You’ve made it to embryo transfer—and now your body needs nourishment, warmth, and gentle support. One of the most powerful tools in your fertility toolkit? Food.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the post-transfer phase is a time to build blood, support digestion, and create an internal environment where an embryo can implant and thrive. The right foods can help warm the uterus, stabilize hormones, and keep your body calm and resilient.
Here’s an IVF diet plan that supports implantation and overall balance—whether you're preparing for transfer or navigating the two-week wait.
The Basics: What TCM Says About Food and Fertility
Food in Chinese medicine isn’t just fuel—it’s medicine, and a key way to build qi (energy) and blood (which nourishes the uterus and supports embryo growth).
We prioritize:
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Warm, cooked meals
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Easy-to-digest ingredients
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Spleen and kidney-nourishing foods
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Avoiding anything that weakens digestion or cools the uterus
Think of this as a “womb-warming” approach to nutrition.
IVF Diet Plan: What to Eat After Embryo Transfer
Here’s a list of fertility-friendly, implantation-supporting foods to include in your daily meals:
Warm, Nourishing Staples:
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Congee (rice porridge with dates, ginger, and eggs)
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Bone broth (rich in collagen and minerals)
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Oatmeal with walnuts and cinnamon
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Root vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, beets)
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Steamed greens (bok choy, spinach, kale)
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Brown rice or millet (supports spleen qi)
Protein-Rich Choices:
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Eggs (especially soft-boiled or poached)
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Salmon, trout, or cod
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Free-range chicken or turkey
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Black beans, adzuki beans, lentils
Protein is essential for tissue building and hormone production, especially post-transfer.
Herbs and Spices:
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Ginger (stimulates digestion, warms the body)
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Cinnamon (supports circulation and warmth)
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Fennel, cumin, turmeric (gentle digestion aids)
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Jujube dates (da zao) – TCM favorite for building blood and calming the spirit
What to Avoid (Gently and Without Guilt)
You don’t need to be perfect—but avoiding these can help your body stay warm, stable, and digestion-friendly:
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Cold/raw foods: Smoothies, salads, iced drinks
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Greasy or fried foods: They bog down the spleen
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Sugar-heavy snacks: Can spike insulin and cortisol
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Excess dairy: Can create mucus and stagnation in some patients
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Alcohol and caffeine: Best avoided during the implantation window
If you crave something cold or raw, try warming it slightly or balancing with warming spices.
Mindful Eating Tips
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Eat in a calm environment—avoid rushing or eating on the go
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Chew thoroughly to help digestion start in the mouth
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Pause before and after meals to give your nervous system time to shift
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Cook with love—the energetics of your meal preparation matter!
Sample IVF-Friendly Day of Eating
Breakfast:
Oatmeal with cinnamon, walnuts, and black sesame; ginger tea
Lunch:
Congee with chicken, spinach, carrots, and dates
Snack:
Warm miso broth and a boiled egg
Dinner:
Steamed salmon with sweet potatoes and sautéed kale
Evening tea:
Chamomile with a touch of honey and fennel seed
Can TCM Herbs or Supplements Help?
Yes—but only under supervision. Depending on your constitution, I may recommend gentle herbs to support implantation, blood flow, or progesterone levels. These are paused during stimulation and adjusted during transfer based on your doctor’s protocol.
We can also discuss fertility-friendly supplements and custom tea blends during your visit.
Nourish Your Body and Calm Your Heart
Food is one of the most loving ways you can care for yourself after embryo transfer. It’s not about restriction—it’s about nourishment, warmth, and trust in the wisdom of your body.
If you’d like personalized nutrition guidance based on your TCM pattern, I’d love to support you.
Call773-517-7187
Book your session at www.lisameyerson.com
Located in Evanston and serving the North Shore
Lisa Meyerson
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