When most women start thinking about getting pregnant, the first thing they ask is:
“What do I need to avoid?”

But if you’re preparing your body for pregnancy, that’s not the most helpful place to start.
In fact, the best nutrition advice I can give you is this:

Shift from avoidance to addition.

Instead of worrying about “cutting out” foods, start asking yourself:
“What can I add in?”

Because when it comes to fertility and pregnancy, the foundations are simple and powerful:
➡️ Plenty of protein
➡️ Plenty of plants

This single mindset shift can support:

• Balanced hormones

• Healthy ovulation

• Steadier blood sugar

• Better energy

• A more nourished body going into pregnancy

• A healthier pregnancy overall

And the good news is that this approach is flexible, realistic, budget-friendly, and works with whatever meals you already love.

Let me show you how easy it can be.

Why “adding in” beats restriction every time

When you focus on adding nourishing ingredients, a few important things happen:

1. You naturally crowd out what’s less helpful

Without deprivation, guilt, or strict rules.

2. You fuel your hormones properly

Protein supports hormone production, blood sugar stability, and tissue repair. Plants provide micronutrients, antioxidants, fibre, and polyphenols. All essential for fertility.

3. You create balanced, satisfying meals

This reduces cravings, energy crashes and that “I need sugar now” feeling.

4. You build a sustainable preconception routine

This is important. Preparing for pregnancy shouldn’t mean stressful, complicated nutrition rules. It should feel doable and enjoyable.

A real-life example: A 5-minute fertility-friendly lunch

The other day I had about five minutes to make lunch. I grabbed two eggs… but two eggs alone won’t give you enough protein. And it wasn’t going to keep me full for long.

Here’s how I turned a simple meal into a more nourishing one, with zero extra fuss.

What I added for more protein:

• Cottage cheese → a brilliant, affordable protein boost

• Higher protein wrap (I like the Crosta Mollica wraps) → extra fibre + more staying power

What I added for more plants:

• Avocado → healthy fats, fibre, folate

• Rocket & sauerkraut → leafy greens + fermented foods for gut health

• Kombucha → because I love the taste, plus beneficial bacteria

The key is that this wasn’t a fancy recipe. It wasn’t expensive.
And I didn’t remove anything. I simply added more nourishment to what I was already making.

And that’s exactly what I want you to do too.

What to add to everyday meals for better fertility nutrition

Here are some quick, realistic ways to add protein and plants to everyday meals, without more time, money or effort.

🥚 Eggs

Add:

• Cottage cheese or Greek yoghurt for extra protein

• Rocket, sauerkraut, spinach, mushrooms or tomatoes for extra plants

🍕 Pizza

Add:

• A handful of rocket

• Jarred artichokes or roasted peppers

• Leftover chicken if your toppings are low in protein

🍝 Pasta

Add:

• Blended butternut squash to your sauce

• A handful of spinach

• Cooked red lentils (trust me, you won’t notice them)

• Collagen powder for extra protein

🥪 Sandwiches

Add:

• Jarred roasted veg, olives, cucumber, salad

• Protein: tuna, chicken, sliced eggs, edamame hummus or cottage cheese

🥣 Oats

Add:

• Nut butter

• Chia seeds

• Greek yoghurt

• Berries

• Even grated carrot for extra fibre + micronutrients

🥤 Smoothies

Add:

• Collagen powder or Greek yoghurt

• Frozen spinach

• Frozen cauliflower (you can’t taste it — it just makes it creamy!)

See every meal and snack as an opportunity to add nourishment, colour, and flavour.

And whatever else you want to enjoy alongside it? You absolutely can.

Preparing for pregnancy shouldn't be restrictive

You don’t need complicated superfoods.
You don’t need to avoid everything you enjoy.
You don’t need expensive supplements or Pinterest-perfect meals.

You just need to consistently add more protein and plants.

This simple habit supports your fertility and sets you up for a healthier pregnancy, without stress, guilt, or overwhelm.