Several aspects make this program unique (that you will learn in the process). Some basics:

• It is based on Chinese Medicine principles; a warming, cooked diet that supports the digestive fire and our metabolism; salads and smoothies are not included
•  We eat delicious, nourishing, nutrient dense meals that are prepared and formulated in specific ways such that they are easy to digest; our body receives the nutrients it needs to operate optimally whilst giving the digestive system a break. This frees up the body’s resources to support the systems of detoxification, cellular repair, endocrine regulation and immune function without the need for supplements, meal replacement “foods” or calorie restriction
• Unlike popular diets in vogue such as the Paleo or Keto diet, this diet is balanced. We eliminate the inflammatory foods but aside from dairy, no one food group is absent. Animal protein and fish, non glutinous grains and legumes are all included, however the program is mostly plant based and accommodates vegans and vegetarians or those wishing to follow a low grain diet. 
• You will be guided and supported throughout. Feedback from past participants is that the structure, the classes, the manual and the group participation provides a very informative, engaging, supportive and fun learning environment. Helen is very hands on and dedicated to the success of each individual in the best outcome for them. This is not a cookie cutter method!

Yes. Neither gluten or dairy are included on the program. 

Absolutely. The majority of the diet is plant based. Eggs, chicken and fish are included in the diet for those that eat them (and for some particular individuals grass fed lamb or wild game may be recommended), but it is your choice which recipes you choose within the meal plans. There are plenty of legume or non glutinous grain based dishes for those that don’t eat animal protein.

From a dietary perspective, very much so!! It will provide your body with the optimum nutrition to regain your vitality postpartum and help your body produce the most nutritious milk for your little one. Whether it is practically doable for you will depend on your individual circumstances, such as do you have other young children and how much support do you have at home for grocery shopping, preparing meals and clean up! The program does require that you have additional time to carve out above your current daily demands. I have first hand experience of those years with my children born 13 months apart. Reach out to me if you’d like to discuss how it might be doable for you. 

Those that have weight to lose will lose weight and those that don’t will lose very little. The body is intelligent. There is no measuring or weighing portion sizes; eating mindfully is the emphasis, not calorie counting. A little weight loss is inevitable at the beginning because as inflammation subsides, the body holds onto less water. The program also facilitates a gentle detoxification of the toxins that are primarily stored in fat cells and some weight loss will occur as these are liberated. Those of slim build tend to lose at the most a few pounds, and re-gain it beyond, but it will be a healthier body mass that is regained. 

Migraines can be unique to the individual in their root cause, but what migraine sufferers find by doing this program is that they identify many of the dietary and lifestyle triggers that contribute to the intensity and frequency of their migraines. With the foundation of healthy nutrition providing signifiant relief from constant migraines, they then have the energy and motivation to make individual adjustments that will provide the further support they need. Saying that, some people have found complete resolution from migraines following this program. 

To succeed with the program, you do need to be able to carve out time to shop and cook beyond what you currently do, and to attend or watch the classes/videos on a weekly basis. The first two weeks are important prep time when you will cook dishes that freeze well. This is a very helpful step in getting you set up for success. During your one on one orientation call we discuss what you may be able to let go of or delegate so that you can prioritize your health for the 6 weeks of the program. Some short cuts can be made by those that can spend money on certain products available at the store that others may choose to learn to make themselves at home much more affordably. I find that two key reasons that people do not support their health with good nutrition is that either they do not know where to start, or they do not have or make time. If you are ready to make time for your health, this program is here to guide and support you with structure and a method that will support your health for life. 

The feedback from past participants is that they feel such a noticeable difference in their symptoms and energy levels that they have no desire to go back to their previous way of eating. You learn that eating well does take time and effort but you experience how worth it it is. Many people report how often they go back to the manual months and years later.  The 6 week program itself could be referred to as “nutrition boot camp”. It would not be sustainable, nor necessary, to follow the program 100% year round to sustain good health. But many people recognize certain principles that they learnt have a significant impact on how they feel on a daily basis and are motivated to stick to the adjustments they made on going. Every year, at least 50% of the participants are repeat participants, doing it for the 3rd, 4th or even 5th time, not because they did not get enough the first time, but because they learnt so much and felt so well, as well as enjoying the group experience. The feedback from your body is undeniable.