TABLE 2.
Recommended reproductive diet patterns
| Name | Includes | Excludes | Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal diets | ||||
| Mediterranean diet | Plant-based foods—vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, herbs, spices, olive oil, fish, poultry, and red wine Up to 40% calories from fat |
Limits red meat a few times per month | Reduces the risk of CVD, mortality, cancers, and cognitive diseases | |
| Dietary approaches to stop hypertension | Balanced complex carbohydrates (58%), lower fat (28%), and moderate protein (18%) High in fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium |
Low in cholesterol, fat, and sodium | Reduces weight, lowers BP and cholesterol, and reduces the risk of CVD and bone loss | Needs vitamin D supplementation |
| Flexitarian diet | Vegetarian most of the time, more vegetables, whole grains, plant-based or nonmeat proteins (“new meat”), dairy, and “sugar and spice” Focus on home prepared food with <5 ingredients |
Meat and dairy in moderation if at all | Lowers BP and cholesterol, reduces weight, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus | May need calcium, vitamin B12, and iron supplementation |
| Nordic diet | Fruits, vegetables, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, rye bread, fish, seafood, low-fat dairy, herbs, spices, and canola oil | Rare red meat and animal fats No sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meats, and refined fast foods | Reduces weight and lowers BP and inflammatory markers | |
| Diets to avoid during pregnancy | ||||
| Atkins diet 20-40-100 | Low carbohydrate (20 g), high fat, beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, and sources of fat | Limit starchy vegetables, grains, legumes, simple sugars, and milk | Needs vitamin C, B vitamins, folate, calcium, and magnesium | |
| Paleo diet | Lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and oils | Processed foods, wheat, other grains, legumes, dairy, potatoes, refined sugar, salt, and refined oils | Reduces weight and lowers the risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and cancer | Needs calcium, B vitamins, andwhole grain nutrients |
| Ketogenic diet | Extreme carbohydrate restriction ketosis, skin-on poultry, fattier beef, pork, fish, green leafy vegetables, oils, and solid fats | Avoid starchy root vegetables, bread, pasta, other grains, and fruit | Reduces weight | Not recommended in pregnancy because of altered neonatal brain development Needs vitamin C, B vitamins, folic acid, calcium, and fiber |
BP, blood pressure; CVD, cardiovascular disease.