If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), food can actually make a bigger difference than people realize. But don’t worry, this isn’t about completely changing your diet or being “perfect.” It’s more about adding in the right kinds of foods and creating a bit more balance.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, we really focus on keeping the body (and especially the womb) warm, nourished, and well-supported. 

So what should you actually eat more of?

A good place to start is just focusing on warm, cooked meals, especially after ovulation. This is when your body is trying to create the best environment possible, and too many cold/raw foods can kind of throw things off. In TCM energetically cold foods (think smoothies) and raw foods (like salads) can slow your digestion and create stagnation in the body.  Not only do we want your qi to move freely and smoothly as well as encourage blood circulation to your middle while TTC.  

Some easy things to add in:

• Bone broth (½–1 cup a day if you can) – super nourishing and great for building up your body over time

• Dark berries like pomegranate, cherries, blueberries, goji berries – amazing for blood flow and antioxidants

• Cooked greens like spinach, kale, bok choy – better digested when cooked vs raw

• Good quality protein – think grass-fed red meat, eggs (duck eggs if you can find them)

• Fatty fish like salmon or mackerel – great for hormones

• Healthy fats – avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds (pumpkin seeds are a favorite)

• Root veggies like carrots, beets, squash – super grounding and supportive

One of Moon Rabbit’s favorite ways to start your morning is with hot lemon water. It’s gentle, warming, and just gets things moving.

If you’re a big coffee drinker, you might try swapping in green tea but only if it feels good for your body. Otherwise, warm lemon water is totally enough.

What to maybe cut back on 

You don’t have to eliminate these completely, but it helps to be mindful:

• Cold stuff like smoothies, iced drinks, ice cream 

• Sugar + pastries (these can mess with hormones more than we’d like)

• Raw foods once you may be pregnant

• And making sure you’re drinking clean, filtered water
  

The biggest thing to remember

This isn’t about doing everything “right.” It’s about consistency over time.

Even just adding a few of these foods in regularly can make a difference. Your body responds really well to steady, nourishing habits. And that starts with what’s on your plate ❤️ Visit Moon Rabbit in Chicago | West Loop & Lincoln park