Make smart choices at meal times. Fill up on the good stuff!

How much space does 400 calories occupy in the stomach?

I truly dislike the thought of dieting. But with a looming deadline to fit into a costume that doesn't quite zip up all the way for a performance, I really have no choice but to make a conscious effort to change my eating habits.

What is it about diets that have people dreading them? Hunger? Cravings? Guess what?! You don't need to feel hungry when you are making the change for a healthier lifestyle. And if you aren't feeling hungry, you will most likely have fewer cravings as well! There is no need to fear healthy eating! All we need to do is learn how to make smart choices. If we look for low calorie but dense foods full of nutrients and fibre (think low-GI foods), we'll definitely be better off! Take a look at what 400 calories of various foods look like in the stomach!

Add PGX to your food and the fibre will help you feel full and you won't feel the "diet hunger and cravings." Right now you you can get a free BONUS pack of PGX Singles with purchase of PGX Daily in Canadian stores! Stay healthy everyone; make smart food choices and be sure to get your daily dose of fibre!

Original image source unknown.

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

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

This Weight Wise Wednesday, we're sharing some salad know-how!

Are hidden calories in your salad sabotaging your healthy diet?

Here on Weight Wise Wednesday we have a look at where the hidden calories sneak their way in and what are some healthy alternatives to include in your salad.

Salad Ingredients to Try to Avoid:

• Croutons, tortilla chips and large amounts of cheese (a touch of cheese is better)
• Processed meats: deli meat, fried chicken, and beef.
• Creamy or sugar filled salad dressings. The average Caesar salad dressing contains 150 calories in 2 tablespoons and 15 grams of fat*.

Healthy Alternative Ingredients to Include in Your Salad:

• Boiled eggs (contains protein and Omega 3's)
• Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, onions)
• Black beans and garbanzo beans - chickpeas (high in fiber)
• Lean protein (baked chicken, turkey and salmon)
• Edamame beans (high in protein, iron and fiber)
• Balsamic dressing - see our easy recipe below.

Balsamic Olive Oil Dressing

• 3 tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 4 tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar
• Pinch of Sea Salt and Pepper
• Pinch of Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (or to personal taste)

Shake in bottle and store leftover dressing in the fridge.

Easy way to add a few more healthy benefits:

• Chia Seeds (Omega 3's)
• PGX Singles (sprinkler over the salad - helps control hunger and control blood sugar levels)
• Flax Seeds or Flax Oil (high in Omega 3's and Fiber)

What are your favourite ingredients to include in your salad? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook Page. Join our healthy salad conversation.

Image Source: Michelle Foster

* Ref: LiveStrong.com 

Hey PGX'ers! Hosting a fancy dinner? Check out this fancy recipe!

Sunday Suppers shares their recipe for scallops and spicy carrot puree !

So, you are having guests over this weekend and want to create an impressive menu without all the unhealthy stuff we wish was good for us. What to make?! How about this:

Looks pretty good doesn't it? That, my friends, is Sunday Suppers' scallops with carrot puree. Let's break this down.

Carrots are full of vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, potassium and are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and manganese. They are low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Basically, it's a good vegetable to have. Cooked or raw, carrots are nutrient-rich, low in calories and satiating! You are less likely to be hungy after eating a bunch of carrots than after eating something deliciously bad like a donut.

Now for the scallops. These delicious sea creatures are low in saturated fats and carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamin B12, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper, and are excellent sources of protein, phosphorus and selenium! However, enjoy your scallops and consume them within moderation to avoid getting too much cholesterol.

Add PGX to the recipe to make it even healthier. And voilà! You've got a nutrient-rich, delicious, impressive, gourmet appetizer for your dinner menu! Happy cooking!

Image by Karen Mordechai, courtesy of Sunday Suppers.