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!

Staying On Track During the Holidays

Staying on track with the Metabolic Balance program during Christmas and the holidays can be challenging but doable!

Here are some tips to help you maintain your balance:
• Plan your Christmas/holiday meals and look for recipes that align with your personalized plan
• Be mindful of portion sizes, serve reasonable portions and savor each bite!
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Look for healthier alternatives to traditional dishes.
• Drink alcohol in moderation as it can lower inhibitions and lead to less mindful eating.

While these help you stay on track, remember to enjoy the moments, forgive yourself if you do indulge a bit, and practice self-care!

Controlling Your Blood Sugar

When blood sugar fluctuates, it can lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, or even anxiety. Stable blood sugar levels are essential for maintaining emotional balance and energy throughout the day. The Metabolic Balance program focuses on personalized nutrition that helps keep blood sugar steady, reducing those mood swings and providing a more consistent sense of well-being. By eating the right foods in the right combinations, you can support your mood and metabolism for a healthier, more balanced life. Find your nearest Metabolic Balance coach today if you’d like to know more about personalized nutrition!

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.

Leafy Salad with Walnuts

Even though it’s cold outside, we don’t always have to have a warm meal – today we have a recipe for a delicious winter salad packed with vitamins.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups (35 g) lamb’s lettuce or leafy green of choice
25 g chopped walnuts
1 shallot
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. oil
1 serving of protein (whatever is on your plan)
Salt and pepper

Preparation:
Wash and then pat dry the lamb’s lettuce. Whisk the vinegar, oil, shallots, salt and pepper together for the dressing. Add the walnuts to the lamb’s lettuce, add the dressing and serve with your protein of choice!

Wonderful Walnuts

Although nuts are often villainized for being high in fat, did you know that walnuts are a real super food? They contain the essential fatty linolenic acid (an omega-3 fat) which is one of the two essential fatty acids that humans need to obtain from their diet. Essential fatty acids are known to offer a whole range of anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. They keep the heart healthy by helping the blood vessels be flexible, prevent arteriosclerosis and have a positive influence on cholesterol levels. Walnuts are very high in protein and therefore particularly great for vegetarians. A handful of walnuts (about 43g) provides 8g of protein. They are also among the richest sources of antioxidants that help protect against cancer. They are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E, pantothenic acid and important minerals such as zinc, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron and calcium. Walnuts also boost digestion, as they are very rich in fiber.

The Metabolic Balance Program

Metabolic Balance helps support weight loss, balance hormones, boost energy, and improve overall health by providing a personalized nutrition plan tailored to your body’s needs. It’s all about eating right to feel your best! Visit our website to learn more!