What to Eat Before Pregnancy: The Ultimate Fertility-Friendly Grocery List

 Your Preconception Nutrition Matters More Than You Think

What if the foods you eat today could shape the health of your future baby? Science confirms that the 90 days before conception are a golden window of opportunity—a time when the right nutrition can boost fertility, improve egg and sperm health, and support a smoother, healthier pregnancy.

The good news? You have more control than you think! But I also know how overwhelming it can feel. With so much conflicting advice, it’s easy to wonder: Where do I even start?

You’re not alone. I’m here to help. Together, let’s break down exactly what to eat before pregnancy—so you can nourish your body, feel confident in your choices, and take intentional steps toward your future baby.

The Key Nutrients for Fertility (And Where to Find Them)

Before we dive into the grocery list, let’s cover the must-have fertility nutrients and why they matter:

- Folate – Essential for early fetal development & neural tube formation.
Sources: Leafy greens, asparagus, avocados, lentils, citrus fruits

- Omega-3s – Supports hormone balance & reduces inflammation.
Sources: Wild-caught salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds

- Iron – Critical for oxygen transport & egg quality.
Sources: Grass-fed beef, lentils, spinach, pumpkin seeds

- Magnesium – Helps regulate cycles & reduce stress.
Sources: Almonds, dark chocolate, bananas, leafy greens

- Antioxidants (Vitamin C & E) – Protects eggs & sperm from oxidative stress.
Sources: Berries, bell peppers, sunflower seeds, nuts

- Choline – Supports brain development & fetal growth.
Sources: Eggs, liver, soybeans

- Zinc – Key for both egg and sperm quality.
Sources: Oysters, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas

Your Fertility-Friendly Grocery List

To make this as simple and actionable as possible, here’s your go-to preconception shopping guide, broken down by category:

Protein (Supports Hormone Production & Egg Quality)

• Wild-caught salmon
• Organic, pasture-raised eggs
• Grass-fed beef
• Free-range poultry
• Organic tofu or tempeh
• Bone broth

Fertility-Boosting Fats (Balance Hormones & Reduce Inflammation)

• Avocados
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Nuts & seeds (walnuts, chia, flaxseeds, sunflower)
• Full-fat Greek yogurt (if tolerated)

Complex Carbohydrates (Regulate Blood Sugar & Support Ovulation)

• Sweet potatoes
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Oats
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

Leafy Greens & Vegetables (Packed with Folate & Antioxidants)

• Spinach
• Kale
• Arugula
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Red bell peppers

Fruits (Rich in Antioxidants & Fiber)

• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemons)
• Pomegranates
• Apples
• Bananas

Dairy (If Tolerated – Supports Gut & Hormone Health)

• Full-fat Greek yogurt
• A2 milk or organic dairy products
• Grass-fed butter or ghee

Hydration & Fertility-Friendly Drinks

• Filtered water (aim for at least 8 glasses daily)
• Herbal teas (red raspberry leaf, nettle, dandelion)
• Bone broth
• Freshly squeezed green juices

Tip: Limit sugary drinks, artificial sweeteners, and keep caffeine under 200 mg/day (about 1-2 cups of coffee).

Fertility Meal Planning: Easy Ways to Get Started

I know making changes to your diet can feel overwhelming, so let’s start with small, simple shifts that make a big difference.

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach + avocado toast on whole-grain bread
Lunch: Grilled salmon over quinoa & arugula salad with olive oil dressing
Dinner: Grass-fed beef stir-fry with broccoli & brown rice
Snack: Handful of walnuts & blueberries or Greek yogurt with chia seeds

Even one swap a day is a win. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

What to Avoid for Better Fertility

Just as important as what you add to your diet is what you limit or remove:

Refined Sugar & Processed Foods – Disrupt blood sugar & hormone balance
Trans Fats & Hydrogenated Oils – Linked to ovulatory infertility
Artificial Sweeteners – May negatively impact gut health & hormones
Excess Caffeine – Can increase stress hormones & delay conception
Alcohol – Can impair egg quality & disrupt cycle regularity

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Making changes to your preconception nutrition isn’t just about fertility—it’s about feeling your best, balanced, and ready for the journey ahead.

I know that trying to conceive can come with so many emotions—excitement, hope, frustration, even fear. That’s why I created The Pretrimester—to walk this journey with you.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let’s take this one step at a time, together.

I’ve put together a FREE Fertility Grocery List PDF to make your next grocery trip stress-free and simple. Download it below and start fueling your fertility today.

📌 Grab Your FREE Fertility Grocery List – HERE
📌 Book a Complementary Discovery Call – Let’s create a step-by-step preconception plan tailored to you. HERE
📌 Join The Pretrimester Newsletter for weekly fertility tips

You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.

Tons of Love and Baby Dust,
Dr. Laura Costello