Health Benefits of Pets

A recent article in The New York Times states that having a dog may protect you from heart disease. The message comes from the American Heart Association, which after consulting years of data, finally concluded that owning a dog, was ‘probably associated’ with reduced risk of heart disease.

People that own dogs definitely have greater motivation to get outside and take walks. Pet lovers that form bonds with their pets know that walks and being outside is good for their pet’s wellbeing. Is it really possible to look deep into those brown eyes and say no to a walk? Impossible! As an added bonus, it’s equally as good for our own health. Thank you, pets!

In fact, leading a healthier lifestyle can bring about several added plusses. When you take a little time everyday to go for a walk or get in some exercise, you also start to eat better and focus on your overall health. You’ll also sleep better with regular exercise and nutritional foods. Although if you’re sleeping with your pets you might have to share the bed!

PGX can be part of your healthy lifestyle. When you’re starting to make new lifestyle changes be sure to introduce it slowly into your diet. Take it before meals and you’ll be less tempted to eat more. Why? Because PGX expands in your stomach, making you feel fuller longer.


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Healthy Treats: Popsicles

A Health Treat for Everyone!

These healthy popsicles are perfect for when the weather gets a little warmer.  They make a healthy treat that is great for kids – of all ages!

The ingredients are fresh and delicious! Plus, you can mix and match. If you’re not a fan of cherries try something you do like. I think raspberries would add a ton of flavour. So all the way from SwaggerDad.com we present to you this poplar recipe that is working it’s way around the world wide web!

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups watermelon puree (seedless if possible)
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
  • 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
  • 1 peach or nectarine, diced small
  • Handful fresh cherries, pitted and chopped

Directions:

  1. Cut the watermelon into chunks and then puree it in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Set out about 1 dozen popsicle molds (amount needed will vary depending on size of molds). Fill each one with the chopped fresh fruit. Then pour in the watermelon puree until each mold is full to the top. Place a popsicle stick into each one.
  3. Place into your freezer and freeze for about 6 to 8 hours.

Tip: When ready to serve, run the popsicle molds under warm water for a few seconds and then pull each one out.

Got an awesome recipe to share? Tell us about it and we’ll post it on our blog!

 

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Active Living Together!

Going dancing, going for a run, or going to the gym are just a few things that you and your partner can do together that will help reduce stress and improve your physical well-being! An added side benefit to feeling better is that you can build or maintain a strong relationship with your partner.

Numerous studies have shown that couples that do physical activities together have a healthier relationship. Not only are you more aware of your physical health but your also more motivated to look out for each other to stay in shape and stay fit!

Plus when you work out you get a rush of endorphins that make you feel great. So the next time you feel the endorphin rush, glance over at your partner and smile. You can both share in those healthy, happy feelings together – no matter what type of work out you’re doing, especially if you have different abilities or work out preferences.

Happy exercising!

 

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Recipe: Banana Chai Protein Smoothie

If you are in the mood for a sweet and spicy smoothie, this is the recipe for you!

Cozy up after your workout with this nutritious protein smoothie from Alive Magazine!

There is something especially appealing about chai teas during the cold winter months. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s the warming, spicyness of the aromatic herbs that mix together to create the chai blend…Or maybe it is its exotic origins of the far and warm east that gives chai its appeal. Whatever it is, chai tea is my favourite tea for the cold weather!

But even in cold weather, we need to keep our bodies moving and exercising! So why not go, workout, sweat and then recover with a tasty and nutritious Banana Chai Protein Shake?! With all the flavour kick of chai and the health power of protein, post workout, you really can’t go wrong with this recipe. Try adding some PGX Daily Singles (2.5 grams or 1 stick per shake) and get your fibre in there as well!

Get this Banana Chai Protein Shake recipe and all the nutritional facts for this smoothie from Alive Magazine.

Enjoy!

 

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Tasty Tuesday: Quinoa Greek Salad

2013 is the Year of Quinoa. Celebrate with this delicious quinoa salad recipe!

If you read our blog yesterday, you know that quinoa a staple in my diet. And so, with 2013 being named Year of Quinoa, I thought I would share my favourite quinoa recipe with you: Quinoa Greek Salad! Best enjoyed as a side dish or on its own as a vegetarian meal, this salad is simple, good for you and, best of all, delicious!

Please find ingredients and directions below. Enjoy!

Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sweet onions
  • 1 cup diced peppers (colour of your choosing)
  • pitted olives
  • 200 grams feta cheese
  • 2.5 grams PGX* per individual serving

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

  1. Cook quinoa as directed on package. Let quinoa cool after it has been cooked.
  2. Dice cucumber, onion and peppers, and depending on size, halve cherry tomatoes. Mix into quinoa.
  3. Add pitted olives and crumbled feta cheese.
  4. Drizzle olive oil and white balsamic vingar over salad and sprinkle on dried basil, salt and pepper.
  5. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Optional: Taste and adjust ingredients according to your preference!
  7. Dish out servings and add 2.5 grams (*1 stick of PGX Daily Granules) of PGX to each individual serving. Be sure to drink an extra glass of water after you’re done enjoying your salad!

 

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