5 Tips to Stay in Control when Dining Out!

The weekend is almost here and social gatherings plus dining out can present a challenge if you're on a weight loss plan. Some people just avoid these situations but we're here to tell you that losing weight doesn't mean you have to stop living! There is a world of healthy choices out there and you're in charge! 

Here are some handy tips to try this weekend:

1. Go online. Many restaurants post their menu online. Make a note of the healthiest options in advance!
2. Appetizer menu.  Save money and save calories! We call this a smart option! Just steer clear of fried foods and cream-based ones. 
3. Modifications.  Most restaurants will take dietary needs into account. To be on the safe side, call ahead and find out if you can make substitutes, you'll be a happier and healthier customer!
4. Forget the bread. Munching on bread can derail your good intentions. Drink some water, or ask for a small dinner salad while you’re waiting for your meal.
5. Slow down. Take your time to enjoy the meal and your social time. When you slow down you can register when you’re full and avoid getting overstuffed.

Image source: Wikipedia

We're getting inspired by Olympic cycling!

Read on to discover 7 reasons why you should start biking!

It's Thursday and I have a Thursday obsession to share with you: biking. Now, I don't actually bike myself (yet), so what could I possibly talk to you about biking you wonder?

With the Olympic competition heating up, I'm starting to feel more inspired to 'up' my sporting activities. The cycling events are popular with my family (we have cyclists among us) and that got the "time-to-get-inspired-to-exercise-and-maybe-try-biking" wheels in motion. I've gone biking before but never with physical fitness as the end goal. As a kid, it was a fun thing to do with my neighbourhood friends. Then biking became a once in a while trip to the dike by the Fraser River, or one of my out of shape attempts to keep up with my friend as we cycled up and down the hills of the city!

Yes, clearly biking has been low on my radar of fitness regimes for quite some time. But just as I started to watch the Olympics and contemplate the idea of biking for exercise, an article from Women's Health appeared on my internet browser: 7 Reasons to Start Bike Riding.

If you're like me and need extra motivation to start biking (or a sign from universe that you should give it a go), read these seven reasons and you'll soon find yourself pumping air into the tires and peddling around in an eco-friendly, healthy way: on your bicycle!

Image source: London2012.com

Hey PGX'ers! Need a snack? Try one of these low calorie recipes!

Shape Magazine dishes up some tasty, weight wise treats!

Chicken salad peppers, banana milkshakes, raspberry smores, caprese salad... Yes! Those snacks can be less than 200 calories per serving! If you’re craving something sweet and fresh this summer, try one of these recipes from Shape Magazine’s 10 Summer Snacks Under 200 Calories. Enjoy!

Image: Shape Magazine

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