A Guide to Fall Juicing

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A Guide to Fall Juicing

There’s nothing better than a refreshing green juice on a hot summer day, but for many, healthy juicing habits trail off come Fall. After all, as the temperature cools we seek warming foods that will keep us nourished through the long winter months. As well, many of our favorite fresh fruits and veggies for juicing aren’t in season any more.

Luckily, Fall brings a wealth of fruits and veggies that will reinvigorate your juices – and your health! Here are our top picks for fall juicing:

Yams or Sweet Potatoes

These are pretty good roasted (okay, they’re amazing roasted), but would you have thought to add them to juice? When paired with the right spices, you get a juice that’s both healthy and tastes like dessert. What’s not to love about that combination!

These root veggies are packed with nutrients, from vitamin A to potassium. Because some nutrients, especially antioxidants, are lost in the cooking process, juicing yams is a fantastic way to optimize your intake.

Favorite Yam Juice Recipe: Juice two yams, half a pear, a lemon, and a half inch of ginger. Add a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of clove, and a pinch of nutmeg to the juice and stir. Enjoy!

Beets

Beets are full of antioxidants that give them their rich purple hue – but not just the anthocyanins we’re used to hearing about, the ones found in berries and purple cabbage.

Beets contain a unique antioxidant known as betalain that is mostly responsible for their vibrant color. This antioxidant supports the liver’s natural detoxification process. They’re also a great source of folate. These ruby red gems are grounding and create an earthy juice balanced with a touch of sweetness. We recommend juicing them with the next item on this list!

Ginger

Adding an inch of ginger root to your fall juices adds a warming zing that can balance hearty roots. This spicy favorite has long been used to support digestion– it’s a carminative, which helps with passing gas, and an intestinal spasmolytic, so it helps relax the intestinal tract.

Pumpkin

Craving pumpkin spice everything? We feel you! Juices made with pumpkin will help you get your fix without knocking you off track.

Pumpkin offers up plenty of B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and fiber. It’s quite the list! Be sure to choose pie pumpkins or another edible variety, and remove the rind before juicing. Pumpkin would be a fantastic addition to the yam juice recipe above!

Pears

Apples seem to be the star fruit when it comes to juicing – and they’ve earned that spot! But don’t forget about another fall fruit, pears. They’re mild, sweet, and contain vitamin K, vitamin C, and copper, among other essential nutrients. Pears compliment just about anything – try them with cranberries and greens!

Cranberries

If you’ve only experienced these tart berries in a sauce, you’ve been missing out! Paired with a sweeter fruit, like apples or pears, they create a balanced flavor profile, and offer up lots of vitamins C and A, and they’re also beneficial for urinary tract health. You can juice them frozen – just be sure there’s no sugar added.

Kale

It’s important to keep some greens  in your fall juices. Many of the fruits and veggies above are higher in sugar than, say, cucumber and celery. That’s not to say you should steer clear – just consume in moderation and make sure you’re pairing them with complimentary greens, such as kale and spinach.

Did this list spark some ideas? Have any favorite fall juice combos to share? We’d love to hear from you over on Facebook and Twitter!

Cholesterol and Fiber

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Cholesterol and Fiber

Experts recommend that all men should have their cholesterol checked before the age of 35, and that women begin having regular cholesterol checks by age 45.

A complete cholesterol check, which can also be referred to as a lipid panel or profile, looks at the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is beneficial to have a good level of HDL cholesterol as this is the type that helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Triglycerides, meanwhile, are formed from excess calories from sugar and fat and are stored in fat cells.

What is a Healthy Cholesterol Level?

Recommended levels of cholesterol and triglycerides for adults are as follows (measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood):

  • LDL: 70-130 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
  • HDL: more than 40-60 mg/dL (the higher the number, the better)
  • Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
  • Triglycerides: 10-150 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)

Here are some things you can do to help support healthy cholesterol levels:

  • Get regular exercise
  • Reduce alcohol intake
  • Quit smoking
  • Eat a high-fiber diet
  • Reduce intake of fat and sugar

Fiber and Cholesterol

Dietary fiber and functional fiber are thought to bind to fat and block its absorption. Fiber also helps the body regulate blood sugar by slowing the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down and enter the bloodstream.‡

Fiber also helps people feel fuller for longer, thereby helping prevent cravings and minimize overall food intake. This means fiber may also help support the liver by supporting healthy production of cholesterol and triglycerides in response to calorie intake and blood sugar.‡

Fiber and Plant-Based Proteins

One of the easiest ways to reduce fat intake and increase fiber consumption is to replace animal-derived foods, such as meat and cheese, with fiber-rich  options, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, and legumes. These foods provide protein and fiber and they’re packed with phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity, offering additional support for cardiovascular health.‡

Considering that meat and cheese contain no fiber, but do contain saturated fat, switching to plant-based sources of protein seems pretty wise all-round. Take a look at the fiber figures per half cup of the following foods and it’s easy to see how quickly you can achieve the recommended fiber intake:

  • Chickpeas – 17.5 g
  • Lentils – 8 g
  • Adzuki beans – 8.5 g
  • Oats – 8 g
  • Quinoa – 2.5g
  • Brown rice – 1.75 g

Even a small banana contains 2.6 g of fiber, while an average sized apple contains 4.4 g!

A healthy breakfast of oatmeal with fresh slices of apple and banana could jump start your day by providing some 15 g of fiber. Enjoy a chickpea and vegetable curry with brown rice for dinner, or some homemade chickpea fries with a salad and a white bean and parsley dip, and you’ve already met your daily minimum fiber intake if you’re a woman! Have a three-bean quinoa salad for lunch and you’re easily topping 40 g of fiber.

Fiber Supplements

Of course, there are days where it may be a struggle to eat well, which is where functional fiber supplements come in handy. Adding just a scoop of PGX® to your morning smoothie, or even to your glass of water at lunch, can help keep you stay on track to meet your daily target for fiber.*

*Drink additional water (8 fl. oz.) after ingesting PGX®. If you are taking medications, take one hour prior to or two hours after taking PGX®.

‡ This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

5 Foods for Endurance

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5 Foods for Endurance

Loading up on carbs is standard practice before an endurance event as this is thought to help ensure the muscles are full of glycogen for quick energy, but some athletes have found other great ways to boost stamina and performance.

If you’re gearing up for a race, try smashing your personal best by eating these 5 foods for endurance:

1. Buckwheat

A source of all nine essential amino acids, tryptophan and vitamins E and B, calcium and manganese, buckwheat is a staple for many endurance athletes. Not actually a grain, this seed of the rhubarb family is gluten-free and much more alkaline-forming than glutinous grains, helping the body to maintain a healthy blood pH. The slow-release carbohydrates in buckwheat help sustain energy levels and promote a better performance.

Try adding sprouted buckwheat to a smoothie, or as part of a salad with chickpeas, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Flaxseed

A source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed supports healthy fat metabolism, circulation and normal inflammatory response. The easily metabolized fatty acids in flaxseed help to spare muscle glycogen, enhancing endurance. Flaxseed is also a source of potassium, an important electrolyte needed for muscle contractions and lost through sweat.

Try a tablespoon of flaxseed in a smoothie, on yoghurt and fruit, or with granola. Add a scoop of PGX® to help support healthy blood sugar regulation already in the normal range  and keep hunger pangs at bay!*‡

3. Soy

These green beans are perfect for endurance athletes. Steamed edamame are a delicious snack to keep protein intake high, while soy protein is easily digestible and ideal for a recovery drink after a long run to help promote muscle growth.

In one study, researchers at Ohio State University found that soy is just as effective as whey protein for building lean muscle in male athletes (Brown et al., 2004). What’s more, soy actually helps preserve antioxidant function, whereas whey had a potentially negative effect on antioxidant status after workouts!

4. Apples and Onions

Several studies have shown that quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid found in abundance in apples and onions can help improve endurance when ingested for at least seven days prior to exercise. Quercetin has been seen to have antioxidant activity and to support healthy immune function and healthly  inflammatory response, which could help athletes recover more quickly after training. ‡

In one study, healthy but untrained volunteers who took 500 mg of quercetin twice daily for 7 days had a 13.2% increase in the time it took for fatigue to set in during a bike ride, compared to those taking a placebo for 7 days. Quercetin was also associated with a modest increase (3.9%) in VO2max, a measurement of maximal aerobic capacity (Davis et al., 2010).

An apple a day (around 100g) contains the equivalent antioxidant activity of about 1500 mg of vitamin C, with much of that activity courtesy of quercetin (Eberhardt et al., 2000). Importantly, the quercetin in apples is found exclusively in the peels, with the average amount of quercetin amounting to 13.2 mg/100 g of fruit (Lee et al., 2003).

5. Almonds

Almonds are not only a source of calcium and other minerals, they may also enhance endurance in trained athletes. A study published recently in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that cyclists and triathletes who ate 75 g of almonds per day had an increase of 1.7 km in endurance cycling distance compared to baseline (Yi et al., 2014).

The almonds were also associated with more efficient use of oxygen and carbohydrate, as well as higher vitamin E and total antioxidant capacity, suggesting that including a handful of almonds in your daily diet could help enhance your exercise endurance and support healthy muscle recovery by reducing oxidative damage during exercise.

References
Brown EC, DiSilvestro RA, Babaknia A, et al. (2004). Soy versus whey protein bars: effects on exercise training impact on lean body mass and antioxidant status. Nutr J, Dec 8;3:22.

Davis JM, Carlstedt CJ, Chen S, et al. (2010). The dietary flavonoid quercetin increases VO(2max) and endurance capacity. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab, Feb;20(1):56-62.

Eberhardt M, Lee C, Liu RH. (2000). Antioxidant activity of fresh apples. Nature, 405:903-904.

Lee K, Kim Y, Kim D, et al. (2003). Major phenolics in apple and their contribution to the total antioxidant capacity. J Agric Food Chem, 51:6516-6520.

Yi M, Fu J, Zhou L, et al. (2014). The effect of almond consumption on elements of endurance exercise performance in trained athletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, May 11;11:18.

* Drink additional water (8 fl. oz.) after ingesting PGX®. If you are taking medications, take one hour prior to or two hours after taking PGX®
‡ This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to  diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Benefits of Coconut Water

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The Benefits of Coconut Water

Just finished a workout and ready to reach for your water bottle? Consider reaching for coconut water instead! Not only is coconut water the ultimate thirst quencher, but it also delivers a wealth of other health benefits – and it’s delicious!

Here’s why we stock up on coconut water every chance we get:

Hydration

H20 alone doesn’t equal hydration – your body needs natural salts known as electrolytes to stay hydrated and balanced. Coconut water is 95% water, but it’s the other 5% that makes this beverage stand out. Potassium, sodium, and magnesium are the most important electrolytes, and they are abundant in coconut water. If you’re exercising, sweating (hello, heat wave), or simply struggling to pack enough fruits and veggies into your day, coconut water is an excellent way to ensure your body gets those essential electrolytes. And unlike sports drinks, you’re skipping all the added sugars and artificial flavors.

Nutrient Boost

Coconut water contains a lot of nutrients that help our bodies thrive, such as:

  • A range of vitamins (especially the B vitamins),
  • Minerals
  • Trace elements, including: zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur, and manganese

B vitamins are necessary for your cells to produce energy, so if you feel fatigue coming on, a coconut water might be just what you need!

Potassium

This essential mineral keeps your brain, heart, and nervous system in working order. One serving of coconut water has as much potassium as a banana – about 13% of your daily potassium needs. Drink up!

Light on the Calories

Sure, plain water might be 100% calorie free, but coconut water is a pretty light on the calories too, with just 42 calories per 240 g serving. It’s also low in sugar. Coconut water may taste sweet,  but it’s all natural sugar. Be sure to check the label before you buy though – some brands of Coconut water may use added sugars.

Antioxidants

We’re used to finding antioxidants in vibrantly colored things – think the deep red hue of pomegranate juice – but did you know they’re also hanging out in your coconut water? And since antioxidants help prevent the damage caused by free radicals, that’s a pretty great thing to have hanging out in your drink!

Healthy Blood Pressure

Proper electrolyte balance  supports a healthy cardiovascular system. Coconut water supplies the important electrolytes that help maintain healthy blood pressure already within the normal range.*

Healthy Weight Loss

Coconut water is an excellent complement to a healthy weight loss program.  You can drink a lot without worrying about added pounds. Plus, it’s more likely to leave you feeling full and satisfied than water. It’s the perfect option for mixing with PGX, too!

Great Taste

Coconut water is delicious on its own, but it’s also a great way to add a little tropical flavor – and a few extra nutrients – to your smoothies by subbing it for water.
Coconut water is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and replenished.  Now that you know it’s key to healthy hydration, how will you be adding it to your fitness routine?

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to  diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Fall Health and Fitness: Goal Setting

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Fall Health and Fitness: Goal Setting

Short days, crisp air, and busy school yards – it’s hard to believe, but we’re firmly entrenched in Autumn. With the long days of summer behind us, and the short, cold days of winter ahead, it can be easy to let some of our health and fitness goals slip as we gravitate towards feeling warm and cozy.

Here are some ways you can set goals to help keep the lazy feelings of fall at bay:

Fitness

To overcome the fall weather and limited daylight, you need a concrete strategy for meeting your fitness goals.

  • Schedule your workouts in advance – and stick to it
  • Have a back-up plan (or two) so when the rain is too heavy to run in, just grab your indoor jump rope or turn on a cardio workout video
  • Plan one or more of your workouts with a partner to hold yourself accountable

Healthy Eating

The summer produce may be gone, but you can still meet (and exceed) your nutritional goals. Embrace the flavors of fall with fresh apples, squash, pumpkins, and brussels sprouts. Keep your pantry stocked with healthy, protein-source staples, such as lentils, quinoa, nuts, and canned salmon, and keep your cravings under control by starting each day with a *PGX® Satisfast™ Vegan Protein Drink.

Expand Your Horizons

Does fall still give you that back-to-school itch? It’s a great time of year to expand your horizons and upgrade your skills. Whether you want to take a course, read a set of books, or volunteer, define how you’re going to accomplish your goal – and be realistic with how much time you can commit to it.

What goals have you set for this fall? Let us know in the comments section below.

*Drink additional water (8 fl. oz.) after ingesting PGX®. If you are taking medications, take one hour prior to or two hours after taking PGX®.

Foods That are Great for Your Metabolism

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Foods That are Great for Your Metabolism

Your metabolism fuels everything from exercise and digestion, to building and repairing muscle tissue. It’s a chemical process that works non-stop to keep you alive and healthy. Because your metabolism is powered by food, eating a healthy diet is a key aspect of keeping it up to speed. The following foods make great additions to your diet:

High Fiber Foods

Fiber is great for your metabolism on multiple levels. Soluble fiber, such as that found in PGX®* Daily Singles, beans, and many fruits, absorbs water during digestion. This extends the feeling of fullness and slows the absorption of carbohydrates to support healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range. † Insoluble fiber, such as that found in many vegetables and the intact bran and germ of whole grains, feeds intestinal microflora and supports digestive health.

Yogurt

As with other probiotic-rich foods, the good bacteria from yogurt helps to replenish the microflora of your digestive tract. Maintaining a healthy gut microflora supports the absorption of key nutrients, such as calcium and iron, and supplies energy.

Coconut Oil

The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil are a healthy fat that help you feel full and satisfied. They also supply a dense source of energy that your body can metabolize efficiently.

Stimulating Foods

Some foods are more stimulating than others. Hot chilies, cayenne, paprika, and pepper can add a pungent kick to your meals to stimulate digestive juices and heat you up. Green tea is also a satisfying way to load up on polyphenols, as well as a gentle dose of caffeine.

Water

Whether you’re an athlete or not, water is vital to your body’s performance and energy. Drink enough water – or other healthy fluids – to keep your thirst down, energy up, and metabolism charged.

† This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to  diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

*Drink additional water (8 fl. oz.) after ingesting PGX®. If you are taking medications, take one hour prior to or two hours after taking PGX®.

The Importance of Exercise for a Healthy Heart

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The Importance of Exercise for a Healthy Heart

September 29th is World Heart Day – a good reminder for all of us not to take the health of our heart for granted. Clear winning strategies for heart health include staying physically active and eating a heart-healthy diet.

Being physically active doesn’t always have to equate to running marathons or even vigorous workouts – exercise comes in all shapes, sizes and levels! The important thing is to get up and moving every day.

Work Exercise Into Your Daily Routine

It might not be top of our minds most days, but the places we live and work are often built for efficiency rather than health. One look at a typical rapid transit  system (Skytrain, El train, or subway) quickly reveals that not only do most people choose to use escalators and elevators, in some cases there aren’t even stairs available for the general public! These strategies certainly help get large numbers of people moving quickly, but they do nothing for building exercise into our daily routines.

Taking the stairs on your way to and from work offers a simple way to offset some of the risk of being sedentary for the bulk of the working day. Or, even better, skip the car or transit and cycle to work instead. Just 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week (which can be split into small chunks of just ten or so minutes) supports healthy heart function. Aim for 75 minutes of vigorous activity if you’re pushed for time!

I confess, I’ve never had a gym membership in my life, and the idea of running on a treadmill bores me to tears. Still, I rack up at least 15 hours of exercise a week simply by walking my dog, running almost all my errands by foot, hiking with friends and eschewing the use of elevators and escalators wherever possible. None of it feels like exercise, and yet it all helps keep my heart healthy, not to mention happy!

Find A Form of Exercise you Enjoy

If it’s been a while since you’ve been active, it’s understandable that you might feel anxious about starting to exercise more. Rest assured, exercise is great for helping you improve your energy levels, mood and overall health and well being. Some caution is certainly warranted, as is common sense, so if it’s been a few months or years avoid jumping straight into training for a marathon or lifting heavy weights.

Find forms of exercise that you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, playing soccer with the kids, skipping rope, swimming or even playing dodgeball – and go out and have fun! That way, it won’t feel like a chore and you’re more likely to stay motivated to achieve your health goals.

Exercise is a great way to:

  • Support your heart
  • Manage blood pressure already within the normal range
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Support mood and self-esteem
  • Keep everyday stress at bay
  • Promote great sleep!

Be sure to talk to your health care practitioner to work out the best way to build more exercise into your day.

Exercise with Friends

If you’re struggling to find fun ways to exercise, try asking friends how they stay active and ask if you can tag along on a hike, bike ride, freshwater swimming excursion, or if you can borrow their dog a couple of times a week to go for a long leisurely walk. Or, check out your local community center and sign up for salsa, Zumba, Pilates or other class where you can learn new skills, get fit and make new friends.

Let us know in the comments what creative ways you’ve found to meet your weekly exercise goals!

4 Exercises You Should be Doing Right Now!

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4 Exercises you Should be Doing Right Now!

You know that exercise helps you stay fit and maintain good health, but do you know which exercises are the best? If you’re looking to burn calories, get toned, or boost your overall health and fitness, these  4 exercises are top contenders:

1. Intervals

No matter how many calories your regular cardio session burns, you’ll burn more by incorporating intervals. This means working in periods of high intensity, followed by periods of low intensity for recovery. Whether you’re running, swimming, rowing, or cycling, try a pattern of three minutes working at 90 % followed by three minutes at a slow and easy pace. Repeat this pattern for approximately 20 minutes.

2. Yoga

Despite yoga’s gentle reputation, it provides serious toning benefits. When done regularly, following a series of yoga poses, such as Warrior, Plank, and Downward Facing Dog, will help you strengthen multiple muscle groups while developing balance and flexibility.

3. Walking

Walking will improve your overall health by burning calories, toning muscles, boosting cardiovascular health, increasing bone density, improving mood, and more. In one hour, a 154 pound person can burn 460 calories walking at a pace of 7.2 km per hour [1].

4. Kegels

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through regular sets of kegel exercises can make a big difference in avoiding incontinence as you age – for women and men. Although you won’t see benefits directly, maintaining a strong pelvic floor makes it easier to continue with your other exercises comfortably.
If you have trouble committing to an exercise regime, the best exercises for you are the ones you’ll stick with – that’s how you get results! And when you’re done, refuel with a French Vanilla PGX® Satisfast™ Whey Protein Drink.*

Which exercises give you the best results? Let us know in the comments section below.

*Drink additional water (8 fl. oz.) after ingesting PGX®. If you are taking medications, take one hour prior to or two hours after taking PGX®.

References:

[1] National Institutes of Health (NIH). Your Guide to Physical Activity and Your Heart. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2006. Web. 24 June 2015.

How to Conquer Your Cravings

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How to Conquer Your Cravings

Eating a delicious treat every now and then isn’t going to have a huge impact on health, but when temptation leads to unhealthy foods becoming a regular part of your diet, it’s time to figure out how to conquer your cravings.

Many food cravings serve a psychological purpose, with specific foods attached to a strong emotional response. Others can indicate a lack of a specific nutrient, or are a result of plain old hunger or boredom. Craving (and consuming) non-food items, like soil, may be a sign of iron deficiency and should be assessed by physician. For most people though, cravings are more likely to take the shape of sweet or salty snacks that provide quick energy, but offer little in the way of healthy nutrients.

As such, managing blood sugar levels and insulin already within the normal range is one way to minimize cravings. By supporting the body in keeping blood sugar and energy levels stable, this helps stave off feelings of intense hunger that can cause us to make poor dietary choices. The best way to help keep blood sugar stable is to reduce intake of simple carbohydrates, and to ensure a good intake of fiber, protein and healthy fats. These help slow down the release of energy from food, preventing the rollercoaster of blood sugar and insulin peaks and troughs that can trigger food cravings.

Chromium and Blood Sugar Regulation

Chromium is a trace mineral that is vital for blood glucose regulation as it forms part of a molecule called glucose tolerance factor (GTF) that helps support healthy insulin levels already within the normal range so the body can use fuel more efficiently. Ensuring a good dietary intake of chromium may help regulate appetite, support healthy blood sugar regulation and insulin demand, and encourage lean body mass.

Dietary Fiber and Weight Management

Fiber helps slow down the release of energy from food, supporting stable blood sugar levels already within the normal range. The natural polysaccharide (fiber) complex PGX supports appetite management by promoting a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing cravings. PGX may even exert a ‘second-meal’ effect, meaning that consuming PGX at dinnertime can actually help lower the glycemic index of breakfast the next morning (Brand-Miller et al., 2010).

PGX Satisfast protein bars are ideal for people who find themselves succumbing to cravings as they offer a low-glycemic treat that can actually help curb between-meal snacking. These bars contain 15 grams of plant-based protein in each bar, alongside 1.5 grams of PGX, making them a great option for anyone looking to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight. They also contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, alongside calcium, iron, healthy fats and potassium, an essential mineral for water balance and proper signalling between cells.

Serotonin and Appetite Control

Another natural supplement, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), has also been seen to help with appetite regulation. 5-HTP is a natural precursor to the brain chemical serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for mood balance, sleep, and appetite control. Derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP provides a natural way to boost serotonin levels.

Low levels of serotonin have been implicated in poor appetite control, with insufficient serotonin thought to decrease the feeling of satiety or fullness after eating. In one study, people taking a 5-HTP supplement had improved appetite control. By restoring healthy levels of serotonin 5-HTP may help increase the feeling of fullness after eating and help you conquer your cravings!

Other top tips for keeping cravings in check include:

  • Getting enough sleep
  • Meditating
  • Eating mindfully
  • Staying hydrated
  • Removing temptation
  • Preparing for tricky situations
  • Having healthy snacks on hand

One highly effective strategy for conquering cravings is to wait ten minutes after a craving strikes before giving in to temptation. In most cases the craving will pass, especially if you successfully distract yourself by going for a run, reading a book, chatting with friends and family, or playing with the dog.

If you have a sure-fire way to conquer cravings, let us know in the comments below!

References
Brand-Miller, J.C., et al. (2010). Effects of PGX®, a novel functional fibre, on acute and delayed postprandial glycaemia. Eur J Clin Nutr, 64:1488-1493.

* Drink additional water (8 fl. oz.) after ingesting PGX®. If you are taking medications, take one hour prior to or two hours after taking PGX®

The Pro’s of Fiber

The Pro’s of Fiber

Fiber doesn’t sound especially appetizing, but it sure is good for you – and your weight loss goals. Dietary fiber has many wonderful health benefits. Sugar, on the other hand, is as tasty as they come. And while you need carbohydrates (glucose is the main fuel for your cells, after all), your diet should definitely favor fiber over sugar. US FDA recommends 25 g of fiber for women and men based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet a day. Here’s why:

Healthy Plumbing

Fiber is best known for keeping you regular and making sure everything is moving smoothly! It does this by adding bulk to your stool and absorbing water (staying hydrated is also key to staying regular).

Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Fiber helps you maintain healthy glucose levels already within the normal range by slowing the absorption of sugars into your bloodstream. It’s also a clue that too much sugar, too quickly, isn’t good for you! Balanced blood sugar means a more balanced you, with steady energy levels.

Healthy Microbiome

One of the lesser-known things fiber does for you– especially the soluble kind – is feed the good bacteria in your gut. Even microbes need to eat, after all. While we don’t have the enzymes to digest fiber, our friendly gut bacteria do, and they make good use of it! As a very pleasant side effect of this process, bacteria make certain vital nutrients for us. The types of fiber that feed our good bacteria are known as prebiotics.

Healthy Weight Loss

A nice effect of consuming fiber – again, the soluble kind – is that it absorbs water and expands in the digestive tract. This helps you feel fuller longer, and can help reduce food cravings. Fiber supplements such as PGX are a great way to ensure you’re getting the fiber you need as part of a healthy weight loss program.

How to Increase Your Fiber Intake

Don’t worry – increasing your fiber intake doesn’t mean bran muffins, bran flakes, or even bran anything. Adding fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your plate will help you get the fiber you need.

Try these delicious ways to up your fiber intake:

Black Beans: Take taco night to the next level with the addition of these fiber and protein-packed legumes! Black beans offer 15 g of fiber per cup.

Avocado: The rich creaminess of an avocado belies the whopping 6.7 g of fiber that is found in just one half of this fruit. Plus, they’re packed with plenty of protein and healthy unsaturated fats.

Raspberries: 1 cup of nature’s candy offers up 8 g of fiber. Not a tough sell, right?

Almonds: Nuts might not seem like a natural source of fiber, but a quarter cup of almonds has 4 g of the good stuff.

Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are packed with protein, healthy fats, and – you guessed it – fiber! With 6 g in just 1 tbsp, chia seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soak them in your favorite nut milk for a delicious snack.

Apples: Each of these lunchbox classics has about 4 g of fiber. Add apples to smoothies, oatmeal, or eat them raw – just be sure to include the skin!

Oats: Speaking of oatmeal, a cup of the stuff offers about 4 g of fiber. Top with some of the other items on this list – raspberries and almonds come to mind – for a tasty breakfast.

Potatoes: We often think of potatoes as a refined carbohydrate with not a lot of nutritional value, but would you guess that a medium potato has just about 4.5 g of fiber?

Onions: Surprised? A medium sized onion offers about 2 g of fiber. The soluble fiber in onions is called inulin, and its an especially beneficial prebiotic that will have your microbiome singing a happy tune.

PGX: PGX is a unique blend of super fiber complex made up of highly viscous polysaccharides. When taken with meals, PGX expands in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness by absorbing water and filling the stomach while slowing digestion. This keeps blood sugar from rising too high after meals, thereby curbing the body’s hunger cravings throughout the day.

Enjoy your new high fiber diet – and the health benefits that come with it! Check out our recipe page for yummy ways to add PGX and other fiber to your meals!