Nutrition Strategies Before IVF: What to Eat and What to Reduce

Embarking on an IVF journey can be exciting, stressful, and deeply emotional all at once. While there’s no single “magic” food that guarantees success, what you eat before and during treatment can support your reproductive health, hormone balance, and overall well-being.

A fertility dietitian can guide you in creating a personalized fertility diet plan to optimize your body for IVF, reduce inflammation, and nourish both you and your future pregnancy.

Why Nutrition Matters Before IVF

Before starting IVF, your body is preparing for ovulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and implantation. Proper nutrition supports hormone regulation, egg quality, and uterine health.

A targeted fertility diet plan can:

• Stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels

• Reduce inflammation that may impact implantation

• Support a healthy body and energy levels

• Ensure essential nutrients are available for conception and early pregnancy

While IVF medications are powerful, your body responds best when it is nourished and balanced. That’s where a fertility dietitian comes in—helping you make intentional, evidence-based choices without restriction or shame.

Read our Blog: How a Fertility Nutritionist Can Improve Your Chances of Conception

Foods to Prioritize

1. Whole, Minimally Processed Foods

Focusing on nutrient-dense foods ensures your body gets the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it needs:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients

• Whole grains such as quinoa, oats, and brown rice

• Legumes and beans for protein, fiber, and folate

2. Protein at Every Meal

Protein supports hormone production and tissue repair. Include:

• Lean meats and poultry (if you eat animal products)

• Eggs

• Plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, lentils, and chickpeas

• Greek yogurt or cottage cheese

3. Healthy Fats

Fats support hormone synthesis, including estrogen and progesterone, and help reduce inflammation:

• Avocados

• Nuts and seeds

• Olive oil, avocado oil, and other minimally processed oils

• Fatty fish like salmon (if included in your diet)

4. Key Fertility Nutrients

Some nutrients are especially important before IVF:

• Folate: leafy greens, beans, fortified grains

• Iron: beans, lentils, spinach, red meat if tolerated

• Vitamin D: fatty fish, fortified plant milks, sunlight exposure

• Omega-3 fatty acids: chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, fatty fish

• Antioxidants: berries, colorful vegetables, nuts

Foods to Approach with Caution

1. Highly Processed Foods

Refined sugars, packaged snacks, and fried foods may increase inflammation and impact blood sugar, which can affect hormone balance.

2. Excessive Caffeine

Moderate caffeine intake (under 200 mg/day) is generally considered safe, but excess may interfere with implantation.

3. Alcohol

Even small amounts may affect fertility and early pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid alcohol when preparing for IVF.

4. Certain Fish High in Mercury

Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish can be high in mercury, which may negatively impact reproductive health.

Supporting Your IVF Journey with a Fertility Dietitian

Working with a fertility dietitian ensures your fertility diet plan is tailored to your body, lifestyle, and IVF protocol. At Couture Wellness, we provide compassionate, evidence-based guidance, helping you:

• Understand which foods support hormone balance and egg quality

• Build a realistic meal plan that fits your schedule

• Navigate cravings, emotional stress, and social pressures around food

• Stay consistent and nourished while managing IVF appointments and medications

Our approach isn’t about restriction—it’s about creating a sustainable, supportive plan that empowers your body and mind during a challenging time.

Contact us to learn more or get started.