When you’re trying to conceive—especially after a vasectomy reversal—it can feel like everything rides on the food you eat. Suddenly, every bite becomes a question: Is this helping or hurting our chances?

I’ve been there. And I know how overwhelming it can get.

That’s why I brought chef and registered dietitian Allison Schaaf onto the podcast to talk all things fertility nutrition—from the best foods for egg and sperm quality to the common “healthy” ingredients that might be doing more harm than good.

And the best part? She breaks it all down in a way that’s simple, doable, and grace-filled. So if you’ve been carrying stress around food, this episode (and this post) will help you exhale.

Let’s Start with This: Food Stress Isn’t Fertility-Friendly

Let’s Start with This: Food Stress Isn’t Fertility-Friendly

Allison reminded us of something we know but often forget when we’re in the thick of trying: your stress about food matters just as much as the food itself.

In fact, stressing over every bite can trigger your nervous system, slow digestion, and interfere with hormone production—none of which helps fertility.

So take a breath. There’s room for real life here. And there’s no such thing as perfect.

The Best Foods for Egg and Sperm Quality

Vhese are the fertility-friendly MVPs you want to lean into:

• Colorful veggies (especially dark leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers)
• Healthy fats (think olive oil, avocado, ghee, nuts, and seeds)
• Wild-caught fish like salmon and sardines (omega-3s, yes please!)
• Pasture-raised eggs (loaded with choline, great for egg quality)
• High-quality protein like grass-fed beef, organic chicken, lentils, and beans
• Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, pomegranate, beets, and turmeric

And Allison makes a great point: if you don’t like kale, don’t force it. You don’t need to choke down “superfoods” you hate. Pick the nourishing foods you enjoy, and start there.

What to Avoid (or Be Mindful About)

Some foods just don’t serve your hormones or fertility—especially in high amounts. Here are a few to consider reducing:

• Processed foods (anything with artificial ingredients, preservatives, or poor-quality oils like canola or soybean)
• Excess sugar (this includes “healthy” bars and drinks with sneaky sweeteners)
• Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and sugar alcohols (which can mess with gut health and insulin)
• Low-quality dairy and gluten if your body is sensitive to them (Allison and I both agree—this is bio-individual)

The key takeaway? Learn to read labels, be aware of what your body is telling you, and don’t assume that every “health food” is helping.

Making Fertility Nutrition Doable (Even When Life Is Full)

I’ll be honest—knowing what to eat was never my issue. It was actually eating it on a consistent basis that tripped me up. Between work, kids, and the emotional toll of TTC, cooking felt like too much.

Allison’s advice? Keep it simple:

• Pick a few go-to meals that work and rotate them.
• Keep frozen veggies and protein on hand for backup.
• Prep a batch of sauce or marinade each week (think chimichurri or balsamic vinaigrette) to add flavor fast.
• If budget allows, buy pre-washed, pre-cut produce to save time and energy.

And my personal favorite tip? Plan ahead for the nights you know will be chaotic. A little prep or even just a plan can go a long way.

Want a Shortcut? Try Prep Dish

If meal planning is your downfall (raises hand 🙋‍♀️), you’ll love Prep Dish. It’s Allison’s weekly meal planning service that takes the guesswork out of what to cook—and even links with grocery delivery so you don’t have to hit the store.

And yes, she’s offering my readers a free 2-week trial at PrepDish.com/Susan, so go grab that and test it out. You might be surprised by how much calmer you feel just knowing dinner is handled.

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If our story resonates with you, here are a few ways to connect:

1. Join Our Facebook Community: Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal for support and encouragement.
2. Subscribe to My Podcast: Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal for real stories, practical tips, and faith-filled insights.
3. Work With Me: Explore personalized coaching to optimize your fertility journey.

Your miracle baby is closer than you think, and I’m honored to support you as you trust God’s perfect timing.

Have you ever felt called to something so deeply by God, yet the path to get there seemed uncertain or even impossible? If you’ve been on the rollercoaster of trying to conceive after a vasectomy reversal, you’re not alone. My husband and I have walked this journey—through hope, heartbreak, and a two-year wait filled with challenges that tested our faith and perseverance.

This blog post shares our story, a testament to trusting God’s plan, navigating the struggles of infertility, and ultimately welcoming our miracle baby into the world. If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, or wondering if it will ever happen for you, I hope our journey will bring you encouragement, practical insights, and renewed faith.

When Five Kids Felt Like Enough (Until It Didn’t)

When my husband and I met in 2008, blending our family meant raising five kids together. At the time, we were sure our family was complete. A vasectomy seemed like the right choice, a practical decision for a growing family with no plans for more children.

Fast forward seven years, and something shifted. As our children grew older, I felt a longing that I couldn’t shake—the desire to nurture and love another child. Adoption seemed like the answer. I spent countless hours researching, and my heart broke reading stories of children who desperately needed homes.

One night, my husband said something that changed everything: “Wouldn’t it be cheaper to have one of our own?” It was a lighthearted comment, but it sparked a deep conversation. That same week, God placed the desire for another child on both our hearts, and we knew it wasn’t just coincidence—it was a calling.

Finding the Right Surgeon: A Leap of Faith

Vasectomy reversal wasn’t something we had ever considered. After a lot of research, we found Dr. Sheldon Marks, a specialist renowned for helping couples conceive after vasectomy reversals. Financially, it seemed impossible. Yet, through God’s provision, the exact amount of our tax refund matched the cost of the procedure. It was the first of many moments that reminded us God was in control.

The surgery was successful, and we were filled with hope. But as the months turned into years, that hope was tested.

Waiting on God in the Hardest Seasons

The wait was brutal. Each month brought another negative test, and I began questioning if something was wrong with me. At 39, time felt like an enemy. After months of no progress, I experienced a miscarriage—a devastating loss that left me broken and questioning everything.

During a season of waiting and military deployments, I leaned heavily into my faith. I clung to Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Despite the heartbreak, I started practicing gratitude daily, shifting my focus to the blessings around me. It wasn’t easy, but it transformed my perspective.

Letting Go of Control and Trusting God

After a failed round of IUI and side effects from fertility medications, I realized I was trying to take control of something that belonged in God’s hands. We decided to stop medical treatments and focus on holistic health—nourishing our bodies, reducing stress, and trusting in God’s timing.

In March 2020, as the world shut down, something miraculous happened: I got a positive pregnancy test. Looking back, I see how God orchestrated everything perfectly. He used that quiet season to give me time to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for the arrival of our miracle baby.

Welcoming Our Miracle Baby

On December 23, 2020, we welcomed Emma into the world. Her name means “My God has answered,” and she is a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness. Waiting for her taught us invaluable lessons about patience, trust, and leaning on God in uncertain times.

If you’re walking the path of trying to conceive after a vasectomy reversal, I see you. The waiting, the heartbreak, and the longing can feel overwhelming. But know this: God placed the desire for a child on your heart for a reason. His plans are greater than anything we can imagine, and He is with you every step of the way.

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If this resonates with you, here are a few ways to connect:

1. Join Our Faith Over Pharma Community: Find hope, healing and encouragement on Substack – where faith meets holistic wellness and women rediscover the way God designed their bodies to thrive.
2. Tune Into the Faith Over Pharma Podcast: Listen to real stories and faith-filled conversations that challenge the mainstream narrative and empower you to heal naturally – body, mind, and spirit.
3. Work With Me: Get personalized support to restore your hormones, balance your energy, and rebuild your health from the inside out – the way God intended.

Healing isn’t about chasing quick fixes — it’s about partnering with God to restore what’s been broken.