🎧 Episode 10: The Fertility Diet That Actually Works: What to Eat to Get Pregnant with Judy Simon, RDN
In this episode of The WOVA Circle Fertility Podcast, I sit down with Judy Simon, MS, RDN, CD, CHES, a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in reproductive health, Founder of Mind Body Nutrition, and Clinical Instructor at the University of Washington. We dive into why nutrition is THE foundation for conception and pregnancy, and how simple, practical dietary changes can dramatically improve fertility outcomes without requiring a complete lifestyle overhaul.
This transformative conversation explores Judy's 15 years of teaching Food for Fertility classes and her newly published book "Getting to Baby" We discuss why fertility challenges are often rooted in what we're NOT eating rather than what we need to eliminate, how plant-forward eating improves egg quality and sperm health, why gut health is critical for hormonal balance, and how nutrition can help women with PCOS ovulate naturally. Judy breaks down the science in accessible terms and provides actionable strategies to nourish your body for baby while living in the real world.
📖 Get the book: "Getting to Baby" - Available at all major booksellers
🌐 Connect with Judy:
Instagram: @FertileNutrition
Website: MindBodyNutrition.com
Listen Time: 70 minutes
Best For:
Couples trying to conceive, especially with PCOS, endometriosis, or male factor infertility
Women and men preparing for IVF or other fertility treatments
Anyone wanting to optimize preconception health naturally
People dealing with unexplained infertility or repeat pregnancy loss
Those seeking evidence-based nutrition strategies to improve egg and sperm quality
Individuals concerned about the role of diet in hormonal balance and reproductive health
What You'll Hear:
Groundbreaking Research & Science
The Harvard Nurses Study and EARTH Study: strongest evidence linking diet to fertility
What "plant-forward" really means and why it's not just for vegetarians
How gut microbiome differences show up in PCOS and endometriosis
The role of fiber in naturally balancing hormones and reducing inflammation
Impact on Fertility & Reproductive Health
Why 30-40% of infertility is male factor and what men should be eating
How blood sugar regulation affects egg quality and ovulation
The truth about soy and fertility (surprising research that debunks the myths)
Why you can't out-supplement a poor diet and what actually matters
How nutrition can reduce risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor
The Real Talk on Nutrition
Why the supplement industry wants you focused on pills instead of plates
The "add in" approach: building healthy habits without deprivation or judgment
How behavioral change actually works (hint: it's not willpower)
Why weight-inclusive care gets better fertility outcomes than traditional approaches
Practical Nutrition Strategies
The #1 food change both men and women should make TODAY
Nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, and whole grains: what to prioritize and why
How to get 25-35g of fiber daily without feeling overwhelmed
Creating a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory plate that supports conception
Sleep, meal timing, and lifestyle habits that make nutrition work better
The 6-12 week timeline: how quickly you can see improvements
Judy reminds us that this isn't about perfection or complete dietary overhaul but rather about compassionate, incremental changes that become sustainable habits. Even improving your nutrition by 20-30% can have profound effects on fertility. Whether you're navigating PCOS, endometriosis, male factor infertility, preparing for IVF, or simply want to optimize your preconception health, this episode offers evidence-based science and practical steps you can take today.
Judy Simon, MS, RDN, CD, CHES is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in reproductive health, Founder of Mind Body Nutrition, Clinical Instructor and Staff Dietitian at the University of Washington, Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and author of "Getting to Baby: Your Fertility Diet Plan." She has held leadership roles in the American Society of Reproductive Medicine's Nutritional Special Interest Group and has spent 15 years teaching Food for Fertility classes that have helped hundreds of couples achieve pregnancy.
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🌿 Connect with WOVA:
Instagram: @wovahealth
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