EXPERIMENTAL KITCHEN: The 'ALIVE' Pathway
A Blueprint for Digestive Harmony and Microbiome Vitality
The 'ALIVE' Pathway is designed to cultivate a thriving gut microbiome, which is the foundation of overall health, immunity, and mood. It maximizes the intake of Prebiotic Fibers (Cruciferous Veggies, Barley), Fermented Elements (Koji), and Gut-Soothing Compounds (Herbs, Matcha) to maintain a healthy digestive barrier.
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Three Pillars of Alive
Prebiotic Fuel
Focused on feeding the "good" bacteria. Ingredients like Barley (Beta-glucans), Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Corn act as fertilizer for the microbiome, promoting the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
Fermentation & Enzymes
This pillar focuses on introducing beneficial microbes and enzymes. We use Koji (a fermentation starter) to marinate cabbage, unlocking nutrients and aiding digestion.
Gut-Brain Soothing
Recognizing the gut-brain axis. This pillar utilizes calming herbs (Chamomile, Lavender), Matcha (L-Theanine), and gentle soups to reduce stress-induced gut inflammation.
Alive Menu Previews
Explore our carefully curated menu designed to support your digestive health and microbiome vitality. Each dish is crafted with specific gut-health benefits in mind.
Relaxing Herbal Cooler
Gut-Brain Soothing
A calming blend of chamomile and lavender that soothes the gut-brain axis while keeping you hydrated.
Broccoli Velouté
Prebiotic Fuel
Silky smooth soup packed with prebiotic fiber to nourish your beneficial gut bacteria.
Cauliflower & Corn Soup
Prebiotic Fuel
A comforting blend of cauliflower and sweet corn that feeds your microbiome with resistant starch.
Edamame & Barley Salad
Prebiotic Fuel
Fiber-rich barley and protein-packed edamame create the perfect prebiotic fuel for gut health.
Marinated Cabbage with Koji
Fermentation & Enzymes
Koji-fermented cabbage introduces beneficial enzymes and probiotics to support digestion.
Broccoli Patty
Prebiotic Fuel
Crispy on the outside, tender inside—a delicious way to get your daily dose of cruciferous vegetables.
Mediterranean Halibut
Gut-Brain Soothing
Omega-3 rich fish that supports the gut-brain connection and reduces inflammation.
Matcha Brownies
Gut-Brain Soothing
L-Theanine from matcha promotes calm and focus while satisfying your sweet tooth mindfully.
Superfood Spotlight: Broccoli

Broccoli's name comes from the Italian word "broccolo," meaning "the flowering crest of a cabbage." It's part of the cruciferous vegetable family, known for its unique compounds that support health.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Sulforaphane Rich
Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
High in Fiber
Aids digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Vitamins C & K
Boosts immune function and supports bone health.
Gut Health Benefits
Celebrated for its prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, broccoli's sulforaphane content is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut lining and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes. Its high fiber also ensures regular digestion, vital for a thriving microbiome.
Featured In
Broccoli Velouté
Broccoli Patty
Relaxing Herbal Cooler
This beverage is a liquid lullaby for the gut. Chamomile is a well-known carminative that relaxes digestive muscles, while Lavender and Sage reduce stress, which directly impacts gut health via the vagus nerve.
Method:
  1. Combine: Place fresh Lavender, Sage, Peppermint, cloves, and dried Chamomile flowers into a sachet or tea ball.
  1. Steep: Place the sachet in a large pitcher and pour over cold still water.
  1. Infuse: Refrigerate and let steep for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to extract the delicate oils without bitterness.
  1. Serve: Remove the sachet and serve cold over ice.
Relaxing Herbal Cooler: Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Macronutrients
0g
Calories
0g
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
0g
Fat
0g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Pathway Contribution
Chamomile: Carminative herb that relaxes digestive muscles and reduces bloating (Gut-Brain Soothing pillar)
Lavender: Calms the nervous system via the gut-brain axis, reducing stress-induced inflammation (Gut-Brain Soothing pillar)
Sage: Anti-inflammatory properties support gut lining health (Gut-Brain Soothing pillar)
Peppermint: Soothes digestive discomfort and supports healthy digestion (Gut-Brain Soothing pillar)
Cloves: Antimicrobial properties help maintain balanced gut microbiome (Fermentation & Enzymes pillar)at
Broccoli Velouté
A sophisticated way to consume a large amount of fiber. Broccoli is rich in glucosinolates which support the gut barrier. Blending it into a velouté makes the fiber easier to digest while retaining its prebiotic benefits.
Method:
  1. Sauté: Sweat onions and celery in butter/oil until soft but not browned.
  1. Simmer: Add chopped Broccoli (florets and stems) and vegetable stock. Simmer until just tender.
  1. Blend: Puree the soup until velvety smooth.
  1. Finish: Stir in a splash of cream or almond milk for richness. Season with nutmeg and pepper.
Broccoli Velout é: Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Macronutrients
160
Calories
Energy
4g
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
7g
Fat
7g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Pathway Contribution
Broccoli
Digestive Health: High fiber content supports gut barrier integrity and acts as a prebiotic.
Cellular Resilience: Rich in Sulforaphane, promoting cellular detoxification.
Onions
Cellular Resilience: Contains Quercetin, an antioxidant supporting cellular defense.
Digestive Health: Fructans act as prebiotics, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.
Celery
Hydration & Detoxification: High water content aids in hydration and natural detoxification processes.
Cellular Resilience: Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Edamame and Barley Salad
Barley is a champion of gut health due to its high beta-glucan content, a soluble fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria. Paired with Edamame and fresh herbs, this salad is a complete meal for the microbiome.
Method:
  1. Cook: Boil Barley until tender but chewy. Blanch Edamame beans.
  1. Chop: Dice cucumbers, red peppers, and scallions.
  1. Mix: Combine the cooled barley, edamame, and vegetables in a large bowl.
  1. Dress: Toss with a vinaigrette made from lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs (parsley/mint).
Edamame and Barley Salad: Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Macronutrients
80
Calories
Energy
4g
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
3.5g
Fat
3g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Pathway Contribution
Barley
Gut Health: High in beta-glucans, feeding beneficial bacteria.
Edamame
Vitality: Excellent source of plant-based protein for energy and repair.
Vegetables & Herbs
Balance: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall well-being.
Marinated Cabbage with Koji
This dish uses Shio Koji (a fermented rice malt) to marinate the Cabbage. The enzymes in the koji break down the tough fibers of the cabbage, making it more digestible and unlocking its nutrients, while adding a deep umami flavor.
Method:
  1. Prep: Cut Cabbage into wedges or bite-sized pieces.
  1. Marinate: Massage the cabbage with Shio Koji. Let it sit to marinate and soften (the enzymes will start working).
  1. Cook/Serve: You can serve this raw as a pickle or quickly sear/roast it to caramelize the sugars released by the koji.
  1. Finish: Garnish with sesame seeds or chives.
Marinated Cabbage with Koji: Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Macronutrients
50
Calories
Energy
2g
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
3g
Fat
2g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Pathway Contribution
Cabbage
Nourishment: Rich in vitamins K and C, and dietary fiber. Vitality: Supports digestive health and provides essential nutrients.
Shio Koji
Nourishment: Enhances flavor and nutrient availability. Vitality: Introduces beneficial probiotics for gut flora balance. Digestibility: Enzymes break down complex carbohydrates and proteins.
Broccoli Patty
These patties are a kid-friendly (and adult-friendly!) way to eat greens. Broccoli provides the fiber, while Cottage Cheese adds protein and calcium. Dill and Chives aid digestion.
Method:
  1. Mix: In a bowl, combine finely chopped Broccoli, Cottage Cheese, Eggs, flour, chopped Chives, and Dill.
  1. Season: Add baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  1. Fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Drop spoonfuls of batter and flatten. Fry until golden and crispy on both sides.
  1. Serve: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
Broccoli Patty: Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Macronutrients
100
Calories
Energy
1g
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
9g
Fat
0g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Pathway Contribution
Broccoli
Aliveness: High in fiber, supports digestion. Long-term health: Antioxidants reduce inflammation.
Cottage Cheese
Integrity: Rich in protein and calcium for strong bones. Vitality: Provides energy and aids muscle repair.
Eggs
Essential nutrients: Choline for brain health, protein for satiety. Vitality: Provides sustained energy.
Dill & Chives
Aliveness: Aid digestion and add fresh flavor. Long-term health: Contain vitamins and minerals.
Mediterranean Halibut
Halibut is a very lean fish that is easy on the digestive system. The Mediterranean topping of Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Oregano, and Lemon provides flavor without the heavy, hard-to-digest fats found in red meats.
Method:
  1. Topping: Mix mayonnaise with chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes, minced Garlic, Oregano, lemon zest, and chili flakes. Let sit to meld.
  1. Prep Fish: Place Halibut fillets on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
  1. Coat: Spread the tomato-mayo mixture evenly over the top of the fish.
  1. Bake: Roast at 425^{\circ}F until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Top with fresh Basil.
Mediterranean Halibut: Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Macronutrients
110
Calories
Energy
7g
Protein
8g
Carbohydrates
6g
Fat
3g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Pathway Contribution
Halibut
Supports the BUILD pillar with high-quality lean protein for muscle maintenance and repair.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Contribute to the VITALIZE pillar with antioxidants like lycopene, promoting cellular health.
Oregano
Enhances the PROTECT pillar through its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemon
Boosts the ENERGIZE pillar with Vitamin C, aiding metabolism and immune function.
Cauliflower and Corn Soup
A sweet and savory soup that balances soluble and insoluble fibers. Cauliflower is a cruciferous powerhouse, while Corn adds a unique fiber profile and natural sweetness that appeals to the palate.
Method:
  1. Sauté: Cook onions and celery in olive oil.
  1. Simmer: Add Cauliflower florets and Corn kernels. Cover with vegetable broth and cook until tender.
  1. Blend: Partially blend the soup to keep some texture, or fully blend for a smooth consistency.
  1. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and perhaps a drizzle of chili oil.
Cauliflower and Corn Soup: Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Macronutrients
45
Calories
Energy
2g
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
2g
Fat
2g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Pathway Contribution
Cauliflower
Rich in Vitamin C and K, supports Nourishment with anti-inflammatory properties and provides diverse fiber for gut health.
Corn
Offers complex carbohydrates and fiber, contributing to sustained energy and Vitality, along with antioxidants for cellular protection.
Celery
Provides hydration and essential electrolytes, supporting Balance and overall bodily functions.
Olive Oil
Source of monounsaturated fats, enhancing nutrient absorption and promoting Harmony within the body's systems.
Matcha Brownies
A dessert that calms. Matcha provides L-Theanine to relax the mind, while White Chocolate and Tahini provide a rich, satisfying texture. Almond Flour keeps it gluten-free and gut-friendly.
Method:
  1. Melt: Melt White Chocolate, Tahini, and olive oil together until smooth.
  1. Mix: Whisk eggs, coconut sugar, and maple syrup. Combine with the chocolate mixture.
  1. Dry: Fold in Almond Flour, Matcha Powder, and a little Chlorella (for color/detox).
  1. Bake: Bake at 325^{\circ}F until set. Let cool completely before slicing.
Matcha Brownies: Nutritional Information
Per Serving
Macronutrients
130
Calories
Energy
3g
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
7g
Fat
1g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Pathway Contribution
Matcha Powder
Aliveness: Provides L-Theanine for calm focus and powerful antioxidants for cellular health.
Tahini
Lipid Support: Rich in healthy fats and magnesium, supporting relaxation and nutrient absorption.
Almond Flour
Inner Vitality: Provides Vitamin E and fiber, supporting skin health and gentle digestion.
ALIVE Pathway: Key Takeaways
Complete Nutritional Profile (Full Menu Experience)
Note: Total calories are based on an average single serving of each item in this specific menu.
745
Calories
23g
Protein
56g
Carbohydrates
37.5g
Fat
18g
Fiber
Health Benefits
Feeds the Microbiome
High levels of Prebiotic Fiber from Barley, Broccoli, and Cauliflower stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Enhances Digestion
Koji enzymes and Herbal Teas (Chamomile, Sage) actively aid in the breakdown of food and soothe the digestive tract.
Reduces Gut Inflammation
Omega-3s (Halibut) and Anti-inflammatory Herbs (Lavender, Basil) help maintain a healthy gut barrier.
Gut-Brain Axis
Matcha and calming herbs support the nervous system, which is intimately connected to digestive health.
Why It Works
The ALIVE Pathway is grounded in the latest microbiome research, demonstrating that a diverse, fiber-rich diet combined with fermented foods and stress-reducing compounds creates optimal conditions for gut health.