• What is the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum?

Nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum is essential for the health of both mother and baby, with both short-term and long-term effects. In the short term, proper nutrition helps the mother maintain strength and energy levels, avoid complications like anemia or excessive weight gain, and recover from childbirth. It also supports the baby’s development and reduces the risk of gestational conditions such as diabetes or preeclampsia. Long-term, maternal nutrition can influence metabolic health, reduce the risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and obesity, and affect hormonal balance. Additionally, the quality of a mother’s diet can impact her mental health and energy levels postpartum. The right nutrients can help regulate stress hormones, improve mood, and support recovery, ultimately promoting long-term health for both mother and child.

• What is Eastern Food Therapy?

What you eat impacts you physically, emotionally, and mentally. We take a holistic approach to nutrition, curating the best of Eastern food therapy with key superfood ingredients, aligned with Western nutritional science. For example, the stage and symptom-specific herbal formulations in our broths & tonics were designed by Dr. Lily Yeh Gillespie, LAc, DAOM, based on traditional formulas used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support women’s health. We’re always researching the latest therapeutic, evidence-backed ingredients and preparation methods, including those from eastern cultures. 

• How long is the postpartum stage?

The postpartum stage typically lasts 6 to 12 weeks following childbirth, though full recovery can take up to two years. This initial period, often referred to as "zuo yuezi" or "sitting the month," the "first forty days," or the "fourth trimester," encompasses significant physical, emotional, and hormonal changes as the body heals and adjusts after pregnancy. While the first few months focus on recovery and caring for the newborn, it’s important to remember that full recovery is a gradual process. Every woman’s experience is unique, so it’s essential to listen to your body and give yourself the time, support, and care needed to restore your health and wellbeing.

• What kind of ingredients do you use?

All programs are 100% gluten-free and dairy-free to help reduce inflammation. We cook with high-quality fats like extra virgin olive oil and avoid highly processed ingredients or chemicals. Instead, we use whole foods and fresh ingredients, and whenever possible, our ingredients are organic and locally sourced as well.  We focus on ingredients containing the most critical macros, micros, vitamins & minerals. Every ingredient serves a purpose. No empty calories here.

• Should I be taking a prenatal vitamin?

We assume that our clients are taking a prenatal vitamin, as recommended by their clinician. However, our meals are curated to cover all nutritional needs based on whole foods, which provides the most bioavailable nutrition. As they say, you cannot out-supplement a nutrient-deficient diet.

• How does the Postpartum Program differ for those who plan to breastfeed or not?

In the Postpartum Program, our snacks are made with galactagogue foods, which support milk production. These foods are healthy and beneficial even if breastfeeding isn't part of your plan. If you are breastfeeding, you'll need about 300 extra calories daily, but there’s no need to worry. We recommend you choose the Postpartum Extra plan, which provides an additional 500 calories. Trust that your body knows what it needs.

• How many calories are in each day? What is the difference between the Base plan and the Extra plan?

• What meal plan do you recommend (how many days/meals per week)?

We curate meals to ensure a balanced diet that meets your needs. As such, we recommend the 3 meals a day, 4 days a week plan for maximum benefit. However, we offer various meal plans to accommodate different lifestyles!

• What allergies can you accommodate?

All of our recipes are gluten-free and dairy-free and we do accommodate for certain allergies including tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, hemp, eggs, fish, shellfish and wheat/gluten. You can specify your allergies at checkout to ensure we swap necessary ingredients or meals. Please note that we cannot accommodate mushroom, alliums, or soy allergies and be aware that our facility processes milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soybeans. We offer menus that are free of nut-bearing ingredients. However, if you have a nut allergy please note that we are not a nut-free facility and cannot certify that meals are 100% free of trace amounts of nut allergens.

• Do you have a vegetarian option?

Our menu is plant-forward, and for recipes that include meat in our Fertility Programs and Postpartum Programs, we provide carefully chosen vegetarian substitutions that maintain nutritional balance. However, we are not able to service vegetarian/vegan diets with soy allergies for our Fertility and Postpartum Programs. Please specify your dietary preferences when you configure your program details or email us if you have any questions! Please note: at this time, our Hormone Balance Programs (Cycle Support, PCOS, Endometriosis) are currently limited to standard and pescatarian diets. A plant-rich diet is emphasized throughout all of our programs, for the benefits of reducing inflammation, supporting blood sugar, and overall health. With vegetarian & vegan diets, maintaining a macronutrient balance that aligns with our nutritional principles is more complex. Therefore, we are continuing R&D for vegan & vegetarian programs because we have very high standards!

• How do I order for a friend?

You can either purchase a gift card, or purchase a meal plan. In both cases, please provide the recipient's email & contact information! We will reach out to them directly to manage deliveries.

• Can my whole family eat Chiyo?

Yes, all meals are safe and nutritious for everyone in your family. You can order additional meals at a discount for up to 3 of your family members. Add-ons will be delivered along with your program!

• What if I miss the order deadline?

Orders and subscription modifications are due by Thursday @ 12pm ET. We cannot guarantee any changes to orders or new orders after that. To minimize food waste, we order produce just-in-time and begin the prep and production process after orders close. Of course, we'll try our best to make adjustments as we know life (and childbirth!) are unpredictable!

• Where do you deliver?

🚚 Those who qualify for local delivery on the east coast receive same-day deliveries on Monday and Thursday evenings.

🚚 Those who qualify for local delivery on the west coast receive next-day deliveries on Tuesday and Friday evenings.

📦 Nationwide deliveries are made on Tuesdays and Fridays via overnight shipping. For more details about our delivery schedule, please click here to learn more!

📦 Shipping fees may be added to your order based on your delivery location. If you have a question about your delivery location, please email us at hello@wearechiyo.com.

• How do I know when my delivery is on the way?

• For local delivery will my order be delivered to my door?

We'll do our best to deliver your order to your doorstep. However — while this is possible 80% of the time — we cannot make any guarantees. For our local deliveries, we use a third-party courier service and their ability to deliver to your door also depends on availability of nearby parking on the day of delivery. We recommend tracking your delivery through the link we provide via text on the morning of delivery.

• What will be included in my deliveries?

For 7 day programs, in your first delivery you will receive all of your week's broth, tonics, snacks and garnish packs, along with meals for days 1-3. In your second delivery, you will receive the rest of your week's meals.

For 2 day gifts and 4 day programs, you will receive all of your meals, broths, tonics, snacks, and garnish packs in a single delivery.

• What do I do with the delivery packaging?

All of our materials are sustainable & recyclable. If you'd like to return your ice packs, feel free to hand them back to our driver (local delivery only).

• What is Chiyo's packaging made of?

Our meal containers are BPA & PFAS-free, environmentally friendly (commercially recyclable and compostable), and microwave-safe. For local delivery, the ice packs in our shipment boxes are reusable and can be returned to our drivers each week. If returned, we sanitize ice packs before reusing the following week. For overnight nationwide shipping, the insulated foam in our shipment boxes is compostable and can be deconstructed with water, down your sink drain!

• How do you support the communities you serve?

We are committed to equitable food systems, and we partner with organizations that support our mission. We believe deeply in diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our business — including the communities we serve, the people we employ, and all of our partnerships. If you have any suggestions for how we can improve, please let us know.

• I love your service, but can't afford it.

Please email us. We are building a coalition to better support and advocate for parents and families on SNAP/WIC, and we would love to hear from you. Good nutrition is a universal need.

• I don't know when I'll start my postpartum meals. How do I schedule/change my first delivery?

We know (bringing new) life is unpredictable. At checkout, we’ll ask you to leave an estimated date for your first delivery. We’ll check in the week before your scheduled date, to confirm. If you need to reschedule, text or email us with the subject “Postpartum reschedule” 5 days prior to your first scheduled delivery.

• What is your cancellation policy?

We can provide a full refund in most cases as long as you can provide us with enough notice before Thursday @ 9am PT / 12pm ET for the following week's delivery. Cancelling outside of that time frame may be subject to a 50% restocking fee (due to already incurred costs in sourcing & production). Prepaid programs with early cancellation are subject to a refund minus prepaid discount and processing fees.

• What is your refund policy?

While we strive to make this a delightful experience for every customer, we know that may not always be the case. We're human too! Please contact us if you have a problem with the order along these guidelines:

Food error orders: if you're missing an item or received the wrong item, we will offer a refund for the missing/incorrect item.

Food dissatisfaction: Refunds and/or replacement food are available upon request for orders in which the food is wrong, omitted, arrived unsafely (e.g. temperature, damaged) and other similar circumstances. Refunds are not typically provided for food that does not fit a client's taste.

• Will the Postpartum Program help me lose weight?

This one’s counterintuitive. Your body is intelligent and if you try to restrict calories, it may fight harder to hold onto your weight in order to sustain your bodily functions and breastfeed (if that’s in your plan). Without proper sustenance during this time, your hormones and mood may be further impacted. Our meals are nutrient-dense and balanced in order to restore your health and many of our clients report returning back to their pre-baby weight by 3 months postpartum.

• If I gave birth more than six weeks ago, will I still benefit from the meals?

Of course! In fact, it takes up to two years to fully recover from childbirth. Your body will benefit from the nutritional foundation of Chiyo’s comprehensive nutrition program for several months postpartum.

• Should I use the Postpartum Program if I have suffered from a miscarriage?

We would recommend our Sheng Hua Tang booster, and starting with our Hormone Balance Program. If you’re comfortable doing so, feel free to let us know in checkout notes so we can help meet your needs.

• What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?P

COS is a common condition in women of childbearing age that can lead to irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, male-pattern baldness, weight gain, and difficulties with pregnancy. It is associated with metabolic problems such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

• What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (called the endometrium) grows on organs outside the uterus. This tissue responds to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding — and can cause inflammation, pain, and scarring. Symptoms commonly include painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and fertility issues.

• What if I'm Vegetarian/Vegan and need the Hormone Balance Program (Cycle Support, PCOS, Endometriosis)?

At this time, we are currently limited to standard and pescatarian diets. A plant-rich diet is emphasized throughout all of our programs, for the benefits of reducing inflammation, supporting blood sugar, and overall health. With vegetarian & vegan diets, maintaining a macronutrient balance that aligns with our nutritional principles is more complex. Therefore, we are continuing R&D for vegan & vegetarian programs because we have very high standards!

• What do I choose if I'm going through IVF and have PCOS?

We always recommend a diagnosis over a life stage program. As a result, we recommend following Chiyo’s Hormone Balance Program: PCOS, as this is the most tailored to your needs. Rest assured, it also has all of the nutrition philosophy and guidelines to support egg health. For additional questions, feel free to schedule some time with Chiyo’s Registered Dietitian here, to get her advice on nutrition adjustments you can make.

• Does the Hormone Balance plan address symptoms of PCOS or endometriosis?

A diet focusing on low glycemic index foods, high fiber intake, monounsaturated fats, omega-3 DHA + EPA, and lean proteins is recommended for PCOS. Reducing simple sugars and refined carbohydrates can also help manage insulin levels. Our program focuses on blood sugar management, low glycemic foods, complex carbohydrates, no refined sugars, dairy free, gluten free and optimal digestion. These food principles can help manage and alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalance and support your care plan. Nutrition also plays a crucial role in managing endometriosis, and our program is rich in omega-3s, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and healthy fats to help manage endometriosis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The program prioritizes low glycemic index foods, high fiber intake, antioxidants, omega-3s, and balanced meals to help address symptoms, and we include ingredients like chia seeds, lentils, broccoli, seaweed, and oats to help modulate and remove estrogen.

• How long should I be on the Hormone Balance program?

It is recommended that women use this program for at least 3 months for optimal results.

• What is the efficacy of the broth and tonics in the Hormone Balance program?

The broths and tonics adhere to a regimen along with your menstrual cycle. They are traditional formulas that have been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support women’s health. We also offer a ginger turmeric broth substitute if you or your clinician would prefer a non-herbal regimen. Please email us with your order number to adjust.

• How long should I be on the Fertility Enhance program?

We typically recommend 3 months before naturally conceiving, egg freezing, IVF or IUI because that’s how long it may take for nutrition to impact egg health. After IVF treatment, we recommend either transitioning to our prenatal program or continuing the fertility program.

• I'm trying to get pregnant. When should I start the Fertility Enhance program in my fertility journey?

As a general rule, we recommend following the Fertility program for 3 months before trying to conceive, for hormone and egg health benefits. Here are more specific timelines: if conceiving naturally, start the program right when you get off the pill, as your hormones are in a state of flux (9 months-1 year prior). For egg freezing, start the program 3-6 months prior to the procedure. For IUI/IVF, start the program 3 months before each procedure, depending upon your stage.

• With the Fertility Enhance program, should my partner have meals too?

Yes! Especially if you’re actively trying to conceive, the Fertility Enhance Program contains targeted nutrients including selenium, lycopene, and many forms of antioxidants which target sperm quality, motility, and health. You can add our family add-ons (at a discount!). Please note: it takes an average of 74 days for mature sperm cells to be positively impacted by the nutrients in our meals.

• What is the efficacy of the broth and tonics in the Fertility Enhance program?

The broths and tonics adhere to a regimen along with your menstrual cycle. They are traditional formulas that have been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support reproductive health. We also offer a ginger turmeric broth substitute if you or your clinician would prefer a non-herbal regimen, and we recommend this for IVF clients. Please email us with your order number to adjust.

• Will I get pregnant if I am on the full six or twelve week program?

We would love for you to get pregnant! Our program is one piece of the puzzle. We highly recommend you speak with your doctor if you have any questions, to determine if Chiyo is a fit for you.

• How many days is the plan per week?

Our shipped plans are 4 days and 7 days and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, two snacks and our herbal broth and tonics. You are also able to add a family boost, for an additional set of meals.

• Does Chiyo offer a Low FODMAP meal program option?

Though Chiyo is 100% gluten and dairy-free, our meal programs are not approved to be low FODMAP diet. At the moment, our recipes use other ingredients that would categorize as high FODMAP (such as onions, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and legumes) that we include for various health benefits such as (1) providing gut-immune support through their antimicrobial properties and (2) improving blood sugar health through soluble fiber and protein content. If you experience indigestion with cruciferous vegetables, Chiyo's postpartum meal program additionally excludes the use of high FODMAP cruciferous vegetables and everything is cooked to assist the breakdown of fiber.

If your concern is about high FODMAP ingredients leading to a gassy baby and worsening colic - according to Emily Oster, health and pregnancy researcher and author of Expecting Better and Cribsheet, there has been only one unreliable study done in the past on this and it shows minimal correlation. Babies may be gassy or colicky as they are developing their microbiome and digestive tract function, and usually grow out of it as they gain more exposure.

• Is Chiyo IBS-Friendly?

Our team understands indigestion, constipation and bloating are common symptoms women experience throughout various maternal stages. That is why we take the extra step in meal prep and recipe formulation to help mitigate these symptoms from the start. The following are some techniques that we use: 

1. Soak legumes and rinse grains prior to cooking to break down phytic acid and oligosaccharides (both of which increase gas and indigestion)
2. Eliminate the use of cruciferous vegetables and raw vegetables in the postpartum program
3. Include bone broth daily as a source of glutamine and glycine to soothe and support intestinal lining repair
4. Use ginger in recipes and broths/tonic to promote bowel movements and motility
5. Our meals provide an average of 35 grams of fiber per day to promote healthy microbiome growth and digestion

We encourage those with IBS to meet with our Registered Dietitian if seeking additional gut health support.

• Could you elaborate on what to expect from the Chiyo meals flavor-wise?

The flavors in our meals are guided by our nutrition philosophy and the high-quality ingredients we source.

Sourcing of high-quality ingredients, such as grass-fed beef and wild caught salmon may present unique flavors and textures compared to those of conventional animal products.

Without compromising our nutrition philosophy and guidelines and in order to keep our meals free of excessive sodium content and refined sugars, we use various anti-inflammatory spices and herbs to enhance our meals and their taste and flavor appeal. We also utilize various ingredients' textures to enhance quality and flavor.