Category: eating psychology

The Science Behind the Food Industry

Have you ever had a moment at a party or while sitting on the couch where you feel as if you just cannot stop eating those chips and cookies? Well this is not an uncommon scenario but not for the reasons you may think.

The problem is not that millions of people lack willpower but rather their willpower is unable to compete with the billions of dollars that are spent every year to override that willpower. These dollars have been used to design and engineer foods so that consumers eat more and more. The addition of salt to sweet foods such as cookies and sugar to savory foods such as tomato sauce is one of the things that has made foods so addictive. Both salt and sugar have been shown to have opioid like qualities and activate the same regions of the brain as cocaine. Adding addictive substances and engineering flavor profiles is one of the reasons why it can be so hard to stop eating those chips or cookies.

To learn more about the food industry and the science behind it check out these great articles:

https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/magazine/the-extraordinary-science-of-junk-food.html?fbclid=IwAR1sXcJSfrGcGVLwqfeGbCAg0oCbwvJ0jslrHOR9mG2WYsSXEREo9OR5MRY

https://www.ecowatch.com/food-companies-making-products-addictive-2632845184.html?rebelltitem=2#rebelltitem2

Photo: Unsplash

Radicchio-Tofu-Pasta

This recipe for a yummy Radicchio-Tofu-Pasta (suitable for phase 3) – it’s delicious and a very easy recipe.

Ingredients for 1 serving:
1 portion smoked tofu
1 portion radicchio
1 portion rye pasta
1 tsp. diced shallot
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 garlic clove
some coconut milk
50 ml vegetable stock
Spices: salt, ground pepper, garlic, 1 tbsp. chopped parsley

Preparation:
Cut the tofu into small cubes and sauté. Clean and wash the radicchio and cut into finger-thick stripes. Cook rye pasta until al dente (follow package description). Finely chop garlic or press through garlic press. Fry the diced shallots in oil, add the garlic and radicchio strips and steam briefly. Deglaze with coconut milk and vegetable stock. Add the tofu, rye pasta and parsley and mix. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with a sprig of parsley. 

MB 02-11 - Radicchio

Holiday Season – in Full Swing?

Today starts the second week of advent with two candles shining brightly on the Advent wreath. We’re now properly into the Christmas season and here’s an important question for those following their Metabolic Balance plan … How are you doing? Are you tempted by Holiday Parties, treats and drinks everywhere? Can you resist? Or is it hard for you to stick to your plan?

MB 12-08 - 2. Advent

At Metabolic Balance we recommend not be too strict during the Holiday Season. Yes, that’s right! We’re saying it’s okay to indulge a little every now and then! Just to be clear, though, we say stick to the Metabolic Balance rules and stay as close to the plan as possible – but also relax and enjoy the Holidays too. When you choose to have a sweet treat, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation of course and only once a week, if possible.

Remember, as soon as you can – go back to the Strategies of Success with Metabolic Balance – to reach your health goals and maintain your healthy life-style.

Have a happy and balanced Holiday Season! 

30 Reasons for a Healthy Nutrition  

You feel at ease in your body

MB 2019-06-30

Food often has a direct influence on your emotional state. The type of diet and lifestyle leads to various hormonal reactions. Vitamin- and mineral-rich, “healthy” foods can make a significant contribution to feeling happier because they provide the body with all the basic building blocks it needs for biochemical processes and well-functioning organs. Your second brain is in the gut. And this is also where a big part of the happiness hormone serotonin is formed. Your happiness starts in your gut.

Looking for a Coach to assist you with your personalized Nutrition Plan? Find a local coach right HERE.