Can the Right Foods Boost Your Fertility? A Dietitian’s Take on Plant-Based Eating for Conception

Have you ever wondered if your diet could be the missing piece in your fertility journey?

Many people struggling with infertility focus on medical interventions while overlooking a critical factor—nutrition. What if the foods you eat (or don’t eat) are impacting your ability to conceive?

In this episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian Judy Simon, who shares her expertise on how nutrition plays a powerful role in fertility. Through her own experience and years of research, she’s discovered how simple dietary changes can improve your odds of getting pregnant. From PCOS and endometriosis to male factor infertility, diet can be a game-changer. And the best part? You don’t have to go fully vegan—just a more plant-focused approach can make a big difference.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The three key principles of a fertility-promoting diet
• Why antioxidants are crucial for egg and sperm health (and which food group has the most!)
• How to balance your blood sugar to avoid sugar cravings that sabotage your nutrition
• The truth about soy, whole grains, and other misunderstood fertility foods

If you’re ready to fuel your body in a way that supports your fertility goals, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can start using today.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Judy’s book: Getting to Baby: A Food-First Fertility Plan to Improve Your Odds and Shorten Your Time to Pregnancy.

Connect with Judy on Instagram @fertiltnutrition.

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Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

Meet my friend, Debbie Kaen, Founder of ‘Be•ing.’ Where sacred and science meets fertility leggings and belly wraps.

In this talk we dive deep into the spirituality of fertility, science, and the intelligence of our body’s water. 

If you’re into energetics, frequency, and vibration and deepening in soulful practices to support you on your path to motherhood, then this episode is for you.

Hope you enjoy this incredible conversation. It blew me away! 

Connect with Debbie on Instagram @being_fertilitygarments and her website Be ing Fertility Garments.

Would love to hear your takeaways! Come say hello and drop a DM on IG @ivf.manifesting.a.miracle

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

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BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

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Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

Choosing to end fertility treatments is a personal decision, and not always an easy one.

My friend and guest, Lana Manikowski shares her journey moving forward post “unsuccessful” fertility treatments. Living and thriving, finding purpose, joy, and rewriting the narrative of how she is choosing to create her life - We cover this and so much more. 

What she saw lacking in the fertility space when IVF didn’t work out for her, she decided to create. Resources, support and a community after her long fertility journey ended without a child.

Lana’s mission is one that I wholeheartedly believe deserves to more amplified. The resources and support she has created are invaluable. I’m so happy to share this conversation with you. Read more on her bio below. 

Lana’s Bio:

Lana Manikowski is a Certified Life Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Infertility Activist. Founder of “The Other's Day Brunch”.  

When a 7-year fertility journey ended without a child - and donor egg & adoption weren’t for her - Lana yearned for a community that could understand the loneliness, self-judgment, and grief around navigating a childless future. When she couldn’t find one, she created it by launching The “So Now What?” Podcast and The Other's Day Brunch. 

In her coaching practice, Lana helps women navigate a life that is unexpected. Her coaching framework helps guide women through the rediscovery of their purpose, meaning and joy, so they can build a future they truly love.

Since launching her practice in 2021, Lana has been featured on national media outlets, sharing her message and serving as an example that infertile women can create the life of their dreams, even when it takes an unexpected turn. Lana lives in downtown Chicago with her husband and fur baby, Coco.

Connect with Lana:  https://lanamanikowski.com  Instagram: @lanamanikowski

*Check out her new book "So Now What" launching in April 2025! 

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

BOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL

BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

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**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!

Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

This episode is MUST listen to.  If you're considering IVF, navigating through it, or know someone who is undergoing treatments, this is a conversation you're going to want to tune in for. 

My friend and guest Allie shares so much goodness in this episode. We cover topics on advocacy, reviewing and signing clinic documents, decisions related to our embryos, genetic testing, and so much more.

Alllie is a wealth of knowledge and I'm so grateful to her for sharing this information with us. 

After years of treatments, including IVF, Allison Freeman is a proud member and advocate of the fertility community. 

Utilizing her personal experience and law license, she began representing others during their fertility journeys and is at the forefront of issues related to treatments. 

She shares information on fertility, IVF, and advocacy on instagram at @ivf_advocate. She can also be reached at https://www.theivfadvocate.com or by email at [email protected].

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

BOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL

BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

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LISTEN to the PODCAST on Apple and Spotify:

**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!

Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

What a joy to share this Manifesting Mama story with you! Jessalynn delivered her baby boy, Brayden on 1/18/25! 

We talk about her long fertility journey - from IUI's, to IVF, and multiple losses before finding "success" with her last embryo. So much began to shift for her when she decided to lean into fertility support.  

I hope her story will inspire you and encourage you to stay open. Choosing to do IVF differently and surround yourself in community. This is where the magic is! 

------> If you're interested in exploring private coaching, participating in the Energetics of IVF Course, or being in the next intimate support group, send a DM to me over on IG @ivf.manifesting.a.miracle.  

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

BOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL

BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

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LISTEN to the PODCAST on Apple and Spotify:

**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!

Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

Welcome to Season 3 on SOULFUL IVF!

This episode is extra special as I'm introducing you to one of my besties, Carlyn.
She is one of the most inspiring people I know. Despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and the death of best friends as a young adult, she has always turned her stumbling blocks into stepping stones, showing the power of perspective to inspire people to shift limiting beliefs and take inspired action.
 
Through her personal story, Carlyn emphasizes the transformative power of authentic connections, a simple smile, and embracing vulnerability. Her mission, through Strangers to Friends, is to spread joy, foster empathy, and create meaningful, almost magical, connections, that break barriers and invite unlimited possibilities. With colorful shirts and swag representing her signature phrase  "Whoever Smiles First Wins," Carlyn reminds us the choice we are given every day to show up for ourselves and others and how the smallest gesture can spark profound change.
 
Follow and connect with her on Instagram @connectwithcarlyn and @strangerstofriends.

See the full list of FeedSpots top 25 podcasts to watch in 2025 here https://www.feedspot.com/fs/tk/GEbRwJJN7O9K5uFGCskZyxVEzOFkThkbHucUStzJSfvnFc21ZCDq7Bnk4ksFzRbSFA7A9Y9S8PYY4uIa1socxdtQ%2BfiiJvMeWSUhWN7EFQkeRvfhoV3hHEoWFVgUBFrHElEBr5dfGRVVIBVIBQhaDN4h%2BuWTTRwaIufnHt3MGcrVQQfykSYZ50QXFkYYClj%2BE0H57Y9SH%2BIRJSpVCdIm%2Fx5OAO%2BlXiM%3D

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

BOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL

BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

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LISTEN to the PODCAST on Apple and Spotify:

**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!

Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

Ever felt like your path to motherhood is a never-ending uphill battle?

If you've been struggling with infertility, failed treatments, or unexpected challenges along the way, you're not alone. But here's the thing -- You're not meant to face it in silence.

In this emotional episode, you'll hear a conversation I had with Claire Johnston. She opens up about her journey through infertility, IVF, and the unexpected hurdles she faced. From surviving pediatric liver cancer at just 15 months old to battling the heartache of failed IUIs and the trauma of an ectopic pregnancy, Claire’s story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the importance of support.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

● The importance of advocating for yourself through medical challenges.
● Why mental health support is vital on your fertility journey.
● How a supportive community can make all the difference.
● What Claire learned about strength, hope, and never giving up.

If you're struggling, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who needs a reminder that their story matters, and they are never truly alone.

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

BOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL

BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

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LISTEN to the PODCAST on Apple and Spotify:

**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!

Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

How do you reclaim your power and rise above life’s toughest challenges?

When life throws us into the deepest ditch—whether a sudden accident, loss, or unexpected obstacle—it’s easy to feel trapped, powerless, and defined by the pain. For many on a fertility path, this journey may feel like that ditch: overwhelming and out of your control. Today’s episode dives into the incredible story of Sarah Foley, aka "Vertical Blonde," whose journey of transformation and resilience has inspired countless others to embrace a new identity and reclaim their lives. Through her experience with paralysis and a complete life pivot, Sarah shares the powerful ways she embraced a renewed purpose and found empowerment in her new identity.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How Sarah redefined herself and created "Vertical Blonde" as an empowering identity
• The profound impact of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and "parts work" on her healing journey
• Why embracing responsibility for your story is key to taking back control and moving forward
• The importance of aligning with your highest self and living for your own well-being first

Tune in and prepare to be inspired as Sarah shares her journey of transformation, proving that even in life’s darkest moments, we have the power to rise and thrive.

Connect with Sarah at https://www.verticalblonde.com/

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

BOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL

BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

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WATCH on YOUTUBE

LISTEN to the PODCAST on Apple and Spotify:

**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!

Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

Have you ever thought about doing fertility treatment abroad? 

Many individuals and couples facing fertility challenges feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their options, often making mistakes due to lack of information. It's common to think that IVF is a straightforward solution, but navigating the world of fertility treatments can be complicated and emotionally taxing.

This episode explores the intricacies of IVF, particularly when considering options abroad. Emma Haslam shares her personal journey, the struggles she faced, and the solutions she discovered that can empower you in your own fertility journey.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The critical questions to ask when exploring fertility clinics abroad.
• Why transparency in costs and care is essential in the IVF process.
• The differences between fertility clinics in the UK and Europe, and how to choose the right one for you.
• How Emma’s personal experiences led her to create Your IVF Abroad, a vital resource for those seeking support in their fertility journeys.

 Connect with Emma! Instagram, Facebook page, and check out her website at yourivfabroad.co.uk.

 FREE RESOURCES:
Could fertility treatment abroad be right for you? CLICK HERE to download your free checklist.

ONLINE FERTILITY PHARMACY INTRODUCTION

Need help getting your fertility medication and supplements quickly, easily and at competitive prices? CLICK HERE To Learn More.

YOUR IVF ABROAD JOURNAL & PLANNER AVAILABLE HERE

LISTEN TO MY PODCAST HERE

READ MY BLOG HERE

LEARN MORE ON MY WEBSITE

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

BOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL

BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

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LISTEN to the PODCAST on Apple and Spotify:

**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!

Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG

7, 80, 10,000 - Hear the significance of these special numbers I share in real time. 

Decided to record this mini episode for you yesterday!!

⬇️ Read below for all the latest. 

Keep the Light Alive!  Here for you. XO

CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT

DOWNLOAD: FREE GUIDE: 11 SUCCESS STORIES

BOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL

BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.’

INSTAGRAM

WATCH on YOUTUBE

LISTEN to the PODCAST on Apple and Spotify:

**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!

Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG