Power of Probiotics
If you haven’t heard of probiotics in today’s wellness rage, you mayyy be living under a rock. Probiotics are live bacteria (and yeasts) that feed your healthy gut bacteria, thus improving the function of your digestive system. A balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria is essential for our bodies to function properly. When we are ill and must take antibiotics to kill some of the “bad” bacteria in our systems, these antibiotics also wipe out some of our “good” bacteria. Therefore, it is particularly important that we consume adequate amounts of probiotics while being prescribed such drugs.
One basic function of probiotics is their ability to interact with nerves controlling our gut motility. In simpler terms, they help move food through our GI systems. As an individual with IBS, I take a daily probiotic supplement for this very reason. However, not everyone needs to take a probiotic supplement as a rich supply can be consumed through various probiotic-rich foods:
· Sauerkraut, Kefir, Kimchi, Tempeh, Cottage Cheese, Kombucha, Miso, Parmesan Cheese and SOME TYPES of yogurt (I love Activia and Siggi's!).
*If you're in need of healthy recipes incorporating Parmesan Cheese, you can find a few in my MBM Meal Manual! (Insert link to purchase here).*
Also in regards to GI health, probiotics are purported to improve tolerance to lactose and reduce unpleasant GI side effects associated with infections and antibiotic therapy. Beyond the GI system, probiotics are being studied for their efficacy in supporting optimal function of the female reproductive system, enhancing immune function, and reducing crying time in colicky babies. Who knew that bacteria could be such lifesavers?!
* MUST PURCHASE A SUBSCRIPTION. START-UP DOCUMENTS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY *
What the service entails...
PART ONE
MATH: Calculation of daily caloric and macronutrient (carbs/protein/fat) needs to help guide food and beverage choices made daily and empower each client to reach their health/fitness-related goals.
MEALS: Instruction on WHEN to eat. Nutrient timing is an important element of healthy eating. To optimize nutrient utilization, we will discuss your daily routine in order to develop a specific meal schedule most effective for you. This is especially important for those of you who workout on a regular basis, as proper nutrient timing is crucial for supporting adequate muscle protein synthesis.
MUNCH: Instruction on WHAT to eat. Of course, this is the most vital component of any meal plan. Your Individual Meal Plan will include options for which foods to consume at each of your recommended "meal" times, affording you the freedom to vary your selections on a daily basis. For those of you who like more exact direction, do not fear- each client is also provided with a “Sample Menu” that lays out how a day of eating might look when adhering to your personal Meal Plan Outline. To help guide purchasing of various pre-packaged products, a list of recommended grocery store items will be provided. Finally, you will be granted access to the MBM Meal Manual that includes healthy recipes, “Sample Menus” for how these recipes may fit into the structure of 5 small “meals” per day, a list of “Smart Swaps” (lighter alternatives for traditionally less-healthy items), and a list of “Restaurant Recommendations” (Madz-approved dishes from a number of common dining establishments).
PART TWO
MADZ: Dietary counseling, accountability and encouragement provided by yours truly. This component includes one 15-minute phone call every other week to discuss progress towards defined dietary goals. I ask that you complete a 3-day food log each week, which I review prior to our calls. Discussion will primarily be focused on reviewing the submitted food log, personalizing dietary recommendations and talking through the “why” behind certain dietary choices (so that you become equipped to make informed dietary decisions on your own). These weekly calls are great for offering a strong sense of accountability!
What the service costs
* UPON RECEIPT OF ORDER, MADZ WILL CONTACT YOU REGARDING YOUR SUBSCRIPTION INVOICE *
PART ONE: Initial meal plan documents: Individual Meal Plan Outline, Sample Menu, Meal Plan Guidelines PDF doc + access to MBM Meal Manual via Google Drive. The cost of these documents is a one-time fee of $100.
PART TWO: This “dietary counseling” piece is offered in the following ways:
6-month “subscription”: $85/month
3-month “subscription”: $95/month
1-month “subscription”: $110/month
ADD-ONS
$20/ month - Weekly Calls (4 calls per month versus 2 calls per month)
$25/ month - Daily dietary tracking
COUPLES DISCOUNT: I am a huge proponent of couples committing to improving their health, together! To support this notion, I offer a 25% discount on part one of the Individual Meal Plan service (each person still receives their own personalized Meal Plan Outline and Sample Menu).