Going All Natural/Organic While TTC? Do you think it's worth it?

MrsFL2015 · August 2015

Is anyone trying to go all organic/GMO free or natural during their TTC journey and beyond? DH and I started going all natural/organic a few years ago. I'm pretty good with buying the natural cleaning and beauty products, but foods a little more difficult. We've been making an effort to stop eating out so much and cooking natural, whole foods at home. Today I bought a natural/GMO free prenatal vitamin and a DHA at Whole Foods. It cost about $30 (one month supply) and I questioned my decision. Is a $30 vitamin worth it?

What about organic food? Do you think it's worth it? Why or why not? I've been reading lots of articles and watching documentaries on all the chemicals in our food, beauty and household products. It's scaring me to death because they're linking these chemicals to reproductive issues, developmental delays/disorders and other health issues.

PrimRoseMama · August 2015

I think if you want to do it then go for it. I tend to feel better when I eat less processed foods. However, for me personally I've gotten pregnant eating an average diet. As far as I know my kids are fairly average & suffer no I'll effects from my diet.

We are speech delayed but that runs on my husband's side & is an actual disorder. So I'm not sure eating organic etc. would have made a difference.

If you have the ability in your budget & can eat "clean" then it's a great goal.

m6agua · August 2015

I just have some comments on the food aspect of your question.

First some background:

I have been doing Whole30 lately which is about eating better whole foods. In that program they want you to eat organic grass fed meats and organic foods, however if it is to costly they are fine with just regular meats and stuff. I also recently watched Forks Over Knives which is all about a plant based diet. They talk about how the USDA pushes us to eat certain things just because the agriculture industry.

So I guess my opinion is if you can, go for it, but I don't think it is necessary. I think it is more about cutting out processed foods and sugars and eating more whole foods. I feel like all the documentaries you need to take with a grain of salt because they also do have an agenda. Also some fruits and veggies that you peel the outside you don't need to get organic. Because you are pealing off the part that has all the pesticides and stuff.

saladflambe · August 2015

Do what makes you feel best. People can eat all sorts of different diets and end up with trouble TTC, easy TTC, healthy babies, sick babies, etc. etc.

In general, eating a more whole-foods plant-based diet is something I tend to recommend TTC or not.

Lulucooks · August 2015

Did you watch The Human Experience? It was just added to Netflix and I watched it this week. It's easy to get really worked up and scared when watching things like that. Here's my theory, fwiw.

Stick as close as you can to a whole foods diet. As close to natural as possible. If you can afford the dirty dozen organic, buy it if you'd like (I dont). Shop farmers markets, when available.
If you are buying organic cookies and you don't have a food allergy of sorts, you are probably spending too much. Organic boxed mac and cheese is still boxed mac and cheese.
Limit processed foods and cook from home. I don't know about vitamins, but I feel I'm fine with a regular vitamin.

All that said when I conceived my DD I existed on fast food and soda. I think the only way I drank water was through sweet tea. Aim for a healthy lifestyle and don't get too caught up on if every single item is organic.

StarbucksShip · August 2015

I personally prefer organic, whole foods, but then I'm also a dirty hippie environmentalist. I tailor my eating habits to minimize damaging impacts on the environment (granted, nothing's perfect on the scale the US has achieved) for my future kid, not so much for my body or to prevent chemicals from affecting a fetus.

That said, it works out pretty well for maintaining your weight or eating well though. I don't feel tempted by fast food as much anymore and desserts are rare. Which helps offset the cost of the organic/natural options. We also only eat meat maybe once a week or on holidays (depends who is cooking!). Granted, when we do splurge the homemade/all-natural just makes for a more decadent meal. Homemade ice cream, y'all. It's sinful.

xyzabqsmvb53 · August 2015

I'm personally not too worried about it (and don't want to pay more either) but I also understand why people would go organic.

It is possible to eat healthy, whole foods even if they are not organic/grass fed/etc.

If you were only doing it because you're TTC, I'd say don't worry. If you're interested in that as a lifestyle adjustment though, by all means try it out and see if it makes a difference for you.

MrsFL2015 · August 2015

Lulucooks said:

Did you watch The Human Experience? It was just added to Netflix and I watched it this week. It's easy to get really worked up and scared when watching things like that.

Yup! I've also watched Forks Over Knives, Fed Up, Food Inc and a few others.

Kristin712 · August 2015

I agree with PP. If you are looking to do this for yourself and make a lifestyle change, absolutely do it. If you want to do it to TTC, I don't think it's necessary by any means.

Personally, I cut out caffeine a month before TTC (so I wouldn't have to deal with withdrawal headaches while also adjusting to being off BC). I also began restricting alcohol. We've been purchasing organic eggs and milk for a couple years. I've made a more solid commitment to purchasing organic produce on the "dirty dozen" list. I don't buy organic produce with peels (bananas, avocado). I buy a lot of random products that are organic (Costco makes this easy!), but I don't yet buy organic meat. I'd like to but it is SO expensive and we eat a lot of it.

Lulucooks · August 2015

MrsFL2015 said:

Lulucooks said:

Did you watch The Human Experience? It was just added to Netflix and I watched it this week. It's easy to get really worked up and scared when watching things like that.

Yup! I've also watched Forks Over Knives, Fed Up, Food Inc and a few others.

---qbf---

All of those are super scary. Fun to watch, but scary enough to cause you to seriously think of running off to a farm and being completely self sufficient. Not that it's a bad thing, just a lot of work.

ladeuce13 · August 2015

Like most of the PPs, I generally do the whole food thing and natural beauty thing. I live in a really great growing region, so in the summer, most of my veggies and fruits are from local farmers - mostly because it's cheaper and better quality! I'm not too fussy about the organic certification though. I use the dirty dozen as a resource too. I am more choosy about where I buy my meat though . . . and so tend to spend a little more in that area.

As for body care products, I use almost exclusively natural products (except for a few makeup items, and have for about 5 years. I made the switch for my overall wellness, so I would definitely continue when I eventually have a family.

I do lots of product research (because I'm a nerd who likes that kind of stuff) and I try to find local and/or inexpensive choices to keep the budget in check.

lalala2004 · August 2015

I try to eat organic, whole foods, and minimally processed stuff as frequently as I can. For me, it's not about trying to conceive. I was already working towards that long before. It's a combination of things for me:

1. Wanting to eat healthier

2. Wanting to eat higher quality food

3. Promoting the humane treatment of animals

4. Avoiding chemicals

I am not strict about it, I just generally try to do my best. I always consider convenience, price, and what I want as well (sometimes I crave chemical crap junk food. As long as I'm not doing that frequently, I'm not about depriving myself).

The way I see it is: Take it as far as you want to. What would you be able to handle and maintain long term? It should be a change for the overall health of your family, not just temporarily for TTC, IMHO.

LizM61409 · August 2015

Why anti-GMO? All food is GMO via selective breeding. Here's an excellent article about the use of logic and evidence in decision-making: https://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/08/critical_thinking_lessons_for_the_anti_gmo_movement_generalizations_evidence.html

ArtlessIbex · August 2015

I do my best to eat healthy, whole foods, but tbh, I'm not sure it makes any difference at all. I concieved my DD when I was eating mostly airplane food and drinking mostly soda. I think your diet helps you be healthier, but I'm not completely convinced that it helps with TTC.
Unless, of course, your diet it unhealthy enough to contribute to other health conditions, like diabetes etc. But that's really a different situation.
If it makes you happy and you can afford it, go for it!

lalala2004 · August 2015

LizM61409 said:

Why anti-GMO? All food is GMO via selective breeding. Here's an excellent article about the use of logic and evidence in decision-making: https://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/08/critical_thinking_lessons_for_the_anti_gmo_movement_generalizations_evidence.html

I know the OP said it was for health, but some people are against GMOs because they aren't good for small farmers and their profits (when the seeds are not reproductive and they can't create their own seed crops. They are forced to buy more seeds.)

cattlebride · August 2015

No, but I'm a rancher from a farming community.

sorarose · August 2015

**TW: PRIOR PREGNANCY/CHILD MENTIONED**

I think you should do whatever you're comfortable with and can afford. However, I will warn you that if you have morning sickness, that organic, non-GMO and healthy product might end up being the one that makes you sick, at least part of your pregnancy. Pasta was the only thing I could comfortably eat during much of my pregnancy without wanting to vomit. Chicken was my nemesis and, of course, the one thing I was craving (sushi) was the one thing I couldn't have!

DS is fine, although there may be a correlation with why pasta is his favorite food...

MrsFL2015 · August 2015

Thanks everyone. I am going to continue with all the organic/natural products I've been making so far. I never wanted to change just because I'm TTC. I've been really trying to make the lifestyle change for a while. It just seems more important now because I want to put good food into my body to remain healthy.

PugsandKisses · August 2015

Personally, there is no scientific studies that prove that Organic or GMO foods are healthier. I like to buy local stuff because it tastes better and helps my neighbors. Frozen, boxed, canned stuff are high in sodium, that is about it.

To me, a $30 of 'organic' PNV, for 1 month supply is not worth it. They are not 'healthier', just some one slapped an organic label on it and jacked up the price.

Also, there is several studies that prove that many 'organic' stuff, is actually not. That many labels lie. Kind of like the 'reduced fat', but it is 1.5 times the amount of sugar kind of deal.

KarenBeth714 · August 2015

Great thread. I'd say this is something that I strive for, and can keep up with it from time to time, but after a week or two I usually fall back into bad habits ( ordering take out and going out) Being ttc is motivating me a little bit. Just wish DH was more on board.

Any tips for motivating? Maybe I'll check out that movie on netflix.. I do love forks over knives!

I think the quick and easy way to approach it would be sticking to organic only for the dirty dozen (peaches, apples, berries, spinach, etc) and organic grass fed antibiotic free meats when you can.

Another thing I would look out for is packaging - bpa free cans, water bottles and packaging. stay clear of styrofoam (it contains two known carcinogens) and especially with hot food. Try to avoid microwaving food plastic tupperware.

@starbucksShip - I'm a crunchy hippie too

dsmith211 · August 2015

DH and I try to eat organic when we can. We always get organic/free range dairy and eggs and when possible organic produce, but at least at the stores we go to the organic produce isn't that great. We also have a garden at home and grow some of our own fruits and vegetables. When not organic we try to eat as natural as possible and try to stay away from processed foods. Our diet is mainly vegetarian, but we occasionally eat fish/seafood. My vitamins are whole food based.

We try to stay as healthy as possible but we definitely indulge every once in awhile. It does you no good to hold back if the stress of it just counteracts the good it's doing.

MrsFL2015 · August 2015

Update: I was able to find the vitamins I purchased today on Amazon for WAY less. If these work for me, I will order through them. Makes me feel a lot better about using them because I can get them cheaper.

Lisamarie913 · August 2015

I say eat what makes you feel good. Living in the veggie/fruit capital -Central California. I've learned how farmers grow organic and non organic veggies and fruits. There is 6xs more organic pesticides sprayed (yes they are stil sprayed) on organic fruits and veggies than non organic.

peppers1227 · August 2015

PugsandKisses said:

Personally, there is no scientific studies that prove that Organic or GMO foods are healthier. I like to buy local stuff because it tastes better and helps my neighbors. Frozen, boxed, canned stuff are high in sodium, that is about it.

To me, a $30 of 'organic' PNV, for 1 month supply is not worth it. They are not 'healthier', just some one slapped an organic label on it and jacked up the price.

Also, there is several studies that prove that many 'organic' stuff, is actually not. That many labels lie. Kind of like the 'reduced fat', but it is 1.5 times the amount of sugar kind of deal.

Agree 100%. Fear mongering is responsible for the anti-organic/GMO movement and there is no scientific evidence to support it. For me, that alone means it's not worth paying a premium to feel like I am being healthy when there is no proof.

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