Preparing for IVF and IUI
Better Egg Quality - Protein
If you are like me (in the AMA category), or are worried about high FSH, you might be looking for ways to improve your egg quality.
I have read many times, and heard from many women that adding extra protein to your diet while preparing for IVF or IUI helps improve egg quality.
But how to easily increase protein?
You can always add meat to your diet (unless you don't eat meat). But I wonder how much protein I'm getting with meat, or peanut butter, etc.
Protein Powders
Protein shakes made from whey (a milk product) was suggested and I was quick to jump on that bandwagon. It is easy to control and I like the taste! Also, if you are a lacto-vegetarian, this will fit your diet.
I wish my brand was available for me to sell - it is so good - I'm working on that! The brand I use is "Natural Factors" and strawberry is my favorite flavor. I like the chocolate, too, but the strawberry tastes just like strawberry Quik!
A friend of mine (thanks N) lists her favorites as Unjury for thick, traditional shakes (it comes in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and unflavored), and Syntrax Nectar for thinner, more juice-like fruit flavors. Check out all the flavors!
I went to my local crunchy organic health food and supplement store and the Natural Factors brand was recommended by an employee.
And I have to tell you - I love my Blender Bottle! I bought mine at the health food store, but should've bought mine here as it is less expensive! (I'll be getting a second one and I've learned my lesson!) It mixes up my powder really well. I think it will be great for scrambling eggs, too!
What Not to Get
Make sure your protein powder doesn't contain soy as a main ingredient (or not at all) because soy acts like estrogen in your body - and you don't want anything "messing" with your estrogen when you are working so hard to control all your hormones through medication.
Also, I did not like many of the powders I saw at GNC or Walmart because they generally contained "extra stuff" as they were aimed at body builders and people trying to lose weight. I wanted "pure" whey protein. Just read labes - you may find something you like!
Cost
The cost - well, in the scheme of things - its cheaper than Gonal-F! But what isn't? Mine costs around $45 for the 2 pound jar. The Syntrax Nectar is much less! I will be trying that next!
When to Start
When to drink these shakes is a common question. The general wisdom is to start a month or two before your IVF or IUI cycle.
And how much to use - I just follow the recommendations on my canister! (Two yummy scoops of powder in 12 ounces of milk or water.)
You can also add the powder to your own smoothies - just throw ice, milk or yogurt, fruit (bananas are yummy), and your powder into a blender for a great breakfast shake! Many brands make "unflavored" powders that would be perfect in a smoothie.
If you have a favorite brand, please write a review and send it to me! I'll post it!
Be sure to see the other posts about protein!
}. The chocolate is so YUMMY, though! The Central Market employee that helped me find it said it was by far her favorite brand. 
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