Trying to conceive, pregnant, or navigating postpartum recovery? Nutrition plays a crucial role in fertility, healthy pregnancy, and postpartum wellbeing – but conflicting advice and restrictive “pregnancy diets” can leave you confused and anxious.
I’m Maria Kolotourou, a Greek registered dietitian with over 20 years of experience. I specialise in supporting women through their fertility and perinatal journey using evidence-based Mediterranean nutrition – nourishing both you and your baby without unnecessary restrictions or fear-based eating.
I work in partnership with JIVA Fertility clinic, providing specialist nutritional support for women undergoing fertility treatment, as well as supporting women through natural conception, pregnancy, and postpartum.
Sessions available in Greek or English.
Is This Programme For You?
This programme is designed for women who:
✓ Are trying to conceive (naturally or with fertility treatment)
✓ Are undergoing IVF, IUI, or other assisted reproduction
✓ Want to optimise egg quality and hormonal balance naturally
✓ Are currently pregnant and want evidence-based nutrition guidance
✓ Experience pregnancy symptoms (nausea, heartburn, constipation, fatigue)
✓ Have gestational diabetes or need blood sugar management during pregnancy
✓ Are postpartum and want to support recovery and breastfeeding
✓ Want to nourish their body without restrictive “pregnancy diets”
✓ Feel confused by conflicting pregnancy nutrition advice
✓ Value evidence-based guidance over food fear and myths
✓ Want support from someone who understands Greek/Mediterranean culture
✓ Are ready to prioritise their health and their baby’s health through nutrition
I specialise in working with Greek women who live abroad, but welcome anyone interested in Mediterranean approaches to fertility and perinatal nutrition.
What To Expect
For Fertility & Preconception:
✓ Optimised egg quality and sperm health (if relevant)
✓ Improved hormonal balance and ovulation
✓ Better blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity
✓ Reduced inflammation through anti-inflammatory Mediterranean foods
✓ Nutritional preparation for pregnancy
✓ Support for fertility treatment cycles (IVF, IUI)
✓ Understanding of how nutrition affects fertility
✓ Sustainable eating habits that support conception
For Pregnancy:
✓ Evidence-based guidance on pregnancy nutrition (what to eat, what to limit)
✓ Management of pregnancy symptoms (nausea, heartburn, constipation, fatigue)
✓ Blood sugar management (gestational diabetes or prevention)
✓ Appropriate weight gain for healthy pregnancy
✓ Nutritional support for baby’s development
✓ Understanding cravings and aversions
✓ Safe, nourishing Mediterranean eating during pregnancy
✓ Confidence in your food choices without anxiety
For Postpartum:
✓ Nutritional support for recovery and healing
✓ Breastfeeding nutrition (if breastfeeding)
✓ Energy support for the demanding postpartum period
✓ Gradual, gentle return to pre-pregnancy weight (if desired)
✓ Managing postpartum fatigue through nutrition
✓ Sustainable eating habits whilst caring for a newborn
✓ Understanding nutritional needs during this transition
My Approach
Unlike restrictive “fertility diets” or fear-based pregnancy nutrition, my approach uses:
Mediterranean Diet Principles
Traditional eating patterns rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, fish), and moderate amounts of everything else. The Mediterranean diet is extensively researched for fertility, healthy pregnancy, and optimal foetal development.
Evidence-Based Nutrition
Over 20 years of experience with continuous professional training. My guidance is grounded in current research and clinical practice, not myths, trends, or unnecessary food fears.
Nourishment Over Restriction
Pregnancy and fertility are times to nourish your body, not restrict it. I focus on what TO eat (nutrient-dense, delicious foods) rather than creating long lists of forbidden foods.
Partnership with JIVA Fertility Clinic
I work alongside Dr Bhandari and his team at JIVA Fertility clinic, providing integrated nutritional support for women undergoing fertility treatment. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care.
Cultural Understanding
I understand Greek food culture and how to maintain Mediterranean eating whilst living abroad. Greek recipes adapted for UK supermarkets, family meal strategies, navigating Greek family expectations around pregnancy eating.
Personalised Support
Your situation is unique. We’ll create a personal plan based on YOUR specific needs, symptoms, preferences, lifestyle, and stage of journey – not a one-size-fits-all diet plan.
Holistic Approach
I address stress, sleep, emotional eating, body image, and your relationship with food – not just meal plans. Fertility and healthy pregnancy require supporting the whole person.
Long-Term Health Focus
I support not just this pregnancy, but your long-term metabolic health, future fertility, and lifelong wellbeing.
Programme Options
Option 1: 12-Week Programme (Best For Commitment & Results)
£430 / €515 for complete 12-week programme (save £20/€25)
This structured programme supports you through your fertility, pregnancy, or postpartum journey:
Month 1: Foundations & Understanding Your Journey (Weeks 1-4)
- Comprehensive assessment of your current stage (trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum)
- Understanding YOUR specific needs, symptoms, and goals
- Quick Start Guide – practical introduction to balanced eating, designed to help you take your first steps with confidence.
- Fertility/Pregnancy/Postpartum Nutrition Essentials – your complete reference guide covering Mediterranean diet principles, key nutrients, foods to emphasise, and safe eating for your stage
- Personalised weekly Mediterranean plan – tailored to your preferences, symptoms, lifestyle, and stage of journey
- Initial focus areas based on your priorities (fertility optimisation, pregnancy symptoms, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding)
- 2 sessions (first session 45 minutes, second session 30 minutes)
Month 2: Building Sustainable Habits & Managing Symptoms (Weeks 5-9)
- Refinement of personalised meal plan based on your progress and what’s working for YOU
- Foods and meal combinations that support your specific stage
- Managing symptoms (nausea, fatigue, cravings, heartburn, constipation)
- Understanding nutritional needs as your body changes
- Strategies for eating out, social situations, and family gatherings
- Progress review and plan adjustments
- 2 sessions (both 30 minutes)
Month 3: Long-Term Success & Maintenance (Weeks 9-12)
- Consolidating sustainable habits for your current and future stages
- Preparing nutritionally for next phase (conception, birth, postpartum, weaning)
- Lifestyle integration: sleep, stress management, gentle movement
- Understanding long-term nutritional needs
- Clear roadmap for maintaining progress independently
- 2 sessions (both 30 minutes)
Total: 6 sessions over 12 weeks + continuous support
Option 2: 4-Week Flexible Cycles
£150 / €175 every 4 weeks
Prefer more flexibility? You can work with me in 4-week cycles.
Each 4-week cycle includes:
- 2 sessions (first session 45 min, follow-ups 30 min)
- Personalised meal plans and resources
- Continuous messaging support
- Weekly check-ins
- Full platform access
Continue cycle-by-cycle for as long as you need support. Many people work through pregnancy in 4-week cycles, adapting nutrition as their needs change each trimester.
Option 3: Maintenance Support (After Completing a Programme)
For clients who have completed the 12-week programme or several 4-week cycles:
- Single Sessions: £70 / €85 per 30-minute session
- 3-Session Package: £195 / €235 (save £15/€20) – use within 4 months
- 5-Session Package: £300 / €360 (save £50/€65) – use within 6 months
Book whenever you need for check-ins, symptom management, or ongoing support through your fertility/pregnancy/postpartum journey.
What’s Included In All Options
Evidence-Based Guidance
- 20+ years of dietetic experience
- MSc Nutrition from King’s College London (distinction)
- BSc (Hons) Dietetics Harokopio University (distinction)
- NHS eating disorders specialist
- Current with latest fertility and perinatal nutrition research
- Continuous professional development
Bilingual Support
- Sessions available in Greek or English
- Whichever language you’re more comfortable with
Greek Diaspora Understanding
- Understanding of Greek family dynamics and food traditions
- Realistic strategies for life abroad
- Connection to community of Greek women who live abroad through private Facebook group
Additional Features In 12-Week & 4-Week Programmes:
Comprehensive Platform Access
- Secure video sessions with one-click access
- Messaging between sessions for quick questions and support
- Food and mood journals (optional)
- Progress tracking tools
- Resource library for all your materials
- Weekly check-ins and feedback
- Available on any device (computer, tablet, smartphone)
Personalised Nutrition Support
- Mediterranean meal frameworks tailored to YOUR stage, needs and preferences
- Greek recipes available for those who want them (adapted for UK supermarkets)
- Flexible meal frameworks (not rigid meal plans)
- Strategies for family meals and social eating
- Managing cravings and emotional eating during hormonal changes
- Continuous support – you’re never on your own between sessions
Maintenance Sessions Include:
- One-to-one video sessions for troubleshooting and accountability
- Expert guidance when you need it
- Additional resources as required
Note: Maintenance sessions are focused check-ins. For full platform access with messaging, journals, and continuous support, the 12-week programme or 4-week cycles are recommended.
How It Works
Step 1: Free Discovery Call (15 minutes)
Book a no-obligation call where we’ll discuss:
- Your current stage (trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum)
- Your goals and any specific concerns or symptoms
- Whether the Mediterranean diet approach is right for your journey
- Which programme option (12-week or 4-week) suits your situation
- Any questions you have about working together
I’ll be honest if I think you’d be better served by a different approach or practitioner.
Step 2: Assessment & Booking
If we’re a good fit, you’ll:
- Receive access to the secure telehealth platform
- Complete a detailed health and lifestyle questionnaire
- Choose your programme option (12-week or 4-week)
- Book your first session
Step 3: First Session (45 minutes)
We’ll:
- Review your questionnaire in depth
- Discuss your specific situation, stage, and goals
- Create your personalised Mediterranean dietary framework
- Identify your initial focus areas (fertility optimisation, symptom management, nutrient needs, etc.)
- Set up your nutrition strategies and resources
- Establish your action plan for the next 2 weeks
Step 4: Ongoing Sessions (Every 2 Weeks)
Each follow-up session we’ll:
- Review your progress, symptoms, and any changes
- Track improvements and adaptations needed
- Adjust your plan as your body and needs change
- Troubleshoot any difficulties
- Celebrate progress and milestones
- Set goals for the next 2 weeks
- Keep you supported and confident
Step 5: Continuous Support Between Sessions
- Message me anytime via the platform
- Weekly check-ins to track progress
- Quick questions answered promptly
- Optional food journals for accountability
Step 6: Transition to Maintenance (After 3-6 Months)
As you move through stages (conception to pregnancy, pregnancy to postpartum), we adapt your nutrition. Many people continue with 4-week cycles or maintenance sessions for ongoing support.
What you Can Realistically Expect
What I Can Promise:
- Evidence-based nutritional guidance for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum
- Personalised Mediterranean meal frameworks for your stage
- Specialist support from experienced dietitian
- Honest, non-judgemental approach
- Cultural understanding if you’re Greek
- Ongoing support between sessions (in programmes)
- Clear, calm guidance without food fear
What Varies By Individual:
⚠ How quickly you conceive (nutrition supports but doesn’t guarantee conception)
⚠ How you experience pregnancy symptoms
⚠ How much weight you gain during pregnancy
⚠ How quickly you recover postpartum
⚠ Your breastfeeding experience
⚠ Which strategies work best for you
⚠ Timeline for achieving your goals
Typical Client Experiences (Varies by Person):
For Fertility Support: Many women report within 2-3 months:
- Improved cycle regularity
- Better understanding of fertile window nutrition
- Feeling more nourished and energised
- Improved egg quality markers (if tracking)
- Healthier weight (if required)
- Greater confidence in their fertility journey
- Better management of fertility treatment side effects (if applicable)
For Pregnancy: Many women report throughout pregnancy:
- Reduced nausea and better symptom management
- Appropriate, healthy weight gain
- Good energy levels (within normal pregnancy fatigue)
- Confidence in food choices without anxiety
- Well-managed blood sugar (if gestational diabetes)
- Feeling nourished and strong
- Enjoyment of food despite pregnancy changes
For Postpartum: Many women report in the first 3-6 months:
- Good energy despite sleep deprivation
- Successful breastfeeding (if applicable)
- Gradual, gentle return to pre-pregnancy weight
- Feeling nourished and supported
- Sustainable eating habits with a newborn
- Recovery and healing
However, individual experiences vary significantly. Nutrition supports your journey but cannot guarantee specific outcomes like conception timelines or pregnancy experiences.
Who This Programme Is Not For
This programme may not be right for you if:
✗ You’re looking for a “fertility diet” that guarantees conception
✗ You expect nutrition alone to solve complex fertility issues (nutrition supports medical treatment, doesn’t replace it)
✗ You want extreme diets or restrictive approaches during pregnancy
✗ You’re not willing to work with your medical team (obstetrician, midwife, fertility specialist)
✗ You expect guaranteed outcomes (nutrition supports but cannot guarantee conception, pregnancy outcomes, or postpartum experiences)
✗ You want someone to tell you exactly what to eat without understanding why
✗ You’re not ready to address your relationship with food and eating
I’ll be honest in our discovery call if I believe another practitioner or approach would serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Will this help me get pregnant?”
Nutrition plays an important role in fertility – improving egg quality, hormonal balance, and creating optimal conditions for conception. However, fertility is complex and influenced by many factors beyond nutrition.
What I can promise is evidence-based nutritional support that optimises your body’s fertility potential. This includes:
- Foods and eating patterns that support egg quality
- Blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition
- Nutrient adequacy for conception
- Support through fertility treatment if applicable
But I cannot and will not promise that nutrition will result in pregnancy. I work alongside your medical team to support your fertility journey holistically.
“What if I have morning sickness?”
First trimester nausea is incredibly common. I specialise in helping women find foods they can tolerate whilst still nourishing themselves and their baby.
Strategies include:
- Small, frequent meals and snacks
- Identifying your specific triggers and tolerance patterns
- Finding protein sources you can manage
- Staying adequately nourished even with limited food variety
- Understanding what’s truly necessary vs. “nice to have” nutritionally
The goal is nourishment and comfort, not perfection.
“I am pregnant. Do I need to eat for two?”
No! This is one of the biggest pregnancy nutrition myths. Energy needs increase only slightly during pregnancy, and mostly in the second and third trimester. Quality matters far more than quantity. Focus is on nutrient-dense Mediterranean foods that nourish both you and baby.
“What foods do I really need to avoid during pregnancy?”
The list of truly necessary pregnancy food restrictions is much shorter than you might think. I’ll provide evidence-based guidance on:
- Foods to genuinely avoid (raw/undercooked meat, high-mercury fish, unpasteurised dairy, etc.)
- Foods that are actually safe despite common myths
- How to enjoy Mediterranean foods safely during pregnancy
- Distinguishing between evidence-based restrictions and unnecessary food fears
“Can you help with gestational diabetes?”
Yes! Mediterranean eating patterns are excellent for blood sugar management whilst ensuring adequate nutrition for baby’s growth.
Support includes:
- Blood sugar-friendly meal patterns
- Carbohydrate distribution throughout the day
- Foods that support stable blood sugar
- Understanding blood glucose monitoring
- Working alongside your diabetes team
“I’m vegetarian/vegan – can you support me?”
Absolutely! Mediterranean diet has strong vegetarian traditions. We’ll ensure you’re getting adequate:
- Protein (legumes, nuts, dairy/alternatives, eggs if you eat them)
- Iron (with vitamin C for absorption)
- B12 (supplementation usually necessary for vegans)
- Omega-3s (from plant sources and/or supplements)
- Calcium and other key nutrients
“Will you help me lose weight?”
Weight support depends on your stage:
Trying to Conceive: If you’re carrying extra weight and trying to conceive, gradual, sustainable weight loss can support fertility and metabolic health. I focus on nourishing your body for conception whilst supporting healthy weight – never restrictive dieting that might disrupt your cycle. Not all fertility issues are weight-related, and I never make assumptions.
During Pregnancy: Pregnancy is not a time for weight loss. We focus on appropriate weight gain, nourishing foods for baby’s development, and managing symptoms.
Postpartum: I support gentle, sustainable return to pre-pregnancy weight with realistic timelines (9-12 months is normal). Priority is always recovery, energy, and adequate nutrition for breastfeeding.
“Do you work with JIVA Fertility clinic?”
Yes! I’m the dietetic partner for JIVA Fertility clinic, working alongside Dr Bhandari and Dr Kulkarni. If you’re undergoing fertility treatment at JIVA, we can provide integrated care combining medical and nutritional expertise.
You don’t need to be a JIVA patient to work with me – I support women through natural conception, pregnancy with other providers, and those not undergoing fertility treatment.
“Can my partner join sessions?”
Yes! Partners are welcome to join sessions, especially for preconception and fertility support where both partners’ nutrition can play a role.
“How long do I need to work with you?”
This depends on your journey:
- Preconception/fertility: Often 3-6 months to optimise nutrition before conception
- Pregnancy: Some women work throughout pregnancy (adapting each trimester), others just first trimester or when specific issues arise
- Postpartum: Typically 3-6 months for recovery and establishing sustainable habits
You decide what works for you. Programmes are flexible.
“What if I’m not Greek – can I still work with you?”
Absolutely! Whilst I specialise in Greek diaspora individuals, I welcome anyone interested in Mediterranean approaches to fertility and perinatal nutrition.
The Mediterranean diet is extensively researched for fertility and pregnancy outcomes and works beautifully for everyone, regardless of cultural background.
Sessions can be in English, and Mediterranean principles adapt to any cuisine or lifestyle.
“Do you provide strict meal plans?”
I provide flexible meal frameworks and guidance rather than rigid meal plans. Rigid meal plans work short-term but don’t teach you how to make decisions independently.
I teach you principles so you can make confident food choices in any situation – at home, restaurants, family gatherings, holidays, travel.
The goal is independence and lifelong skills, not dependence on meal plans.
“How do I know if I should choose 12-week or 4-week option?”
In our discovery call, we’ll discuss which option fits you best:
12-Week Programme is best if:
- You want clear structure and commitment
- You’re ready to invest in comprehensive support
- You prefer knowing the full journey upfront
- You want slightly better value (save £20)
4-Week Cycles are best if:
- You prefer more flexibility
- You’re not sure about long-term commitment yet
- You want to try it out before committing to 3 months
- Financial flexibility matters more than small savings
Both options provide the same quality support – it’s about what fits your situation.
“What if I need to cancel or reschedule sessions?”
Please give 24 hours’ notice to reschedule. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged.
I understand emergencies happen – just contact me as soon as possible and we’ll work something out.
Ready To Get Started?
Client Testimonials
“I contacted Maria before undergoing IVF treatment. Her nutrition guidance helped me feel I was doing everything I could to optimise my fertility. I felt nourished, not restricted, and loved her Greek recipe suggestions – comforting foods that actually supported my health. Her calm, evidence-based approach kept me sane during a stressful time. I’m now 19 weeks pregnant and still working with her – thanks Maria!”
— Trish M., 35, Malton
“Maria supported me through gestational diabetes and breastfeeding. When diagnosed at 28 weeks, I was overwhelmed. Maria helped me manage blood sugar through balanced eating, not restrictive diets. My baby was healthy, I managed to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months and I gradually lost the pregnancy weight over 10 months. Maria’s calm, practical approach made everything manageable.”
— Elena M., 34, Milton Keynes
Disclaimer: These testimonials reflect the personal experiences of individual clients. Results vary based on each person’s symptoms, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Nutrition support is tailored, and outcomes are not guaranteed.
Ready to nourish your fertility, pregnancy, or postpartum journey with evidence-based Mediterranean nutrition?
Looking for something different?
Explore my other programmes:
- Perimenopause & Menopause Support Programme – for symptom relief, hormonal balance, and overall wellbeing
- PCOS Nutrition Programme – for hormonal balance and PCOS symptoms
- Greek Lifestyle Nutrition Programme – for general wellness and weight loss
Still have questions?
Contact me:
📱 WhatsApp: +447379130860
📧 Email: hello@yourgreekdietitian.com
📞 UK: +447379130860 | 📞 Greece: +306982207791
Your Greek Dietitian Online