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19 Foods that Increase Fertility When You're Trying to Get Pregnant


If you make a Greek yogurt parfait, include berries, a tablespoon of unsweetened nut butter, and a few walnuts on top for the full effect.

10. Pomegranates

As an extra-flavorful topper, Becker reaches for pomegranates. “Antioxidant-rich pomegranates are also rich in many nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and several other vitamins and minerals that aid in fertility,” she says.

It’s really easy to enjoy them too. Simply sprinkle them onto your oatmeal or Greek yogurt in the morning, or enjoy them plain, she says. You can also enjoy them on top of that salmon and spinach salad.

11. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein, and they can also help boost your fertility. “Eggs are rich in choline, which studies have shown can have significant positive effects on fetal development,” says Becker.

The easiest way to have them is first thing in the morning. “Supercharge your breakfast with a veggie-packed omelet or an egg baked inside of half an avocado,” Becker recommends. Just make sure you avoid the egg-white omelet option and never skip the yolk, she says, since that’s “where all of the good nutrients are.”

12. Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is another fertility food that’s great for reproductive health in both men and women. “Bee pollen has shown promise to promote sperm quantity and help boost fertility in women,” says Williams. “But make sure you get your bee pollen from a reputable source to ensure efficiency.”

While you can take it on its own, Williams says, it can also be added to smoothies “and used as a topping to your favorite parfait and breakfast bowl.” So get out your Greek yogurt and add the bee pollen.

13. Maca

Another food to add to your fertility diet is maca. “Superfoods like Peruvian maca may even boost sperm count,” says Williams.

This one might be best for your partner for that reason, but it certainly can’t help to incorporate some into both of your diets. A great way to do it is by adding it to your healthy smoothie for breakfast, along with avocado, spinach and maybe even a bit of Greek yogurt and bee pollen. Since it has a slightly bitter nature, Williams says, this is a great way to have your maca and eat it too.

14. Eggs

Eggs are one of the most nutrient dense foods that exist, especially eggs from pastured hens. They are abundant in fertility-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin E, and choline—a nutrient that helps fetal brain development. Eat 8-12 eggs per week to get enough choline in your diet, and if you can, get organic eggs from pastured hens.

15. Asparagus

Folic acid is critical for women who are trying to get pregnant and asparagus is full of it: One cup of asparagus gets you more than half of your daily recommended dose of folic acid, plus all your daily vitamin K. Asparagus also contains glutathione, an antioxidant which improves egg quality. So stock up on asparagus—and opt for fresh or frozen, if possible, since canned asparagus has a lot of sodium.

16. Watermelon

Watermelon is another solid source of glutathione. It’s also known to help alleviate morning sickness, heartburn, swelling, and even third-trimester cramps, so it’s a good thing to keep on your plate even after you get pregnant. Watermelon also helps male fertility, since it contains lycopen—an antioxidant that helps sperm motility.

17. Liver

Contrary to popular belief, liver is not the “toxic organ,” rather it is the “detoxifier.” The liver helps remove impurities from one’s system, but it does not hold onto those impurities. It can help women get pregnant because it’s an amazing source of folate (the active form of folic acid), all your B vitamins, choline and loads of antioxidants like inositol (which has been shown to improve egg quality in women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization procedures). Add three ounces of liver to your diet per week, or if you can’t imagine eating liver, you can take it as a supplement in a pill form.

18. Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is technically an oil from fish, but it’s different from regular old fish oil. Both fish oil and cod liver oil are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, however cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D, which are fat soluble vitamins important to fertility and conception. If you’re suffering from a vitamin D deficiency (and many people are), reach for cod liver oil instead of fish oil. You can take cod liver oil in capsule or liquid form daily—and be sure to take an amount that delivers 2,000 IUs of vitamin D.

19. Sunflower Seeds

Male fertility can get a boost from sunflower seeds, which are great for improving sperm motility and sperm count. It’s easy to get more in your diet—sprinkle sunflower seeds on salads or try a sunflower seed butter slathered on toast.

Now that you know the foods that increase your fertility, check out the foods you should avoid if you’re trying to get pregnant.



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31 Kinky Sex Ideas You're Going to Want to Try


We’ve all watched and read about plenty of kinky sex ideas (we’ll never forget you, Fifty Shades of Grey), but how many of us really take those desires beyond the books we read and into our bedrooms? If you’re looking to shake things up, there are plenty of ways to do it. From the tame to the wild, we’ve rounded up the 31 best kinky sex ideas to try out.

1. Take it to a mirror.

The next time things are heating up, whisper in your partner’s ear just how sexy they look—and suggest you get an even better view. Lead them to a mirror and lean yourself in front of it, allowing them to enter you from behind or reach around to stimulate your clitoris. You’ll get to watch them enjoy themselves, and they’ll get a view of you from the back and front. It’s also fun to lean a mirror next to your bed, so you can watch as you get it on from different positions.

2. Talk dirty.

Turn up the heat on your dirty talk by describing the sensations you’re feeling, giving gentle encouraging directions, and telling them what you want to do to them before you do it. You may also find that whispering about how a touch feels or being forward with what you want enhances what you’re experiencing in the moment.

3. Get icy.

We’re not talking about the old cliché of popping an ice cube in your mouth before giving oral sex. (Though if that does it for you, by all means go for it!) Ice cubes are the cheapest sex toy around, perfect for trailing over your partner’s body when things get steamy for a chillingly good sensation.

4. Send a racy text.

Be as brave as your vocabulary permits. You can send a simple, suggestive message—”I can’t wait to touch you tonight,” for example—or something more bold, such as a step-by-step guide to what you’ll do to them the second they walk through the door. Need ideas? We’ve got ’em.

5. Tie them up.

Maybe you’ve backed off the idea of bondage because buying handcuffs or other restraints is just too freaky for you. If that’s the case, try something a little more subtle, like a tie or scarf. Playfully wrap it around their wrists and secure them to a chair and go down on them. Or, if you want a more submissive role, ask your partner if they’d like to tie you to the headboard and have their way with you. We’re guessing you’re going to get a resounding yes.

7. Use a blindfold.

You can take that same tie and use it as a blindfold, shielding your partner’s eyes from your next moves, or taking away your own sight while he or she goes to town on your body. When you block off one sense, your body intensifies its others. Touch will feel extra electric and surprising.

7. Nibble and bite.

Nibbling and biting during sex is a sign of passion. It’s a little naughty and a lot hot—the perfect way to show how turned on you are. While you’re making out, test the waters to see if your partner is okay with a little teeth by gently nibbling on their lip. You can also gently drag your teeth over your partner’s shoulders in between sensual open-mouth kisses on their skin.

8. Try ultra-relaxing foreplay.

Two words for you: naked massage. In these stressful times, we could all use some extra TLC so offer your partner a sensual massage. For this you need nothing more than the lotion you already keep by your bedside—and to be prepared for things to heat up quickly.

9. Dress up.

If you’re living your days in sweats, dressing up right before you get naked can be a good way to get yourself in the mood. And why not try a uniform? If you’re looking to get out of a rut, dressing up as a doctor or French maid could be a fun experiment.

10. Spank them.

Spanking can be hot. That being said, it’s best not to give a whop out of nowhere that will just startle your partner and kill the moment. Next time you’re having that kind of passionate, animalistic sex, give them a light smack on the butt cheek with an open palm. If they seem into it, you can spank them a little harder. Studies have shown that arousal raises our pain threshold, so get after it!

11. Or pull their hair.

Don’t underestimate the appeal of a firm tug on your partner’s hair. The next time they’re going down on you, run your fingers through their hair and get a grip. Give it a gentle pull and see how they like it. The trick to making it feel good rather than hurt is to grab a bigger handful hair.

12. Get loud.

Don’t be afraid to express yourself. There’s an incredible freedom in vocalizing what you want and how good you’re feeling—and your lover is definitely going to be all ears.

13. Let your partner watch you masturbate.

This definitely requires some boldness but putting on a show by letting your significant other watch you pleasure yourself can be deeply empowering. Look straight into their eyes while you do it, and it won’t be long before they’re begging you to let them take over.

14. Drip hot oil on your partner with a massage candle.

Don’t be scared: massage candles are safe and will not burn you. They’re specifically formulated to heat up and turn into a sensuous oil that you can rub all over your partner (just not inside your partner—it’s not meant to be used as lube). After the candle turns to liquid oil, blow it out and it will stay liquefied for 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to gently drip it onto your partner and give them a spicy rubdown.

15. Leave the windows open.

Engage in a little light exhibition by leaving the blinds open or the window cracked, depending on how far you want to take it. The chance that someone could see you—or maybe just hear you—makes things all the more exciting.

16. Experiment with role play.

There’s a reason role play is one of the most common sex fantasies: It gives you a chance to let loose and act in a way that you wouldn’t necessarily behave ordinarily, and that’s incredibly freeing. Whether it’s boss and secretary, doctor and patient, student and professor, or anything else, role play is a harmless way to live out a fantasy and get kinky.

17. Play with sex toys.

Hit up a sex shop or online sex store and stock up on naughty goodies. From edible panties to vibrators, there are plenty of options that will spice things up and help you get your freak on. Not sure where to start without getting a bunch of creepy ads? We’ve got you.

18. Try new positions.

We all fall into routines, even when it comes to sex positions. Shake things up. Need some ideas? We’ve got plenty of suggestions for creative sex positions.

19. Don’t forget the pleasure of oral sex.

Sometimes we get to the main event way too quickly—oral sex can be a great way to slow things down and prioritize your pleasure.

20. Get steamy in the shower.

Start things off (and maybe even finish them) in the shower. Just be careful of slippage.

21. Have some strap-on fun.

Getting a strap on and penetrating your partner is a whole new experience that switches up the dynamic and can lead to some sex sessions you’ll never forget. If you’re into the idea, talk to your partner. As always, healthy open communication is key.

22. Get a sex pillow.

Sometimes angles can make all the difference. With a sex pillow, all kinds of new angles become available and the same-old, same-old suddenly feels anything but ordinary.

23. Make a home movie.

Smartphones make it easier than ever to make an x-rated home movie. Even if you watch it once and delete it, you’ll always have the experience in your memory. Just make sure to keep digital safety in mind—and make sure any content stays exclusively on your phone.

24. Have anal sex.

Add another entrée to the menu: anal sex. With the right preparation and mindset, taking things to the back can be the kinky sex idea you’ll thank god you tried.

25. Watch porn together.

If porn is something you enjoy, why not watch it with your partner? Chances are your attention will quickly turn to each other rather than the screen, and the moans coming from the background will keep the mood ultra sexy.

26. Get down in public.

Whether it’s an elevator, in an airplane, or in the back alley of a bar, there’s something inherently kinky about getting it on where you’re not supposed to. To fake the feeling at home, do it in front of the window.

27. Forego panties.

This is one of those simple but effective kinky sex ideas: Just forget to wear your underwear and casually mention it to your partner. Or, better yet, take them off in the bathroom at dinner and when you return the table, discreetly hand them to your partner with a sly smile. Check please.

28. Have sex on your period.

Period sex doesn’t have to be off-limits. In fact, there are plenty of benefits to having period sex—including increased lubrication and heightened sensitivity. If you’ve never tried it before, or are worried about a mess, start in the shower.

29. Lounge in lingerie.

Wearing underthings that make you feel confident and sexy is the ultimate self-turn on. Even if you’re wearing nothing but sweats around the house, slip on something that makes you ready for action underneath—it will be a sexy surprise for both of you.

30. Find pleasure in the fridge.

Bringing food into the bedroom can be oh so hot. Make an ice cream sundae, but rather than top your vanilla confection with hot sauce or whipped cream, rub a dab on your lips or neck and ask your lover to lick it off. As things heat up, paint some of your other erogenous zones with deliciousness they’ll lap up with pleasure.

31. Did someone say threesome?

This is definitely one of the more wild kinky sex ideas, but we’ve got to include threesomes. Adding another player into your bedroom games can be a memorable adventure—just make sure to communicate with all parties involved, be safe, and find the right person.



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10 Sleep Songs to Listen to When You're Lying Awake at Night


Here’s a picture: It’s midnight, you’ve been tossing and turning for hours, but can’t fall asleep. When this happens to me, I find that a playlist of sleep songs really does help me cross over to that glorious REM cycle I’m craving. But it can’t just be any ballad. It has to be a mix of soft vocals, subdued production, and simple lyrics. You know, the stuff dreams are made of.

These 10 tracks, below, always do it for me. Try them out the next time you have insomnia and see if they help you bop to sleep:

“Let’s get unconscious, honey” Madonna sings on this nineties classic—and after listening to it, you may do just that. I mean that in the most flattering way, of course. With its bubbly ambient production and hazy vocal delivery, “Bedtime Story” is an ideal song for unwinding. You could call it the perfect…well, bedtime story.

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Norah Jones, “Don’t Know Why”

Jones shot to the top of the charts in 2002 with this warm, sleepy ballad, and it still holds up nearly 20 years later. Her vocals are velvety smooth, and the piano production is equally as relaxing. The result? A downtempo track that feels like the first five minutes in a hot bubble bath.

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Sufjan Stevens, “The Dress Looks Nice on You”

Similar to “Don’t Know Why,” there’s a lulling quality to this Sufjan Stevens staple that will put you in a slumber-y mood. Maybe it’s the soft guitar plucks. Maybe it’s the soft synths in the background. Or Stevens’s muted vocals. It’s probably a combination of all three. Either way, this song lowered my blood pressure two points, so get into it.

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Charli and Carly are known for their uptempo party bangers, which is why it’s funny their only collaboration together is this haunting slow-jam. “Backseat” is the quintessential zone-out song—atmospheric and electronic, with a pulse that never gets too high. Even with its heavy synths and Auto-Tuned casing, you’ll fall right into your REM cycle.

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Beach House, “Take Care”

Beach House has a consistently chill discography, but “Take Care” is one of their finest tracks. It literally feels like riding down a winding road on a warm spring day. And you know what that means? Peace! And! Sleep!

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Any song on Kacey Musgraves’s Golden Hour album would work for this list (except maybe “High Horse”), but my personal favorite is “Oh, What A World,” a trippy country ballad with electronic tinges and twinkly production. It’s the sonic equivalent of a deep-sleep dream.

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Moore’s 2007 album Wild Hope was a significant departure from the candy-colored dance-pop that made her a star. In lieu of sugary-sweet hooks, she went full-on folk-acoustic—and the results were beautiful. Especially on “Extraordinary,” which sounds like the lazy Sunday morning you’ve always hoped for.

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Frou Frou, “Let Go”

For a brief period of time, Imogen Heap and producer Guy Sigsworth were a dream-pop duo known as Frou Frou. Their best song (which you no-doubt heard on soundtracks for The Holiday and Garden State) was “Let Go,” a synth-pop tune with luscious orchestral influence. It’s nothing short of stunning, and one of the most relaxing songs you’ll hear.

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Rihanna’s cover of this Tame Impala song is one of the highlights off her 2016 album Anti— and that’s saying something, because every track on that record is superb. Airy, experimental, and surprisingly soft, RiRi’s “Same Ol’ Mistakes” is a fever dream that will make you melt…then sleep.

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Britney Spears, “Out From Under”

Another Guy Sigsworth appearance. The iconic producer helped craft this rare Britney ballad—which is one of her best, might I add. She truly sounds angelic on the song. Listen once, and your stress level will drop significantly.

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Sleep is a $70 billion industry—we throw our money at a dreamier night’s rest, promise ourselves we’ll prioritize it, and then gripe when we’re still, inevitably, so tired. Despite our collective obsession with sleep, we seem totally unable to get more of it. In fact, we’re clocking fewer hours than ever. So, this month, we’re taking a look at what’s getting in the way—and what to do about it.



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Cheer on Netflix Review: If You're Not Watching This Show, What Are You Even Doing?


Cheer on Netflix is everything I look for in a show: emotional, compelling, addicting, and so well-made. The six-episode documentary series (from the team behind another favorite, Last Chance U) takes you inside the world of competitive cheerleading at Navarro College, a small junior college in Corsicana, Texas.

Perhaps you’re telling yourself that you aren’t interested in cheerleading—and I’m here to tell you that you’re mistaken. Even if you’ve never tumbled, done a herky, or stood atop a pyramid, this show is utterly fascinating. First off, these young people are incredible athletes of the highest order, and getting to see what they put their bodies through for the sake of their sport is awe-inspiring. (Once you see a single practice, you’ll never question whether it’s a sport again.)

The Navarro squad is preparing for the National Championships, and the school has a storied history of winning under tough-but-kind coach Monica Aldama, who I kind of wish I could hire to make all my important life decisions.

Courtesy of Netflix

You get to see lots of the whole squad, but the story focuses on a few main members (and Monica). And let me just say they will find a way into your heart almost immediately⁠—like, you will want to drive down to Texas and give them hugs. I devoured the show in a day over the weekend, and I already miss Jerry, La’Darius, Morgan, Lexie, Gabi, and even Sherbs so much. A number of them come from tough backgrounds, and Navarro has offered them a home and a safe space to be themselves, live their truth, and be a part of a family.

Cheer on Netflix
Courtesy of Netflix



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Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Is Glee Meets La La Land—and You're Going to Love It


Levy does sing on the show, though. All the characters do. At the risk of spoiler-ing, I can confirm that you will hear Lorelai Gilmore sing tunes by both the Rolling Stones and Miley Cyrus within the first four episodes of this show. Levy spent the summer going to voice lessons to prepare for the role and says she’s often surprised to find herself in the center of giant dance numbers—choreographed to non-annoying perfection by La La Land’s Mandy Moore.

“If the show gets picked up for a second season I have all sorts of plans,” she says, excitedly, before giving specifics. “Tap dancing classes.”

I feel I can say confidently that we would all very much like to see Skylar Astin, Lauren Graham, and the rest of this cast tap dancing. But there may never be jazz hands or 5-6-7-8s on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. The musical numbers take place inside Zoey’s head, and the rest of the show is naturalistic. We meet awkward tech workers, lonely baristas, and families who are in mourning. Zoey’s big tech world is glossy, sure, but its inhabitants are isolated.

Jane Levy in Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.

Sergei Bachlakov/NBC

It’s not clear if Zoey’s ability to hear people’s thoughts is an Edward Cullen-style superpower or an imaginary escape—some type of coping mechanism. It’s moving and a little eerie but surprisingly relatable, right down to the emotional Whitney Houston covers. There’s even a fairly nuanced plot about how misogyny can infiltrate the workplace, even when your boss is a woman. For Levy, who has been outspoken about her feminism and support for women’s health groups (like Planned Parenthood), this topic is, unfortunately, familiar.

“I definitely have been treated in ways that I don’t think that men in my position would be treated,” she says. “I have been paid considerably less than my male co-stars, even on a movie in which I was supposed to be the lead. I actually ended up dropping out of it because I found out my co-star, who was male, was being paid more than five times as much as me and they would not negotiate a higher rate for me.”

She adds, “Some of my greatest confidantes in my life have been women.” (She’s close friends with Good Girls star Mae Whitman and comedian Jenny Slate, for example.) With this, I’m reminded of something Levy recently posted to her Instagram: a clip from the movie Dolores Claiborne, in which Judy Parfitt tells Kathy Bates, “Sometimes you have to be a high riding bitch to survive.” I ask Levy about it, and she laughs.

“I love women and I hope for a society and greater world to be more equal between the genders,” she says. “I’m all for equality, baby.”

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist premieres Tuesday, January 7, at 10 P.M. ET on NBC.

Jenny Singer is a staff writer for Glamour. Follow her on Twitter @JeanValjenny.





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5 Reasons You're Not Having an Orgasm (And How to Make It More Likely)


For most women, clitoral stimulation is the best way to achieve an orgasm—if your partner isn’t engaging your clitoris during intercourse, that may explain things. Kramer Bussel suggests using sex toys during sex, which “can offer various types of stimulation to different body parts.” You can also literally train your body to feel more pleasure during penetration. “Many women who self-pleasure do so by clitoral stimulation only,” says Yelverton, “but when women masturbate with a sex toy internally, it begins to train the body to orgasm that way.”

3. You aren’t comfortable with your body.

If you spend the better part of your day criticizing your body, it may be difficult to achieve orgasm. “Often times, women are concerned about what their bodies look like naked during sex distracting them from fully being present in the moment,” says Yelverton.

Yelverton recommends focusing less on your own body and more on where your body is connecting with your partner. It’s important to focus on what you’re feeling, instead of what you’re thinking about your body outside of the bedroom,” she says. “Try to appreciate your body and love the experience.“

If you need help in this department, she suggests experimenting with a blindfold—playing with sensory deprivation is a great way to stay present during sex.

4. You aren’t masturbating enough.

It might seem counterintuitive to masturbate in order to achieve orgasm with a partner, but if you don’t know what works for you, how will someone else? “Women who don’t regularly masturbate may not know their bodies well enough to communicate their needs of how to be touched to their partners,” says Yelverton. “The best thing is to really explore your body.” She suggests awakening those nerve endings multiple times a week.

Kramer Bussel agrees, and especially recommends sex toys for your solo experimenting. “Sex toys can go a long way, and can do things that we may not be able to on our own,” she says. Once you’ve mastered the art of self-pleasure, you can instruct your partner on what they should be doing to help bring you to orgasm during sex.

5. You’re too focused on achieving orgasm.

If you’re too focused on having an orgasm, it’s very possible to get in your own way. So, it’s important to remember that orgasms aren’t the only point of sex. “I don’t think orgasms are the be all and end all of sex for me,” Kramer Bussel says. “I like to have them but I would rather focus on feeling good than achieving a goal.”

That focus on feeling good is especially helpful when you consider how connecting with your partner, or with yourself, can be beneficial for your mental and physical health. Try experimenting with “non-sexual touch activities,” like giving each other massages, which can be beneficial to how you communicate your needs to your partner once you’re in bed, says Yelverton.



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