Fertile Friends: A Book Review

During my journey I have looked out for ways to feel less alone and more prepared. I feel nothing can prepare you like a good old fashioned book. I love holding a physical book and being able to go back to it anytime I want. Even when the wifi is down your book is around! Here are a few of my fave books that helped equip me through my journey.

Fertile By Emma Cannon:

Emma is truly an expert nutritionist who  takes a holistic approach when it comes to fertility. Emma is a firm believer in the phrase 'let food be thy medicine.' She gives you detailed tips and diet plans to help toward curing what ales ya! 

My favourite thing about this book is how tailored it is. Emma tries to recreate the experience you would get if you visited her actual office. I had no idea there were certain foods I should eat at certain points in my cycle until this book! 

She guides you through different tendencies you may have like cold, hot and stagnant. Teaming Chinese medicine, which has been around for years, with her own knowledge. She even talks through PCOS, endometriosis  and healing through a miscarriage.

I have to say this is my favourite book. It truly is a book for all women trying for a baby or not. I have actually bought this for a few of my girlfriends who have confided that they have started trying. As women we are told little about our fertility until it is too late. We are constantly being told "Now don't get pregnant!" We tell ourselves that for years. Your body hears everything your brains says. Let that sink in for a sec, it takes a minute to undo the damage done over the years. Reading this left me inspired and ready to look after and love myself. 

A Year of Beautiful Eating by Madeleine Shaw:

If you haven't heard of the bubbly lovely girl who is Madeleine then go find her youtube channel now! Madeleine's smile and can do attitude is contagious and I love watching her videos for inspiration.

Madeleine has been diagnosed with PCOS and is coping through diet, exercise and again a holistic approach. She is a big Emma Cannon advocate and with help from her new lifestyle has a beautiful baby boy! 

This book focuses on seasonal eating and guides you through a tasty diet plan for each week. I haven't tried a recipe from here that I haven't liked! The peanut butter bars are to die for! I make them into peanut butter cups and pop them into the fridge.

What these books taught me:

 Taking control of my diet and lifestyle has helped me manage my anxiety during this process and feel healthier. I have fallen off the bandwagon these past few weeks but I'm not going to beat myself up. I love making a meal plan and trying to prep as much as I can on a Sunday night. It's good to know I am looking after myself and my body. 

 I also only eat meat two times a week and when I do, I buy organic. The animals living conditions can release stress hormones into their bodies which we then consume. I try to have little dairy and refined sugar but I'm not strict on this. I swap sugar for coconut sugar and maple syrup where I can. I also eat normal chocolate and biscuits too, I'm not completely fixated on the diet all the time. 

I have cut down on alcohol, I would have a drink every night after work so this was a hard transition. I cut down to two units a week and now most weeks I don't even have one! I feel now when I have more than two glasses I get ill or get a cold for the next few days. 

I try to incorporate yoga and/or meditation into my daily routine. Even five minutes of meditation before bed makes such a huge difference. Practicing this has helped me become a more open and understanding person because I am more understanding of myself. I just follow the yoga by Adrien videos when I have time and use a youtube mediation so it's free. 

There are some other simple things I do during the week which I want to write another post on so you guys get the full effect.

Keep on keeping on sisters,

Blue moon girl x