Sip This Instead of a PSL this Fall for Optimal Fertility!

We’re officially in PSL season. 

This crazy time comes once a year, and like the Halloween decorations in Target, it seems that pumpkin spice season comes earlier and earlier each year.  But as yummy as a pumpkin spice latte (PSL) can be, it’s definitely not a great choice when you’re trying to conceive.  While pumpkin, cinnamon and whole milk are all great for fertility, a typical 16 oz Pumpkin Spice Latte contains about 50 grams of sugar, which is nearly double the daily recommendation. The same drink contains more than 350 calories which is nearly 20% of a 2000 calorie diet. 

But we get it.  Just because we’re trying to conceive doesn’t mean that we have to go without.  And we know that IVF cycles and Two Week Waits are very stressful - so don’t feel you have to miss out completely.  At Pulling Down the Moon, we’re a huge fan of the 80/20 rule.  That rule states that if you’re making great nutritional choices 80% of the time, there’s definitely room for a splurge 20% of the time.  So go ahead and have a PSL when the craving strikes.  But after you get your fix, you can try some of these delicious and fertility-friendly hot drinks!

Try a “Turmeric Latte” Instead! Golden milk is a drink that has  been part of Indian culture for centuries.  It’s called “golden” milk because it traditionally involves stirring the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory spice superstar turmeric into a cup of warm milk.  Golden milk is believed to help alleviate the common cold, upset stomach and support a good night of sleep. While golden milk always includes turmeric, it can be made with animal milk (we prefer organic whole milk) and other “warming spices” like ginger, nutmeg, black pepper and/or cinnamon.  Golden milk is often sweetened.  We like adding a splash of date sugar, maple syrup or honey for a slight hint of sweetness.  Here’s a recipe to get you started!

Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas

Our teas are naturally caffeine-free and was custom-created by a Pulling Down the Moon acupuncturist who specializes in herbal formulations and their therapeutic uses.   The teas Phase-specific ARTeas to support your cycle: Cleanse, Nourish, Stimulation Support and Hope *

Cleanse:  A purifying blend of chamomile, lemon verbena, dandelion root, peppermint, red clover, and rose petals. Cleanse Tea is perfect between fertility cycles or after a failed cycle. May help relieve symptoms of fatigue and sluggishness that are common after use of fertility medications. Cleanse Tea is meant to be used as a purifying tonic when not pregnant and not undergoing medical fertility treatment.  Can also be used as a complement to a dietary cleanse.

Nourish:  This fortifying, loose-leaf tea is a tasty blend of nettle, red raspberry leaf, lemon balm, licorice root, hibiscus, elderberries and lemongrass. Nourish Tea may help strengthen and support a woman’s reproductive system. Nourish can be enjoyed anytime before, during or after a medicated fertility cycle and even when pregnant. 

Stimulation Support:  We suggest you drink our Stimulation Support Tea during ART stimulation or the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle for adrenal and endocrine support. 

Hope:  Ingredients include a calming blend of red raspberry leaf, chamomile flower, orange peel, and orange rooibos. Relax the mind and body during the stressful "two-week-wait."  These naturally caffeine free ingredients have been used for centuries to relieve anxiety, reduce muscle spasm and decrease inflammation.  Also safe during pregnancy! 

Extra Credit Suggestion:  Miso Soup!  This suggestion is out of left field, but we are standing by it.  Miso soup - that light broth with bits of scallion and tofu that arrives prior to a Japanese meal has tremendous nutritional value.  First, it’s naturally sugar free and great when you’re craving something salty or just trying to retrain your sweet tooth.  Here are some of the fertility friendly benefits of miso:

• 
  First, unlike many soy products that we recommend omitting from the fertility diet, the isoflavones in miso - which is a fermented form of soy - can help balance hormones. 
• Miso - because it is fermented - also supports digestion with probiotic compounds.
• Finally, miso contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help limit chronic inflammation and fight free radical damage.

Here’s a great miso soup recipe that amps up the fertility benefits with the addition of greens!

What are you sipping as the leaves turn this Fall?  Share it with us here!