Trying to conceive and overwhelmed by conflicting advice? Pregnant and unsure what you can and can’t eat? Or in the early months with a newborn, barely finding time to eat yourself? Nutrition matters at every stage, but the internet is full of rules, myths and restrictive “fertility and pregnancy diets” that leave many women more anxious than informed. The good news is that eating well for fertility and pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated.
I’m Maria Kolotourou, a Greek registered dietitian based in the UK. I have over 20 years of experience, and my work focuses on women’s hormonal health. I’m the dietetic partner of JIVA Fertility, supporting women through fertility treatment, and I also work with women who are conceiving naturally, pregnant or postpartum. Through my fertility and pregnancy nutrition programme, I’ll help you feel confident about what you eat at every stage, without unnecessary restriction or food fear.
Sessions are online, in English or Greek.
Is This Programme Right for You?
This programme is for women who:
- Are trying to conceive, naturally or through fertility treatment such as IVF or IUI
- Want to prepare their body before trying for a baby
- Are pregnant and want clear, evidence-based guidance
- Are struggling with nausea, heartburn, constipation or tiredness in pregnancy
- Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes
- Are postpartum or breastfeeding
- Want a dietitian who understands Mediterranean food culture and life away from home
I work with many Greek women living abroad, as well as women from any background who’d like a Mediterranean approach.
“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
How Nutrition Helps at Every Stage
- Before pregnancy: building your nutrient stores, balancing blood sugar, and supporting you through fertility treatment
- During pregnancy: knowing what to eat and what to avoid, easing common symptoms, healthy weight gain, and support with gestational diabetes alongside your diabetes team
- After birth: recovery, energy, nutrition for breastfeeding, and a gentle approach to weight if that’s a goal for you
Nutrition can support your fertility and pregnancy, but it can’t guarantee conception or a particular pregnancy experience. It works best alongside your GP, midwife or fertility team.
My Approach
- Mediterranean diet: the traditional Greek way of eating, a balanced and well-studied pattern that suits every stage
- Nourishment, not restriction: a focus on what to include, not long lists of forbidden foods
- Working with your clinic: integrated support for JIVA Fertility patients, and happy to liaise with any clinic or medical team
- Personalised: a plan built around your stage, your symptoms and your preferences
- Understanding life abroad: Mediterranean recipes using ingredients from your local supermarket, plus family meals and family-friendly advice and guidance
How It Works
1. Free 15-minute discovery call: We talk about your stage, your goals and which programme option would suit you best. If I think a different approach would serve you better, I’ll be honest with you.
2. First session (45 minutes): You complete an online assessment before our first meeting, then together we agree your priorities and build your personalised plan. Your partner is welcome to join, especially when you’re preparing for pregnancy.
3. Follow-up sessions (30 minutes): Every two weeks, with weekly check-ins and online support in between.
Programme Options
12-Week Programme
Six sessions over three months, in three phases:
- Month 1 (weeks 1–4): assessment, resources and your personalised nutrition plan
- Month 2 (weeks 5–8): adjustments for your stage and needs, such as managing symptoms, meal planning and batch cooking, eating out and family occasions, supplements
- Month 3 (weeks 9–12): consolidating your new habits, preparing for the next stage, fine-tuning sleep, stress and gentle movement, plus a clear framework for carrying on independently
Cost of the 12-week programme: £430 / €515
If you need further support after the 12 weeks, you can continue with 4-week cycles or book ad hoc sessions as you need them.
Flexible 4-Week Cycles
Two sessions every four weeks, for as long as you need. Many women work with me this way throughout pregnancy, adjusting their plan at each trimester.
Cost of the 4-week programme: £150/ €180
What’s Included
Both the 12-week and 4-week programmes include:
- a personalised plan
- relevant resources
- weekly check-ins
- optional online food and mood diaries
- unlimited online support between sessions
- access to a dedicated client platform
Check-in Sessions
Ad hoc 30-minute sessions to check in and fine-tune your plan as your circumstances change. Available once you’ve completed a programme.
- Single session: £70 / €85
- Pack of 3 sessions: £195 / €235 (use within 4 months)
- Pack of 5 sessions: £300 / €360 (use within 6 months)
Check-in sessions don’t include food and mood diaries, online support or weekly check-ins.
What I’d Like You to Know
Nutrition can support your fertility and pregnancy, but I can’t promise how quickly you’ll conceive, or exactly how your pregnancy will feel. Every body is different, and much depends on factors such as age, underlying health conditions, treatment and stage of pregnancy.
What I can promise is honest, evidence-based support and calm guidance without food fear. Many women tell me that within a few weeks of working together they feel more confident, less anxious about food and better prepared for what’s ahead.
A Little About Me
- I’ve lived in North Yorkshire with my family since 2017
- I have 20+ years of experience, including working for the NHS as Lead Dietitian in Adult Eating Disorders, and running my own private practice in Athens
- I’m the dietetic partner of JIVA Fertility
- I hold an MSc in Nutrition from King’s College London and a BSc (Hons) in Dietetics from Harokopio University, both with Distinction
- I am an HCPC-registered dietitian and member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and BDA’s Women’s Health and Fertility Specialist Group
“Maria supported me throughout my pregnancy and then while breastfeeding. When I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 28 weeks, I was shaken. Maria helped me manage blood sugar through balanced eating, not restrictive diets. My baby was born healthy, I exclusively breastfed for six months, and I gradually lost my pregnancy weight over 10 months. Maria’s calm, practical approach made everything manageable.” — Elena M., 34, Milton Keynes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will this help me get pregnant?
Nutrition can support your fertility, for example by building nutrient stores and balancing blood sugar, but no diet can guarantee pregnancy. I always work alongside your GP or fertility team. - I’m having fertility treatment. Can you work alongside my clinic?
Yes. I’m the dietetic partner of JIVA Fertility, and I’m happy to support women attending any clinic. - Do I really need to eat for two?
No. Your energy needs only rise slightly, mainly in the last trimester. What matters most is the quality of what you eat, not the quantity. - What foods do I really need to avoid?
The list is shorter than most people think: mainly raw or undercooked meat and eggs, certain cheeses and some types of fish. I’ll help you separate the real risks from the myths, so you can eat with confidence. - Can you help with gestational diabetes?
Yes. We’ll build balanced meals that help keep your blood sugar steady, working alongside your diabetes team and any treatment you’re on. - Do I need supplements?
In the UK, folic acid and vitamin D are recommended for all women trying to conceive and during pregnancy, and some women need a higher dose of folic acid prescribed by their GP. Beyond that, it depends on your diet, your test results and your individual needs. Food always comes first, and I’ll guide you towards anything else that can genuinely help. - I’m not Greek. Can I still join?
Of course. Sessions run in English, and the Mediterranean way of eating adapts to any culture and kitchen. - Should I choose the 12-week programme or the 4-week cycles?
The 12-week programme suits you if you’d like steady, structured support over a longer period, for example while preparing for pregnancy, and it comes with a small discount. The 4-week cycles suit you if you prefer flexibility, or would like support that adapts as you move through each trimester. We can decide together which option suits you better on your discovery call.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free, no-obligation 15-minute discovery call and let’s see how I can help.
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