The Metabolic Balance Program

More than a nutrition coach, a Metabolic Coach is a client’s partner in health someone who understands your unique needs, supports their goals, and helps them turn knowledge into action. With a personalized Metabolic Balance® plan, they transform your blood values, health history, and lifestyle into a tailored roadmap that’s realistic, sustainable, and uniquely tailored to the individual. With expert guidance and ongoing support, finding balance becomes achievable. Start your Metabolic Balance journey with the right guidance, perfect for the New Year!

Chocolate Gingerbread Delight

Christmas treats are a must during the holiday season. In addition to all of the sweet temptations, however, we recommend a healthy snack, completely without refined sugar like these gingerbread delights!

Ingredients:
60 g walnuts
100 g dates
30 g cocoa
1 tsp gingerbread spice (and/or cinnamon, cloves)

Preparation:
In a food processor blend the walnuts, cocoa, dates, and spices until the mixture comes together. Finally, divide the mass into small portions and shape into uniform balls. Let them dry and the pralines are ready!

Mindful Eating During the Holidays

During the holidays, when social events and indulgent foods are everywhere, tuning into your body and choices helps you stay true to your Metabolic Balance journey while still enjoying the season. During these times trying to be mindful of what you are eating can help you stay on track yet present during the holidays. When you slow down, savor each bite, honor your hunger cues, and focus on nourishing foods that support your metabolism, you create balance that feels empowering — not restrictive. Mindful eating also helps reduce stress, avoid overeating, and appreciate the flavors, textures, and joy of shared meals with friends and family.
Here are a few simple tips to stay present during the holidays: eat regularly through the day so you don’t arrive overly hungry, prioritize protein and vegetables on your plate first, take a moment to pause before getting seconds, and choose the treats you truly love rather than grazing mindlessly. These small habits help you stay connected to your body’s signals and make choices that align with your health goals — while still celebrating the holidays.

Personalized Nutrition

Wondering how to achieve lasting health with a simple yet personalized approach? The Metabolic Balance nutrition program offers just that. It’s a comprehensive plan that shows you exactly which foods to eat, in what quantities, and when, tailored specifically to your body’s needs. This clear, easy-to-follow approach helps you create long-term healthy habits, supporting your goals with optimal nutrition for lasting success. Ready to take control of your health? Find your nearest coach today!

Gut and Brain Health

When we think about serotonin, we often picture the brain but in reality, most of the serotonin in your body is made in your gut! Specialized cells in the gut lining work with trillions of microbes to produce and regulate this “feel-good” chemical. That’s why diet has such a powerful effect on mood and focus. A diet that is fiber-rich, contains a balanced mix of proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense plants supports a diverse microbiome. This in turn helps maintain a consistent supply of serotonin. Although we may not think it, every meal is an opportunity to nourish both your body and mind. At Metabolic Balance we create personalized nutrition plans for all of our clients to ensure that they have a balanced diet that support optimal health and wellness! To learn more visit our website!

Chocolate Date Balls

Although the holiday season is filled with many treats this treat is a delicious and healthy alternative that will still satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:
– 120g walnuts
– 65g cocoa powder
– 1 pinch of sea salt
– 220g dates

Preparation:
Roughly chop up the walnuts using a food processor. Add the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt and mix until everything is well combined. Pit the dates and chop them into quarters. Then add the dates to the walnuts and process until the mixture starts to come together. Take tablespoon-sized portions and form them into bite-sized balls or press the mixture into a tray and, after chilling, cut it into small squares. Enjoy!

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.

Cinnamon Apple Pancake

This delicious and healthy pancake recipe is perfect for a weekend breakfast during the winter season!

Ingredients:
1 apple
1 egg
2 tbsp rye flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp coconut oil
Pinch of cinnamon and salt
Berries or other fruit for decoration
Some water (about 1/4 cup)

Directions:
Begin by cutting the apple into slices approximately 0.5 cm thick, and be sure to remove the core. Place the apple slices in a pan with a small amount of water and steam them for about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook them in a microwave.
To make the pancake batter, mix the rye flour, egg, baking powder, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon and salt with one tablespoon of water. You can use a hand-held blender or a whisk for this.
Heat the coconut oil in the same pan you used to steam the apple slices. Spoon the batter over the apple slices and wait a few minutes until small bubbles form on the surface. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook until they reach your desired level of brownness.
Remove the pancakes, arrange them on a plate, and decorate them with berries or other fruits.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a beloved holiday spice, and while it’s popular for its taste and holiday nostalgia, it also holds lots of health benefits. Rich in cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon has shown promise in enhancing insulin sensitivity, a pivotal factor in managing blood sugar levels effectively. Improved insulin sensitivity means cells become more receptive to insulin’s signal, ushering glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy production. This can lead to more stable blood sugar levels and is particularly significant for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of insulin resistance. Beyond its role in blood sugar management, cinnamon’s warm and fragrant notes find their way into various dishes, from spiced pastries to savory dishes, making it both a flavorful addition to meals and a potential ally in promoting metabolic balance. Give it a try, and add it to some of your dishes!