Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Van Tiflin
Hi Maria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I always had a passion for health—it was my favorite subject in school. As a collegiate athlete, taking care of my body was something I valued deeply. So, when it came time to choose a career, I naturally gravitated towards the health field and became a physical therapist, earning my doctorate in 2011. Over the years, I worked with many elderly patients who suffered from conditions like cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease—illnesses that, in many cases, could have been prevented through healthier lifestyle choices.
When I became a mom in 2018, my focus on health grew even stronger. I wanted the best for my kids in every way—from the food they ate to the products we used in our home. I started researching ingredients in our foods and household items, making significant changes by swapping out processed products and eliminating harmful substances like seed oils. Creating a healthy environment for my family became my top priority.
It was during this journey that I noticed just how many people were dealing with preventable health issues. A 2019 study by Blue Cross Blue Shield revealed that people’s health begins to decline as early as age 29, which was alarming to me. I realized that we face a serious health crisis, and I wanted to make a bigger impact by helping people take control of their health through education and sustainable lifestyle changes.
I began sharing about holistic health, healthy eating, natural remedies, and how to swap out toxic products for cleaner, safer options. Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of families create healthier home environments. Last year, I became certified in GI Mapping, a specialized test that analyzes the gut microbiome to identify imbalances like bacterial overgrowth, parasites, inflammation, weakened gut lining, how people digest their food and more. Since the gut is often where illness begins, it’s also where true healing can start. Using the results from GI Mapping, I create personalized protocols to help people heal their gut naturally, often transforming their health from the inside out.
For those who want a more generalized approach to gut wellness, I offer a 90-day health overhaul, starting with a 14-day Gut Reset. This program helps people reset their digestive system and build a foundation for long-term health. From there, we move into other critical areas, like exercise and metabolic health, rest and stress management, toxic-free living, and informed self-care. The goal is to empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle using natural remedies and holistic care.
One case that stands out to me is a 9-year-old girl who came to me with severe bloating and abdominal pain every time she ate. She had stopped growing in height, couldn’t button her school uniform, and was constantly sick with allergies, eczema, colds, and the flu. Through GI Mapping, we discovered she had a compromised gut lining, very low immune function, high inflammation, and significant bacterial overgrowth. Left unaddressed, this could have led to serious health issues later in life.
After working with her on a personalized protocol to heal her gut, the changes have been incredible. She’s growing again, her bloating has significantly decreased, and she no longer experiences abdominal pain. Her mom even noticed that her daughter’s inflammation has gone down so much that she can now see her cheekbones again. What’s more, her daughter is now making her own healthy food choices and has become an active participant in her own health journey.
Seeing these kinds of transformations, not just in my own family but in the lives of others, fuels my passion. Knowing that I’m helping people make lifelong changes is what brings true meaning to the work I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road—like any meaningful journey, there have been ups and downs along the way. One of the biggest challenges is that health is never a linear process. Every person’s body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why I’m constantly re-evaluating and adjusting my approach for each individual, based on their progress and unique goals. It’s part of the process when working with someone one-on-one, and while it can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding to help them discover what works for their specific needs.
Another challenge I’ve faced is balancing my professional life with being a mom. When I first became a mom, I felt the pressure of trying to do it all—managing my business, researching health solutions, and being present for my family. There were definitely moments when I felt overwhelmed, but over time, I learned how to integrate my passion for health into my family’s life. It became less about perfection and more about making progress, which is something I try to instill in my clients as well.
Building trust with clients can also be challenging at times, especially when they’ve tried so many different approaches without success. It takes time for people to believe that this personalized, natural approach will work for them, especially when they’re used to quick fixes or temporary solutions. But seeing the long-term transformations makes the effort so worthwhile.
Lastly, staying ahead of the latest research and health trends can be difficult. The wellness space is constantly evolving, and there is often conflicting information. I’ve had to invest time into continuing education, filtering through trends, and only adopting methods that are backed by science and experience.
Despite the challenges, these experiences have made me a better practitioner, and they’ve given me the perspective I need to help others more effectively. The obstacles have shaped how I approach my work and how I connect with my clients on a deeper level.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Wellness Based Living, LLC is a holistic health and wellness business that focuses on helping individuals and families reclaim their health, starting from the inside out. Our mission is to empower people to take control of their well-being through personalized, natural solutions that address the root causes of health issues—especially those related to gut health.
We specialize in GI Mapping, which is a comprehensive stool test that analyzes the gut microbiome to identify imbalances, inflammation, and other factors that contribute to various health concerns, including bloating, digestive discomfort, fatigue, skin issues, and even autoimmune conditions. What sets us apart is our focus on customized healing protocols based on each client’s unique gut health results. We take a deep dive into what’s really going on in the body, and then craft a plan tailored specifically for that person.
In addition to GI Mapping, we offer a 90-day health overhaul program, starting with a 14-day Gut Reset that helps clients jumpstart their healing journey. From there, we guide them through a step-by-step process that includes movement, stress management, toxin-free living, and natural remedies for informed self-care. It’s not a quick fix—it’s a sustainable path to long-term health.
I’m proud to partner with Crunch Fitness in Cobb County, where I showcase my work three times a month at their various facilities. This collaboration allows me to reach a broader audience and provide valuable resources and workshops on healthy living.
I’m also excited to be launching a Membership Program, which will provide access to a wealth of resources, including handouts for swapping out toxic home products, food audits, pantry audits, natural remedy recipes, weekly meal plans, and exercise programs. This program aims to create a supportive community and empower members to make informed choices for their health.
What sets us apart is the personalized attention we give to each client. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead, we work closely with clients to help them understand their own health and empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. I’m especially proud of the transformations my clients experience—not just physically, but also in how they approach their overall health and wellness.
Brand-wise, we focus on creating simple and sustainable solutions that busy moms and families can easily incorporate into their lives. I want readers to know that Wellness Based Living, LLC is here to make their wellness journey less overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with chronic bloating, fatigue, or just feeling out of balance, we can help you find clarity and a path forward that works for you and your lifestyle.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor or networking, my best advice is to seek out people whose values and experiences align with your goals. It’s important to look for someone who not only has expertise in your field, but also resonates with your approach to life and business. For me, my husband has been my biggest supporter and mentor. He’s also in the health space and has been a valuable resource for me as I’ve grown my business. Having someone who understands both the personal and professional aspects of my journey has made all the difference.
I also have a business coach who isn’t in the health field, but her guidance in running and growing my business has been invaluable. Having someone with a broader perspective on business strategy has really helped me, even though our fields are different.
Additionally, I have a community of other health providers where we collaborate on client protocols, share support, and exchange additional resources. This kind of community is incredibly valuable because it provides collective insight, new perspectives, and ongoing support, which is vital in the health and wellness space.
One thing that has worked well for me is connecting with like-minded professionals through online communities. Whether it’s Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or wellness forums, being part of these spaces allows you to exchange ideas and build relationships with people who understand your challenges and goals. Authentic relationships—those built through shared interests and consistent, meaningful interactions—are often the best source of mentorship and collaboration.
Another important aspect is investing in education and mentorship programs. Sometimes, paid programs are an excellent way to gain access to experienced mentors who provide direct guidance and accountability. It’s also a way to signal your commitment to growth and learning, which helps in attracting the right kind of connections.
Finally, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Whether it’s attending events, asking for advice, or offering to collaborate on projects, building a network takes proactive effort. You may not always get a response or immediate results, but persistence pays off in the long run.
Pricing:
- GI Mapping Pricing = $1100 plus 3 months supplements
- 14 Day Gut reset $250 (90-day generalized gut wellness program)
- Monthly Membership Program $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellnessbasedliving.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariavantiflin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/840268716138405
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariavantiflin
- Other: https://pin.it/6pjugmk7B
