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

You loved the guilt-free dessert so much that we're excited to bring you another, crazy good low-cal. dessert!

We absolulely believe that just because you're watching what you eat, it doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself of the foods you love. Just love them in moderation.

At only 188 calories this recipe will have you saying rock 'n rollie, bring on the Strawberry Cannoli! 

Strawberry Cannoli

• 1 pint(s)  (12 oz) strawberries, rinsed, hulled and halved
• 2 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar
• 1 tub(s)  (15 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 4 ounce(s) cream cheese
• 1 cup(s) confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) almond extract
• 1 box(es)  (4 or 5 1⁄4 oz) sugar cones (12 cones)
• 1/2 teaspoon of PGX
• Garnish: chocolate mini chips and sliced strawberries

Directions

1. At least 1 day before serving, proceed through Step 3. Line a colander and a medium-size strainer with a sturdy paper towel; set each in a bowl.
2. Pulse strawberries and granulated sugar in food processor until coarsely chopped. Scrape into colander, top with a paper towel and refrigerate overnight to drain well (this is important). Clean processor.
3. Put ricotta, cream cheese and confectioners' sugar in processor; pulse until smooth. Transfer to strainer, cover with a paper towel and refrigerate overnight.
4. Just before serving: Prop cones upright in tall glasses partially filled with granulated sugar to support cones. Fold drained berries, almond extract and PGX into ricotta mixture. Spoon into a gallon-size ziplock bag. Cut 1⁄2 in. off a corner; pipe filling into cones and garnish. The sugar cones replace the usual pastry shells, which can be hard to make or find in stores.

Enjoy!

Image and Recipe: Woman's Day 

5 Tips to Stay in Control when Dining Out!

The weekend is almost here and social gatherings plus dining out can present a challenge if you're on a weight loss plan. Some people just avoid these situations but we're here to tell you that losing weight doesn't mean you have to stop living! There is a world of healthy choices out there and you're in charge! 

Here are some handy tips to try this weekend:

1. Go online. Many restaurants post their menu online. Make a note of the healthiest options in advance!
2. Appetizer menu.  Save money and save calories! We call this a smart option! Just steer clear of fried foods and cream-based ones. 
3. Modifications.  Most restaurants will take dietary needs into account. To be on the safe side, call ahead and find out if you can make substitutes, you'll be a happier and healthier customer!
4. Forget the bread. Munching on bread can derail your good intentions. Drink some water, or ask for a small dinner salad while you’re waiting for your meal.
5. Slow down. Take your time to enjoy the meal and your social time. When you slow down you can register when you’re full and avoid getting overstuffed.

Image source: Wikipedia

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 Tasty Tuesday and we're snacking smartly on the go!

Keep it healthy even when you have no time to plan...

We've all been there before: you're running around doing errands, you're at the airport waiting for your next flight, you're at a rest stop, or you're at the movies, and then your stomach begins to talk. What do you do when you've forgotten to pack a snack and there's no way you'll make it to your next meal without a bite of something to tide you over? What do you buy when you feel the need to munch on something at the cinema?

It's simple to write a strict diet plan, but it's another thing entirely to follow it to perfection. This is where a little bit of knowledge can go a long way in helping you reach your goals and avoid sabotaging your efforts to live a healthy life. If you are at the movies, a gas station, the mall, in front of a vending machine, or other such fast food stops, knowing what to avoid will help you maintain healthy eating habits.

Learn the best picks, good options and the worst picks for snacking from Real Simple's Make Nutritious Snacking Choices on the Go!

Image source: Real Simple