Spice up your PGX SatisFast smoothies with some of these great ideas for both chocolate and vanilla flavours!

Sometimes, the hardest part of making a smoothie is coming up with additional ingredients to add to your base flavour. Maybe you've tired of plain chocolate or vanilla on it's own, or you like your smoothies to be a little bit more flavourful and interesting. But whatever the reason, you need ideas and you need them now!

So, we went to our Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Kristin Metvedt, and asked her for some recommendations. Kristin happily obliged and provided us with a detailed list of spices, nuts, fruits and herbs that compliment both our Rich Chocolate and Very Vanilla flavours. Yum! Find the lists below.

SatisFast Rich Chocolate:

• Nuts: Coconut water or milk, nut butters (ie. almond, peanut, hazelnut, etc.)
• Fruit: Banana, orange, blueberry, raspberry, fresh or frozen, kiwi, mango, papaya or pineapple
• Herbs: Fresh grated ginger, minced mint leaves, cayenne powder (just a pinch!), cinnamon powder ... experiment!   

SatisFast Very Vanilla:

• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
• Nuts: Nuts butters like almond or cashew
• Fruit: Cherry, mango, banana, all berries, or citrus fruit
• Herb: Mint or green tea (cold)

Let us know what your favourite ingredient combonations are in the comments below!

Enjoy!

Image source: Michelle Foster

Make smart choices at meal times. Fill up on the good stuff!

How much space does 400 calories occupy in the stomach?

I truly dislike the thought of dieting. But with a looming deadline to fit into a costume that doesn't quite zip up all the way for a performance, I really have no choice but to make a conscious effort to change my eating habits.

What is it about diets that have people dreading them? Hunger? Cravings? Guess what?! You don't need to feel hungry when you are making the change for a healthier lifestyle. And if you aren't feeling hungry, you will most likely have fewer cravings as well! There is no need to fear healthy eating! All we need to do is learn how to make smart choices. If we look for low calorie but dense foods full of nutrients and fibre (think low-GI foods), we'll definitely be better off! Take a look at what 400 calories of various foods look like in the stomach!

Add PGX to your food and the fibre will help you feel full and you won't feel the "diet hunger and cravings." Right now you you can get a free BONUS pack of PGX Singles with purchase of PGX Daily in Canadian stores! Stay healthy everyone; make smart food choices and be sure to get your daily dose of fibre!

Original image source unknown.

Another fabulous (and easy!) PGX SatisFast shake recipe from nutritionist, Kristin Metvedt, RHN.

Made with PGX SatisFast's delicious French Vanilla flavour and coconut water, try this new shake recipe from Kristin Metvedt! Nutritional sidenote: Coconut water from young coconuts provides minerals and electrolytes that provide valuable nutrition, so this smoothie is both yummy and healthy!

Ingredients:

• 240 ml  100% pure coconut water (e.g. O.N.E. Coconut Water or Blue Monkey Pure coconut water)
• 60 ml cold water
• 1 scoop PGX Satisfast French Vanilla
  
• Option: 2 ice cubes

Method:

1. Measure liquids into a shaker or blender cup.
2. Add 1 scoop of PGX Satisfast Very Vanilla. If using a blender, add 1-2 ice cubes if desired.
3. Shake or blend until smooth.
4. Drink an additional glass of water (375-500 ml) after taking PGX.

Nutritional Information:

Each serving contains: 146 calories; 1 g fat; 23 g carb (2g fibre, sugar 11 g); 10 g protein; 220 mg sodium; 330 mg potassium.

Have questions for Kristin about the smoothie? Or a nutrition question? Ask her here!

Enjoy!

Image source: http://secretsofnaturalhealing.blogspot.ca

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