Beautiful Beets

Beets are an absolute superfood! Originally cultivated for it leaves in the Middle East, this plant was first grown for its root by the Romans. As early as the Middle Ages beets were used for their medicinal properties and used to treat different illnesses such as fever and constipation. Nowadays we know why this inconspicuous root vegetable was so effective. It is packed with nutrients including folic acid, vitamin C, betanin and B vitamins.

Not only are beets great for your health but they are also super versatile in the kitchen. You can eat them raw, roasted, or pickled! Stay tuned for a recipe using beets!

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!

Pickled Mushrooms with Chili

 Yesterday we talked about how easy and delicious preserving foods at home can be. Today we have a recipe for you that shows you how!

Ingredients: 
1 serving of fresh mushrooms 
Twigs of fresh thyme
1 chili pepper
1/4 cup (65 mL) white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt 

Ingredients:
Clean the mushrooms and then pat them dry. Pluck the thyme leaves. Cut the chilies into rings, removing the seeds. Add the vinegar and spices to a pot and bring to the boil. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Allow to cool and then pour into a glass that can be sealed well. Pour the olive oil over it and close the glas. After pickling, the mushrooms should continue to soak for at least 3 days.

Preserving Food At Home

As the colder months are approaching it is the perfect time to try out different ways to preserve fresh fruit and vegetables for the winter.

There are numerous possibilities for preserving food. One of the oldest methods is drying. In the dehydrator, in the oven or in the open air, fruits lose their moisture and become more intense in flavor. A fun fall activity is to go apple picking, cut the tasty apples into slices, sprinkle with cinnamon or a pumpkin spice mixture, and then dehydrate in the oven at 225℉ for 2 hours. This make for delicious and healthy apple chips!

Another option which works especially well for vegetables is pickling or freezing. Both freezing and pickling in vinegar results in significantly lower nutrient losses than drying. Vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and beets are wonderful pickled. Fruits such as berries and peaches particular are ideal for freezing. Whatever method you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Pasta Bolognese

In honor of National Pasta day we have a delicious pasta recipe for you and is perfect for any folks in Phase 3.

Ingredients:
1 serving ground meat (e.g., beef, pork, lamb, turkey – according to your plan)
1 serving vegetables (e.g., celery, carrots, onions)
½ tomato
250 ml vegetable broth
Spices & Herbs: salt, pepper, marjoram, oregano, rosemary

Preparation:
Brown onions in a little olive oil, add a sprig of rosemary, add the lean ground meat (according to your plan). When the meat is browned (approx. 10 minutes), transfer to a bowl and place aside. Using the same pan, add half of the finely chopped celery and grated carrots. Gently sauté for a few minutes and then add the tomato, vegetable broth and season with salt and a pinch of pepper. Allow to simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Puree with a stick blender (or in a blender), then return the meat to the pan. In a separate pan, brown the remainder of the carrot and celery – put everything together in one pan. Let everything simmer for another 30 minutes, season with oregano and marjoram (dried), fresh ground pepper and salt.

Starting in Phase 3 (when you are close to goal), you can also use 10 grams of whole grain rye pasta as a side dish. 1 slice of rye crisp bread counts for 10 g of whole grain rye pasta.
If you’re still in Phase 2 we recommend zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of rye pasta.

noodles

Inclusion Not Exclusion

We all know that the more food has been processed and laden with additives & preservatives, the more it negatively impacts your health & well-being. We at Metabolic Balance are dedicated to promoting a proper understanding of the true healing power of fresh, whole and natural foods, which contain all the essential nutrients to fully support physical and mental health if eaten in the right quantities and at the correct times. Metabolic Balance does not exclude any food group and instead creates a personalized nutrition program for each client. Have you ever been afraid to make a personalized meal plan because you didn’t know what you were going to eat or afraid of being too little food? Well you do not have to worry about that with Metabolic Balance. Check out website and connect with one of our coaches to learn more or get started!

Importance of Zinc

With the cold and flu season in full swing, supporting your immune system with trace elements such as zinc is critical! It supports wound healing, promotes vision in combination with vitamin A, controls hormonal balance, promotes regeneration of skin and hair, supports the pancreas in the production of insulin and finally, zinc strengthens the immune system by performing important functions in the production of defense cells. Zinc deficiency can be prevented by including more often red meat, seafood, dairy products, wheat germ, oatmeal, Brazil nuts, mushrooms and lentils in the diet.

World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day! Celebrated every year on the 10th of October, World Mental Health Day is a reminder of the importance of mental wellness and prioritizing and investing in good mental health. The theme this year is “access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies”, highlighting the importance of mental health in times of global instability. To learn more about mental health, visit the following websites below:

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

https://wmhdofficial.com/

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day


Combat Fatigue

Feeling fatigued? Try focusing on protein-rich foods! Protein helps stabilize blood sugar, which can boost your energy levels and focus. Whether it’s eggs, chicken, or plant-based options, these foods can keep you sharp and energized throughout the day.