Even when you do not have a positive mindset, forcing yourself to do activities such as exercising, organizing, and getting out of your comfort zone begins changing your thoughts and thus behaviors.  When I was overwhelmed in high school and in college, my mom would always recommend going for a run.  In the moment I thought that that was ridiculous and I'm sure I rolled my eyes, but I  took the advice because I had no other way to channel my anxiety and frustration. It worked every time. I did not necessarily have any further answers, but afterward, I had more peace,  lowered anxiety, and less energy to let the negative thoughts consume me.  Now, when I get frustrated I pack up the kids and go for a walk listening to music, throw a slam ball, or organize a part of my house that has been driving me crazy.

Here are some of my recommendations to act yourself into positivity for the new year. 

• Declutter and Create Peace: Start by minimizing clutter in your home environment. Take a look around and identify items that you no longer use or need. Donate these items to local charity shops; not only will you create a more organized living space, but you'll also be helping others. Create a spot in your home that is cozy for relaxation, whether it's a comfortable reading nook, a meditation corner, or a space for yoga and exercise.
• Mindful Pantry Clean-Up: Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and a well-organized pantry can contribute to a stress-free lifestyle. Begin the year by clearing out expired food, spices, and supplements. Replace worn-out plastic containers with durable glass alternatives. This not only promotes a healthier living environment but also ensures that your meals are prepared with fresh and nourishing ingredients.
• Nourish Your Body with a Thoughtful Meal Plan: Develop a meal plan that focuses on incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Consider prepping meals in advance, such as soups, cooked beans, and stir-fries. Having nutritious options readily available makes it easier to stick to your goals, especially during busy times. A well-balanced diet can positively influence your overall health and fertility.

Creating a Relaxing Bedroom Environment:

• Transform Your Bedroom into a Haven for Sleep: Your bedroom plays a crucial role in fostering a restful night's sleep. Start by decluttering and organizing the space to create a calming atmosphere. Invest in quality pillows, and consider using essential oils for your pillow and bedroom. Scents like lavender and chamomile are known for their relaxation-inducing properties. An eye mask can further enhance your sleep environment, blocking out any unwanted light and promoting a deeper, more restorative rest.

As you embark on this new year, remember that small, intentional changes in your lifestyle can have a significant impact on your overall well-being and fertility. By reducing stress in your home, revamping your pantry, adopting a nutritious meal plan, and creating a tranquil bedroom environment, you're not only prioritizing your health but also laying the foundation for a positive fertility journey. Here's to a year filled with self-care, mindfulness, and the pursuit of your fertility goals. Cheers to a healthier you in the year ahead!

Here is a recipe I made for NYE, It was delicious! And super hearty. I added some tomatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and avocado last night. It would also be awesome to sub goat cheese for feta. 

Fertility Fit Recipes: Farro & Beet Salad- adapted from Something Nutritious Blog 

• Preheat oven to 375.  
• Wash beets and remove the greens. (I saved the greens to stir-fry.)
• Coat the beets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and wrap a few in tinfoil.  
• Bake on a cooking sheet for 45 minutes to an hour wrapped tightly in the tinfoil.  
• I used a kebab stick to ensure that they were cooked all the way through and then once they cooled I used some gloves to remove the skins. 
• Cook Farro per box/bag instructions
• Mix ingredients for the vinegarette
• Once the beets are ready, assemble the salad by adding the farro to your serving bowl or platter. Toss together with half of the dressing.
• Layer the beets on top of the dressed farro and add the pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and feta cheese. Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the top and garnish with microgreens and mint leaves
• Serve at room temperature. Leftovers can be served warm or cold and refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Ingredients

• 1 8 -9 oz box of farro, about 1.5-2  cups dry
• 1 large red beet, peeled
• 2 small golden beets, peeled
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled or cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup roasted pistachios
• Microgreens or arugula, to garnish
• Mint Vinaigrette
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic
• Pinch salt & pepper