Chocolate

In the holiday season sweets such as chocolate is abundant! However, not all chocolate is equal in its health benefits! When cocoa is processed into your favorite chocolate products, it goes through several steps to reduce its acerbic flavor. The more chocolate is processed, the more flavanols are lost. Most commercial chocolates are highly processed – even dark chocolates! Your best choice is to eat dark chocolate (more than 70 percent cocoa) instead of milk chocolate (especially milk chocolate, which is loaded with other fats and sugars). The effective fermentation of both the antioxidants and the fiber in chocolate requires healthy gut flora! Any imbalance of the bacteria essential for this process will result in diminished conversion and absorption of the anti-inflammatory compounds and may require a restoration of the gut flora. Foods which are naturally rich in fiber and probiotics can assist in restoring intestinal balance.

Photo: Metabolic Balance Canada

Feel Good Friday

Get that Feel Good Friday feeling with the Metabolic Balance program! While this program prioritizes physical health through balanced nutrition, it’s equally dedicated to nurturing your well-being. On Fridays and every day, remember to indulge in self-care, engage in activities you love, and embrace exercise for your body and your mind’s sake. Whether it’s a morning walk, a good book, a hobby, or simply savoring a wholesome meal, finding balance is the true essence of feeling good with Metabolic Balance.

Perfect Persimmons

Persimmons are delicious fruits that come into season in the winter. Native to China, Japan, and Korea, persimmons are also extremely nutritious. They are rich in dietary fiber and important vitamins and minerals including, manganese, vitamin C, and beta carotene. In the kitchen, persimmons are extremely versatile and can be used in sweet and savory dishes. They are delicious in salads, breads, cookies, jams, and pies. So next time you are at the grocery store, give this wonderful fruit a try.

Personalized Care

They say our bodies are temples, and we agree, they are sacred places that need to be treated as such. The food you fuel your body with has a huge impact on your health, while some foods can prompt chronic health conditions, others provide medicinal and protective qualities that can help reduce disease. Research shows that having the right nutrition supports good health by reducing harmful risk factors of cardiovascular disease like inflammation, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and poor sleep. At Metabolic Balance we create a custom and personalized nutrition plan for your body to provide it with the nutrients that it needs for health and wellness. To learn more about how Metabolic Balance can help you visit our website!

Healthy Fats

Fat is functional – it’s a critical nutrient for our health! Our bodies need certain fats, which we can’t make on our own, to: provide energy, support cell function, help produce key hormones, and absorb certain vitamins. However not all fats are created equal and is important to know which fats to eat and which ones to avoid. There are 3 main fat types: unsaturated fats, saturated fats, and trans fats. Unsaturated fats are the most beneficial, and are good for our bodies in moderation. They are considered heart-healthy, great for brain health, and can help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. Some saturated fats can also be beneficial (again, in moderation), while trans fats are considered a harmful type of fat. Whole foods are an excellent source of fats and here are some of our top picks are:
Avocados
Nuts (such as almond and walnuts) and Seeds
Fatty fish (like salmon)
Olive oil
Eggs
Want to know more about fats in your diet? Your Metabolic Balance coach is here to help. They can provide expert advice on supporting your overall health with whole foods.

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a Metabolic Balance superstar during fall and winter! Its natural sweetness and versatility make it an excellent choice for maintaining balance in your diet, whether you’re roasting it or blending it into a creamy soup. Butternut squash provides essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, ideal for supporting your overall well-being. Plus, its satisfying, hearty texture can help curb cravings and keep you feeling full and content throughout the season. What is your favorite way to enjoy this delicious vegetable?

Movember

Did you know that according to a study conducted by that CDC in 2021 that the average life expectancy for men is 6 years less than what is for women?
This Movember, let’s bring more attention to men’s health and wellbeing. Small, consistent steps like eating nourishing foods, managing stress, and staying active can make a real difference over time.
Let’s continue to support the men in our lives and remind them that looking after their health is one of the best investments they can make. For more information about the Movember campaign visit this site: https://us.movember.com/.

Homemade Spice Paste

Are you looking for ways to spice up your soups and vegetables in the colder months? Well this easy to make spice paste is the perfect way to add a lot of flavor and warmth to dishes in the winter!

Ingredients:
300 g of celery
300 g of carrots
2 onions
1 fennel
1 clove of garlic
Ground cloves
5 ground fennel seeds
1 pinch of cinnamon
1 – 2 bay leaves
1 bunch of fresh basil
3 fresh sage leaves
2 stalks of fresh rosemary
10 stalks of parsley leaves
100 grams sea salt
1 teaspoon of fresh pepper

Preparation:
Add everything to a blender and then puree until smooth. Transfer the paste into a jar and store in the refrigerator. Due to the increased salt content, the paste will keep fresh in the refrigerator for a very long time. If you are allowed to use oil in your plan, then add 10 tablespoons of good olive oil. Simply add 1 teaspoon of the paste to your food and enjoy.

Feel the Difference

So many happy and satisfied clients keep telling us how well they feel after changing their diets with Metabolic Balance. They love that they can really see the difference as well as feeling it! A particularly common side effect of getting healthy is clearer and smoother skin. It’s this healthy glow and radiance that others see too and shows that it’s not just about the smaller number you see on the scales as to why it is so wonderful to eat healthy. We love hearing every single success story that is sent to us. To learn more about how you can join our community and achieve long-term health and wellness, visit our website and connect with one of our great coaches!

Long-Term Change

With a long-term change of nutrition with Metabolic Balance you can decide to do something good for yourself permanently. This lifestyle change can help you have a more mindful relationship with food and improve your overall health. Rather than eating mindlessly or buying processed foods that are easy to prepare, this program can help become aware of your body and how the right foods can help you feel amazing! To learn more visit our website or check out our Facebook page!