Transform Your Gut

The Balanced Gut Solution

A Premium 6-Month Coaching Program for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause

You're bloated, constipated, and reacting to foods that never used to be a problem, and nobody has told you why. That's where we start, with one-on-one health coaching to find what's actually driving your symptoms.

We’ve been where you are, and remember what it feels like when…

  • Your bloating and distention are constant. By evening you look and feel like a different person than the one who got dressed that morning, and you're exhausted on top of it.

  • You feel uncomfortable in your skin, and it’s affecting how you feel with your partner, when you’re traveling, and even when you’re getting dressed in the morning.

  • Every meal requires a calculation, and you've started saying no to dinners out because it's easier than managing what comes after.

  • You’ve sat through endless appointments, follow-ups, and tests that ended in "everything looks normal." No one is listening and no one is connecting the dots for women in midlife.

  • You've tried it all on your own - elimination diets, probiotics, food diaries - and you're discouraged, stuck, and starting to wonder if this is just how it is now.

You don’t know what needs to change because no one has ever looked at the whole picture with you.

Now imagine this…

Food has stopped being a puzzle to solve. Your meals look more like they used to, and the foods you'd written off are finding their way back onto your plate. The constant bloating is gone, you're regular without thinking about it, and your weight has finally stabilized.

You’re sleeping better, your energy is back, and you've stopped apologizing for symptoms nobody could figure out. You say yes to dinners and book trips without a second thought.

And though it all, you're not figuring it out alone anymore. You have someone who listens, connects the dots, holds you accountable, and advocates for you. Someone who has lived this and knows the way through.

This is what we can do for you inside The Balanced Gut Solution!

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We’re Ava Safir & Meg Whitbeck

WE HELP WOMEN JUST LIKE YOU—NAVIGATING PERIMENOPAUSE OR MENOPAUSE—FINALLY GET TO THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR GUT SYMPTOMS SO YOU CAN FEEL CONFIDENT, COMFORTABLE, AND IN CONTROL AGAIN.

Hi, I’m Ava Safir…

I know firsthand how GI issues can affect your day-to-day life.

I struggled for years from symptoms of IBS, SIBO and chronic constipation. I had a very poor self-image and avoided many joys in life because of how I felt.

It wasn’t until I met an amazing doctor that things started to change. She listened, my feelings were validated, and she helped guide me through the process of making small, deliberate changes to finally calm my gut and eat food without fear.

But here’s the kicker… everything flipped upside down when perimenopause hit—everything that used to work to support my gut failed.

Thankfully, I had a trusted expert who walked me through perimenopause and helped me balance my hormones. I didn’t have to navigate this alone.

Today, I’m passionate about giving women the knowledge, tools, and guidance they need to thrive—which is why I returned to school and became a Registered Dietitian.

I’m here to help women like you navigate this confusing phase of life, so you can overcome your pain and experience more joy.

Ava Safir earned a Master’s of Science in Nutrition Education from Columbia University and completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Ava is a licensed Registered Dietitian in multiple states.

Hi, I’m Meg Whitbeck…

My gut health struggles started when I was a teenager. I was diagnosed with GERD and IBS by the time I was 15. I discovered I had Candida overgrowth and was severely gluten and lactose intolerant.

I was tired all the time.

Years went by without much help or relief. Finally, while working as a molecular geneticist after college, I found a gastroenterologist who helped me find answers. It was life-changing to have a practitioner truly listen! She helped me to get to the root cause of my GI issues and heal. Being able to enjoy food and travel without worry transformed my life.

However, I began to notice a drastic change in my body in my 40s. The scale crept up, my energy levels fell, my moods were all over the place, and my cycle changed.

I thought I was too young for perimenopause, but my doctor assured me I was well within the normal age range, which is between 43 and 53

Luckily, I had the right tools and practitioners to help me find relief from the constant bloating, chronic constipation, and overwhelming fatigue. Through strategic meal planning, targeted supplementation, and purposeful movement, I was able to regain balance and shed the extra weight.

Between my own experience with GERD, reflux, Candida overgrowth, and IBS—and now navigating perimenopause myself—I understand what it’s like to feel frustrated and in need of answers. I am here, and cannot wait to work with you.

Meg Whitbeck has a Master’s in Food and Nutrition from Framingham State University and has completed their Coordinated Program in Dietetics. She’s been a practicing dietitian since 2009 and is licensed in the state of Connecticut.

Hi! we’re Ava Safir & Meg Whitbeck

WE'RE HEALTH COACHES TRAINED AS REGISTERED DIETITIANS WHO SPECIALIZE IN GUT HEALTH FOR WOMEN IN PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE, AND WE DO THIS WORK BECAUSE WE NEEDED IT OURSELVES FIRST

Hi, I’m Ava Safir…

I know firsthand how GI issues can affect your day-to-day life.

I struggled for years from symptoms of IBS, SIBO and chronic constipation, and I planned my whole life around how my gut might behave.

It wasn’t until I found an amazing doctor that things started to change. She listened, took my symptoms seriously, and walked me through small, deliberate changes that finally calmed my gut. After years of guessing, I could eat normally again.

Then perimenopause hit, and everything that had worked for my gut stopped working. All of it. The body I'd finally come to understand became a stranger again.

Thankfully, I had a trusted expert who helped me understand what my hormones were doing to my gut, and I didn't have to start over alone. That experience changed the direction of my life. I went back to school to become a Registered Dietitian so I could be that person for other women.

If your gut changed in midlife and nothing you've tried is working, I understand that from the inside. That's the work I do everyday.

Ava Safir earned a Master’s of Science in Nutrition Education from Columbia University and completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Ava is a licensed Registered Dietitian in multiple states.

Hi, I’m Meg Whitbeck…

My gut health struggles started when I was a teenager. I was diagnosed with GERD and IBS by the time I was 15. I discovered I had Candida overgrowth and was severely gluten and lactose intolerant.

I was tired all the time.

Years went by without much help or relief. Finally, while working as a molecular geneticist after college, I found a gastroenterologist who helped me find answers. It was life-changing to have a practitioner truly listen! She helped me to get to the root cause of my GI issues and heal. Being able to enjoy food and travel without worry transformed my life.

However, I began to notice a drastic change in my body in my 40s. The scale crept up, my energy levels fell, my moods were all over the place, and my cycle changed.

I thought I was too young for perimenopause, but my doctor assured me I was well within the normal age range, which is between 43 and 53

Luckily, I had the right tools and practitioners to help me find relief from the constant bloating, chronic constipation, and overwhelming fatigue. Through strategic meal planning, targeted supplementation, and purposeful movement, I was able to regain balance and shed the extra weight.

Between my own experience with GERD, reflux, Candida overgrowth, and IBS—and now navigating perimenopause myself—I understand what it’s like to feel frustrated and in need of answers. I am here, and cannot wait to work with you.

Meg Whitbeck has a Master’s in Food and Nutrition from Framingham State University and has completed their Coordinated Program in Dietetics. She’s been a practicing dietitian since 2009 and is licensed in the state of Connecticut.

This is what we want you to know:

Your gut symptoms are not random and they are not a personality trait you have to manage forever. There is a reason your digestion changed when your hormones did, and finding that reason changes everything.

One doctor looked at your gut and another looked at your hormones, but no one ever looked at them together. That's exactly where your answers are.

Connecting the two is what we do. And your 40s, 50s, and beyond are too good to spend planning around your gut.

Let’s dive into the…

The Balanced Gut Solution

YOUR 1:1 COACHING PROGRAM for Women 35+

INTRODUCING OUR FOUNDATION-FIX-FREEDOM FRAMEWORK...

STEP 1: FOUNDATION

Calm the gut-stress connection so your body feels steady and less reactive.

STEP 2: FIX

Address the deeper patterns driving your symptoms.

STEP 3: FREEDOM

Rebuild flexibility and confidence so your digestion can keep up with your life.

Foundation

Stabilize Your System So Healing Can Begin

Before addressing dietary changes, supplements, or testing, we take a moment to get your body to a place where it can respond. Too often, women begin treatment before their body is ready, and end up frustrated, reactive, and feeling like nothing works.

In perimenopause and menopause, hormone shifts change how your brain and gut work together. You might notice stress affecting digestion more quickly than it used to, constipation lingering longer than expected, or meals that once felt simple now leaving you unsure of how your body will respond.

Over time, that unpredictability can create tension around food and a growing sense that something has shifted.

The Foundation Phase is about helping your body feel steady again. We support digestion in practical, manageable ways while calming the stress response, so your system isn’t constantly bracing. We also bring more consistency to meals, sleep, and recovery, giving your body the space it needs to reset.

Many women tell us this is the first time their symptoms begin to feel connected rather than random.

This is the phase that allows every other phase to actually work and truly move you forward.

Fix

Identify and Address the Systems Driving Your Symptoms

Once your system feels steadier, we start looking more closely at what’s been driving your symptoms beneath the surface.

In midlife, digestive changes rarely happen in isolation. Hormone shifts can influence how your gut moves, how your body responds to stress, how inflammation shows up, and even how well you sleep. When those pieces stop working smoothly together, symptoms begin to surface-bloating that builds as the day goes on, constipation that feels different than it used to, or weight changes that don’t seem to respond the way they once did.

In the Fix Phase, we take a thoughtful look at how your digestion is actually functioning and how stress patterns or shifting hormones may be amplifying sensitivity, slowing motility, or disrupting blood sugar balance.

We also consider how your daily habits-how you eat, move, sleep, and recover-are either helping your system stabilize or are adding to the cycle.

Instead of chasing each flare as it happens, we work on correcting what’s creating the pattern in the first place. As your digestion becomes more coordinated and your stress response steadies, symptoms start to make sense and respond to the changes you're making.

And that’s when real flexibility begins to return.

Freedom

Restore Confidence and Expand What’s Possible

As your body settles and the deeper causes of your symptoms are addressed, things start to feel different in everyday life. Meals don’t require the same level of planning, and you’re not constantly wondering how you’ll feel later in the afternoon.

In the Freedom Phase, we slowly widen what feels possible. Foods that once made you hesitate can be reintroduced in a thoughtful way, and situations like eating out, traveling, or getting through a busy week don’t carry the same weight. Your body handles normal variation more smoothly because it isn’t operating in a constant state of reactivity.

Freedom doesn’t mean ignoring your body or assuming symptoms will never show up again. It means you understand how your digestion works now. If something feels slightly off, you notice it early and adjust without spiraling into restriction or frustration.

Over time, digestion feels steadier, energy feels more consistent, and your life stops revolving around managing symptoms. You feel more like yourself again, not because everything is perfect, but because your body feels capable and resilient.

Ready To Get Started?

Your Balanced Gut Solution coaching package includes:

Eight 60-minute one-on-one coaching sessions with Ava or Meg

Weekly review of your food & symptom journal

Custom protocols to follow

Unlimited email and voice support with your coach between sessions

Private group support & accountability

Collaboration with your healthcare team

Access to a 1-year subscription to the Nerva app

Access to professional grade supplements at a discount rate

Functional lab testing

up to $400 value

Getting Started is Simple!

STEP 1:

Schedule a Time to Chat!

Book a judgement-free call with Ava & Meg to see if this program is the right fit for you. This is your chance to share your story, ask questions, and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward.

STEP 2:

Matched With Your Coach

You’ll be paired with either Ava or Meg based on your specific needs. And here’s the good news: even though you’ll work one-on-one with your dedicated health coach, you’ll benefit from both of their expertise. Ava and Meg consult behind the scenes, so you’re essentially getting two experts for the investment of one.

STEP 3:

Begin Your 6-Month Journey

Begin your personalized journey toward improved gut health and lasting relief. Over the next six months, you’ll have expert guidance, accountability, and the tools to eliminate symptoms, restore balance, and finally feel like yourself again.

Schedule a Time to Chat!

Book a judgement-free call with Ava & Meg to see if this program is the right fit for you. This is your chance to share your story, ask questions, and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward.

Get Matched with Your Coach

You’ll be paired with either Ava or Meg based on your specific needs. And here’s the good news: even though you’ll work one-on-one with your dedicated health coach, you’ll benefit from both of their expertise. Ava and Meg consult behind the scenes, so you’re essentially getting two experts for the investment of one.

Begin Your 6-Month Journey

This is where the work starts. Through each phase, you'll know exactly what to do, why you're doing it, and who to ask when something feels off.

After completing our program, you will…

Travel and eat out again, even if your list of "safe" foods has shrunk to a handful.

Get through meals without bloating and have energy that lasts the day, even if your symptoms have outlasted everything you've tried.

Understand exactly how perimenopause and menopause changed your gut and what to do about it, even if every appointment so far has ended with "everything is normal."

Take small, doable steps with real support behind you, even if you're overwhelmed and strapped for time

Still Wondering If This Works? See What Our Clients Say…

I FINALLY FEEL LIKE MYSELF AGAIN!

"As I moved into my late 30s and 40s, I began struggling with weight gain and no longer felt like myself. I spent nearly two years going from doctor to doctor, feeling uncomfortable in my own body, wanting to cover up, and feeling embarrassed and out of control.

Working with Ava and Meg changed everything. They reminded me to be patient, keep things simple and realistic, and helped me navigate perimenopause with tools that made sense for my life. Today, I finally understand my body, what works, what doesn't, and where to focus at this stage of life."

Amy E

I FINALLY FEEL IN CONTROL OF MY HEALTH

“Before working with Meg, I was constantly overwhelmed by diet trends and conflicting advice. Nothing seemed to work long-term.

Meg taught me how to reconnect with my body, eat intuitively, and build habits that last. Now, I feel more confident, calm, and in control than ever before. My health feels like something I nurture, not battle."

Laura M

I’VE LET GO OF SHAME AROUND FOOD

“When I began working with Ava, I was carrying years of struggle with food, weight, and multiple health diagnoses. After bariatric surgery and a 175-pound weight loss, I knew my body needed specific support—but I didn’t realize how much my mind and heart needed it, too."

Ava combined medical expertise, science-backed nutrition, and compassion in a way that saw me as a whole person, not just a patient. Today, my digestion and energy are steadier, and I’ve let go of shame around food. My transformation has been about building a new life, one mindful choice at a time."

Andrea B

Still have questions, we’ve got answers!

I feel like I’ve already tried everything for my gut issues, how will this be different?

We hear this on almost every call, and it's worth answering honestly. When clients tell us what they've tried, the list is usually the same: elimination diets, probiotics, fiber, maybe a low-FODMAP protocol or a round of tests that came back normal. All of it aimed at the symptom.

What's almost always missing is anyone asking why your gut changed in the first place, especially why it changed in midlife. Hormone shifts in perimenopause and menopause affect how your gut moves, how it handles stress, and how it reacts to foods that used to be fine. If no one has looked at your gut and your hormones together, you haven't actually tried the thing that's most likely to work.

That's where we start. With 25+ years of combined experience, we look at the whole system, your digestion, stress response, sleep, and hormones, and build a plan around what we find, not around a one-size-fits-all protocol. You haven't run out of options. You've run out of approaches that ignore half the picture.

How do I know I can trust your advice when there’s so much conflicting information online?

Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” after a weekend course. But true expertise requires years of training and ongoing education.

Ava earned a Master’s of Science in Nutrition Education from Columbia University and has completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics. She is a licensed dietitian in 4 states, holds multiple certifications, and regularly takes continuing education courses in gut health.

Meg earned a Master’s in Food and Nutrition from Framingham State University and has completed their Coordinated Program in Dietetics. She regularly takes continuing education courses in multiple areas. Meg is a licensed registered dietitian in the state of Connecticut and has been in practice since 2009.

We have also lived this journey personally, which means we combine science, clinical expertise, and lived experience to guide you in a safe and sustainable way.

What makes you different than other coaches or programs?

There are 3 things that set us apart:

Lived Experience: We’ve been navigating perimenopause, menopause, and gut health symptoms ourselves, so we understand what younger practitioners can’t.

Whole-person care: Beyond food, we provide mindset tools that help shift you from stuck without answers to empowered with a roadmap to continue your journey with success.

Down-to-earth, approachable style: Clients say we’re approachable, empathetic, and will relentlessly advocate for you.

When you work with us, you’re not just getting another program. You’re getting true experts who are committed to walking this path with you.

Do I need to budget for additional testing and supplements?

This is one of the biggest differences in how we work. While testing can be useful, it’s not our starting point. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, stress, and movement often move the needle far more than costly labs. Instead, we focus on science-backed strategies and lifestyle changes that deliver real results without draining your bank account.

With that said, if we determine that specialized testing may be helpful, you’ll receive a credit of up to $400 for functional lab work. This means you get the benefit of additional insights without the financial burden that usually holds people back. If supplements are needed, you will have access to our 20% discount when ordering through our Fullscript account.

Will insurance cover this?

We’re not in-network with insurance. By choosing to invest outside the system, you’re ensuring you get personalized, attentive support that puts you, not the insurance company, in the driver’s seat of your health. We’ve designed this program to provide you with the highest level of expertise and support, without the red tape and limitations of the insurance system.

I worry I won’t follow through or stay motivated. What makes this program different?

We understand that you may not trust yourself to follow through and see results. We get it. That’s why our program includes accountability check-ins and groups, mindset tools, and step-by-step personalized guidance to help you keep moving forward. You won’t be left on your own. We will be here to walk beside you, help you troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate your progress along the way.

I’m in my 40s/50s. Can you really relate to what I’m going through?

Yes, we are right there with you! We understand what it’s like to juggle work, kids, aging parents, and perimenopause/menopause symptoms while still wanting to feel like yourself again. We understand the season you are in. Younger practitioners may be educated, but we also bring life experience that helps us connect on a deeper level with women navigating this exact stage of life.

Will I get support after the program ends?

Many of our clients choose to continue with us after completing the program. We offer options for ongoing support, allowing you to maintain your progress, stay accountable, and receive guidance as new questions or challenges arise.

Do I get to work with both of you, or just one coach?

You’ll be assigned to one of us (Ava or Meg) based on your needs, but you’re never just getting one coach. We consult with each other regularly and collaborate behind the scenes, so you benefit from the expertise of two coaches for the investment of one.

Will you collaborate with my healthcare team?

Yes, if needed. We’re happy to connect with your doctor or specialist to ensure you get the best care possible. Often, clients just ask us to send notes to their providers before appointments, but we’re happy to call and consult directly if needed. Our goal is for everyone to be on the same page. We believe collaboration leads to better support and better care.

Can I join the program if I’m not in the exact location as you?

Yes! Our program is fully virtual, which means you can join from anywhere. We work with women across the country through secure video calls, online resources, and food and symptom journal feedback. You don’t need to be local to receive the same high level of care, support, and results.

How can I ensure that I will get the most out of the coaching program?

The best results come when you show up fully and put the tools into practice. It’s just like going to the gym. You can have the best personal trainer, but if you don’t show up and exercise, then you won’t see change. We are here to support you. We’ll guide you step by step, but your progress will depend on your willingness to track your symptoms, apply the strategies we share, and stay engaged with the process. We’ll be here to support you, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate your wins along the way.

What certifications and qualifications do Ava and Meg have?

Ava earned a BA from CUNY-Queens College, a JD from The University of Virginia School of Law, a Master’s of Science in Nutrition Education from Columbia University and completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Ava has continued growing her knowledge and skills in gut health by regularly completing professional level programs and attending conferences throughout the United States. Previously, Ava trained as a NASM certified personal trainer and Physical Mind Institute Pilates instructor. Ava is a licensed Registered Dietitian in Connecticut, New York, Texas and Florida (telehealth only).

Meg earned a Master’s in Food and Nutrition from Framingham State University and has completed their Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Meg also has additional certifications and training in sports nutrition, gastroenterology nutrition, nutrigenomics, and gut health specific areas. Meg is a licensed registered dietitian in the state of Connecticut.

Beyond our credentials, we both bring personal, lived experience with gut health and the challenges of midlife. We know firsthand what it's like to struggle with bloating, exhaustion, and food sensitivities, and how empowering it is to finally find solutions that work in real life, not just on paper.

FINALLY… REAL ANSWERS & SUPPORT!

“Last May, I went on vacation and came home feeling like I put on 10 pounds and that my stomach was distended. I couldn’t understand why I looked pregnant. Everything felt wrong. I finally went to a gastroenterologist who pushed me onto her nurse practitioner—who wasn’t friendly at all—and found out I had SIBO. There was no guidance from the doctor or the office. They didn’t explain anything.

I’ve never had gut issues in my life, and my body became a hot mess! I was referred to work with Ava, and she has been the only person who has helped and guided me through this. She’s been telling me what to do, how to eat, and what to avoid. She’s been educating me and has been very available. Ava has shown me which foods have been aggravating me and has helped find things to eat that I knew nothing about.

I appreciate Ava and how she’s even suggested different doctors that I can work with. She really knows her stuff and has been very caring and supportive on this journey.”

Robyn F

FROM FEAR OF FOOD TO FUELING A MARATHON!

"I was afraid to fuel my body for long runs because of the GI distress I’d dealt with for years. I tried to solve these GI issues by doing a lot of my own research, but I ended up confusing myself and becoming very overwhelmed. I got stuck in the rut of many unhealthy cycles, thinking I could only eat certain foods, and became very regimented in my eating. Friday night would roll around, and I convinced myself I couldn’t go out.

After I started working with Meg, my GI distress went away! Meg showed me that I wasn’t eating enough to fuel myself. She introduced me to a lot of foods that I didn’t know that I or my family could eat. I actually took a half hour off of my marathon time and felt great the entire time! Today, I have a better outlook and I’m more open-minded about what I eat.

You need to go to Meg! She’s very knowledgeable and compassionate without being judgmental. She knows me so well and is always available whenever I need her."

Michelle D

Your Balanced Gut Solution “right-fit” guarantee

We know investing in your health outside of insurance is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident making it.

That's why The Balanced Gut Solution comes with a "right-fit" guarantee. After your initial deep dive session, if you feel the program isn't the right fit for you, we'll refund your investment, minus $300 for the time and expertise of that first session. No questions asked, and no hard feelings.

We can offer this because of how the program starts: that first session is a thorough look at your symptoms, your history, and what's been missed. Most women leave it more certain than ever that this is the right place. If you're the exception, you'll know quickly, and you won't be stuck.

It’s time to try something different…

You’ve exhausted the doctor visits, done your own research, and followed the elimination diets that got rid of everything but your symptoms.

We understand.

What you haven't done is work with someone who starts by actually listening, looks at your gut and hormones together, and builds the plan around what your body is telling us. That's the Balanced Gut Solution difference, and it's one call away.