Train Like an Angel!

It's not all fluff and poses for the Victoria's Secret models. They work to be runway ready!

Whether you are interested in fashion or not, you have undoubtedly seen many many times, images and ads of terrifyingly thin models and photoshopped movie stars floating around. Almost everywhere we look now, there they are: skinny girls and doctored photographs setting an impossibly high and unhealthy standard for body image.

Here's a different image of a model:

It is refreshing to see a company and it's models promote a healthier lifestyle and share their workouts. Yes, these women still seem incredibly small but at least we know they actually work for their figures. Aside from the videos they share, here's another tid bit to consider: many of the wings they wear on the runway are actually quite heavy! These models have put up to 50 pounds of extra weight on their backs while still keeping their walk tall and stilettos firmly on the ground!

In preparation for this year's show, they've started sharing new videos and tips from celebrity trainer, Justin Gelband, to help viewers and fans "Train Like an Angel!"

Don't get jealous; get fit! Until tomorrow PGX'ers...

Image source: Hello Daily News

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

No matter how good the intentions, it can be difficult to curb cravings for sweet or salty foods. The occasional indulgence is no cause for concern but frequent cravings could be a sign of unbalanced blood sugar. Instead of reaching for a high-calorie sugary treat try these alternatives:

• Are you hungry or thirsty? Drink a big glass of water. Your body loves it.

• Too hungry, too often? Fill up on fibre! Soluble fibre fills you up and makes you feel fuller, longer.

• Sugar craving? Grab a piece of fresh fruit or blend a frozen fruit smoothie; naturally sweet nutrition.

Salt and crunch craving? Skip the chips! Crunch some celery or an apple slice. Sprinkle with salt if you like, or better yet dip it in natural peanut butter! You’ll get some crunch, some salt and some fat and protein too!

Just because you're trying to eat healthy doesn't mean you can't have dessert. In fact, studies show that each time you turn down temptation, it's harder to stay on track.

A smart and sensible dessert should only have as many calories as a snack. Here's one you can enjoy, guilt-free!

Say, hello to these Guilt-Free Double Chocolate Brownies! At less than 120 calories per serving you can stick to your plan and indulge from time to time. See the recipe from Fitness Magazine !

Nutrition facts per serving:

111 calories
1g protein
18g carbohydrate
4g fat (3g saturated)
1g fiber

Tell us what you think! Is dessert after dinner a must?

Image Source: Fitness Magazine

Hi PGXers! 

I wanted to thank you for all the comments you've left for me on Facebook and Twitter! I'm so excited to be a part of your journey!  

Many of you wrote to me asking for a favorite recipe and I had to share this one with you. With Fall just around the corner I think this is the perfect muffin. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

Sweet Potato PGX muffins

• 4 cups mashed, cooked sweet potatoes, skins removed
• 12 scoops whey protein powder
• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup uncooked oatmeal
• 2 cups almond milk—unsweetened
• 20 grams PGX granules

PREP: Preheat oven to 350 and line 24 muffin tins with paper cup liners.

MIX: All ingredients except PGX. Just before pouring the mixture into your muffin tins, add PGX and stir thoroughly. Then spoon the mixture into the tins.

BAKE: 15 minutes or until done (we like gooey muffins in my house!)

Enjoy! 

Julia