Welcome to the Bredesen Protocol Diet^® from Apollo Health— KetoFLEX 12/3™ by Trifecta

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where does Trifecta deliver? 

Trifecta delivers everywhere in the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. 

2. When is the order cut-off?

All first orders received by midnight PST on Sundays will be delivered the following  Friday.

Any changes to existing subscriptions, including menu changes, skip weeks, or cancellations must be received by midnight on Fridays for the following week. 

3. When will my order arrive? 

Orders are delivered on Fridays.

4. May I skip a delivery? 

You can skip a week anytime. Trifecta begins to prepare orders on Saturdays so they ask that you update your account before midnight on the Friday prior to your next delivery. You can find directions to skip a delivery here. 

5. When does my subscription get billed?

We will send you weekly deliveries unless otherwise instructed. There is no minimum commitment so you can skip a delivery or cancel your subscription at any time before the weekly cutoff.  You’ll need to make any changes before the Friday, a week before your expected delivery date.

6. How do I cancel my subscription? 

You can cancel your subscription anytime by phone or mail. You can find instructions here. 

7. Where can I find the KetoFLEX 12/3 meal kit instructions that includes information on how I can set myself up for success with this diet? 

Please see the instructions in this PDF.

8. I want more information about the sourcing of the foods used in the meal kit. Are the vegetables organic? Are the proteins sourced following KetoFLEX 12/3 recommendations? 

All vegetables are non-GMO, and chemical-free. Currently approximately 50% (especially the “Dirty Dozen”) are fully organic. Trifecta has set a goal to achieve 75% organic by the end of 2025. All animal protein is of the highest quality, 100% antibiotic- and hormone-free and raised humanely following strict animal welfare standards. Seafood is sustainable, poultry and pork are pasture-raised, and beef is grass-fed whenever possible.     

9. Will all ingredients and macronutrient ratios be listed on each meal? 

Yes, all nutritional information is listed on each meal. Keep in mind that for KetoFLEX 12/3 you are encouraged to increase the fat content by adding up to four tbsp of olive oil (or more) as needed to achieve ketosis. All spices and sauces are designed to complement the olive oil.

10. Are these meals gluten-free? 

Yes, all KetoFLEX 12/3 meals are 100% gluten-free. 

11. Are these meals served in plastic?

All of the food containers are FDA-approved food safe, made with BPA/BPS-free plastics, and are 100% recyclable. Trifecta’s trays are microwave safe, however the Bredensen Protocol recommends that you transfer to a heat-safe glass or ceramic plate to warm your meal when microwaving. 

12. I’m concerned about waste from the packaging materials. Is it recyclable?  

Yes, all of Trifecta’s packaging is 100% recyclable. Here's how to dispose of each part of the Trifecta packaging:

• Food Trays: The trays are food-grade plastic and 100% recyclable. Make sure to rinse them out first. 
• Ice Packs: These contain food-safe, nitrogen-based ingredients that can be used as plant food or just thrown in the freezer to reuse. Alternatively, you can drain them and recycle the outer plastic case. It is recommended that you drain the ice packs down a kitchen sink with a garbage disposal and the hot water on high.  
• Insulation Liners: Trifecta has worked extremely hard to provide green packaging. The ClimaCell® panels in your delivery are curbside recyclable.
• Delivery Cardboard Box: The boxes are made with recyclable materials, so the best way to dispose of them is to either reuse, recycle, or compost. Composting takes approximately two months and can be accelerated by getting the cardboard wet. 
  
  

13. Why isn't there a vegan option?

We are researching ways to provide a vegan option which meets the protein and other requirements for KetoFLEX 12/3. Please see KetoFLEX 12/3 for Vegans and Vegetarians to learn how to safely and effectively use this nutrition plan. If a vegan plan would be of interest to you, we’d love to hear. Please email Apollo Health at support@ahnphealth.com or call (800) 450-0805, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT to let us know.

14. The KetoFlex 12/3 instructions say that a minimum 12-hour fast (with at least 3 hours of fasting before bed) is an important part of this nutrition plan, but I’m finding it very difficult to fast for that long.

The overall goal of the plan is to eat high-quality, nutrient rich food and eat less often. If you are insulin resistant, this may be difficult at first and thus require a slow transition. Extend your fast slowly by 15 minutes or so per day until you’ve reached your goal. While you’re working towards your goal, eat small snacks of non-starchy vegetables with nuts, seeds, or avocado slices as needed between meals. For more helpful strategies, see How to Transition to a Longer Fast.

15. I'm already underweight, or losing weight on the diet and don't want to become underweight. Should I still undertake the minimum 12-hour fast?

No, being underweight puts you at increased risk of sarcopenia (the loss of lean muscle mass) and osteopenia (the loss of bone), both of which accompany aging and are correlated with an INCREASED risk of cognitive decline. If you find yourself losing too much weight or are already underweight, skip the long daily fast until your weight improves. A BMI under 18.5 for adults is generally considered underweight; however, BMI is only one indicator. Your age, frame size, muscle strength and more provide a broader clinical picture. If you are concerned that you may be underweight, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Some people are nervous about adding extra dietary fat, even healthy high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which can inadvertently lead to consuming too few calories. Increasing healthy fat, including EVOO, avocados, nuts, and seeds, can ensure adequate calories. See Strategies for Gaining and Maintaining Weight. 

16. I noticed that the KetoFLEX 12/3 instructions recommend adding up to 4 tbsp of EVOO to each meal after cooking. I'm worried about cholesterol. Is this OK for me?

It's always best to check in with your physician before beginning a new diet, but replacing saturated fat with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has shown to improve cholesterol and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. 

17. I take statins and/or other medication to reduce my cholesterol. Is this diet appropriate for me? 

Please check with your physician before starting the diet. By adopting the diet and accompanying lifestyle, you may actually experience an improvement in your overall lipids. This could allow you to reduce or even discontinue these medications (but please do not discontinue without discussing this with your healthcare provider). It’s a good idea to repeat your cholesterol panel six months after starting the plan to re-evaluate your need for medications. 

As you’ll see from the delicious menu, KetoFLEX 12/3 is plant-rich, mildly ketogenic nutrition, with low saturated fats, and prioritizes healthy, unsaturated fats and colorful, low glycemic, non-starchy vegetables. 

18. Does it matter which brand of EVOO that I use?

The Bredesen Protocol recommends using high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which has been shown to improve brain structure, function, and cognition. It’s best to source an olive oil with a high polyphenol count and a current harvest date. (Ideally, both should be made available.) Your oil should also come in a dark glass bottle to prevent oxidation. Apollo Health recommends ordering from Amphora Nueva, a California based company, that sources olive oil from around the world and will ship throughout the US.  A decent grocery store variety would be California Olive Ranch (Robust or Medium) available in a glass bottle.  

19. I take medication(s) for diabetes. Is this diet appropriate for me?

Typically, yes. This diet may actually improve your metabolic health and allow you to use less or even no medication as your metabolic health improves. However, it’s important to consult with your physician before starting the diet or implementing a fast to ensure it is right for you. 

20. I take medication for high blood pressure (hypertension). Is this diet appropriate for me?

Typically, yes. This diet and accompanying lifestyle may reduce your need for anti-hypertensive medication. However, if you have hypertension please check your blood pressure frequently and work with your healthcare provider. The KetoFLEX 12/3 diet is not a substitute for your professional medical care.

21. I noticed that the KetoFlex 12/3 instructions state that I should give up grains before starting the diet. Is that really necessary? After all, grains are an important part of the MIND and Mediterranean Diets.

Apollo Health understands that this advice may be confusing; however, a wealth of information has shown that gluten in particular, and grains in general, have the potential to increase inflammation and impair metabolic health, which is foundational for cognitive health. Combining inflammatory foods with dietary fat (even healthy fat like high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil) may increase your risk for vascular disease. See Going Against the Grain to learn more.   

22. I’m nervous about starting a ketogenic diet. I’ve heard this can be dangerous.

There is so much misinformation surrounding ketogenic diets, and the KetoFLEX 12/3 version is a plant-rich ketogenic diet, very different from many others. See Not Your Daddy’s Keto to learn more about what sets KetoFLEX 12/3 apart from other ketogenic diets.

23. Why is ketosis even necessary?

Just like hybrid cars, our brains use two different fuels (glucose and ketones) and should be able to switch back and forth smoothly. Unfortunately, our brains struggle to use glucose effectively as fuel as we age. This hypometabolism of the brain precedes and accompanies Alzheimer’s disease. It is exacerbated by poor metabolic health. Research has shown that a mild state of ketosis can offset this neural fuel shortfall. Learn more in Why is Ketosis Important for Brain Health?

24. I need more information about KetoFLEX 12/3 for the days that I’m preparing my own meals.   

You can learn much more about the nutrition plan by reading KetoFLEX 12/3 or by becoming an Apollo Health subscriber. Apollo Health members have access to curated nutrition articles, including meal planning, weekly menus, grocery guides, and a library of KetoFLEX 12/3 recipes, as well as many other guides for optimizing cognition. 

25. Since starting the diet, I’ve been feeling sluggish. Could this be the keto-flu?  

It’s possible, but not everyone experiences the keto-flu. Those who do typically experience mild and transitory symptoms. As you switch your fuel source towards a fat-burning state, keto-flu symptoms may include fatigue, headache, brain fog, cramps, or lightheadedness. Fat burning can lead to dehydration unless you are adequately hydrating with clean, filtered water throughout the day. This can be exacerbated by the cessation of all processed foods, which are typically high in sodium. The vegetables and fruits that are included in the diet will supply the electrolytes you need. Feel free to season your food with high-quality sea salt to support your hydration status. See Tips to Avoid the Keto-Flu to learn more.   

26. My stomach has been upset since I began the diet. Why?

Because the KetoFLEX 12/3 nutrition plan is a significant departure from the typical Western diet, which is full of processed (pre-digested) food, it requires your digestive system to work a bit harder. The additional fiber and extra fat can both be problematic depending on your current state of GI health. Using bitter herbs, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, organic lemon juice, or peel as seasonings can be helpful. Additionally, consider digestive enzymes and acid supplementation as needed.    

27. I love the meals, but isn’t the Bredesen Protocol more than just diet?

Yes, nutrition is only one foundational aspect of the Bredesen Protocol®, but the overall approach includes identifying and addressing all current or emerging contributors to cognitive decline, including inflammation, poor metabolic health, lack of trophic support, etc. You can participate in the full protocol through the PreCODE Program™ for prevention or the ReCODE Program™ for reversal. Start by taking this Cognitive Assessment to see which program is right for you. Alternatively, you can apply the approach independently with the assistance of your own physician (as necessary) by reading the book, The End of Alzheimer’s Program. 

28. Are there other lifestyle aspects of the protocol that I should be applying?

Absolutely. The foundational dietary and lifestyle strategies used in the protocol are summarized as the Bredesen Seven (or B7). In addition to diet, other strategies include exercise, sleep optimization, stress management, brain stimulation, detoxification, and supplementation. Each alone can have positive effects, but a powerful synergy occurs when they’re practiced together. Learn more about the Bredesen Seven.

29. I have more questions and need more support.

To ask questions or seek support, Apollo Health subscribers can participate in Apollo Health’s Community Forum, and non-subscribers can join The Official Bredesen Protocol Support Group on Facebook. Both are fully moderated by highly trained health coaches who can help to support your journey. For more details about the protocol, consider reading The End of Alzheimer’s Program.

For questions directly related to your Trifecta subscription, please reach out to the customer service team at Trifecta at (530) 564-8388 or email them at info@trifectanutrition.com. 

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Join the Community: Consider joining the Apollo Health community for a wealth of educational materials and supportive resources.  To fully implement the Bredesen Protocol,  Apollo Health offers two programs, PreCODE for prevention and ReCODE for reversal of SCI (subjective cognitive impairment), MCI (mild cognitive impairment), and early-stage dementia.  Begin by taking a short cognitive assessment to see which program is right for you.