Dieting For Baby Boy: Foods To Eat And Avoid

While there is no proven method to guarantee the conception of a baby boy, some studies suggest that a mother's diet may influence the sex of her child. One theory suggests that an alkaline environment is better for male sperm, so increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, potassium-rich foods, and alkaline foods like citrus fruits, nuts, and root vegetables may improve your chances of conceiving a boy. Additionally, a 2008 study found a higher probability of male babies when mothers consumed more calories and ate breakfast cereals. However, it's important to note that these findings are not conclusive, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these theories.

Eat alkaline foods

While there is no clinical proof that changing your diet can help you conceive a baby boy, some people believe that creating a more alkaline environment in the body may help.

The idea is that a more alkaline environment is better for the faster male sperm, which will then result in a baby boy.

Increase Your Intake of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables tend to be alkaline-forming foods, meaning they can help make your body more alkaline. Aim to include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in your diet, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, and bell peppers. These foods are not only alkaline, but they are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are important for overall health and fertility.

Include Potassium-Rich Foods

Potassium is a mineral that can help reduce the acidity of the body, creating a more alkaline environment. Good sources of potassium include bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and white beans.

Choose Certain Grains

Some grains, such as amaranth, buckwheat, brown rice, millet, and quinoa, are considered alkaline-forming foods. Including these grains in your diet may help create a more alkaline environment in the body.

Add in Beans, Legumes, and Soy

Beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and tofu are not only good plant-based sources of protein, but they are also alkaline-forming foods. Incorporating these foods into your diet may help increase the alkalinity of your body.

Drink Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Juices

Fresh juices, especially those made from lemons and limes, are believed to be alkalizing. However, it is important to note that juices can be high in natural sugars, so it is best to consume them in moderation.

While there is no guarantee that eating alkaline foods will result in conceiving a baby boy, incorporating these foods into your diet can provide numerous health benefits and support overall fertility.

Consume potassium-rich foods

Consuming potassium-rich foods is a key part of the diet plan for conceiving a baby boy. The theory goes that an alkaline environment is better for the faster male sperm, and a baby boy is conceived.

Potassium-rich foods include bananas, sweet potatoes, white beans, salmon, avocados, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, fish, corn, papaya, and watermelon.

It is also recommended that you eat a diet high in sodium to reduce the acidity of the body. This can be achieved by eating yams, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and fruits like pears and bananas.

Try the Shettles method

While there is no proven method to guarantee the conception of a baby boy, the Shettles method is one of the most popular attempts at natural sex selection. This method was developed by Dr Landrum Shettles in the 1950s and claims a 75% success rate, although there is no scientific research to confirm its effectiveness.

The Shettles method suggests that, to increase the chances of conceiving a boy, intercourse should take place 2-4 days before ovulation. This is because boy sperm (sperm carrying the Y chromosome) are believed to be faster but more fragile than girl sperm, so by the time ovulation occurs, only female sperm will remain. The method also recommends shallow penetration, allowing the sperm to enter the female body near the opening of the vagina, which is a more acidic environment, which is thought to be better for girl sperm.

In addition to the timing and positioning recommended by the Shettles method, some sources suggest that an alkaline diet may also increase the chances of conceiving a boy. This is because an alkaline environment is thought to be better for the faster male sperm. An alkaline diet includes foods such as:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Potassium-rich foods (e.g. bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes)
• Citrus fruits
• Root vegetables
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Pulses
• Sprouts
• Fresh juices
• Grains (amaranth, buckwheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa)
• Beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Soybeans
• Tofu

Time intercourse carefully

Timing intercourse carefully is one of the most important factors when trying to conceive a baby boy. Here are some tips to maximise your chances:

Understand your ovulation cycle

Firstly, you need to understand your ovulation cycle. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary and pushed down into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilised by sperm. This usually happens about halfway through your menstrual cycle. You can track your cycle by using an ovulation calculator, keeping a record of your periods, or using an ovulation test kit.

Aim for intercourse 12 hours after ovulation

According to the Shettles method, the best time to have intercourse when trying to conceive a boy is around 12 hours after ovulation. This is because male-carrying sperm (Y chromosome) are believed to be more fragile than female-carrying sperm (X chromosome). Therefore, having intercourse after ovulation means the Y chromosome sperm are more likely to survive and fertilise the egg.

Try deep penetration positions

Deep penetration during intercourse can also increase your chances of conceiving a boy. This is because it allows the male partner to ejaculate closer to the cervix and uterus, helping the Y chromosome sperm reach the egg faster. Recommended positions include the woman on top and doggy style.

Avoid stress

It is also important for women trying to conceive a boy to avoid unnecessary stress. A troubled mind can lead to a troubled womb, and stress can hinder conception.

While these methods are not scientifically proven, they are easy to try and may increase your chances of conceiving a baby boy.

Reduce stress

While there is no proven way to guarantee the conception of a baby boy, keeping stress at bay is often recommended for those trying to conceive. Here are some science-backed ways to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being during this journey:

Understand Emotional Eating

Emotional eating is not always harmful. Food is often tied to our emotions, and it is perfectly normal to find comfort in certain foods during stressful times. Acknowledging this fact is the first step towards managing emotional eating. Instead of restricting specific foods, focus on getting adequate nutrition from your meals and snacks. Remember, everything in moderation!

Maintain a Balanced Diet

One of the best ways to reduce overeating or stress eating is to ensure you are eating balanced meals regularly and not skipping meals, as this can lead to extreme hunger. Aim for three meals a day, along with one or two snacks if needed. Include a variety of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The more colours on your plate, the better!

Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Hunger may manifest as a growling stomach, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. Keep a hunger/fullness scale to help you tune into your body. Try using a scale from 1 to 10 to determine your level of hunger and fullness, with 1 being painfully hungry and 10 being painfully full. Stop eating when you reach a 5 or 6 on the scale.

Choose Snacks Wisely

When selecting a snack, include a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to stay satisfied for longer and avoid a sugar crash. Some examples include hummus with vegetables, plain yogurt with fruit and nuts, or nut butter bites with dark chocolate chips and dried fruit.

Prioritize Sleep

A good night's sleep is crucial for managing stress effectively. Lack of sleep can increase hunger hormones, leading to higher calorie intake during the day. Improve your "sleep hygiene" by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and establishing relaxing bedtime rituals.

Create a Stress Management Toolkit

Develop a personalized toolkit with coping strategies that work for you. This could include daily exercise, finding joy in movement through yoga or dancing, meditation or journaling, connecting with supportive friends or family members, or preparing balanced meals and snacks if you enjoy cooking.

Seek Professional Support

If you are struggling with emotional eating or making dietary changes, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian nutritionist. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs and challenges.

While these strategies focus on reducing stress through dietary and lifestyle changes, it is important to remember that stress management is a highly individualized process. What works for someone else may not work for you, and that's okay! The key is to be patient, compassionate, and flexible with yourself as you navigate this journey.

Frequently asked questions