Introducing Body Kind Nutrition

Just two weeks ago I launched a meal preparation program with my friend and colleague, Eleni called Body Kind Nutrition. This idea came together after a few Facetime calls where we both discussed how annoying it can be to get through a long day of clients and then need to still decide on what to eat. Then add in what sounds good, what you have the energy to cook, and how to make it nutritious - IT’S A LOT! So I’m proud to introduce our Patreon community, Body Kind Nutrition. Body Kind Nutrition is a meal preparation program that supports people with gentle nutrition from a weight-inclusive approach. Founded by me and Eleni Levine, MS, RDN, the BKN mission is to assist folks as they learn to build body trust through nourishment.

Created with busy folks in mind, this program provides each member with 2 recipes per week and a corresponding shopping list. Each recipe is designed with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber to ensure BKN members consume various nutrients with their meals. To make this program eating disorder/disordered eating client-friendly, the recipes do not list total calories. We do provide approximate protein and fiber contents of each meal, which may vary based on personal serving size and vegan or vegetarian substitutions. We want to ensure that clients are consuming adequate fiber because most Americans are not meeting the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) which is 25 grams per day for AFAB folks and 38 grams per day for AMAB. In addition, we include tips for how to use up leftover ingredients, low-energy swaps, cooking basics tips, and suggestions for swapping proteins based on current dietary restrictions.

Now for the details in Q+A formatting!

• Q: What does membership include and where is it hosted?

• A: Members receive two recipes per week created by our Registered Dietitian, a corresponding grocery shopping list, and access to exclusive content and community engagement opportunities hosted on our Patreon. Recipes are released every Thursday morning.

• Q: How much is this membership?

• A: We have three membership tiers so we can provide a range of support.

  • Education Station for $5/month + platform fees: This option is for folks who would like to gain access to the community engagement opportunities hosted for Body Kind Nutrition members. This tier will also have access to exclusive blog posts, mini podcasts, and more! This tier does not include the meal prep program.

  • Sustenance for $29.99/month + platform fees: As a Sustenance Member of Body Kind Nutrition, you are saying YES to learning how to build body trust through nourishment! This level of membership is for folks that feel they agree with the following statement "I am financially secure to pay this amount or I feel that is will add significant enough value to my livelihood."

  • Abundance for $39.99/month + platform fees: As an Abundance Member of Body Kind Nutrition, you are saying YES to learning how to build body trust through nourishment. In addition, your contribution helps build up this community by contributing towards equity for our free Education Station, and Sustenance memberships. You are so appreciated! This level of membership is for folks that feel they agree with the following statement "I can pay this or more with relative ease. I have freedom when it comes to choosing how I spend my money. I rarely have to consider the price tag on something that I want, besides large ticket items. I am in a position to be generous with my money."

• Q: What’s special about a Registered Dietitian creating these recipes?

• A: Each recipe includes the approximate protein and fiber contents of the meal. In addition, we include tips for how to use up leftover ingredients, low-energy swaps, cooking basics tips, and suggestions for swapping proteins based on current dietary restrictions.

• Q: Who is behind Body Kind Nutrition?

• A: Body Kind Nutrition is run by a Mental Health Professional, Registered Dietitian, and Personal Trainer because we understand that health is holistic. Eleni Agresta Levine, MS RDN (she/her) received her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Nutrition from Long Island University. Her private practice helps patients with eating disorder recovery and chronic disease management using the Health at Every Size™ framework. Ashantis Jones, MEd (she/they) received her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health & College Counseling and Student Affairs from DePaul University. She’s also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer who supports clients with body respect through a weight-inclusive and intersectional approach.

• Q: What is a weight-inclusive approach?

• A: An “emphasis on viewing health and well-being as multifaceted while directing efforts toward improving health access and reducing weight stigma.” - National Institutes of Health.
  

• Q: Who is this program best suited for?

• A: We created this program with busy people - aka ourselves - in mind 😅. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide what to cook each week, wondering if you can keep nutrition in mind, without having to restrict yourself. We remove the barrier of decision fatigue so you can just enjoy nourishing your body and mind!

• Q: Can you support a non-meat eater?

• A: Most of our recipes include meat and/or dairy products, but we do strive to include vegetarian and vegan-friendly swaps. If a member requires additional support with a recipe, they are welcome to reach out to our email bodykindnutrition7@gmail.com.
  

• Q: Will I be able to add on additional recipes, customizations, or 1:1 sessions with the creators as a member?

• A: Eleni and Ashantis will regularly host community engagement opportunities for members on Patreon and hope to add additional features to the Body Kind Nutrition membership in the future!