13 Foods Every Women Should Stay Away From If You Are Trying To Conceive

Certain foods can significantly affect women’s health by disrupting hormonal balance, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like heart issues or osteoporosis, and even impacting fertility. Whether you’re trying to conceive, are pregnant, or simply want to maintain optimal health, there are specific foods you should strictly limit—or better, avoid altogether.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, it becomes even more important to watch what you eat. Some foods can interfere with your hormones, trigger weight gain, or raise your risk of infertility and disease. Here are the top culprits to cut from your diet:

If You're Trying to Conceive: Avoid These Foods

# Alcohol

Alcohol can severely impact fertility. Women who consume even one alcoholic drink a day may face up to 50% higher risk of infertility, as per the study Tobacco Use, Alcohol Consumption, and Infertility.

# Red Meat

High intake of animal protein, especially red meat, has been associated with a greater chance of infertility in women.

# Swordfish

This fish is extremely high in mercury—about 0.99 parts per million—which can negatively affect reproductive health. Avoid it whether you’re trying to conceive or are already pregnant.

# Fat-Free Flavoured Yogurt

These are often packed with sugar, which can spike insulin levels. Research shows women consuming more fat-free dairy had an 85% higher risk of ovulatory infertility.

# White Bread

Made with refined carbs, white bread behaves like sugar in your body, causing insulin and blood sugar spikes—both harmful to hormonal balance.

# Diet Soda

Loaded with artificial sweeteners and chemicals, diet sodas are linked with belly fat and metabolic issues. Studies show regular drinkers had three times more belly fat over nine years.

# Fruit Juice

High in glucose and fructose, fruit juices can raise inflammation levels and cardiovascular risk in women.

# Canned Biscuits

Often loaded with trans fats, canned biscuits can elevate cholesterol and even impair memory in adults over 45—contributing to heart disease, the leading cause of death in women.

# Coffee Creamer

Most commercial creamers contain trans-fatty hydrogenated oils that are harmful to heart health—even in small amounts.

# Margarine

A major source of trans fats, margarine not only increases the risk of heart disease but can also speed up skin ageing.

# Extra-Large Coffee

Consuming over 400 mg of caffeine daily can lead to calcium loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis—especially in postmenopausal women.

# Non-Fat (Skimmed) Milk

While milk has vitamin D, a fat-soluble nutrient, skim milk lacks the fat required for absorption. It's also been associated with increased infertility risk.

# Canned Vegetables

Many canned foods contain BPA (Bisphenol A), a chemical that disrupts brain cell function and affects the development of the central nervous system.