Book Review: Real Food for Fertility — What I Wish I Had in 2019

Let me just say this right away:

I wish I had this book back in 2019 during my TTC journey. It would have saved me a lot of confusion, stress, and hours spent trying to piece together the right answers on my own. Real Food for Fertility by Lily Nichols and Lisa Hendrickson-Jack (written in 2024) is the comprehensive, science-backed resource I didn’t know I needed—but I’m so glad exists now.

I’ve been on the road of unexplained infertility, functional medicine, naturopathic protocols, lifestyle overhauls, and more. And what really stood out to me as I read this book was just how aligned it was with the exact things my naturopath had been teaching me all along. But here? It’s all laid out in one place. With citations, studies, context, and (bonus!) helpful food ideas and supplement guidance that feels doable—not overwhelming.

Science + Real Life = My Kind of Book

I’m a nerd at heart when it comes to health, so I personally loved the science and reference-heavy approach. I stayed engaged all the way through, minus a few chapters that didn’t fully apply to me (which is totally fine—it’s a big book with 500 pages!). If you’re the kind of person who wants to know why something matters instead of just being told what to do, you’ll probably appreciate this format too.

That said, if you’re not a fan of research-heavy books, you might find it a little dense in places. But don’t let that stop you. Even skimming through and picking the sections that apply to your current season can be incredibly eye-opening.

Who This Book Is For:

• Women in their 20s who want to protect their fertility for the future
• Anyone currently trying to conceive (TTC), whether it’s baby #1 or baby #3
• Couples navigating infertility or undergoing fertility treatments
• Honestly, anyone who wants to understand how food impacts reproductive health

It’s never too early—or too late—to start learning this stuff. Small changes really can add up.

---

Key Takeaways That Stuck With Me

1. Food matters. Like… a lot.

Supplements are helpful, but real food is foundational. You can’t supplement your way out of a nutrient-poor diet—especially not when preparing for pregnancy. This book drives that home with data and examples that make it clear: building up your nutrient stores is essential before and during and after pregnancy.

2. Male fertility is just as important as female fertility.

It takes two. And this book doesn’t gloss over that. From sperm quality to toxin exposure, male fertility deserves just as much attention—and nutrition support—as female fertility. I love that this isn’t a one-sided discussion.

3. Toxins are a real issue—but small changes help.

Plastic, PFAS, aluminum, conventional cleaning products, personal care products… it all adds up. And while it can feel overwhelming to eliminate everything, the authors remind us that even minor changes can have a major impact over time.

4. You can see progress in just a few months.

I think one of the most encouraging takeaways was that meaningful change in fertility can happen in as little as three months. That’s a hopeful and realistic timeframe for people to start building new habits. Of course, if there are deeper issues at play, you might need longer—but progress is possible.

5. Nutrients matter even with IVF or fertility treatments.

If you’re going through IUI, IVF, or other fertility procedures, your body still needs optimal nutrients to support those efforts. Food and supplements can help increase your chances of success—and support a healthy pregnancy afterward. Skipping that piece and assuming the procedure alone will “fix” everything is, honestly, a mistake.

---

Final Thoughts

This book is the gentle but firm nudge we all need to take ownership of our preconception health—and to understand how much of it is in our control. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to do everything all at once. But you do need to start somewhere, and Real Food for Fertility gives you the tools to do just that.

Whether you’re just beginning to think about babies, actively trying, or exploring other fertility paths, this book is an incredible resource. I’ll be recommending it to every friend walking this road—because our bodies (and future babies!) deserve the best support we can give them.