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18th May 2015
04:06pm BST
1. Clean eats
Only 3 things need to be swapped. White bread and cereals, caffeine and hormone/GMO meats. The body needs to nourish new life so the less artificial foods you consume, the better for your baby. Swapping is easier than eliminating, therefore, eat brown bread, drink caffeine-free coffee and tea and buy organic, where possible. If you can't buy organic, choose lamb – it has the least amount of antibiotics of all meats. If you prefer seafood over meat, go for it. Choose oily fish for healthy joints, skin and nails. #winning
2. Time out
Try not to spend your time worrying and over-thinking. If you don't have time or the funds for a Yoga or Pilates class, the spare room will suffice. Sit down in an empty room on your bum, cross-legged with your back against the wall. Make sure there are no distractions. If you can spend ten minutes like this each day to reflect and breathe deeply, it will clear your mind and initiate a form of mental detox. #zen
3. Be hormone happy
If you panic or stress, excessive levels of prolactin and growth hormone in your bloodstream can disturb your endocrine system and cause imbalances. Always have someone you can call on to share with a burden to make sure you're not creating too much personal stress. Remove yourself from induced anxieties by making a list of what's important. What can be part of your staggered five-year plan? Opting to say 'No' when you need to can have a healthy affect on hormones and energy levels during your first phase of motherhood. #truth
4. Take your vitamins
Folic Acid is part of the B Vitamin family and is essential for a healthy baby. It should be taken before you conceive to prevent up to 70% of first time neural tube defects and to help reduce the risk of having a baby with Spina Bifida by up to 70%. You should also take a multi-vitamin and mineral alongside your Folic Acid which should contain Vitamind D, Omega 3, Iron, Antioxidants and Zinc.
5. Alcohol reduction
If the decision to have a baby is a planned one, it's a good idea to reduce liquor intake in the run up to conception. Alcohol is a mild toxin, a mild sedative and can affect mood, thought processes and stunt other bodily functions. Yes, really. Why not choose to opt out while you're trying to maintain optimum fertility levels? I mean, why bother when non-alcoholic cocktails can look this good?
6. Relaxation
Sometime a big cuppa and a pile of books are the most underrated thing imaginable. Into the arsenal of a woman who is about to discover herself in a whole new light, we suggest investing in a mahoosive comfy armchair and buying a flipping big mug. Teal Swan's,'Woman Code' or 'What Water taught me About Loving Myself' should be your first read.
7. Fruit
Eating clean is one thing but, eating a new fruit is entirely different. Fruit that can lift you on a sad or sluggish morning should be adopted into a list for you and your family. For a variation to boring apples and bananas, we suggest pomegranate seeds, passionfruit and kiwi. Always try something new when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth. The vibrancy of these fruits can be colour-therapy in themselves. Mmmm, passion-fruit and organic yogurt daydream...
8. Music
Lifestyle changes are vital to changing state of mind. Have you ever tried noise cancellation earphones? Switching off from the real world and being calmed or entertained by majestic rhythm and blues or Brahms second symphony, works a treat to promote a healthy mind. Make a choice that will stick well into motherhood. Where words fail, music speaks. #sigh
Brought to you by ClonFolic a Folic Acid that should be taken before you conceive to prevent neural tube defects and Spina Bifida in babies. Explore more on these topics:
