It's Friday - and today we're celebrating with a few fascinating facts about PGX!

If you or a someone you know is curious about PGX, here is a beginners guide to PGX 101. Learn the basics on what PGX is, how it can benefit you and your weight loss journey, and, ultimately, if it's right for you.

The Top 5 Fascinating Facts About PGX:

1. What is PGX?: PGX® is a unique complex of highly-purified, water-soluble polysaccharides (plant fibres) developed using advanced EnviroSimplex® technology. This technology combines these natural compounds in a very specific ratio, making PGX an effective weight loss aid and dietary supplement. PGX is available in Ultra Matrix soft gelatin capsules as PGX Daily, as well as in granules, meal replacement powder and capsules.
   
   
2. Does PGX have side effects?: PGX is a highly concentrated and highly effective form of fibre which can take time for your body to adjust. To avoid minor side effects, such as increased gas, bloating, loose stools or constipation, it is best to start with small amounts of PGX and then gradually increase your intake as your body adjusts. If you take PGX consistently, and increase the dose gradually, it is likely that you will be able to consume a highly effective dose, without these effects, within a few days to a week. To decrease any possible side effects, it is important to drink a large glass of water with each dose of PGX.
   
   
3. Can I take PGX if I'm on medication(s)?: If you are currently on medication, it is important to speak to your health care practitioner prior to taking PGX. While PGX is made of 100% natural products, it can slow the rate of absorption of foods and therefore it can theoretically do the same with medications. It is recommended that any oral medication be taken 1 hour before PGX and/or 2 to 3 hours after consuming PGX softgels or granules
   
   
4. Is PGX gluten-free?: PGX softgels and PGX granules are wheat and gluten free. While we make every effort to ensure that our raw materials do not contain gluten, it is possible that some products may contain trace amounts if there are products with gluten being processed in the same manufacturing facility where the raw materials are produced. PGX meal replacement drink mix products cannot be stated as gluten or wheat free.
   
   
5. How does PGX control cravings?: Often blood sugar levels can make our bodies crave sugar and starchy foods; blood sugar levels rise and fall naturally, but rapid changes are harmful and create many of the cravings we experience. This is why when blood sugar levels drop, our brain tells us to eat and often we look for foods with lots of sugars, fats and starches in order to raise sugar levels. By balancing blood sugar levels with PGX, the brain is no longer demanding fast energy and you will be less likely to crave food.

Learn more fascinating fact about PGX here.

Image source: http://www.business2community.com
http://www.blowdryblowdry.com/blog/

Get ready for your BIG day with PGX!

You've got enough to think about without having wedding gown zip-up anxiety when planning a wedding! 

This past weekend I attended the wedding of a childhood friend; today is the wedding annversary of my grandparents; a few weeks ago I went dress shopping with one of my best friends... There is a lot of wedding related activity happening for me this month! I realize that summer is the most popular season for weddings and now is the time to start preparing!

With so many things to think about (cake, food, music, flowers, favours, venue, invitations and guest list, etc., etc., etc.!), why not cross of the wedding dress from that list?! Once you've found the dress, that's one check mark on the list, but it may also come with weight anxieties. For the next few stressful months, it's not unusual for brides to worry about their dresses fitting by the time their weddings come 'round. That's where PGX can help!

Curb those cravings and keep your waste trim with more fibre and PGX in your daily diet! Be sure to keep up with us here on our blog or on our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest news, deals, health tips and recipes! I've never had to plan a wedding but I can imagine I would love not worrying about my dress fitting by the last visit to the bridal salon! PGX can help keep that crazy blood sugar roller coaster level, which will keep those cravings in check!

Good luck and don't stress! Just add fibre to your daily routine...

Photograph by: Inés de Sequera

Get Ready to "Squash" Those Cravings!

I found this recipe on the weekend and had to share it with you! This is a super simple way to make a tasty guilt-free dessert and make use of plentiful pumpkins!

1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt, strained
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 PGX singles packet

I suggest adding some cinnamon, ground nutmeg and ground ginger to taste if you lke it spicy!

Mix everything together in a large mixing bowl until completely combined. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker for a few minutes until it is a smooth, cool consistency. Don't have an ice cream maker? No problem! Just place the bowl in the freezer and stir mixture every half hour until it reaches desired consistency.

Image & recipe: My Fitness Pal

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but skipping it could be inadvertently packing on the pounds! Does your morning meal include a cup of coffee with side order cream and sugar? A slice of toast as you rush out the door? Having breakfast is not only a great way to ease into the day but it's great for your digestive system and metabolism.  

Here are the top 5 reasons you shouldn't skip breakfast:

1.  Rev Up Your Metabolism: Skipping meals can cause your metabolism to slow down. 

2. Energy Boost: Researchers found that people had more enegry throughout the  day when they ate a high-fiber breakfast compared with people who ate a high-fat breakfast. 

3. Memory Boost: According to a study high-energy foods for breakfast boosts short-term memory! 

4. Eat Less:  Those that ate breakfast were found to eat less later in the day according to researchers, compared with people who skip their morning meal.

5. Better Blood SugarLevels:  Breakfast-eaters are more likely to have good blood sugar levels and have less sugar highs and lows later on in the day.

Share your favorite healthy breakfast in the comments below!

Image source: MedicsIndex

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.