Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a month to raise awareness, educate others about mental health resources, and a time to remember to take care of our mental health. Below are five mental health tips to try yourself and share with others.
To learn more visit the following websites:
https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-awareness-month

Personalized Nutrition For You

We firmly believe that eating smart is about eating the right foods for YOU.

You are unique. Your biochemistry is unique to you. Your food needs to be unique to you too.

We use your blood test results to identify the right foods for you and then together with your certified Metabolic Balance coach, you’ll create the lifestyle you need to know for balance, well-being and long-term health.

Start eating intelligently and begin your total body reset today.

To get started connect with one of our many experienced coaches by visiting our website!

Asparagus Salad with Avocado and Parmesan

Asparagus is an amazing vegetable that pairs beautifully with lemon and parmesan in dishes such as this salad.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. olive oil
One bunch of green asparagus
1 shallot
1 small piece of Parmesan
1 lemon
1 avocado
1 small green chill pepper
Salad or salad mix of choice
Salt and pepper

Preparation:
Heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Rinse the asparagus under running cold water and cut off the ends before cutting into bite-sized pieces. Peel the shallot and cut into very fine rings. Add the shallot to the pan and cook for a few minutes until translucent. Add the asparagus into the same pan and cook over medium heat for a few minutes until al dente. Season to taste with salt and pepper, remove from the heat and set aside. Slice the parmesan thinly. Cut the lemon in half, and juice the lemon. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit and remove the flesh. Cut the avocado lengthwise into slices and sprinkle with a little lemon juice. Remove the seeds from the chili pepper and cut into very fine rings. Add the remaining olive oil, lemon zest and chili to the lemon juice in a jar. Season with sea salt and pepper and shake with closed lid to a dressing. Arrange salad, avocado, asparagus, onion and parmesan in a deep plate and season with the dressing.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable. Adding asparagus to meals brings many benefits and a lot of ‘asparagoodness’! It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for weight management. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as A, C, E, and K, which support overall health and well-being. Adding nutrient-dense foods like asparagus helps to balance blood sugar levels, optimize metabolism, and support overall wellness. What is your favorite way to use asparagus?

Starting with Protein

Did you know starting meals with two protein bites can significantly enhance your body’s carbohydrate response? Incorporating this simple habit can profoundly impact your health. By prioritizing protein, you slow down carbohydrate absorption, balancing blood sugar levels. This reduces diabetes risk and sustains energy levels throughout the day. You might wonder, “Two protein bites per meal? How tedious!” The goal is to aim for three different proteins daily. This approach diversifies your meals and guarantees balanced nutrition. But remember, stick to only one type of protein per meal. Whether it’s chicken, tofu, eggs, or beans, keep it singular. This helps your body process protein efficiently and lets you savor each protein’s unique flavor. Envision the endless possibilities. Today could be a tasty turkey salad lunch, and tomorrow a delightful tofu stir-fry dinner. So, always start meals with two protein bites, and stick to one protein type per meal. This helps maintain healthy blood sugar and keeps you energized. Change begins with one step (or one bite).

Adapted: Metabolic Balance Canada

Health as a Priority

Take a moment to consider what you spend money on. There are several things that are essential for life, including food, a roof over your head, and clothing. However, we usually spend money on things that aren’t necessary, and when faced with the cost of our health it can feel like there’s nothing left in the bank. So, why should you invest in your health? You only get one body, so investing in it is obvious! Keeping it healthy should be your No. 1 priority. Another key reason to take care of your body now is that you may not have done so in the past. Whether we ate a lot of sugary snacks as kids or drank too much as young adults, most of us could stand to make up for a period of unhealthy living. Investing in your health will pay off big time! When your mind and body are healthy, you’ll feel better and work better! You may even find that you have a whole new outlook on daily life. So, HOW do I invest in my health? It all starts with you… and you can start today. Reach out to your nearest Metabolic Balance coach by visiting our website!

Spicy Kale and Mango Salad

This delicious salad is not only delicious but also packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Give this salad a try and let us know what you think!

Ingredients:
1 serving of vegetables (kale, leeks, brown mushrooms)
1 portion mango diced
1 garlic clove
1 chili pepper
Fresh ginger
Cardamom pods
Coconut oil
1/4 cup (50 mL) of vegetable broth
Salt and pepper

Preparation:
Clean, wash and coarsely chop the kale and leeks. Clean the mushrooms and cut them into quarters. Halve the chili pepper lengthways and deseed, then cut into small pieces. Peel and finely dice the garlic and ginger. Heat the oil, sauté the garlic, ginger and leek until translucent, and add the chili and cardamom. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes. Then add the kale and cook for another 3 minutes. Finally, deglaze with vegetable broth and simmer for 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Finally, add half of the diced mango and enjoy the rest of the mango for dessert. Enjoy with a protein of your choice!

Kale

Kale is a leafy cruciferous vegetable that is considered a nutritional superstar. Closely related to broccoli and brussels sprouts, this vegetable comes in many different varieties. Kale varieties can range in color from dark green to purple and also in texture from curly and rough to smooth. In regards to nutrition, kale is packed with micronutrients and antioxidants. Kale contains vitamin K, vitamin C, as well as folate, carotenoids, and manganese. In the kitchen, kale is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into any meal. Whether blended into a smoothie, roasted into kale chips, or added to salads or soups, there are endless possibilities. What is your favorite way to incorporate kale into your meals?

Lifestyle Changes for the Family

Implementing healthy changes within the family requires a holistic approach that involves the entire family. You can start by teaching your child about healthy eating habits early on to make it a natural part of their daily routine, along with these simple tips:

– Engage the whole family in meal preparation, from planning and shopping to cooking and setting the table, fostering a shared experience and lightening the workload. Utilize planning tools like shopping lists or meal planning apps to save time, money, and stress, ensuring a smooth transition to healthier living.

-Encourage family dinners as a relaxed and enjoyable time together, setting a positive example for your children’s eating habits. Metabolic Balance offers personalized nutrition plans to inspire healthy ideas and suggestions.

– Get creative in the kitchen with colorful vegetables and adaptable recipes that cater to everyone’s tastes and food tolerances.