You do not know what to believe or where to start.

You are bombarded with confusing and conflicting information about what it means to eat well with MS.

Eating Well with Multiple Sclerosis does not have to be like this!

DOES ANY OF THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR…

  • You have tried all of the “MS Diets”, “regimens” and “protocols”

  • You have taken all of the supplements

  • You hoped that you would be able to control MS with diet but control isn’t working and you are sick of constantly thinking about food

  • You have beaten yourself up for “falling off the wagon” or not following the guidelines strictly enough

  • You really want to enjoy food without that guilty feeling you get after you have eaten [insert forbidden food here]

  • But you also are afraid that eating [insert forbidden food here] will make your MS worse

  • You want to follow the “MS Diet”,” Protocol” or “regimen” guidelines, but your family does not like the foods at all

  • You just want to be able to eat, enjoy your food and know that you are nourishing your body in a way that will promote good health and make you feel good

  • You have tried everything to feel better, but you are exhausted with it all

If it does, you already know what a minefield it can be to get credible advice and nutrition support for folks living with Multiple Sclerosis.

WHAT IF YOU

  • Could eat well with MS, without it being complicated, expensive, exhausting, or different from what your friends and family are eating?


  • Had strategies to overcome the challenges that MS serves up each day, and still plan for, prepare and  eat health promoting meals more consistently?


  • Didn’t have to choose between a diet (with multiple levels, each more ridiculously challenging than the last) and JOY?


  • Could add JOY back to the menu - without the fear that doing so will harm your health?


OVERWHELMED?

Life with MS can feel overwhelming. You are still doing all of the things. Or maybe just some of the things. Work, family, household chores, and you are exhausted. Or in pain. Or weighed down with decision fatigue. Or all of it. Planning and shopping for and then preparing meals at home just sounds like more than you can handle.

TRIED ALL OF THE DIETS?

And nothing has worked. You have beaten yourself up for “falling off the wagon” or not following the diet strictly enough. You miss enjoying meals with friends but worry that what you eat may be making your MS worse. You feel like nobody understands just how difficult it is.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ON YOUR OWN

If eating well feels challenging to you, it's time to get the support you need

ENROLL NOW

HOW CAN SMALL GROUP COACHING HELP YOU?

“Eating well with Multiple Sclerosis can be made more difficult because of the unpredictability of MS. But eating healthy does not mean something different now that you have MS. Small group coaching will provide answers to your questions, support from others who get it, and a plan to help stop overwhelm in its tracks.”

“Have you wondered what is valid information and what can be debunked? Or maybe hoped to get some perspective on all of the diets, protocols and supplements. Small group coaching facilitated by a registered dietitian and MS Certified Specialist who also lives with MS will help you to sort out fact from fiction and gain perspective on the endless stream of advice on the internet. ”

“You have tried the “MS Diets” but your family does not like the foods at all. Or they are expensive and hard to find. Or both. Eating well with MS does not mean eating something different from your family. Small Group coaching will help you develop strategies that work for everyone in your family.”

WHAT IS SMALL GROUP COACHING?

During this 8-week program we will dive into some of the things that my clients living with MS deal with regularly. Each week I will provide a brief and informal training that discusses the topic of the week in a broad way. The trainings will end with recommendations for ways to take action. Because we all experience MS differently, the action steps will be able to be individualized and fit your unique situation.

You can think of each week as an opportunity to learn something, take action and develop strategies that works for you and your unique situation. All with the support of a dietitian and the rest of the group members.

  • VIDEO LESSONS

    Each lesson will focus on one topic. The lesson will be available as a video or audio recording and should not exceed 15 minutes. In most cases, there will be a supportive document that will help you to record any questions or comments you have for the coaching call. It will also support you as you implement the action items!

  • WEEKLY LIVE COACHING CALLS

    Learn and grow through education, gentle accountability and steady progress. I am your support system, not your drill sergeant or the food police. These calls make sure you understand everything and don't get stuck!

  • COMMUNITY SUPPORT

    A private and supportive non-Facebook community of fellow MS’ers who understand the challenges of living with MS. Ask questions, offer feedback, and support each other throughout the program.

  • GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

    You can ask Mona questions anytime. You can submit your questions prior to the weekly coaching calls to have them answered during a call, or you can ask during a call, submit by email, or ask within the private community.

  • SUPPORT OR ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS

    By popular request, there will be the option to have accountability or support buddies within the group.

  • SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES

    Downloadable worksheets, workshops, and other recommended resources to support you in your efforts to eat well with MS

HI, I'M MONA

As a Registered Dietitian, nutrition is my profession and I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of people who want to eat well with MS.

As a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS) I have a unique clinical understanding of the wide variety of challenges that MS can create which make eating well more difficult. Fatigue, pain, cognitive challenges, mobility limitations, sometimes a lack of support and this is all before you even try to figure out what’s on the menu this week!

As someone who has lived with RRMS myself since 2008, I understand how seductive it can be when Dr. Google promises to heal, beat, reverse of cure Multiple Sclerosis with restrictive food rules and a collection of supplements.  

I take it personally. You deserve better than that.


ROADMAP


Because the wellness journey with MS is never linear, the order in which you travel is not as important as being equipped to handle every twist, turn, and pothole that life serves up. Each week you will be encouraged to act on something with weekly challenges. These can look different for everyone since we are all at different places on the path. The point is to move forward with confidence.


ASSESS THE SITUATION

The first step on any journey is to know where you are and where you want to go. We will begin by assessing your current situation. Are you meeting your nutrition needs in a consistent way? Are there areas of significant challenge? Are there gaps in your knowledge or skills that, if filled would make it easier to eat well more consistently? The answers to these questions will inform the journey ahead.

 


FILL THE GAPS

Searching the internet for information about MS and diet results in a LOT of information. But most of it is confusing and complicated. How reliable is it? Filling any gaps of understanding with reliable information about the role of nutrition in MS is important. But so is developing new skills that make progress toward your goals a possibility. We will focus on both.

 


THE COMORBIDITY CONUNDRUM

If you are living with multiple sclerosis AND any other condition you are living with what is referred to as comorbid health conditions. This means that you have two or more chronic conditions at the same time. It can be really confusing when one or more of your conditions have a nutrition component – diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension – to name just a few. We will break it down so that you have an actionable strategy.

 


FIGHT BACK WITH FOOD?

Does food play a role in managing the unpredictable symptoms of MS? The short answer is Yes. We will dive deep into a conversation about the role of nutrition in managing fatigue, cognitive challenges, bowel and bladder irregularity, and others. We will review the ways that you may be able to fight back with food and other health-promoting behaviors.



SPEEDBUMPS, POTHOLES, AND COPING SKILLS

Living with MS is both physically and emotionally challenging. Feelings like fear, sadness, isolation, loss, and anger can derail our best intentions. Some folks use food as a coping tool. We will discuss why this is not a bad thing and why it is important to have other tools to reach for as you build your very own coping toolbox.

 


TUNE UP WITH SUPPLEMENTS?

Are there supplements that you should be taking because you live with MS? Spoiler alert: NO. But do supplements play a role in living well with MS? Maybe. The answer is a nuanced one that will vary from person to person. We will talk about the role of dietary supplements in overall health. You will get clarity around your need to supplement your nutrition.



BEYOND FOOD

Eating well is a very important part of health- with or without MS. But the food you eat is just one piece of the puzzle. This is because eating well cannot make up for being sleep-deprived, sedentary, or stressed out. What is the role of movement, spirituality, stress management, and sleep in being healthy and feeling your best with MS? It is complicated but everything works together to help your body function optimally. We will review strategies to individualize these puzzle pieces to meet your needs.



BUILDING MOMENTUM

Regardless of where you began, building momentum is an important part of moving forward. We will spend some time tying everything together, reviewing strategies to track progress, deal with setbacks, and how to continue moving forward with our goals.



WHAT DO MY CLIENTS SAY?

“One of my main goals was to find a food version of “work smarter, not harder”. But I needed to feel comfortable that simple did not = worse for my health. While my goal is an ongoing work in progress, simple is my new guiding principle. Thank you for your support! ”

JT Group Coaching Client

“OMG! I am so glad to find out that I don’t have to eat 9 or more cups of vegetables every day! I mean, I like vegetables and I do want to eat more but I just don’t think I can eat nine cups of anything every day. This may seem small but it has made a huge difference for me. I grew up in a family that didn’t really eat vegetables so it has been an intentional focus of mine. But nine cups as a goal felt super defeating! Celebrating baby steps! ”

VK 1:1 Coaching Client

“No more “diets” for me. Phew, feel better already. My goal is to heal my mindset from thinking that I need food rules to be healthy with MS. Just saying it out loud feels good. And my family is supportive. It will be an ongoing process, but the support of the group has given me the strength (to start). I feel strong. ”

SM Group Coaching Client

“After working together 1:1, your suggestion that I would enjoy the group was spot on. I thought it would somehow be less but it was the opposite. Others in the group were very supportive of me and it really felt good to be able to offer suggestions to others who are dealing with something that I have too. I recommend the group to anyone living with MS who has questions about diet. ”

JF 1:1 and Group Coaching Client

“My first and most difficult goal was finding a way to cook at home more often. I am making progress and the suggestions that you have made are so helpful. I have decided to stick with a notebook over an app but planning my meals has been easier than I thought. I also want to thank you (!) for helping me find words to talk with my doctor about diet. ”

LE 1:1 Coaching Client

“Thank you for all of your support! My wife and I are both back on the same page when it comes to eating. This has been helpful for her energy levels since we are eating the same foods and mealtime is much more enjoyable. And we share the prep and clean up- which has been interesting too. Oh, and our grocery bills are lower too! It has been helpful for me as someone who does not have MS but loves someone with MS to hear from and learn from the group. ”

GH Group Coaching Client

“My main goal seems to be different from others. I have had real difficulty with my appetite – meaning that I don’t seem to have one and I have been losing weight. So, my goal, with your help, has been to try to eat something at regular intervals. Your ideas for this have been helpful. I’m grateful. ”

MS Group Coaching Client

“My first and most difficult goal was finding a way to cook at home more often. I am making progress and the suggestions that you have made are so helpful. I have decided to stick with a notebook over an app but planning my meals has been easier than I thought. I also want to thank you (!) for helping me find words to talk with my doctor about diet. ”

LE 1:1 Coaching Client

“Bowel regularity is not something that is easy to talk about. It is also something that I have struggled with since my MS diagnosis in 2012. I appreciate how approachable you are on this awkward topic and your suggestions have been very helpful. Oh, and I have been trying to walk for at least 15 minutes each day which I think is helping. I know my dog likes it ;) Thank you ”

GF Group Coaching Client

IN A NUTSHELL

Who: This small group coaching program is for anyone living with MS.  The group will be facilitated by Mona Bostick RDN, LDN, MSCS. Support will come from Mona and the other group members also going through the program.   


What: This is an 8-week online small group coaching program that will include a weekly education component, action steps with supportive documents, weekly group calls, and a supportive community (not Facebook).


Where: ll resources will be available inside the program platform that can be accessed on any device. Weekly group calls will be via Zoom. All calls will be recorded and shared inside the program platform. The community will also be inside the program platform. 


When: Enrollment begins Monday December 22, 2019 and ends Wednesday, January 8 2020. The program will officially kick-off on January 13th, 2019 and will run for 12 consecutive weeks ending March 23, 2020. The live 60-minute group coaching sessions will be held weekly on Wednesdays, but all calls will be recorded and shared with you. So you will never miss anything!


Why: Eating well with MS does not have to be as exhausting as dealing with insurance companies. Small group coaching will help you to add joy back to the menu because you deserve it! 

FAQ

  • WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

    Each cohort will last 8 weeks. The time involved in each week depends on how long you would like to spend with action items. This will probably vary week to week depending on any goals you might be working towards, but certainly no longer than an hour each week. If you prefer to take it faster or slower no worries! This is your resource! Use it in the way that works best for you! I do recommend that you try to implement something from each week that resonates with you as this will help you to turn knowing in to doing.

  • DOES SMALL GROUP COACHING INCLUDE MEAL PLANS OR RECIPES?

    No, not really. I will offer recipes, tips and suggestions along the way and you will be encouraged to do the same! But I do not provide meal plans. MS does not require a meal plan but living with MS makes having a plan for meals really important. We will work together to create this for you.

  • I DON’T HAVE MS BUT LOVE SOMEONE WHO DOES, IS THIS RIGHT FOR ME?

    Absolutely! I am the one in my family that was diagnosed with MS, but my husband and kids live with MS as well! If you love someone with MS and would like to join us in this conversation, please do! Your insight and perspective are so important!

  • CAN I GET MORE INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT?

    Yes. All support offered within the group coaching program is individualized but if you would like to discuss something privately you can schedule a 1:1 call with Mona. These will be offered at a discounted rate for group members.

  • I DO NOT PREPARE MY OWN MEALS, IS THIS RIGHT FOR ME?

    Yes. Whether you are shopping for, preparing meals or participating in the process in another way your confidence and ideas matter! Small Group Coaching can help you contribute to the process in a variety of ways that allows your concerns and preferences to be included in the process.

  • WHAT IF I CANNOT AFFORD SMALL GROUP COACHING?

    If you feel like SMALL GROUP COACHING would be a good fit for you but finances are an issue, we do offer a limited number of partial and full scholarships. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

  • WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER PURCHASING?

    There are no hoops to jump through. If it’s not a good fit, all you need to do is let me know within the first 14 days. Once canceled, you will no longer be charged, and will not receive any future content. You’ve got nothing to lose!

  • WHY START NOW?

    It’s Your Moment. It’s time for you to take action. Simple as that. Do something today that your future self will thank you for!

  • HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN'T ANSWERED HERE?

    Feel free to email me directly with any questions: [email protected]

SMALL GROUP COACHING MAY NOT BE FOR YOU IF

  • You are hoping a dietary intervention will cure MS.

  • Are committed to a specific protocol that restricts a wide variety of foods.

“Maybe you have heard the phrase you don’t get it unless you get it in reference to life with MS. This small group coaching is specifically for people with MS facilitated by a dietitian who both lives with MS and is a MS certified Specialist. We get it. ”

“You can access everything from the comfort and convenience of your home or anywhere you like actually! All scheduled calls, recordings, a supportive community, and other resources are easy to get to inside the program platform which is accessible on all devices.”

“No more overwhelm or decision fatigue around mealtime. No more hypervigilance around everything that you eat out of fear that what you eat might be harming your health. Spend that time doing the things that bring you joy.”

“Food is a part of our childhood memories, celebrations, cultural heritage, and family traditions. When you replace fear, overwhelm and decision fatigue with strategies that will help you to eat in a way that supports your health more consistently, you can get back to enjoying mealtime.”

ARE YOU READY?

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ENROLL NOW