2015 - Page 3 of 7

How to Conquer Your Cravings

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 17 September 2015

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®

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The Pro’s of Fiber

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 15 September 2015

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!

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Tips for Beginning Runners

Written by Patience Lister - Posted on 10 September 2015

Tips for Beginning Runners

You’re a runner – you just don’t know it yet!

Soon you’ll be enjoying the endorphins, leaner muscles mass, stronger lungs, and the physical power that result from regular runs. Follow these tips to get started:

Start Small

Building endurance takes time. No matter what your ultimate goal is, begin by running a few kilometers per session and gradually increase your distance every second week.

Run / Walk

Add walk breaks into your run to help save energy and minimize muscle fatigue. As your fitness improves, schedule your walk breaks less frequently. For example:

Week 1: run 1 minute / walk 1 minute (repeat 15X)
Week 5: run 5 minutes / walk 1 minute (repeat 5X)
Week 10: run 10 minutes / walk 1 minute (repeat 3X)

Shoes

An excellent pair of shoes can make all the difference in how you enjoy your run and avoid injury. Staff at your local running store can help you find the right fit and support for your feet.

Prioritize Nutrition

Running burns a lot of calories, but that’s no excuse for overindulging or loading up on refined carbs. Your diet fuels your run and recovery, so eat wholesome, nutrient dense foods to stay strong and energized.

Set Goals

Goals provide focus and a way to measure your progress. Set long and short term goals that are realistic. If your long-term end goal is to run this year’s 5 Km Terry Fox Run, make it your short term goal to complete three to four 30 minute runs per week.

Run With a Group

When your motivation dips, a running group can help keep you going. Not only will you be accountable for showing up, but you’ll have other runners to chat with to help distract you from your efforts and offer encouragement and support.

Believe in Yourself

Running takes physical and mental strength. Believe that you will reach your goals and you will.

Are you running the Terry Fox Run this September 20th? If so, let us know how you do.

*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®.

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Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Routine

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 9 September 2015

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Routine

Sticking to your resolutions can be hard work, but if you started out the year with a commitment to eat healthily, and you’ve maintained that commitment until now, you’re going great guns! The onset of fall can trip people up though, given the cold weather and the craving for comfort foods. So, if you find yourself wavering on the promises you made, don’t cheat! You’ve come this far, and there are many ways to boost your willpower and stay on track for good health.

Here are some tips to help ensure you’re maintaining a healthy routine:

Sleep

First and foremost, make sure to get enough sleep. According to psychologist Kelly McGonigal, people who get a solid eight hours of sleep a night are better able to distinguish long-term goals from short-term rewards, compared to people who get just seven hours of sleep. Researchers have also found that too little sleep, or occasional disrupted sleep patterns, can lead to unwanted weight gain.

In order to maintain willpower and support a healthy living style, it makes sense to establish a healthy sleep routine. When you wake feeling refreshed, you’re likely to be better able to resist the temptation of sugary snacks and caffeine, and stay focused on achieving and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation can also help maintain your focus so you are better able to resist cravings. Start by meditating for just a minute a day, and gradually increase the time so as to enhance your ability to control your thoughts and feelings and reduce impulsivity. The act of meditation can also help teach us to quieten negative self-talk that may otherwise undermine even the best of intentions.
Another way to reduce the risk of self-sabotage is to become your own best friend. Just as you would support a friend who is trying to stick to a healthy diet, give yourself the same level of support. Be sure to celebrate your successes (non-food rewards are best!) and, if you do slip up, offer yourself a little pep talk to get back on track.
It is also helpful to try to avoid thinking about healthy eating as a diet of denial. Instead of obsessing over a list of banned foods, focus on the fact that you are making specific food choices so as to feel more energized, healthy and happy. Pick foods that will nourish you, rather than those that lead you on a sugary rollercoaster of short-term gratification.

Have a Battle-Plan

On a more practical level, if fall comfort foods are your undoing in terms of healthy eating, prepare a plan of attack. This might mean taking a little extra time to make something delicious and healthy, like grilled veggies and a protein-packed chickpea salad, with a cashew cream Caesar-style dressing. Whole foods and healthy plant-proteins and fats can lower the glycaemic index of a meal and slow down digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer, meaning that you eat fewer calories overall.
To further support appetite control, try sprinkling some PGX (available in single-serving sachets!) on top of food, or mix PGX® with iced water flavoured with slices of cucumber, mint, basil, lemon or lime*. Having refreshing, delicious, non-alcoholic beverages on hand for socializing can also help you avoid making unhealthy beverage choices.

References
Kelly McGonigal, PhD. The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It (Penguin 2012)
Spiegel, K., Leproult, R., L’hermite-Balériaux, M., Copinschi, G., Penev, P.D., Van Cauter, E. (2004). Leptin levels are dependent on sleep duration: relationships with sympathovagal balance, carbohydrate regulation, cortisol, and thyrotropin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, Nov;89(11):5762-71.

* 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®

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Could Probiotics Help With Weight Loss?

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 27 August 2015

Could Probiotics Help With Weight Loss?

In the headlines, probiotics are everywhere these days! While they may not be the answer for all, they can play a vital role in healthy living.

We’ve all got colonies of bacteria in our gut, known as the microbiome. They help us digest food, support overall health, and make certain nutrients. Taking probiotics can boost levels of the beneficial bacteria in our bellies, with positive results for health and well-being. But what role do probiotics play in weight loss?

Probiotics and Weight Loss

Of hundreds of types of bacteria living in our digestive tract, it turns out some of them might make or break your weight loss goals. Researchers are increasingly finding that overweight people have different compositions of gut bacteria than those who can stay at a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy gut flora might just be the key to reaching your optimal size.

Here’s how probiotics may influence weight loss:

Food is absorbed in the digestive tract, and probiotics may help maintain healthy intestinal inflammation, thus improving digestion. Healthy digestion is good news for your weight loss goals.
Certain nutrients that are needed for a healthy metabolism (turning calories from carbs, fat, and protein into energy) are produced by beneficial gut bugs.
Probiotics can keep your intestines from absorbing too much excess fat. However, eating small amounts of healthy fats in moderation is preferable to overeating and relying on probiotics!
Sugary, fatty foods – the same foods that lead to weight gain – promote the growth of bad bacteria. Researchers can’t conclusively say whether bad bacteria promote weight gain, but there’s a correlation between unhealthy eating, bad bacteria, and weight gain.

Tips for a Healthy Weight Loss Program

How does this info help you?

Supplementing with probiotics can help you shift the bacteria living in your digestive tract from the unhealthy ones connected with occasional weight gain to more beneficial strains. One study showed that the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus helped women double their weight loss compared to women who took a placebo, and they were able to sustain the weight loss.

Work a probiotic formula that contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus into your weight loss program.
Add probiotic-rich foods to your diet, such as unpasteurized sauerkraut, kefir, or yogurt. If you’re choosing yogurt, make sure the package tells you how many live cells are in the yogurt.
Be sure to eat lots of veggies to up your intake of healthy nutrients
Include prebiotics in your diet. Prebiotics such as PGX* feed the good bacteria so that your microbiome will flourish.
Avoid excessive intake of alcohol, sugars, saturated and trans fats, and processed foods.
Get moving! Exercise can promote a healthy microbiome just as much as diet, research shows [1]

Probiotics are a great tool to support your healthy weight loss program!

*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] Kang, S.S., Jeraldo, P.R., Kurti, A., Miller, M.E., Cook, M.D., et al. (2014). Diet and exercise orthogonally alter the gut microbiome and reveal independent associations with anxiety and cognition. Mol Neurodegener, 13;9:36.

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5 Tips for a Healthy BBQ

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 17 August 2015

5 Tips for a Healthy BBQ

Summer is the time when millions of people who don’t typically cook suddenly discover an enthusiasm for charring things on a barbecue. While it’s a summer staple to gather ’round the BBQ with friends, family, savoury foods and fresh cocktails, it doesn’t mean all your health goals have to up in smoke.

Here are 5 ways to have a healthier barbecue this summer:

1. Skip the Meat

Instead of meat, try popping some veggie burgers, or marinated Portobello mushrooms on the BBQ. Tofu slices marinated in barbecue sauce are another delicious option, and are an excellent accompaniment for grilled corn and a salad full of fresh, garden veggies.

There’s really no end to your meatless BBQ options. Grilled fresh fruit and veg can be a great main dish, completed with sesame dressed three-bean salad for a punch of protein. In fact, beans can be used in a variety of ways to spruce up any meatless meal: whole black beans add a healthy boost to any salad, mashed chickpeas make a tasty sandwich spread, and a white bean and parsley dip always satisfies as a side dip for vegetable crudités.

2. Skewer Some Veggies

Summertime barbecues are the perfect opportunity to get kids (and adults) interested in trying new, healthy foods. One of the best ways to do this is to experiment with veggie kebabs. Simply choose your veg, add a marinade, or keep it simple by coating them in a mix of olive oil, salt and pepper and your favourite fresh herbs. Pop them on the grill and you’ll have fragrant, mouth-watering veggie skewers.

Some top contenders for colourful, delicious veggie skewers include:

Zucchini
Bell peppers
Eggplant
Pineapple
Summer squash
Mushrooms
Tomatoes
Tofu cubes or seitan

3. Get Creative

If the most interesting thing to hit your grill this summer is an artisanal sausage, it’s time to shake things up. Try throwing asparagus, peaches, pineapple, or peppers on the grill. Even bruschetta can be done to perfection on the BBQ!

All these fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, in addition to being cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat and high in fibre. What’s more, the heat of the barbecue causes the naturally-occurring sugars in these fruits to caramelize, making them taste even more delicious.

4. BBQ Pizza!

Yes, you read that right – grilled pizza is absolutely delicious – and pretty easy too! Pick up some Lavash bread, or make your own dough, and choose your toppings. Carefully slide the pizza onto the grill and barbecue on a low heat for about ten minutes with the hood closed. Fresh fig, humous instead of pizza sauce, arugla gently tossed in olive oil, are all deliciously creative, healthy ways to add extra zest to your grilled pizza.

5. Whole Grain Burger Buns

No matter your patty, make sure you’re using a whole grain bun instead of one made with refined white flour. Whole grains are a good source of fibre and help lower the Glycemic Index of your meal. They also offer a variety of minerals that are stripped from refined white flour.
Barbecuing might have a bit of a bad rap, but a few changes can make outdoor cooking both delicious and healthy. If you’re really determined to be healthy this summer, skip the beer and burger combo and have a fresh fruit smoothie instead. Add PGX® to your smoothie for a fibre boost!* You can also sprinkle PGX granules on your salad, or add them to home made veggie burgers.

* 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®

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Summer Family Fitness: 5 Ideas

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 14 August 2015

Summer Family Fitness: 5 Ideas

We all know that ingraining healthy habits in kids is important for their health as adults, but what can you do to keep the whole family active in summer? If your kids are more inclined to spend their summer break inside playing video games or chatting with friends online, it’s time for emergency measures.

Here are five ways to stay fit with the whole family this summer:

1. Stay Playful!

How many cartwheels can you do in a row? Who’s up for some tug of war? Is your sidewalk crying out for a hopscotch race? Who’s the best at hide and seek? Can you finish a pillow-case race?

Staying active doesn’t always have to include well known, heart-pumping activities like swimming, hiking or sports. Create little games or challenges throughout the day for bursts of healthy fun, and your whole family – mom and dad included – will be getting lots of fun-loving exercise.

2. Indulge Their Whims!

Kids are fickle creatures, so if you want to encourage them to be healthy, indulge their whims. This might mean taking a spontaneous trip to the lake to swim, to the beach to play volleyball, or to the local courts to play tennis as soon as you get home from work, and why not? A couple of minutes into it, and you’ll be enjoying spending time with your kids, while feeling good about getting exercise.

3. Learn Together

What have you always wanted to learn? Tap dancing, karate, kayaking? Summer is the perfect opportunity to engage your kids in something new, as they’re likely to be looking for ways to avoid boredom. So seize the opportunity and sign up for a fun, new activity with your kids!

4. Bike! Bike! Bike!

Teaching kids to cycle, biking with kids in tow, or going for a family bike ride, are all great ways to stay active in summer. Getting out and about on two wheels will also help give your kids a sense of independence and freedom!

5. Make Yard Work Fun

No, seriously. Chores may not sound very fun, but it’s all in how you frame it. Ask your kid if they’d like to build a new pond in the back yard, or set up a picnic bench. What about planting a new row of their favourite vegetable, or building a basketball net, treehouse, or obstacle course? Yard work can be a lot of fun with kids!

The beauty of exercising with kids is their ability to turn everyday things into playful, bonding activities. Their constant state of wonder, and their willingness to try new things, allow them to find the fun in just about anything.

Have you found any ingenious ways to shake up your routine and stay fit with the kids in summer? Let us know in the comments below!

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What to do With all That Fresh Fruit!

Written by Patience Lister - Posted on 11 August 2015

What to do With all That Fresh Fruit!

Melons, plums, blueberries, peaches, strawberries, nectarines, grapes – it’s easy to get carried away in the summer when so many local fruits are fresh and perfectly ripe. While most fruits taste best when eaten at their peak, they do have a tendency to spoil quickly in the warm summer air, leaving you to wonder – what can I do with all this fresh fruit?!

Here are 4 tips for enjoying your fresh fruit for as long as possible:

1. Handle With Care

Every bruise, scratch, or bruise in your fruit will make it more susceptible to spoilage and off taste. Handle your fruit carefully, and avoid the temptation to check its ripeness by squeezing it!

2. Store in a Cool Location

Storing fruit in the low-humidity section of your refrigerator will slow the ripening process and deter the growth of yeasts and molds that accelerate spoilage. Keep your fruit covered or in its packaging to help maintain freshness and prevent damage.

3.Wash it Right Before Eating

Fruit should always be washed to remove unwanted chemicals, dirt, and insects – but wait to give it a good rinse until you’re ready to actually eat it. Washing fruit too early can increase the rate of mold growth, and decrease its shelf life.

4. Freeze Into Smoothie Packs

As hard as you try, fruit can only last so long. But don’t fret – whatever you can’t eat now can be washed, cut, and frozen into single serving smoothie packs. Speed up your prep and boost the flavor and nutritional value of your *PGX® smoothies all year round!

Blueberry Mint Smoothie

Ingredients

2 scoops of Chocolate Vegan RealEasy with PGX
5 mint leaves
½ cup blueberries
100 mL of almond milk (or milk alternative)
250 mL of water

Procedure

Measure liquid, mint leaves, and blueberries and pour into a blender. Add 2 scoops of Double Chocolate SlimStyles® Meal Replacement Drink Mix, then secure the lid and blend until ingredients are well mixed.

What’s your favourite fruit to eat this summer? Let us know how you keep it fresh 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®.

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Summer Sippers: 4 Healthy Beverages

Written by Patience Lister - Posted on 5 August 2015

Summer Sippers: 4 Healthy Beverages

Chilled, fruity beverages are a pleasing way to cool down on a hot day. These 4 healthy and hydrating options will help you beat the heat this summer:

1. Iced Green Tea

This classic summer thirst buster will give you a gentle energy boost and a burst of antioxidants.

Directions: Brew 1L (4 cups) of strong green tea, strain, and allow to cool. Transfer to a glass jug, add about six slices of lemon, and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. For optional sweetness add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup. Serve over ice.

2. Frozen Fruit Infused Water

Infusing your water with frozen fruit is a healthy and delicious way to stay hydrated and feel like you’re having a summer treat.

Directions: Cut your favorite fruits into large sections and freeze them. Immediately before serving, add at least ½ cup of the fruit each to 2 cups of water. Add ice and enjoy.

Four great combinations to try:

watermelon, raspberry, and blueberry
banana and pineapple
strawberry, peach, and kiwi
orange and mango

3. Sparkling Peach Smoothie With PGX®

To help you stay full and energized throughout your busy summer, include French Vanilla SlimStyles Meal Replacement Drink Mix in your summer beverage menu. It contains 4 g of PGX* per serving to help curb cravings and promote healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.†

Directions: Measure 250 mL sparkling water and 250 mL regular water into a blender. Add 1 pitted peach and 2 scoops of French Vanilla SlimStyles Meal Replacement Drink Mix. Secure lid and blend until mixed well.

4. Lime Shandy

When your summer social calls for an alcoholic cocktail, but you want to keep it light and hydrating, make a shandy.

Directions: Combine the juice from 3 freshly juiced limes with 500 mL (2 cups) of sparkling water. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup until dissolved. Combine with your favorite pale lager in a 1:1 ratio. Add ice, a slice of lime, and enjoy. For a virgin shandy use non-alcoholic beer.

What’s your favorite way to stay hydrated in the summer heat? 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®.

†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.

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Healthy Fats and Weight Loss

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 29 July 2015

Healthy Fats and Weight Loss

Once upon a time, if you wanted to lose weight, you would cut out fatty foods. For decades, we indulged in low-fat yogurt, low-fat cookies, low-fat everything, thinking we’d solved our weight problems. The only trouble? We didn’t lose weight.

The Skinny on Healthy Fats

On the surface, avoiding fat makes sense – what else would make you fat, besides fat? But now that we’ve dug a little deeper into nutrition science, we see the error of our ways. It’s not fat itself that causes us to gain weight; it’s an excess of the wrong kinds of fat (and sugar – but that’s another article). Healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats (or MUFAs), and omega fatty acids, are a vital part of maintaining optimal health and weight. You should aim to get 25-30% of your daily calories from fats – but be sure to opt for the good-for-you fats as much as possible!

6 Healthy Fat-Filled Foods to Support Weight Loss

The following 6 foods contain wholesome fats that can promote a healthy metabolism and, as part of a weight loss program, help you reach your desired weight:

1. Avocados

Ladies who lunch once avoided this rich, creamy fruit in salads, thinking the extra calories would mean extra pounds on the scale. However, the MUFAs found in avocado are a key component in the Mediterranean diet, known for its positive impact on cardiovascular health. Plus, avocados are full of protein, fiber, and an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! Also, they go great with pretty much any meal!

2. Olive Oil

Another source of MUFAs, olive oil is heart healthy and delicious. Most of the fats you eat should be unsaturated, and MUFAs are widely available. Research suggests that MUFAs can even help fight belly fat.

Rather than buying packaged salad dressings, create your own creamy dressings with olive oil, avocado, lemon juice, and a touch of salt.

3. Salmon

This cold water fish is widely cited as the best dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, likely because it’s more appetizing to the average eater than herring, mackerel, and sardines, also sources of omega-3s. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that promote cardiovascular health and cognitive function. They’re vital to optimal health, and unfortunately, the typical western diet is sadly lacking in them – so make salmon a main course a few times a week!

4. Nuts

Another group of foods vilified by the fat-free movement, nuts are nutritional powerhouses that yes, contain fat, but healthy fat – MUFAs and PUFAs alike. Try walnuts for your fix of omega-6 fatty acids, another type of PUFA that helps promote the body’s natural healthy inflammatory processes. If you’re worried about consuming too many omega-6 fatty acids, make sure you’re complementing with omega-3s from salmon or a supplement. Omega-6s are indeed healthy – when they come from whole food rather than processed sources.

5. Butter

Surprised to see a saturated fat on this list? Saturated fat isn’t all bad – the key is moderation. You’ll be much better off with grass-fed organic butter than hydrogenated margarine, which offers plenty of trans fats, the worst fats out there when it comes to your health. As well, butter is much more stable than vegetable oils when heated, so it’s ideal for anything sautéed or roasted.

6. Seeds

Flax, chia, and hemp seeds provide Vegetarians with a source of omega-3s, which is rare. Just be sure to prep them properly – flaxseeds need to be ground to access the omegas, and chia seeds need to be soaked for a few minutes.

Now that you’ve got the skinny on fat, how will you be switching up your diet to make sure you get more of the fats you need – MUFAs and PUFAs – and less of the ones you don’t?

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