Build the Perfect Smoothie with PGX!

Read on and discover what goes into the blender!

This image says it all! When I make  smoothie, I always put in frozen berries, plain Greek yogurt, orange juice and PGX Daily Singles for fibre. But sometimes, I just want a different flavour! This infographic is full of options to pick from and will inspire a whole new smoothie, tailor made just for you!

Don't forget to add PGX to that list of smoothie power boosts! Give your smoothie a fibre boost! Don't know how much to add? Check out our post from the past, How Much PGX Should You Be Adding to Your Food, for more info!

Oh and one more thing! Right now you you can get a free BONUS pack of PGX Singles with purchase of PGX Daily in Canadian stores! Have a great Tuesday! Blend on, my friends.

Image source: Super Skinny Me

Feeling thirsty PGX'ers? Drink water!

Skip the sugary drinks!

When you are really thirsty, what better drink to quench that thirst but water? As delicious as juices and sodas can be, they are almost always loaded with sugar. Check out this visual comparison! From left to right: soda, fruit nectar, sports drinks, orange drinks, juice punch, and water!

Muscles cramping after your workout? Drink more water?

Just the other day, my dad mentioned to me how he woke up in the middle of the night with a severe leg cramp. It didn't sound like a lovely way to wake up and roll over for a new comfortable spot on the pillow, that's for sure! Why did this happen? Well, here's a little back story to the midnight muscle cramp episode...

My dad exercises regularly and like any good workout, it leads to a healthy sweat. Post workout, he, like anyone else who exercises, feels thirsty; that need to replenish the water and electrolytes the body looses. He would satisfy that thirst with water and cue end of workout session. So what went wrong? Why did that severe muscle cramp happen? I suggested to him that he was short on electrolytes in his system due to his vigorous exercise routine and needed to replenish them. As excellent as it is for you, water just isn't enough when you need electrolytes.

What can you do to get more electrolytes? There is the usual option of sports drinks such as Gatorade. But these drinks, as our visual diagram shows, are full of sugar. If you want to replenish your electrolytes without all the excess sugar of sports drinks, try to get them through nutrition! Make sure you are getting enough potassium (banana's anyone?), calcium and magnesium by eating the right foods.

For potassium, try eating bananas. Potassium is an excellent mineral, promoting a healthier metabolism, balanced blood pressure and better nerve health! Since my father increased his potassium intake by adding more bananas to his diet, he has been able to avoid episode two of severe muscle cramps without affecting his exercise routine! Did you know that baked potatoes can be a good source of potassium as well?

Calcium and magnesium-rich foods are also useful in restoring your electrolytes and can be included in your diet by drinking milk and by eating more leafy green vegetables, cheese, kale, broccoli, nuts, and avocados (just a few examples).

Want to learn more about restoring your electrolytes the natural, less sugar-laden way? Check out LIVESTRONG's article, How to Restore Electrolytes in My Body Naturally.

Image found on Tumblr. Original source unknown.

Hey PGX'ers! It's the weekend!

Scroll on for interesting articles and tidbits from around the web!

It's so hot today! I'm thinking I should start this weekend right with a seriously refreshing Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup and Cauliflower Prosciutto Flatbread from Tartalette!

I don't know if I've trimmed down to my goal yet (I'm working on it; it's going to happen), but here's an article you might find useful! Weight Watchers share their 10 Tips Toning Up Ater Trimming Down. Remember, the real goal we should all have is better health!

It's so good for you to get outdoors and enjoy the greenery and get some clean, fresh air. But sometimes life and unpredictable weather get in the way and you're stuck indoors. Bring some nature inside and green your walls with Woolly Pocket Living Wall Planters!

Bed Bugs. Unfortunately for those little pests, nobody likes them. They won't bring you mysterious diseases but their bites are not pleasant surprise in the morning! If you are travelling, BC Living shares a helpful article on How to Avoid These Nasty Hitchhikers.

Looking for some cool content? Check out the PGX Pinterest page! We've got great photos of delicious recipes, fitness trends, inspiring quotes to get you moving, and much more!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Image source: Au pays des Cactus

5 Tips and Links to Keep You From Gaining Weight Over the Summer Weekends

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and fun of the summer but with longer days and more socializing there's usually more BBQ's and dining with friends. Often these social events can lead to eating foods that you usually wouldn't even think about indulging in. Being caught up in the moment and not planning ahead can leave you with a couple extra pounds by the end of the summer.

Here are 5 helpful tips to keep you on track with your diet and some healthy recipes to bring with you to BBQ's and dinners. Not only will the host love you for bringing along a dish but it will also be your sneaky way of staying fit and healthy.

1. Don't Skip Meals: If you skip meals during the day it will only lead to you binge eating later. You will be grabbing anything and everything to gain some energy by the time you arrive at the event. Ensure that you have a protein packed breakfast to start your metabolism.
2. Drink Lots of Water: Not only is it summer and your body requires more water but it can control cravings and leave you feeling full. Try to drink a glass of water when you first arrive at the event to keep you stomach full.
3. PGX Travel Packs: Packing these small pill packs in your purse or bag and taking them before a meal can keep you feeling full and satisfied. This will help you avoid going back for seconds.
4. Eat Before Leaving Home: It's a good idea to have a small snack before you leave the house to control your cravings when you arrive at the event. Try having a small plate of veggies and hummus.
5. Choose Wisely: Don't rush when you are in line at the BBQ. Make smart choices about what you are eating. It may seem simple but choosing a green salad over mayo packed potato salad can make a huge difference by the end of the summer.

• A smooth Avocado Hummus Dip is great to take as a nutritious snack/appetizer
• 25 baked alternatives to potato chips and french fries. I recommend the beet chips! yummy and a bit sweet
• Are you in charge of the Salad? This Cucumber, Mango and Watermelon Salad is an amazingly fresh side dish.

How do you avoid the Summer Weekend Weight Gain? Share your tips here in the comments or join the chat on Facebook and Twitter.

Image source

PGX is excited to introduce to you a great sushi alternative - without the white rice!

We've finally found it! A sushi alternative, without the white rice, but with quinoa instead! Quinoa is a great alternative to rice and packs a large amount of protein into your diet.

Here at PGX headquarters we've also found a way to incorporate PGX Singles (granules) into the recipe. Adding PGX Singles is a convenient and easy way to maintain your blood sugar levels and a healthy weight. Each stick contains 2.5 grams of soluble fibre and no extra calories! It's unflavored so it won't ruin the taste of the Quinoa Sushi. The best thing is this sushi will leave you feeling full for hours.

Quinoa Sushi

Adapted from My New Roots and Turntable Kitchen.

Note: If you’re new to making sushi, I’d recommend doing a quick Google search for how to roll sushi. There are lots of videos and step-by-step instructions that you might find helpful before you get started. 

For the quinoa dressing (Tezu):

2 tablespoons of brown rice vinegar
1 tablespoon of water
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon of sea salt

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together and set aside until you are ready to dress your quinoa.

For the quinoa sushi:

1 1/2 cups of quinoa (we used a combination of black and white quinoa)
3 cups of water
1 avocado
2-3 cucumbers
Handful of radishes
Lettuce leaves
Black and white sesame seeds, toasted
Nori sheets

Pickled ginger
Soy sauce

1. Combine the quinoa and water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then dial down the heat and simmer with the lid on for 15-20 minutes (or until all of the water has absorbed). When done, transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and let cool.
2. Slice the cucumber into very thin strips. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to thinly slice the radishes. Slice the avocado. Lay out all of your vegetables on a cutting board near where you’ll be rolling the sushi.
3. Add the tezu to the slightly cooled quinoa and gently toss to coat. Then, let cool completely. * At this point add one package of the PGX Singles into the quinoa mixture.
4. Once the quinoa has cooled, prepare your workspace: place a small bowl of water near your station; you’ll want to dip your hands in there as you work. Place the bowl of quinoa and vegetables next to you and prepare a cutting board on which you’ll roll the sushi.
5. Next, place a sushi mat on your cutting board. Top with a sheet of nori (shiny side down) almost to the edge of the mat that’s closest to you.
6. Dip your hands in the bowl of water, take some quinoa from the bowl and evenly spread it over the nori. Leave a small border along the edge that is furthest from you.
7. Arrange the vegetables in a thin line running through the center of the mat. Place a leaf, or two, of lettuce over the quinoa first, then add a few slices of cucumber, radish, and avocado. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Be careful to not overfill, otherwise your roll will burst.
7. Holding the edge of the mat with your thumbs, lift it along with the filling and roll away from you. Hold the filling as you roll and gently pull the mat as you continue rolling. Once you have a neat roll, fold your hands over the mat to tighten the roll. Moisten the edge of the nori with water to seal.
8. Slide the roll off of the mat and use a very sharp knife to cut it into individual pieces.
9. Serve sushi alongside pickled ginger and soy sauce.

*Makes approximately 8 rolls.

This makes for a healthy, light alternative if you are growing tired of the meat-heavy meals that reign supreme during BBQ season.

What are some light meals that you like to add PGX singles (granules) too? Tweet us or post on our Facebook wall your favourite light meal that you add PGX singles (granules) to.

img source: Turntable Kitchen