Step into spring with this refreshing salad!

Not a fan of tomatoes? We've found a delightful spring twist on the traditional caprese salad, sans tomatoes.

Fruit? Check. Leafy greens? Check. Toasted yummy almonds with the right amount of gourmet cheese? Double check! This delightfully light and fresh salad comes packed full of strawberries, bocconcini (one of my absolute favourite kinds of cheese), toasted almonds and lots of greenery. What's not to love?!

You can find the recipe below, adapted from The Bojon Gourmet. But of course, our version includes PGX!

*Note: This recipe serves two.

Balsamic Reduction Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

Salad Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups gently packed baby greens
• 1 cup strawberries, halved or quartered 
• 170-225 grams bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) in water, drained and halved 
• large handful of basil leaves
• 3-4 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 packet of PGX Daily Singles per serving
  

Balsamic Reduction Instructions:

1. Mix honey and balsamic vinegar together into a small pan.
   
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
   
3. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
   
4. When bubbling thickly, reduce by about a third for 5 minutes.
   
5. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool off completely.

Salads Instructions:

1. Divide lettuce equally between two plates.
   
2. Top leaves with strawberries, bocconcini, basil, and almonds.
   
3. Drizzle 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the balsamic reduction over salad.
4. Sprinkle PGX Daily Singles packet and a big pinch of salt over the top and add freshly ground black pepper.

Image source: The Bojon Gourmet

Avoid injury and get ready to hit the slopes!

Don't let the fear of aches and pains stop you from enjoying a fabulous and fun winter pastime...

In the dark and dreary wet weather of winter, one of the bright spots of the season is the snow-covered slopes of a ski hill! I love to ski and what's better is that skiing is a fun way to get some exercise. What is not fun is having sore muscles and sustaining possible injuries. Alpine sports take more than just some guts and sliding down a mountain.

If you're not a young and sprightly teenager anymore or a part of the particular demographic that can avoid sore muscles from a day on the slopes, you're going to want to do some pre-ski preparations! It's true that skiing is skill based; the more you practice and understand technique, the less likely you will hurt yourself. However, if you haven't been skiing for years, don't worry! You can still take measures to avoid sore, achy muscles!

Tip #1: Stretch

One important measure to take in order to avoid injury would be to stretch. In an interview, Robert Forster, physical therapist to 42 Olympic medallists and founder of Phase IV Scientific Health and Performance Center, said, “Connective tissue shortens with time. We stretch to maintain good alignment of the bones.”

Stretch before you ski to warm up and loosen your muscles for a more relaxed ski. Forster also suggests a stretch after skiing to return muscles to their normal size.

Tip #2: Aerobics

Aerobics is an important part of fitness. If you give yourself a good aerobic base before skiing, you will have stronger muscles and be able to better avoid those pesky injuries.

Tip #3: Ski Lessons

If you're new to skiing, treat yourself to a lesson. It's better to learn the proper techniques and minimize your risk for overworked muscles. If you are propelling and stopping yourself with the wrong motion, you risk tiring sooner and straining your muscles.

For more tips and explanations and even simple "get in ski-shape" plans, read The Vancouver Sun's article, Pre-ski fitness can protect against post-ski problems. Enjoy your winter sports safely this year!

Image Source: Goofy Skiing

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.

Those tiny berries are loaded with nutrients - a great edible obsession!

This time of year is a perfect time to stock up on blueberries. Even frozen, blueberries are still delicious and lose no nutritional value; an awesome way to add a healthy bonus to any meal!

Blueberries are considered a superfood and are jam packed with antioxidants. They are great for your skin and help your brain stay healthy and strong. Blueberries are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and E.

One of the great ways to incorporate blueberries into your diet is at breakfast. You can add them to a smoothie, fresh or frozen. The blueberries not only add health benefits but give the smoothies a soft purple color. This can help make those "Green Monster" smoothies look a little more appealing. If you enjoy having a hot breakfast, it works well as a topper on hot oatmeal or fresh protein pancakes.

This year, I've been seeing more blueberries in salads for dinner and lunch. In salads, blueberries work well with feta cheese, strawberries and spinach with a light vinaigrette dressing. These types of salads make for a quick and crisp summer dinner - epecially when you are in a rush!

Tip: Don't forget an easy and convenient way to take your PGX is by sprinkling the granules over the fresh fruit, oatmeal or salad!

Img source: Delicious Blueberry Quinoa Pancakes from Ambitious Kitchen

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