Protein is an essential part of any diet, particularly the Fertility Diet. Women need at least 46 grams of protein every day while preparing for conception and after pregnancy, while men need around 52 grams every day. That daily protein requirement for pregnant women increases to 80 grams per day. Just for fun, try this short quiz!
How much do you know about the body’s need for protein?
Question 1: True or False? After water, protein is the most abundant substance in the body.
Question 2: True or False? Our muscles, organs, and immune systems are mostly made of protein.
Question 3: True or False? Protein is broken down into amino acids, the building blocks for cells in the body, when it’s digested.
Question 4: True or False? Protein is not only from animal foods; whole plant foods contain protein too.
If you answered True to each question, you are correct!
We often suggest using a protein powder to fortify the Fertility Diet and balance protein to carbohydrate ratios in a fertility smoothie. You may be familiar with our FertiliWhey Protein powder, yet, as much as we love this product, it isn’t always the best option; particularly if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or you suffer from a congesting fertility health issue like endometriosis, uterine fibroids or PCOS (with weight and metabolic concerns), when eating dairy in any form isn’t likely to be suggested. So, let me introduce you to a plant-based protein powder, Fertilica Plant Protein Powder.
Fertilica Plant Protein is an organic, complete protein derived from a blend of four organic plant proteins: pea, fermented amaranth, hemp seed, and Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), also known as Inca peanut. Back to the quiz, many whole plant foods do offer adequate and ample amounts of protein. Some of you may not have realized this, so let me briefly share the nutritional benefits of the plants in Fertilica Plant Protein:
- Peas- Peas are classified as legumes (along with lentils, beans and chickpeas). Roughly 1/2 cup of legumes contains between 15-26 grams of protein depending on the legume. They are an excellent fiber source, necessary for healthy hormonal balance and digestive health. They are also rich in phytonutrients, anti-inflammatory and supportive of blood sugar balance – all important for fertility health.
- Fermented Amaranth- Amaranth is one of many species of amaranthus, a protein-rich, gluten-free grain. It contains fiber to aid digestion. It is rich in manganese, magnesium and phosphorus to support cell function/growth, bone health, balanced blood sugar levels and a healthy mood. Fermented amaranth also contains iron and folate, and is known to support a healthy inflammation response within the body. Note: Fermenting grains helps process some of the harder to digest parts of the grain (gluten, lectin, phytic acid, etc., that may cause some digestive issues) making them more digestible/bioavailable to the body.
- Hemp seeds/hearts- Hemp seeds, sometimes called hemp hearts, are a fertility superfood known for their ability to improve digestion, balance hormones and improve metabolism. They are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids or EFAs, just 3 Tbs = 3,000mg of omega 3 EFAs. They also contain omega-6, gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Hemp seeds not only naturally contain all 20 amino acids, but 9 essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. Hemp seeds are rich in protein and fiber. P.s. Hemp seeds do NOT cause psychotropic reactions like smoking Cannabis does.
- Sacha Inchi- Sacha Inchi, also known as Inca peanut, has been cultivated as a food for 3,000 years in the Amazon rainforest. Sacha inchi seeds are rich in: Omega-3, 6, 9 EFAs, protein, vitamin E, carotenoids (vitamin A), and fiber. All of which are important for a healthy inflammatory response, weight management, glucose control, heart health, healthy vision, as well as brain health, mood and wellbeing.
Try It Today!
Fertilica Plant Protein Powder is a healthy way to provide the body with the protein it needs to build and maintain lean muscle, maintain healthy weight, balanced blood sugar levels and support normal immune system function. Plus, it’s an easy, quick and nutritious way to get 20+ grams of protein in one serving. All you have to do is to add a scoop of Fertilica Plant Protein Powder to your morning Fertility Smoothie, juice, organic nut milk or water. You might enjoy these two recipes to add to your Fertility Smoothie rotation…
Antioxidant Blast
1/4C Blueberries
1/4C Strawberries
1 Banana
1 handful Spinach
1 Tbsp Fertilica Maca powder
1 Alpha Lipoic Acid (open capsule and empty contents into smoothie)
1 Date (pitted)
1 serving Fertilica Plant Protein Powder
Directions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend. Add little water to begin with and add more as needed.
Cherry Cacao
½ cup frozen tart cherries
½ of an avocado
1 Tbsp raw cacao powder
1 Tbsp Fertilica Maca powder
2 tsp FertiliGreens
2 Tbsp chia seeds – soaked
1 serving Fertilica Plant Protein Powder
Almond milk for consistency
Directions: Add all ingredients to blender, blend until smooth. Add a little almond milk to begin with then add more as needed.
Watch The Introduction to the 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge
- Learn how to transition to a natural fertility diet by focusing on the important 5
- Get all the details on how to use nutrition as a tool for hormonal health, cell protection and fertility wellness
- An effective tool to help your tastebuds transition towards healthier foods
- Learn which foods are most important for fertility and how to regularly eat them
- Rodriguez, H. (n.d.). The Natural Fertility Diet: How to Eat for Optimal Fertility. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-diet
- Lehnardt, K. (Dec. 29, 2016). 39 Interesting Facts about Protein, Retrieved from: https://www.factretriever.com/protein-facts
- Pulsipher, C. (April 16, 2014). 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Sacha Inchi. Retrieved from: https://sunwarrior.com/healthhub/10-amazing-health-benefits-sacha-inchi
