FirstLine Therapy for Fertility (FLTF)
FirstLine Therapy for Fertility (FLTF) is a comprehensive, fertility-friendly weight loss program designed to help women increase their odds of conception through weight loss. This effective program will introduce you to highly nutritious and satisfying eating guidelines based on a modified Mediterranean dietary pattern, which several studies have associated with potential protection against infertility. The FLTF food plan provides ample amounts of nutrients that are important for good nutrition function and targets the specific ways in which overweight negatively impacts fertility: poor blood sugar regulation, inflammation and the negative hormonal impact of excess body fat. With FLTF, we will help you nourish your body with the vitamins, minerals and healthy foods needed to support fertility and help you feel satisfied, while at the same time helping you achieve a healthy weight. This very effective program will help you virtually eliminate sugar cravings, improve your energy level and digestion and support optimal hormone balance.
FLTF is different than other weight loss programs in that we focus on minimally processed whole and real foods along with healthy fats to support overall health and fertility. We call this “nourishing up.” There are no highly processed “diet foods” on this program, only nourishing satisfying nutrient-rich foods. Refined sugars and treats play a minimal role in this dietary pattern as do “diet foods” like processed low-fat dairy, and sugar free or fat free foods. FirstLine Therapy has been shown to promote weight loss as well as improve markers of metabolic syndrome, such as decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol, in women.
The 8-week program includes a one-on-one 60-minute consultation with the Nutritionist as well as seven 60-minute Nutritionist-led group sessions. During the one-on-one consultation, we will review your fertility and health history, supplement regimen and eating habits. We will also measure your weight, body composition via Near Infrared (NIR) and waist and hip circumferences. These values will be tracked throughout the 8-week program. We will create a highly personalized eating plan designed to help you lose weight, have more energy and improve your fertility. You will also receive specific supplement recommendations for your unique situation.
Once you have completed the one-on-one consultation, you will be eligible to attend seven group sessions, which are held on Thursday evenings from 7-8pm in Chicago and on Sundays at 12pm in Rockville. The weekly group sessions will consist of a weigh-in every week and NIR and waist/hip circumference measurements at weeks 4 and 8. Each group session covers a different topic including exercise for fertility, specific vitamins and minerals for fertility, as well as cleansing and stress management.
The FLTF program is led by Registered Dietitians who are experts in fertility nutrition and are up to speed on ART treatments. We provide education about Fertility Go (eat lots every day), Whoa (okay in moderation) and No (let’s skip these) food. In addition there is education and emphasis on foods and supplements that limit inflammation, which is implicated in many different infertility conditions including endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and poor egg quality. The group setting provides an incredibly supportive and positive environment for helping you to lose weight, improve your overall health and support conception.
