Whole grains are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. Unlike refined grain products, whole grains contain the entire grain, providing fibre, vitamins, minerals and other valuable nutrients. Choosing whole grains is a simple way to nourish your body and support your health before pregnancy.
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, but the quality of those carbohydrates matters. Whole-grain foods are digested more slowly than many refined alternatives, helping to maintain steadier blood sugar levels and providing longer-lasting fullness. Stable blood sugar can support energy levels throughout the day and help maintain healthy eating habits.
Examples of whole-grain foods include wholemeal bread, oats, wholewheat pasta, brown rice, rye and barley. Choosing whole grains more often also increases your fibre intake, which supports healthy digestion and normal bowel function.
Research shows that diets rich in whole grains are part of an overall healthy eating pattern. However, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to show that increasing whole-grain intake alone improves fertility. Instead, whole grains should be seen as one part of a balanced diet that supports good health before, during and after pregnancy.
Alma’s Tips
- Choose wholemeal bread instead of white bread whenever possible.
- Replace refined pasta and rice with wholegrain alternatives.
- Start your day with porridge made from oats or an unsweetened wholegrain cereal.
- Include legumes and other fibre-rich foods regularly.
- Make small, sustainable dietary changes that you can maintain over time.
Important to Remember
Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet and provide fibre, vitamins and minerals. No single food group can increase fertility, but a varied and balanced diet helps create the best conditions for good health before pregnancy.