EXPERIMENTAL KITCHEN: The 'ALIVE' Pathway
A Blueprint for Digestive Harmony and Gut Microbiome Balance
Alive Meal Plan consists of two interconnected pathways - Digestive Harmony and Gut Microbiome Balance - designed to heal and optimize your digestive system while cultivating the diverse microbiome essential for total body wellness. This comprehensive approach addresses both digestive function and microbial ecology through prebiotic fibers, diverse fermented foods, digestive enzymes, gut-healing nutrients, and elimination of inflammatory foods.
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Three Pillars of Alive
Digestive Optimization
This pillar focuses on enhancing digestive function through digestive enzymes for optimal breakdown and gut-healing nutrients for intestinal repair.
Microbiome Cultivation
This pillar cultivates diverse beneficial bacteria through prebiotic fibers to feed beneficial bacteria and diverse fermented foods for probiotic variety.
Inflammatory Elimination
This pillar removes foods that disrupt gut health and cause inflammation, creating an environment for healing and balance.
Alive Menu Previews
Matcha Bubble Tea
Nootropic Activation
A functional beverage featuring Matcha (L-Theanine) for "calm alertness" and tapioca pearls for texture and enjoyment.
Vegan Umami Mushroom Broth
Neuro-Structural Support
A potent elixir of Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms, providing neuroprotective compounds and deep mineral support.
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia
Nootropic Activation
Freshly baked bread infused with Rosemary (linked to memory enhancement) and Garlic for blood flow and cognitive health.
Tabouli
Gut-Brain Connection
A herb-dense salad packed with Parsley (Apigenin for neuron formation) and Bulgur fiber to fuel the gut-brain axis.
Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad
Neuro-Structural Support
Crunchy Brussels Sprouts (Vitamin K for brain cells) paired with Hazelnuts (Vitamin E) for antioxidant protection.
Shakshuka
Neuro-Structural Support
Eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce, providing a massive dose of Choline, the precursor to the learning neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Crab Cakes w/ Katsu Sauce
Neuro-Structural Support
Crab (Zinc/Omega-3s) served with a Turmeric-rich Katsu curry sauce to fight neuro-inflammation and boost mood.
Chia Pudding Tart
Neuro-Structural Support
A brain-boosting dessert rich in ALA Omega-3s from Chia seeds, providing sustained cognitive fuel and fiber.
Garlic: The Flavorful Superfood
Featured on the 'ALIVE' Menu:
  • Rosemary Garlic Focaccia: Explicitly infused for its cognitive and circulatory benefits, contributing to neuro-structural support.
  • Vegan Umami Mushroom Broth: While not explicitly mentioned, garlic is a key component in creating the deep umami flavor and adding its therapeutic properties to this neuro-structural support elixir.
  • Shakshuka: A common aromatic base for the rich tomato sauce, enhancing flavor while delivering its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.

Fun Fact: Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years by various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. It was even fed to ancient Olympic athletes in Greece to improve their performance!
Matcha Bubble Tea
This beverage moves beyond a simple treat to a functional tool. Matcha is rich in polyphenols that act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, while the tapioca pearls provide resistant starch that ferments in the gut, producing healing short-chain fatty acids.
Method
01
Cook Pearls
Simmer tapioca pearls in a brown sugar syrup until chewy and sweet.
02
Whisk
Whisk high-quality Matcha Powder with hot water until frothy and vibrant green.
03
Assemble
Layer the syrup-soaked pearls, ice, and milk (or alternative) in a glass.
04
Pour
Top with the whisked matcha tea. Stir to combine the earthy tea with the sweet base.
Matcha Bubble Tea: Nutritional Profile
Per Serving
Macronutrients
60
kcal
1g
Protein
13g
Carbohydrates
0.5g
Fats
1g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Contribution
Matcha Powder
Rich in polyphenols that act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting microbiome diversity.
Tapioca Pearls
Resistant starch that ferments in the gut, producing short-chain fatty acids that heal the intestinal lining.
Plant-Based Milk
Lactose-free option reduces digestive stress while providing gentle, easily absorbed nutrients for gut repair.
Vegan Umami Mushroom Broth
A nourishing medicinal broth, featuring Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms. These powerful fungi are celebrated for their prebiotic compounds that foster a healthy gut microbiome, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. The rich 'Umami' flavor not only satisfies but also signals satiety, promoting mindful eating.
Method
01
Sauté Aromatics
Gently cook onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
02
Combine Ingredients
Add dried mushrooms and cover with filtered water.
03
Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 hours.
04
Strain & Serve
Strain the broth, pressing solids, then season to taste and enjoy warm.
Vegan Umami Mushroom Broth: Nutritional Profile
Per Serving
Macronutrients
15
kcal
og
Protein
2g
Carbohydrates
0g
Fats
1g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Contribution
Shiitake Mushrooms
Rich in beta-glucans that strengthen intestinal barrier function and support immune health in the gut.
Reishi Mushrooms
Adaptogenic properties reduce stress-related gut inflammation and promote microbiome balance.
Kombu Seaweed
Natural source of glutamine and minerals that repair and nourish the intestinal lining.
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia
This aromatic bread is more than comfort food. Rosemary contains compounds that support digestive enzyme production, while Garlic acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy microbiome balance.
Method
01
Proof - Activate yeast in warm water with a touch of sugar until foamy
02
Mix - Combine flour, salt, olive oil, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic
03
Rise - Let dough rise until doubled, then press into an oiled pan with dimples
04
Bake - Top with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. Bake until golden and aromatic
Rosemary Garlic Focaccia: Nutritional Profile
Per Serving
Macronutrients
150
kcal
5g
Protein
24g
Carbohydrates
3.5g
Fats
1g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Contribution
Sourdough Starter
Natural fermentation breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making nutrients more bioavailable and easier to digest.
Fresh Rosemary
Carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid reduce intestinal inflammation and support digestive enzyme production.
Garlic
Prebiotic inulin feeds beneficial gut bacteria while allicin provides gentle antimicrobial support for microbiome balance.
Tabouli
This herb-dense salad is a gut health powerhouse. Parsley is rich in chlorophyll and enzymes that support digestion, while Bulgur wheat provides prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria and promotes healthy gut motility.
Method
01
Prepare Bulgur
Soak fine bulgur in hot water for 15-20 minutes, then drain thoroughly, squeezing out excess water.
02
Chop Vegetables & Herbs
Finely chop a large bunch of fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumber. Aim for a very fine dice.
03
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rehydrated bulgur with the chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumber.
04
Dress the Salad
Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
05
Chill and Serve
Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold as a side dish or light meal.
Tabouli: Nutritional Profile
Per Serving
Macronutrients
100
kcal
3g
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
3g
Fats
2g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Contribution
Fresh Parsley
Exceptionally high in chlorophyll and apigenin, which reduce gut inflammation and support detoxification pathways.
Bulgur Wheat
Whole grain with intact fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria and promotes regular, healthy bowel movements.
Lemon Juice
Citric acid stimulates digestive enzyme production and enhances mineral absorption in the small intestine.
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad w/ Hazelnuts
This crunchy salad delivers powerful gut protection. Brussels Sprouts are rich in glucosinolates that support gut lining integrity and reduce inflammation, while Hazelnuts provide healthy fats that aid nutrient absorption.
Method
01
Shred
Finely shred raw Brussels Sprouts
02
Crunch
Make a "Hazelnut Crunch" by crushing toasted Hazelnuts
03
Dress
Toss the sprouts with Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, and a touch of Dijon mustard
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad w/ Hazelnuts: Nutritional Profile
Per Serving
Macronutrients
50
kcal
2g
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
3.5g
Fats
2g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Contribution
Raw Brussels Sprouts
Shredding increases surface area for enzyme activity; rich in fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria and promotes gut motility.
Toasted Hazelnuts
Healthy fats enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins while providing prebiotic fiber for microbiome diversity.
Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
Acetic acid supports stomach acid production and creates favorable pH for beneficial gut bacteria.
Shakshuka
This North African dish is a gut-healing marvel. Eggs provide easily digestible protein and choline for gut-brain communication, while the tomato and pepper base delivers lycopene and vitamin C that support gut lining repair.
Method
01
Base
Sauté onions, red bell peppers, and garlic. Add spices (cumin, paprika, chili)
02
Simmer
Add canned tomatoes and simmer until thickened into a rich sauce
03
Poach
Create wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them
04
Finish
Cover and cook until eggs are set but yolks remain runny. Garnish with fresh herbs
Shakshuka: Nutritional Profile
Per Serving
Macronutrients
60
kcal
3g
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
3.5g
Fats
2g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Contribution
Pasture-Raised Eggs
High-quality protein and bioavailable nutrients including zinc and B vitamins essential for gut repair and enzyme function.
Tomato-Pepper Base
Rich in carotenoids and vitamin C that protect gut cells from oxidative damage and support immune function.
Cumin & Turmeric Spices
Anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe digestive tract, reduce bloating, and support beneficial bacteria growth.
Crab Cakes w/ Katsu Curry Sauce
This fusion dish combines gut-healing power with bold flavor. Crab (or mock crab) provides easily digestible protein and zinc for gut repair, while the turmeric-rich curry sauce delivers powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe the digestive tract.
Method
01
Mix Crab Meat (or mock crab) with breadcrumbs and binding agents. Form into cakes
02
Pan-fry cakes until golden and crispy on both sides
03
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add curry powder and flour to make a roux
04
Add coconut milk and simmer until thickened. Serve sauce over crispy crab cakes
Crab Cakes w/ Katsu Curry Sauce: Nutritional Profile
Per Serving
Macronutrients
100
kcal
5g
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
6g
Fats
1g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Contribution
Wild-Caught Crab
Lean protein rich in amino acids like glutamine that directly repair and rebuild intestinal lining cells.
Katsu Curry Sauce
Turmeric, ginger, and curry spices provide curcumin and gingerol—powerful anti-inflammatory compounds for digestive health.
Panko Coating
Light, airy texture minimizes digestive burden while providing gentle fiber for gut motility.
Chia Pudding Tart
This elegant dessert is a gut health champion. Chia seeds are packed with soluble fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria and promotes healthy digestion, while their omega-3s reduce gut inflammation and support the intestinal barrier.
Method
01
Pudding
Mix chia seeds with plant-based milk and sweetener. Refrigerate for 4+ hours until thick
02
Crust
Press a mixture of crushed nuts, dates, and coconut oil into tart pans
03
Fill
Spoon the chia pudding into the prepared crusts
04
Top
Garnish with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a drizzle of fruit compote
Chia Pudding Tart: Nutritional Profile
Per Serving
Macronutrients
160
kcal
4g
Protein
7g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fats
2g
Dietary Fiber
Micronutrients
Key Components & Alive Contribution
Chia Seeds
Exceptional soluble fiber content creates a soothing gel that coats and protects the digestive tract while feeding beneficial bacteria.
Date-Nut Crust
Natural sweetness from dates provides prebiotic fiber, while nuts offer healthy fats for nutrient absorption.
Fresh Berry Topping
Rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols that act as prebiotics, promoting diverse and healthy gut microbiome.
Whole Menu Takeaway: 'ALIVE' Pathway
Overall Macronutrient Profile ( per full menu)
691
Calories
Energy
74g
Carbs
31g
Fat
23g
Protein
11g
Dietary Fiber
5
Fruits
11
Vegetables
Key Benefits
Neuro-Structural Support
Ingredients like choline from eggs and protective antioxidants support brain health and cellular integrity.
Microbiome Cultivation
High fiber content from chia seeds, vegetables, and whole grains fosters a thriving gut microbiome.
Anti-Inflammatory Action
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and various herbs actively reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Inflammatory Elimination
Detoxifying components aid in flushing out toxins and reducing inflammatory load, supporting gut lining repair.
Based on a daily consumption of all menu items in standard serving sizes, the 'ALIVE' pathway provides a balanced intake tailored for sustained energy and optimal health.