Recently here at our PGX Head Quarters (HQ) we've had an obsession with how to create the best smoothie using our new PGX Satisfast Protein Powder. PGX Satisfast can be mixed simply with water but we like to spruce it up a bit here! We've narrowed it down and listed what we love to use as the base of the smoothie and all the extras that can be added for more health benefits.

The Base:

• 1 scoop of PGX Satisfast Protein Powder (Vanilla or Chocolate)
• 1/2 cup of Almond Milk
• 1/2 cup of cold water
• 4 ice cubes

Fruits & Vegetables:
*Add 1 cup of a mixture of fruit and/or vegetables.

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Mango
• Coconut
• Blueberries
• Kale
• Spinach
• Beets

Add some extras health benefits:

• Chia Seeds (Omega 3's)
• Ground Flaxseed (good source of fibre)
• AllGreens with Super Berry Concentrate (enhances energy levels)

Blend all your chosen ingredients together in a blender and you will have one tasty smoothie! PGX Satisfast Protein Powder leaves you feeling full for hours and it makes for a great breakfast alternative.

What is your favourite ingredient to add to your smoothie? Leave us a comment below or join in on the discussion on our Facebook Page.

Image source: Michelle Foster

PGX is excited to introduce to you a great sushi alternative - without the white rice!

We've finally found it! A sushi alternative, without the white rice, but with quinoa instead! Quinoa is a great alternative to rice and packs a large amount of protein into your diet.

Here at PGX headquarters we've also found a way to incorporate PGX Singles (granules) into the recipe. Adding PGX Singles is a convenient and easy way to maintain your blood sugar levels and a healthy weight. Each stick contains 2.5 grams of soluble fibre and no extra calories! It's unflavored so it won't ruin the taste of the Quinoa Sushi. The best thing is this sushi will leave you feeling full for hours.

Quinoa Sushi

Adapted from My New Roots and Turntable Kitchen.

Note: If you’re new to making sushi, I’d recommend doing a quick Google search for how to roll sushi. There are lots of videos and step-by-step instructions that you might find helpful before you get started. 

For the quinoa dressing (Tezu):

2 tablespoons of brown rice vinegar
1 tablespoon of water
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon of sea salt

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together and set aside until you are ready to dress your quinoa.

For the quinoa sushi:

1 1/2 cups of quinoa (we used a combination of black and white quinoa)
3 cups of water
1 avocado
2-3 cucumbers
Handful of radishes
Lettuce leaves
Black and white sesame seeds, toasted
Nori sheets

Pickled ginger
Soy sauce

1. Combine the quinoa and water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then dial down the heat and simmer with the lid on for 15-20 minutes (or until all of the water has absorbed). When done, transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and let cool.
2. Slice the cucumber into very thin strips. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to thinly slice the radishes. Slice the avocado. Lay out all of your vegetables on a cutting board near where you’ll be rolling the sushi.
3. Add the tezu to the slightly cooled quinoa and gently toss to coat. Then, let cool completely. * At this point add one package of the PGX Singles into the quinoa mixture.
4. Once the quinoa has cooled, prepare your workspace: place a small bowl of water near your station; you’ll want to dip your hands in there as you work. Place the bowl of quinoa and vegetables next to you and prepare a cutting board on which you’ll roll the sushi.
5. Next, place a sushi mat on your cutting board. Top with a sheet of nori (shiny side down) almost to the edge of the mat that’s closest to you.
6. Dip your hands in the bowl of water, take some quinoa from the bowl and evenly spread it over the nori. Leave a small border along the edge that is furthest from you.
7. Arrange the vegetables in a thin line running through the center of the mat. Place a leaf, or two, of lettuce over the quinoa first, then add a few slices of cucumber, radish, and avocado. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Be careful to not overfill, otherwise your roll will burst.
7. Holding the edge of the mat with your thumbs, lift it along with the filling and roll away from you. Hold the filling as you roll and gently pull the mat as you continue rolling. Once you have a neat roll, fold your hands over the mat to tighten the roll. Moisten the edge of the nori with water to seal.
8. Slide the roll off of the mat and use a very sharp knife to cut it into individual pieces.
9. Serve sushi alongside pickled ginger and soy sauce.

*Makes approximately 8 rolls.

This makes for a healthy, light alternative if you are growing tired of the meat-heavy meals that reign supreme during BBQ season.

What are some light meals that you like to add PGX singles (granules) too? Tweet us or post on our Facebook wall your favourite light meal that you add PGX singles (granules) to.

img source: Turntable Kitchen

When it's hot and humid outside, who really wants to cook?

Here's a breakfast recipe that I rely on that is super easy and requires NO cooking. Summer is here and I'm melting during the nights and the last thing I really want to do is cook when I get up. Thinking about even pulling out a frying pan makes me want to run for the pool. You can whip these ingredients all together the night before and it sets overnight. The crisp and cold oats are ready and waiting for you to eat in morning.

What is also great about this recipe is you can customize it in so many ways. Add in different fresh fruit each morning and it's a whole different breakfast meal! I like to make it into a breakfast parfait. I layer the overnight oats with fresh fruit and honey drizzled on top. My favourite tip I've learned is to add PGX singles. This helps me feel full long into the morning. Make sure to add the PGX into the oats right before you are going to eat them. I've heard others are using the PGX Satisfast (Protein Powder) in the oats just like the PGX singles I added. This gives them an extra dose of protein in their meal. Perfect for building those strong muscles and keeping you full longer! I think I'm going to try the Chocolate PGX Satisfast in my next batch. 

Recipe Source: Oh She Glows

Classic Overnight Oats

Ingredients (1 serving)

•1/3 cup regular oats

•1 cup almond milk, and more if needed

•1-2 tablespoons chia seeds

•1 ripe banana, peeled and smashed

•1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix together all ingredients in a bowl and place in fridge overnight. In the morning, add your desired toppings and serve without heating!

Let us know how you create your breakfast meal with overnight oats in the comments below or on our Facebook Page.

image source: Oh She Glows

Get your taste buds ready!

Here on the PGX blog we are starting a new series called "Tasty Tuesdays." This series will feature healthy recipes from across the community and some of our staff favourites. We will also demonstrate ways that you can incorporate PGX in the recipe to help keep you feeling full and manage your sugar levels.

To start us off we've found a healthy Black Bean, Quinoa and Citrus Salad that pairs perfectly with a hot summer day. Both quinoa and black beans contain fibre and protein which helps you stay full. Fibre and protein are also slowly digested and keeps you from the blood sugar roller coaster. Just like black beans and quinoa, grapefruit that is found in this salad helps lower cholestrol levels.

I made the Black Bean, Quinoa and Citrus Salad last night at home and brought it in to the PGX HQ for lunch today. Everyone dove right in and I'm pretty sure it was a massive hit. There was only a couple crumbs left - always a good sign. We decided to add PGX granules and mix it into the salad. I haven't caught anyone hunting down an afternoon sugar fix yet so I would say it worked great!

Recipe & Image Source: Eat, Live, Run

Black Bean, Quinoa and Citrus Salad

Hey PGX'ers! Hosting a fancy dinner? Check out this fancy recipe!

Sunday Suppers shares their recipe for scallops and spicy carrot puree !

So, you are having guests over this weekend and want to create an impressive menu without all the unhealthy stuff we wish was good for us. What to make?! How about this:

Looks pretty good doesn't it? That, my friends, is Sunday Suppers' scallops with carrot puree. Let's break this down.

Carrots are full of vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, potassium and are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and manganese. They are low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Basically, it's a good vegetable to have. Cooked or raw, carrots are nutrient-rich, low in calories and satiating! You are less likely to be hungy after eating a bunch of carrots than after eating something deliciously bad like a donut.

Now for the scallops. These delicious sea creatures are low in saturated fats and carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamin B12, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper, and are excellent sources of protein, phosphorus and selenium! However, enjoy your scallops and consume them within moderation to avoid getting too much cholesterol.

Add PGX to the recipe to make it even healthier. And voilà! You've got a nutrient-rich, delicious, impressive, gourmet appetizer for your dinner menu! Happy cooking!

Image by Karen Mordechai, courtesy of Sunday Suppers.