The Fertility Reset

What Not to Eat Before IVF

In this completely unscripted, unfiltered episode of The Fertility Reset, Susan goes totally off the cuff to tackle one of the most toxic, stress-inducing questions dominating the fertility space right now: "What should I NOT eat before IVF?" If your social media algorithm is constantly feeding you rigid rules about cutting out gluten, abandoning all added sugars, or living strictly on salmon and broccoli, you need to hear this. As a registered dietitian with a Master’s degree and over 14 years of experience (plus her own 5.5-year battle with infertility), Susan breaks down why microscopic food restrictions are likely doing your reproductive system more harm than good.
Tune in to discover why under-eating and stress are the real culprits down-regulating your fertility, why your body needs to feel nourished to step out of "starvation mode," and how enjoying that bowl of ice cream might just be the best thing you can do for your peace of mind and your upcoming cycle.
Links & Resources Mentioned
Ready to stop the guesswork? Snag your seat in my Free Fertility Training to learn the exact dietary foundations that actually move the needle.
Simplify your fertility nutrition: Get step-by-step guidance, meal ideas, and recipes built to optimize your cycle inside my signature course, Fertility Nutrition Simplified.
Connect with Susan: Have a thought, a breakthrough, or a question about today’s episode? Send me a DM on Instagram at @nutrition.for.infertility—I’d love to hear from you!
 

Why Eating “Healthy” May Be Hurting Your Fertility and IVF Success

This week on The Fertility Reset Podcast, we're talking about one of the most common messages I receive: “I already eat pretty healthy, so what am I missing?”
If you’re eating lots of nutrient-dense foods like eggs, salmon, nuts, seeds, and taking all the supplements but wondering if you are missing something, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the common pattern I see in women preparing for IVF or navigating fertility treatments: unintentionally under-eating key nutrients, especially carbohydrates, and why that may impact hormones, cervical mucus, egg quality, and overall fertility.
Tune in to learn:
Why “healthy eating” doesn’t always mean fertility-supportive eating
The common nutrition gaps I see in women trying to conceive
Why carbohydrates matter for hormones and reproductive health
Signs your body may not be getting enough fuel
Resources & Next Steps:✨ Free Training: Why Fertility Treatments Fail (and What No One's Talking About)
✨ Fertility Nutrition Simplified Course✨ Work with me 1:1 for personalized fertility nutrition support

2 Questions to Improve Egg Quality, Balance Blood Sugar & Boost IVF Success

Feeling overwhelmed by all the fertility nutrition advice online? Between Google searches, social media, and even tools like ChatGPT, it’s easy to fall into information overload and still not know what actually applies to your body.
In this episode of the Fertility Reset Podcast, Susan breaks it down into two simple, powerful questions you can ask yourself to start improving your fertility through nutrition without the overwhelm.
These foundational habits can help support:
Hormone balance
Blood sugar stability
Reduced inflammation
Improved egg quality
Better outcomes during IVF or fertility treatments
If you’ve been wondering where to start with fertility nutrition, this is your step-by-step starting point.
Ready to take the guesswork out of fertility nutrition?
Inside Fertility Nutrition Simplified, you’ll learn exactly what to eat, how to support your hormones, and how to optimize your body for pregnancy, without restrictive diets or overwhelm.
👉 Check it out here: https://susanportznutrition.com/fertility-nutrition-simplified

Why I don't recommend the Mediterranean diet for IVF

In today’s episode, I break down why the popular “Mediterranean diet for fertility” recommendation isn’t as helpful—or realistic—as many women are led to believe.
While the Mediterranean diet has been studied for health and fertility, the truth is that the lifestyle in Mediterranean regions is radically different from life in the U.S. From daily walking to fresh local food to slower meals and lower cortisol loads, these cultural differences make it impossible to truly replicate the Mediterranean experience through food alone.
I share why I don’t recommend this diet for women going through IVF or other fertility treatments, what parts of it are beneficial, and how to build a sustainable eating plan that actually meets your personal fertility needs—without overwhelm and without generic meal plans that don’t work.
💛 Free Training: Learn what truly matters most for IVF nutrition → https://go.simplejoyfulnutrition.com/freeclasswhytreatmentsfail
✨ Apply to the 1:1 Fertility Reset Program: Click here!
📲 DM your questions on Instagram: @nutrition.for.infertility

Do you really need to take DHEA for egg quality?

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most commonly recommended IVF supplements: DHEA.After being told to take it—without any testing—and getting extremely sick, I later discovered that DHEA is actually a hormone. I break down who actually needs it, when it can help, and when it can make egg quality worse, not better.
You’ll learn:
What DHEA really is
Why AMH alone shouldn’t determine whether you take it
The importance of testing before starting hormone-based supplements
Why mega-dose supplement protocols can harm fertility
What to do instead to support egg quality
💛 Free Training: Learn what truly matters most for IVF nutrition → https://go.simplejoyfulnutrition.com/freeclasswhytreatmentsfail
✨ Apply to the 1:1 Fertility Reset Program: Click here!
📲 DM your questions on Instagram: @nutrition.for.infertility

3 Things to Eat Before an IVF Embryo Transfer

Feeling overwhelmed about what to eat before your embryo transfer? In this short and sweet episode, I break down three simple, nutrient-packed foods to focus on before transfer — no complicated meal plans or restrictive rules required. You’ll learn how to use real food to support your hormones, reduce inflammation, and fuel your body for a successful fertility journey.
 
💛 Free Training: Learn what truly matters most for IVF nutrition → https://go.simplejoyfulnutrition.com/freeclasswhytreatmentsfail
✨ Apply to the 1:1 Fertility Reset Program: Click here!
📲 DM your questions on Instagram: @nutrition.for.infertility

Do you need to eat organic for fertility & IVF?

In this solo episode, I break down one of the biggest nutrition myths in the fertility world — that you have to eat 100% organic to support your fertility. I share what the research really says, how I personally approach organic vs. conventional foods, and why stressing over labels does more harm than good.
You’ll learn simple ways to reduce pesticide exposure, why local produce often packs more nutrients, and what actually matters most for fertility nutrition — hint: it’s about getting enough fruits, veggies, and antioxidants, not perfection.
 
💛 Free Training: Learn what truly matters most for IVF nutrition → https://go.simplejoyfulnutrition.com/freeclasswhytreatmentsfail
✨ Apply to the 1:1 Fertility Reset Program: Click here!
📲 DM your questions on Instagram: @nutrition.for.infertility

Should you take a break after multiple failed treatment cycles?

After multiple back-to-back fertility treatments, I found myself completely burned out—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode, I open up about my own experience of taking a break after multiple cycles of IUIs and IVF transfers, and how stepping back became one of the most healing decisions I ever made.
I also dive into why our bodies need time to recover between cycles, how fertility medications can deplete key nutrients, and why proper nourishment is critical before, during, and after treatments. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s okay—or even beneficial—to pause your fertility journey, this episode will help you see rest as a powerful part of the process.
 
💛 Free Training: Learn what truly matters most for IVF nutrition → https://go.simplejoyfulnutrition.com/freeclasswhytreatmentsfail
✨ Apply to the 1:1 Fertility Reset Program: Click here!
📲 DM your questions on Instagram: @nutrition.for.infertility

Susan's pregnancy #2 after infertility

In this episode, I share my story of a surprise natural pregnancy after IVF — and the habits that helped me get there. I share what this journey has been like, how it felt to experience pregnancy after infertility, and the habits I believe supported my body to conceive naturally.
You’ll hear the lifestyle and nutrition strategies I continued from my IVF journey through postpartum — from balancing blood sugar and eating enough protein to staying consistent with strength training and self-care. This episode is a reminder that long-term nourishment and consistent healthy habits matter more than quick fixes.
✨ Takeaway: Supporting your body over time with the right nutrition, movement, and mindset can change everything — even when you least expect it.
 
💛 Free Training: Learn what truly matters most for IVF nutrition → https://go.simplejoyfulnutrition.com/freeclasswhytreatmentsfail
✨ Apply to the 1:1 Fertility Reset Program: Click here!
📲 DM your questions on Instagram: @nutrition.for.infertility

3 Things to Do Before Your IVF Transfer

Getting ready for an IVF transfer? In this episode, I’m sharing the three most important things you can do to support implantation—without stressing yourself out. We’ll cover how to nourish your body to stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation, ways to calm your nervous system, and why ditching perfectionism matters more than you think.
Plus: pineapple, pomegranate juice, and McDonald's fries—do they actually help? Let’s bust the myths and keep things simple, sustainable, and supportive. 💛
If you’re looking for clarity and support going into your transfer, this episode is for you.
 
✨ Apply for a 1:1 Fertility Strategy Call: Click here!
📲 DM your questions on Instagram: @nutrition.for.infertility