Turmeric

Turmeric is generally known for its bright yellow color and the wow factor it adds to curries, but its real claim to fame is actually its extraordinary anti-inflammatory value. The spice’s inflammation-fighting magic is largely due to its primary active ingredient – curcumin. This bioactive compound is also a strong antioxidant and offers a number of major benefits for our brains and bodies. Chronic inflammation contributes to a number of common health conditions, so curcumin might also help with issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and arthritis. Curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body, however black pepper contains a compound called piperine that boosts curcumin absorption. This one of the reasons why many recipes or products with turmeric have black pepper as an ingredient. Do you have turmeric in your spice cabinet?


Credit: Metabolic Balance Australia and New Zealand

Importance of Blood

Blood has a crucial job to do – it brings oxygen and nutrients to your body’s cells, and carries waste products away. Without blood, our bodies can’t function. But there’s another, unique element to blood that can enable us to boost our health beyond basic biology. Our blood can tell us what we are missing and what we have in excess, and allow us to provide the best possible nutrition for ourselves.
And that’s exactly what Metabolic Balance is all about. Your certified coach will use your blood values – along with information such as measurements, weight, existing conditions and food preferences – to create an individualized nutrition plan that gives you the best chance at long-term, overall health.

Basically, we get to know your blood, to get to know you! And, as a result, provide a nutrition plan as unique as you.

Photo: Metabolic Balance Australia and New Zealand

Arugula

Arugula is an herb in the mustard family that is often referred to as “rucola”, “rocket”, or “rugula”. It was first cultivated hundreds of years ago in the Mediterranean but is now found around the world. It is commonly used in salads or added on top of dishes such as pizza. It has a peppery and slightly bitter flavor that is a delicious addition to many different dishes and ingredients, especially seasonal summer fruits and vegetables. In regards to nutrition, arugula is packed full of nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, fiber, iron and folate. The next time you are thinking of making a salad try adding a bit of arugula!

Photo: Metabolic Balance Canada

Health At Work

During a long day of work it can be hard to incorporate habits that help support your health. Below are a few tips to help you feel your best during a long work day.

1. Start your day with a nutritious breakfast rich in the right proteins, vegetables and complex carbohydrates – see the options in your Metabolic Balance plan!

2. Avoid short-term “energy boosters” such as coffee, energy drinks and chocolate bars.

3. Drink 8 oz of water every couple of hours can help you maintain your concentration.

4. During your lunch break, choose a lunch that will supply sustaining rich nutrients and fiber. (Your Metabolic Balance plan can help you here!).

5. Eat your lunch mindfully and not working at your desk. It’s ok to take time to nourish yourself and then get back to work. In this way you’re far more likely to be productive and ultimately get so much more done!

6. In our world, it is inevitable that we have some form of stress on a daily basis. So even if stress cannot always be avoided, be gentle with yourself and listen to your body. Frequent low energy, irritability, sleep disorders, nervousness and physical complaints such as dizziness, high blood pressure, stomach and bowel complaints and back pain are warning signs that your stress may be getting too much.

Possible ways to achieve more tranquility and balance can be regular walks, reading and taking part in physical activity or sports.

Are you taking care of yourself during a work day?

Credit: Metabolic Balance Canada

Metabolic Balance for Weight Loss

Losing weight is a constant struggle and goal for many people. Research shows that 82% of all women have tried a diet in the last two years – though their success has usually been short-lived.

At Metabolic Balance, we look at weight loss and weight maintenance as a piece of the overall health package. Our programs focus on resetting your metabolism with a permanent change in diet.

While other diets offer short-term results, Metabolic Balance creates a unique nutrition plan according to your metabolic health and personal health data, which enables you to maintain a stable weight and avoid the common yo-yo effect.

If you’re trapped in a battle of weight-cycling – heading downhill then steeply uphill again – take a look at how Metabolic Balance can help break the pattern.

Take Care of Your Body

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 ward off 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!

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast just as the name suggests is a type of fungi called Saccharomyces cerevisiae which is a food product that has increased in popularity in recent years. It is the same type of yeast used to make bread but unlike in baking yeast, nutritional yeast is no longer alive in the final product. Nutritional yeast has a nutty, cheesy, and savory flavor which is one of the reasons it is commonly used in plant-based cooking. In addition to having a great flavor, nutritional yeast is great for your health. It is considered a complete protein as it contains all 9 essential amino acids that humans cannot synthesize on their own. Additionally, it is packed with B vitamins and trace minerals that are important for the body. Consider trying out this great ingredient by sprinkling it over salads, adding it to soups, or trying out a new recipe.

Photo: Love and Lemons

Real Food for Real People

We’re all know there are some crazy food diets out there. Some often focus on a single ingredient that you know can’t possibly work (but, let’s be honest, you’ve probably given one a go at some time!). Whether it’s the Coconut Diet, the Grapefruit Solution, or The New Cabbage Soup Diet, there’s no shortage of wacky ideas being floated for weight loss. But the truth is, to lose weight and then maintain a stable weight you need a stable nutrition plan that is best suited for you. Metabolic Balance is all about real food for real people. Using your blood values and personal data, we create a program that is unique to you and one that will continue to help you live your healthiest life in the long term – not just for a month or two. If you’re looking for a sustainable solution for your health, get in touch with your local Metabolic Balance coach today by visiting our website.

Vegetarian and Metabolic Balance?

One of the most common questions we get from potential new clients is: “Can I participate in the Metabolic Balance program as a strict vegetarian or vegan?”

Our answer is: Vegetarian plans are absolutely possible! Vegan plans may be generated upon request but we based on your values and healthy history we may not recommend or cannot guarantee that it is possible.

For clients interested in Metabolic Balance, we recommend scheduling a call with one of our amazing Metabolic Balances coaches, who can help answer any questions you may have. To connect with one of our coaches just visit our website!

Curried Tofu with Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:
1 serving of smoked tofu 
1 serving of vegetables (e. g. cauliflower and Brussels sprouts)
Olive oil
Curry powder
Salt and pepper
Black sesame seeds

Preparation:

Wash the vegetables and blanch them in salted water. Roast the sesame seeds in a dry pan and set aside. Cut the smoked tofu into cubes. Heat olive oil with curry, add the tofu, and add the vegetables. Cook for a few minutes over medium heat to allow the flavors to mix. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving and enjoy!