In this episode, Dr Shauna is joined by Stefanie Valakas, a fertility and pregnancy dietitian and nutritionist and founder of The Dietologist.
Stefanie and her team are dedicated to excellence in nutrition for reproductive health concerns, fertility and pregnancy. Her passion for nutrition in this space has grown from her experience helping her clients online from around the world and also through her own personal experiences of navigating a diagnosis of endometriosis.
In this conversation, Stef shares so many helpful tips, valuable nuggets and insights for anyone trying to conceive, or supporting someone who might be struggling with fertility.
In this episode, Dr Shauna and Stef discuss topics including:
Stef's story: how did she become who she is today?
Career journey
The importance of nutrition preconception
PCOS and the role it plays in fertility
Endometriosis and how diet impacts this
Ovulation and fertility health
Vegan and vegetarianism
The importance of male preconception health
What are the best foods to eat during pregnancy?
Foods to avoid while pregnant
Coffee: is this linked to pregnancy complications?
How much more should you be eating during pregnancy?
Post-baby weightloss
Breast-feeding and nutrition
Postnatal depression: how is nutrition linked?
Iron, Omega 3 and B vitamins: how much to take, and when
The Mediterranean diet
What food types increase the risk of postnatal depression?
Preconception health checklist
For more information and resources from Stef:
Website: thedietologist.com.au
Instagram @the_dietologist and @endo.dietitian
TikTok: @the_dietologist
Facebook Pages: The Dietologist and The Endometriosis Dietitian
You can download the free preconception checklist here - https://thedietologist.com.au/freebies/
Podcast: Fertility Friendly Food
Stefanie Valakas is an Accredited Practising Dietitian & Accredited Nutritionist – Dietitians Australia, a Certified Fertility & Pregnancy Dietitian – Early Life Nutrition Alliance (formerly Nutrition Plus) and has a Master of Nutrition & Dietetics and Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Nutrition & Metabolism) from the University of Sydney.
The Dietologist has been awarded multiple awards for their excellence in nutrition care and Best Pregnancy & Fertility Nutrition Clinic in 2022, Quality in Primary Care Award by Dietitians Australia 2022. Stefanie has also been recognised for her contributions in the fertility nutrition arena as a finalist for the Dietitian of the Year Awards for 2020-21 & 2023, Impact & Innovation Finalist 2022, Allied Health Educator Excellence 2023 by the Allied Health Awards.
Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.
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