Dear Readers,Finally the Holiday Season is upon us and this Holiday Newsletter includes a wealth of information. Given the enormous amount of content provided here, I will keep my introduction short. If you only have time to read one or two articles in this newsletter, please take a look at our New Year's Challenge. To provide additional motivation to succeed with your New Year’s resolution, metabolic balance® awards $4 for every pound lost by our weight loss participants between January 1 and March 31. The theme “Give Back by Losing” comprehends two very worthy causes: the personal fulfillment of giving back to your own health, and helping to turn the tide against childhood obesity by supporting a charity. Make sure to take advantage of this one-time opportunity.The USABlog Highlights section is also worth reading – here we emphasize a number of posts from our blog that have particular relevance during the holiday season. If you are following our blog or have joined us on Facebook and Twitter, you have already seen the wonderful Holiday Recipes … if not, take a look at page 4 and make sure to sign up immediately – there are new recipes every Monday. Happy Holidays,

Christoph Egel – CEO

Table of ContentsIntroduction Page 1

Fall Seminar Success Page 2

Client Webinars Page 2

New Year's Challenge Page 3

Next Generation Plans Page 3

Holiday Recipes Page 4

Treat Meal Rules Page 5

NJ, NY, RI Blood Testing Page 6

Winter Certification Seminar Page 6

USABlog Highlights Page 7

NEWSLETTERHoliday Season 2012

Webinars for ClientsStarting in January 2013 we will offer a new series of client webinars, which are designed to deepen the understanding of metabolic balance®:

✔ Phases 1 & 2 – Preparation and Strict Conversion

The metabolic syndrome and the scientific background of metabolic balance®

Scheduled every 1st Wednesday of the month at 8pm ET / 5pm PT

✔ Phase 3 – Relaxed Conversion

How to let go from the safety net: your strict phase 2 meal plan, and survive in the food jungle.

Scheduled every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8pm ET / 5pm PT

✔ Phase 4 – Maintenance

The most important phase of the metabolic balance® program … or: How to take metabolic balance® from “a diet” to the way of life.

Scheduled every 4th Wednesday of the month at 8pm ET / 5pm PT

Among the many reasons to offer these trainings to our clients are:

✔ Participants who are informed about the scientific background are more likely to comply with the rules. Knowing the reasons for the success of the metabolic balance program helps to better integrate it into a healthier lifestyle.

✔ Participants are able to learn from the comfort of their home.

Participation is by invitation only. Please contact your metabolic balance® coach to get information and access for these Webinars.

12 New Coaches graduated in Los Angeles!From October 5 – 7, metabolic balance® held two seminar events, the Fall Coach Certification Seminar and annual Coaches Update Seminar. Both where held at the enchanting Jamaica Bay Inn in Marina del Rey, CA. Attendees arrived from locations throughout the U.S. including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Colorado, Florida, and sunny California. We are pleased to report the eventful seminar weekend came off very well and was considered a great success by attendees and staff alike. From the daily seminar courses, to our delightful evening events, such as the Friday night social, and special Saturday “metabolic balance® Reception”, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop new friendships abounded. Twelve new coaches earned the distinction of being added to the ranks of Certified metabolic balance® Coach; and seven established coaches attending the Update Seminar furthered their education and business development skills. Attendees in both classes demonstrated passion and dedication in absorbing the lessons and for working with clients who need to learn these valuable nutritional truths so they too improve their quality of life and health.

Dr. Funfack and the whole metabolic balance® team send each of our twelve new Certified Coaches and our Update Seminar attendees our heartfelt thanks for their attendance and for making the seminar a wonderful success.We congratulate our recent graduates on a job well done and are confident, that the metabolic balance® method of all-natural weight management will add tremendous benefits in well-being and business growth. Again, welcome to the metabolic balance® family!

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NEWSLETTER – Holiday Season 2012

metabolic balance® Plan – Next Generation

Recently metabolic balance® introduced a new look and new content for the metabolic balance® personalized nutrition plans! The plan has almost

doubled in size – it is much more elaborate and colorful and includes more explanations as well as many pictograms. Here is a brief overview of what has changed:

✔ Extensive eating preferences.

✔ Additional medication / allergies and illnesses.

✔ Personalized instructions for the participant.

✔ WHtR (Waist to Height Ratio) considered in plan creation.

✔ Color coordinated Meal Plan now also includes the bread and the fruit.

✔ The Food List is now separated into listings for proteins and listings for carbohydrates (vegetables and lettuces).

✔ Detailed explanation of the 8 Rules rules.

2013 New Year's Challenge“Give Back by Losing”

Along with input from several of our coaches, metabolic balance® has developed a very special New Year’s Promotional offer.This promotion is a New Year’s Challenge and awards a participant $4.00 per pound lost during the promotional period! “Give Back by Losing” is the theme and incorporates two very worthy causes: the personal fulfillment of giving back to your health, and to fighting childhood obesity. This time, challenge yourself and those around you to do more than just another diet program. With metabolic balance® you will receive the permanent solution to weight management and, at the same time, you will help to turn the tide against childhood obesity!

Term and sign up for New Year’s Challenge promotion: The promotion period runs from: January 1 to March 31, 2013 Clients may sign up for program as early as December 15, 2012 Participant must start their phase 1 between January 1, 2013 and

March 1, 2013.Progress Reporting:

Progress is monitored weekly by coach and submitted to metabolic balance® every 4 weeks.

All participating clients weight loss amounts will be accounted for on March 31st and rewards will be distributed in April.

Client rewards: Client receives a cash gift card in the

amount of $2 per pound lost metabolic balance® matches the

rewards ($2 per pound lost) with a donation to “Action for Healthy Kids”

So what are you waiting for … take the New Year's Challenge and “give back by losing”. Lose the unwanted weight and increase your health, your vitality and follow your body's demands for the right foods it most needs. Finding your personal equilibrium is the best solution for long term success and personal empowerment. With metabolic balance® you receive a personalized nutritional road map that shows you the way. Finally, be sure to share our New Year's Challenge amongst your family, friends and colleagues. To learn more, contact your nearest metabolic balance® coach for full details or visit challenge.metabolic-balance.com.

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NEWSLETTER – Holiday Season 2012

Holiday RecipesA ppetizer: Vitello Tacchino con Zucca

(thinly sliced Turkey Breast with Pumpkin-Ginger-Dressing)

Turkey Breast, Fresh Pumpkin, Fresh Ginger, 2 TBsp yellow Mustard Seeds, 2 TBsp of Pumpkin Seeds, Cilantro, fresh, Basil leaves, fresh, 2 TBsp of Soy Sauce (w/o additives, like starch or sugar)

✔ Cook turkey breast covered with water till done. Cool down. Keep the broth.

✔ Peel and dice pumpkin and braise in (a bit of) the broth till the pumpkin is soft. Drain unnecessary liquid and let the pumpkin liquid evaporate in the pot on the stove – the pumpkin should be really dry. Clean and chop ginger finely. Mix with the pumpkin and reheat. Cool down in fridge.

✔ Roast pumpkin and mustard seeds in a pan without oil, stir frequently, till the seeds change the color and develop a fragrant scent.

✔ Clean and chop herbs coarsely. Spice the pumpkin with soy sauce, add herbs and purée it with an immersion blender. Drape the thinly sliced turkey breast on a plate. Drizzle the pumpkin-ginger-dressing over the turkey and decorate with the seeds. Place a stem of basil or cilantro on the plate.

Source: metabolic balance® Gourmetküche [Gourmet Kitchen], Authors: Frank Heppner and Dr.med Wolf Funfack; Südwest Verlag, 2008.

Main Course: Turkey Gyro with Lettuce

Leafy Lettuces, Tomato and Spring Onions, Turkey Meat, 2 Garlic Gloves, Spices: Red Pepper Flakes, Thyme, Caraway, Allspice, Paprika, Salt & Pepper, Parsley, fresh

✔ Wash and dry the lettuce, cut in bite-sized form, drape on plate. Wash and slice tomatoes, place on top of the lettuce leaves.

✔ Cut the spring onions into rings, set aside. Wash and clean parsley, set aside.

✔ Slice turkey in stripes. Clean and finely chop garlic. Mix the spices: garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, caraway, allspice, paprika, salt and pepper. Distribute spice mix evenly on the turkey stripes.

✔ Heat a pan, add 1 TBsp coconut oil and sear turkey stripes from all sides. (If you are still in Phase 2 w/o oil, you can even sear the turkey meat without oil!)

✔ Mix the spring onions with the seared meat and decorate it aside the lettuce.

✔ Use the parsley leaves as garnish over meat and lettuce.Source: metabolic balance® Gourmetküche [Gourmet Kitchen], Authors: Frank Heppner and Dr.med Wolf Funfack; Südwest Verlag, 2008.

Dessert: Apple Muffins

100g rye flour (10 crispy rye bread), 1 whole vanilla bean / ½ tsp of pure vanilla powder, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, 8 TBsp rape seed oil (substitute with coconut oil), 600 ml (= 40 TBsp) water, 2 apples

✔ Coarsely grate the apple and squeeze our excess liquid (use this fresh apple juice to substitute for some of the water). Combine all ingredients.

✔ Distribute into muffin forms (about 3 muffins for each person). Place in the oven and bake at 355°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.

Source: Amelie, a cook and metabolic balance® participant

Every Monday, we post a new recipe on our metabolic balance® blog. Also, join us on Facebook and Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from metabolic balance®!

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NEWSLETTER – Holiday Season 2012

Treat Meals

Family celebrations and parties with friends, which happen so frequently during the Holiday Season, are very important for your well-being. Therefore, you should enjoy every minute of your time with those who matter most in your life!It is appropriate to break the rules of your metabolic balance® plan during such an event – as long as you eat responsibly. Therefore, we wanted to give you some tips for those situations.A quick reminder of key metabolic balance® program rules, which should always be observed:

✔ Take time to eat.

✔ Sit down and enjoy your food.

✔ Chew thoroughly.

✔ Enjoy your food – eating is necessary, healthy and good for you!

Rules to break the RulesThe 8 tips below will help you to mindfully enjoy the treat meal – Enjoy without guilt!

Tip 1: Make breaking the rules an exception. Considering the treat meal (deviation) an exception makes it easier to go back to your metabolic balance® plan, and keeps you moving towards your weight loss goal. Always start such a meal with a “protein appetizer”.

Tip 2: Drink extra water right before and immediately following the treat meal. Drinking two glasses of water before a meal will help you to

limit the serving ... and to accelerate your metabolism. Water is necessary for a healthy body.

Tip 3: If your treat meal lasts longer than one hour, take a break of at least 15 minutes, during which you drink only water, before continuing the meal. Then continue your meal with some bites of protein.

Tip 4: If you go out to eat – in a restaurant or to the home of friends and family – take a few nuts or some cheese, so you have your “protein appetizer” handy.

Tip 5: For the remaining two meals that day, omit the fruit and additional starchy products, like bread. Do NOT eliminate the apple - you must have one apple every day!

Tip 6: Avoid rich, heavy gravies, sauces and dressings as well as carbohydrate-rich side dishes.

Tip 7: If you enjoy chocolate, always opt for a minimum of 70% cocoa content, eat only a small amount and savor it!

Tip 8: Limit the consumption of alcohol, drink water with it and remember: especially with alcohol: “Less is More”! Furthermore, always follow the 'Protein First' rule. If you are having wine or alcohol prior to your meal, eat a few nuts or cheese before drinking the alcohol.

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NEWSLETTER – Holiday Season 2012

2013 Winter Certification Seminar Our 2013 Winter Certification Seminar is

scheduled for February 22-24 in Marina del Rey, close to Los Angeles. The seminar features Dr. Funfack and Sylvia Egel as instructors. They will cover a wide variety of nutrition, medical, and coaching topics that

form the foundation of the metabolic balance® program:

• Metabolism Basics• Overweight & Obesity • Basics of Blood Sugar Regulation• Fat Metabolism Disorders• Cholesterol Basics• Fat Basics • Basics of Energy Metabolism - Carbohydrates and Fats• Basics of Protein Metabolism• Inflammation, Allergies and Intolerances• Traditional Approach to fight Metabolic Syndrome• New Approach to fight Metabolic Syndrome• Medication for weight loss• Mental Aspects• metabolic balance® Results• Program Fundamentals• Nutrition Basics • Program Walk Through• The metabolic balance® Portal

In addition, we will host a metabolic balance® Reception for invited guests where Dr. Funfack will talk about “Food is Nature's Medicine - The latest Insights into natural Therapies for the Metabolic Syndrome”. Participants of the 2013 metabolic balance® Winter Certification Seminar will automatically be invited!

Blood testing in NJ, NY, RIGood news for those of you who are from New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island! Instead of requesting the metabolic balance® blood panel from your personal physician at retail prices, metabolic balance® is now able to provided the necessary blood draw and testing services required for creating your Personalized Nutrition Plan. However, while most of the operational protocol remains the same, blood testing regulations in these States require

one principle change. The participant must pay the lab personally at the time of the blood draw. For access to the metabolic balance® blood tests and our discounted rates in these three states please contact your metabolic balance® coach.

Seminar LogisticsDate:

February 22 – 24, 20139:00 am – 5:15 pm

Location:Jamaica Bay Inn

4175 Admiralty WayMarina del Rey, CA90292

Seminar Fee:one-time payment: $1,699deferred payment: $1,799

Limited Offer:Enroll by January 21 and receive3 free metabolic balance® plans

Call today and learn more about the value of this offer - contact us

via email or at (619) 894-7893.

Hotel Reservations: City View: $159

Marina View: $179www.JamaicaBayInn.Com

LA International (LAX) – 6 miles

Client Referral Incentivemetabolic balance®'s rapid global growth over the past ten years has been attributed mainly to word-of-mouth advertising … simply by one client telling others of their positive experiences. As we are building our foundation in the U.S., we need our clients here to do the same and to refer potential new coaches to the metabolic balance® method. A special incentive will be awarded to a client for each referred participant who attends this fall's certification seminar.

Incentive:Receive one CWP Evaluation Blood Test – a $122 value!

How to refer:Please contact Len Tuccelli with your referral's information via email or at (619) 894-7893.

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NEWSLETTER – Holiday Season 2012

USABlog.Metabolic-Balance.Com HighlightsVegetarians Can Be On The metabolic balance® P lan

If you are vegetarian you can participate in the metabolic balance® nutrition program (as long as you eat eggs and / or dairy products).Tell your metabolic balance® coach that you are a vegetarian and which foods you like to integrate in your diet. Your eating preferences will be considered and a personalized plan can be tailored to your vegetarian diet constraints.

[photo used with cc permission from Sean Ohlenkamp]

Eight Foods You Didn’t Know Contain MeatSometimes a picture is worth a thousand words and sometimes you need to read the words. Here is a link to a good article talking about foods that are created using animal products. We need to be careful to read the labels of the foods we put into our bodies. Even experienced metabolic balance® coaches have to pause occasionally and make sure that the product in their hand is what they actually think it is.Nothing is more frustrating than to purchase something you think is healthy and find out later it has hidden sugars or proteins that are interfering with your weight management or messing with your metabolism.If you are not sure about a product, just ask your coach for help and take the time to read the labels of what you are eating.

The Importance Of A Family Meal All Year RoundHere is an interesting article talking about family meals. Dozens of studies over the years also have touted the importance of the family meal as it affects an adolescent’s social behavior, but at least one study can relieve some the pressure on busy moms and dads where cooking is concerned. Maybe we should be having them more than once a year.

Great Ways To Be ThankfulKIDS DISCOVER Magazine listed “8 Great Ways to Be Thankful” from children for children of all ages: “Thanksgiving is the time of year when we express our gratitude for all the things we have. Check out this printable infographic for eight great ways to show how thankful you are, perfect for kids of all ages!”Thanksgiving is also a reminder to look at the bright side of life and to think positive. As you say “Thank You”, capture this spirit and make a difference! Take the lead, set an example or start a new tradition.

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NEWSLETTER – Holiday Season 2012

Psychology of EatingDon’t wait until the new year to start improving your life. Now is a good time to start adding a positive habit to your daily routine. Choose from the following list provided by the Cleveland Clinic on their psychology of eating page. Sometimes it takes babysteps to get where you want to go and any of the following steps will get you going in the right direction.The “dos and don’ts” of healthy eating

Don’t skip meals.Do keep track of your eating habits. ( Try using a ”food diary”)Don’t eat after 7 P.M.Do drink plenty of water.

Do delay/distract yourself.Do exercise instead of eat when bored.Don’t eat while you watch TV, work, drive.Do only eat in certain settings (kitchen table).Do watch your portion sizes.Do give yourself encouragement.Don’t beat yourself up when you lapse.Do think of eating as a LIFESTYLE CHANGE.Don’t weigh yourself more than once per week.Do make healthy food choices.

If you are not already participating in the metabolic balance® program, we encourage you to incorporate one of the tips into your life each month (it take several weeks to incorporate a new habit). If you are already on the metabolic balance® plan, you will notice that most of these tips are fundamental part of our program. If you would like to learn more about metabolic balance®, Dr. Funfack published a book in English which you can find here or contact one of our coaches.

Don’t Talk To Your Teen About Being Overweight -Actions Are Louder Than Words

If your teen is overweight, don’t bring the subject up over dinner. Instead, be a role model for your child. Here is a good article about dealing with overweight teens.

[image used with cc permission from lovelornpoets]

Question: What Can You Do When You Crave SweetsANSWER: (from the German metabolic balance® team)

1.Contact your coach and support team.2.Drink water!3.Omit fruits from your diet except for Apples which are mandatory.4.Eat protein at the beginning and end of your meal.5.Chew on coffee beans.6.Bitter drops

[Photo used with cc permission from Joan Campderrós-i-Canas]

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NEWSLETTER – Holiday Season 2012