Balancing Your Life: Tips for Lightening the Load

PGX-blog-Balancing-Your-Life-20150708-Tips-for-Lightening-the-Load

Balancing Your Life: Tips for Lightening the Load

Coco Chanel is famous (among other things) for her fashion advice – especially this gem: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Coco, of course, was talking accessories, but her approach to getting dressed is rooted in philosophies of mindfulness and minimalism that can have far-reaching benefits in your life. In our busy culture, where overwork and overindulgence are supposed hallmarks of success, getting a few things off your plate, both literal and metaphorical, works wonders in bringing balance to your life.

Here are some signs you’ve taken on too much – and tips for lightening your load:

Occasional Fatigue

You’re tired. And not just long day at work plus the gym tired. This kind of fatigue isn’t cured by a latte or a good night’s sleep. No matter what you do, you don’t have the energy you used to. In the mornings, you’re groggy, and in the evenings, you’re too tired to socialise, exercise, or any other –cise.

Diet

You might have undiagnosed food sensitivities – wheat is often a culprit – and switching up your diet might give return that spark you’ve been missing. Eating too much can also make you feel sluggish and sleepy. Try a light elimination diet, where you avoid wheat and/or sugar for a week. Add in lots of fresh fruits & veggies and whole grains for a nutrient boost.

Lifestyle

Do you have too many commitments and not enough time for yourself? It might be time to start saying no. Prioritize work and social activities in terms of “must do”, “nice to have”, and “not necessary”. Say yes to the “must do’s”, of course, but find ways to ease up on the “nice to have’s”, and cut out as many “not necessaries” as you can.

We often commit to too many things in advance (like those three weddings in one week this summer that didn’t seem like too much to handle when you RSVP’d). Ask yourself – if this project or event were happening this week, could you handle it?

Occasional Sleeplessness

If you find your mind racing at night, obsessing over your to-do list for the next day, it’s time to find an outlet. Sacrificing a good night’s sleep for worry will only leave you more stressed.

Diet

Caffeine could be keeping you wired, so steer clear, at least post0-lunch. A shot of espresso after noon can still affect you come bedtime. If you feel your day dragging, try water or a light snack with protein. Chocolate lovers aren’t off the hook either – your favorite dessert does have enough caffeine to impact your sleep. If you need something sweet before bed, try a small bowl of granola.

Lifestyle

Here’s another chance to follow Coco’s advice and go minimal. Try to clear your schedule of nonessential tasks (easier said than done, we know). You might also find solace in creating a written to-do list and crossing off your achievements. The sense of accomplishment might be enough to quiet your mind.

Although this can seem overwhelming to someone who is already stretched thin, adding exercise and a calming deep breathing routine in the evenings will help you relax before bed.

Lackluster Skin and Hair

Have you noticed your hair doesn’t have the glossy shine it once did? Does your skin look dull or feel dry and irritated? Stress can put increased nutritional demands on your body; coupled with yo-yo dieting or a plate heavy on the processed foods, your skin and hair may not be getting the nutrients they need.

Diet

Swap the processed foods on your plate for fruits and veggies that are high in antioxidants. Vitamin A or beta carotene are requirements for normal growth and development of skin cells: try noshing on carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, winter squash, broccoli, spinach, peaches, and watermelon, just to name a few.

Vitamin C is another key vitamin for skin health. It increases production of collagen, which can help overall skin appearance. Add plenty of berries (especially strawberries), red peppers, dark, leafy greens, kiwi fruit, and of course oranges, to your daily routine. A vitamin C supplement can help ensure that you get optimal amounts of this skin health nutrient.

When it comes to shampoo-commercial worthy hair, choose biotin-rich foods such as salmon, eggs, avocado, peanuts, and almonds.

Lifestyle

Your hair and skin needs more of two things – water and sleep – and less of one thing: stress. Managing your stress levels will set the stage for radiant skin and hair. First and foremost, make sleep a priority. Getting the rest you need will help your body cope better with the day-to-day stress of  busy life.

Just a few small changes in your diet and lifestyle can take your stress levels from overwhelming to smooth sailing. Just take it one step at a time, and visit us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips on healthy living!

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Why Artificial Sweeteners Are a No-no

artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners actually fuel weight gain

Sugar – I can’t resist it, no matter how hard I try. An incurable sweet tooth has sabotaged many of us when it comes to healthy weight loss. While it’s tempting to swap out sugar for low calorie artificial sweeteners to keep that oh-so-irresistible taste, it’s not worth it, promise. Research suggests that artificial sweeteners actually fuel weight gain rather than prevent it.*

Here’s the thing about sweetness: your body uses it to predict how many calories you’re eating. Artificial sweeteners give your body that sweet kick without the corresponding calories, and that throws off the whole relationship between flavor and calories. They only get you halfway there – to your body, it’s like winning the lottery, but never getting any money. This can lead to a few things: increased appetite, weight gain, and reduced metabolism.[1] And just to rub it in, artificial sweeteners encourage sugar cravings and sugar dependence.[2] *

On the other hand, the calorie content in natural sweeteners can actually help keep you from overeating, according to research.[3] Opt for natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, raw cane sugar, and fruit juice.

Clearly, artificial sweeteners are off the menu – and there are more reasons than just weight loss to avoid these ingredients. But that doesn’t mean it’s open season on sugar! We’ve all taken a ride on the blood sugar roller coaster before, and sugar highs inevitably lead to sugar crashes. * Not to worry – these sweet solutions will satisfy, the healthy way.

If you’re a cream and two-splendas kinda gal

Switch back to sugar. Yep. Make it raw cane sugar if you like, but even straight up white sugar is better than the artificial stuff. For the more experimental among us, honey goes great with your morning cuppa.

If you can’t get through the day without a diet soda

Craving a sweet drink could mean your blood sugar is out of balance.* Add a protein-rich snack to your mid-morning routine, and skip the soda in favor of an energizing green juice, easy on the fruit.

If you want to sweeten a smoothie

Instead of adding artificial sweeteners, add a date, a pear, or a banana. Include PGX® in your smoothies for a nutrient-rich, fiber-full snack.

If your oatmeal is blah

And let’s face it, that’s just the way oatmeal is. Fiber or no fiber, it needs a little something to help it down. Try dried fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup – a little goes a long way. Maple syrup is still a natural sweetener, but it’s packed with bonus minerals.

If you just need a sweet fix

The conventional wisdom says, eat a piece of fruit. But no one craving a sugary snack wants to hear that. And an apple just won’t cut it, am I right? Try dressing that apple up with peanut butter – but make sure it’s no sugar added. Peanut butter is naturally sweet, plus it’s packed with protein.

But really, you just need a sweet fix

Hey, it happens. And when it does, I always go for a square or two of dark chocolate. Ok, sometimes three. A little indulgence (especially if it’s naturally sweetened!) is a part of any healthy diet.

*Note: 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.

[1] Swithers, S.E., Davidson, T.L. (2008). A role for sweet taste: Calorie predictive relations in energy regulation by rats. Behavioral Neuroscience, 122:1.

[2] Yang, Q. (2010). Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings: Neuroscience 2010. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine83(2), 101–108.

[3] Yang, Q. (2010). Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings: Neuroscience 2010. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine83(2), 101–108.

 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Recipe: Make a Healthy Sundae!

healthy sundae

A healthy sundae recipe?

There’s nothing like the sweeter things in life. A piece of rich dark chocolate can remind you why life is worth living, and there’s no better way to conjure summer than in a slice of pie. But dessert is best served without a side of guilt – and we see no reason why a little indulgence should get in the way of your healthy lifestyle (and vice versa!). In fact, constantly depriving yourself of treats can actually make you more likely to abandon your diet or binge eat. Believe it or not, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it, too, with some simple food swaps.

Try these 6 healthy takes on the classic ice cream sundae:

Base – Sundaes are built around ice cream. Try swapping it out for coconut ice cream, frozen yogurt, homemade banana ice cream, or something else entirely. What I love to do: slice a pear in half, remove the core, poach it for 15 minutes, then sandwich a square of dark chocolate between the two halves to melt. Top with a small scoop of ice cream (or not) for a healthy treat so rich and indulgent your taste buds will do a double take.

Fruit – From raspberries to golden berries, there’s an antioxidant-rich superfood out there for your sundae. Add dried fruit for a concentrated burst of flavor or make your own fruit sauce with no added sugar for a simple superfood sundae.

Sprinkles – Nuts and seeds will add substance, protein, and a wonderful crunch to your dessert. Mix and match your favorite raw nuts with other toppings – think pecans with fresh cherries, or hazelnuts with roasted peaches. Pretty soon you’ll have forgotten that ice cream was ever a part of the occasion (kidding – we all know that’s impossible!). We also love adding coconut curls and cacao nibs for a superfood crunch.

Extras – This might not sound like the tastiest tip, but topping your sundae with a little chia, hempseed, or PGX granules will it out by adding fibre, which in turn will help your body handle the extra sugar and even help you feel full sooner. To take this from good advice to irresistible addition, toss flaxseeds in a drizzle of maple syrup and dehydrate on low temperature. Whole flaxseeds give you fibre – grind them to unlock even more nutrients.

Spices – A hint of vanilla bean, some fragrant all spice, or a dash of cinnamon – spices are great ways to add flavor without adding calories. Cinnamon especially is known for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels already within the normal range, so it’s a great addition to any sweet treat.*

Sauces – Let’s face it, when it comes to sundaes, ice cream is just a (delicious) vehicle for chocolate sauce and caramel. Look for healthy versions of these decadent toppings – like cacao nibs, or melted high quality organic dark chocolate. You can do amazing things with dates – like make your own caramel or fudge sauce.

Healthy Caramel Sauce

½ cup dates ½ cup almond, cashew, or coconut milk (or regular milk) ¼ tsp vanilla extract pinch of salt 1 ½ tbsp. cocoa powder (for fudge sauce)   Blend equal parts dates and milk of choice (for this recipe, ½ cup of each, but you can easily adjust to make more or less – this is a very forgiving recipe) with vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Transfer to a saucepan and heat on low for 5-10 minutes, until it reduces to half the original volume (about ½ a cup). If you’re going for straight caramel sauce, you’re ready to go. If it’s fudge sauce you’re looking for, stir in cocoa powder. Serving suggestion: Drizzle warm over ice cream, fresh fruit, oatmeal, or yogurt and top with chopped nuts. Looking for a healthy precursor to your sundae? Explore the PGX recipe page for yummy options to suit any time of day.

* 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.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Recipe: Make Ahead Smoothies!

blog smoothies recipe

Quick and Easy

Smoothies are meant to be a quick, easy solution to healthy eating. So why does it seem to take longer to make a smoothie than to fry up a full bacon and egg breakfast? Cutting down on precious minutes spent washing and chopping fruit and veg will free up more time for a workout – or maybe just hitting the snooze button once more.

Save Time

To save time, prepare smoothie packs in advance for easy mornings and quick healthy snacks. Not only will you have a healthy meal at the flick of a switch, freezing your fruit and veg in advance helps keep your food waste down and your nutrient intake up (especially when it comes to those browning bananas). As a bonus, the frozen goodies mean you won’t be adding ice, which just waters down the vibrant flavours of this healthy fuel.

 

Just follow these 3 simple steps for make-ahead smoothie success:

 

  1. Prep your fruit: We love berries for the antioxidants, and bananas are the mainstay of many yummy smoothies. Let your creativity – and fruit bowl – be your guide and add mango, peaches, watermelon, pears, grapes, apples, and citrus, as you like.
  2. Add greens: You won’t even notice that handful of spinach or kale. If green smoothies are your thing, get experimental with cucumber, celery, and more. Mint added to a cucumber-watermelon smoothie is to die for.
  3. Freeze: Once your smoothie selections are washed and chopped, bag them in a medium Ziploc freezer bag and store until you’re ready.

Now, your early morning smoothie prep consists of emptying a freezer bag into the blender with 2-3 cups of liquid and any extra ingredients. Blend until smooth, and enjoy!

Liquids we love:

  • Dairy free milk (almond, soy, or maybe cashew for a creamier smoothie)
  • Coconut water
  • Milk or yogurt
  • Chilled herbal or green tea
  • Fresh pressed juice

Amp up the nutrition with these extra ingredients:

  • Protein powders
  • Ground flax seeds, or other fibre supplements
  • PGX granules*
  • Chia, hemp, and other seeds
  • Nut butters
  • Oatmeal
  • Spices (cinnamon makes a perfect pairing with nut butter, banana, and dairy milk for a natural protein boost)

What are you fave make-ahead smoothie recipes? Did we miss any must-have tips or flavour combos? Let us know in the comments, and keep an eye out for delicious smoothie recipes coming soon on the PGX blog!

*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®.

 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Why Your Weight is a Matter of the Heart

weight and heart health

 

The heart wants what the heart wants – and despite the mixed signals you might be getting, that’s not actually another piece of cake. The research is in – losing that excess weight is one of the best ways to be good to your heart. Think about it; for every extra pound, your heart has to work a little bit harder to keep nutrient-rich blood flowing. Add to that the other possible benefits of better nutrition and getting in shape: balanced blood sugar, healthy cholesterol levels , and higher antioxidant intake to help fight free radicals. It all stacks up in favour of a healthier heart.

Eat Plants

From fibre to antioxidants, plants are full of all sorts of nutrients that promote both healthy weight loss and heart health. They also lack the things that can weight heavy on waistlines and hearts alike: saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. More space on your plate for fruits, veggies, and legumes means less space for high fat, high sugar processed foods.

Calories In

It’s impossible to reduce good nutrition to a simple numbers game, but when the numbers are on your side, it’ll show on the scale. Watching your calories is an important factor in healthy weight loss. Now, that doesn’t mean deprivation – just balancing what you eat with what you burn, which brings us to our next point.

Exercise

Not only is exercise one of the top factors in shedding weight, it’s one of the best things you can do for your heart. If you’re in good shape, your heart will be, too. Even a light walk every day will do your heart a world of good. Studies show that walking supports cardiovascular health and the benefits grow with the amount and intensity of the exercise.

Catch Some Z’s

Lack of sleep makes us more susceptible to stress. Stress can be a direct line to food cravings that will sabotage your weight loss goals. When it comes to optimal health – be it heart, weight, or anything else – hitting the pillow is as important as hitting the gym.

Be good to your heart, and your heart will be good to you. Like us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and recipes to help you lose weight and be your healthiest self. We’d love to hear from you – how has losing weight benefitted your health?

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

3 Ways You Might Be Slowing Your Metabolism

Slow Your Metabolism -Weight Loss

You’re cutting your calories, upping your exercise, and steering clear of sugary snacks – all signs point to weight loss, right? But what if the pounds just refuse to come off? You could be making some common mistakes that keep you from losing weight.

It all comes down to your metabolism. We tend to think of metabolism in simple terms – how fast we burn calories – but it’s a little more complex than that. Your metabolism is all the things your body does to turn food into energy, and it requires a ton of nutrients and other factors to run smoothly. While our bodies are pretty good at regulating metabolic rate naturally, many of us make key errors every day that slow our metabolism. As a result, our bodies run less efficiently (read, burn calories less efficiently), which is trouble when it comes to weight loss.

Where are you going wrong?

 

  1. You don’t eat – or drink – enough. Yes, reducing calories is key to weight loss. But too much calorie restriction (eating less than your body needs to function, or about 1200 calories for most women) can actually slow down your metabolism. Hydration is important, too – your body needs H20 to burn calories. To keep your metabolism on track, eat smaller meals and snack on protein-rich foods like nuts.

 

  1. You’re not sleeping enough. Skipping ZZZs can make it harder for your body to metabolize carbs, which can affect blood sugar and insulin, resulting in your body storing energy as fat. Lack of sleep also makes you more susceptible to stress, which has a negative effect on your metabolism. For best results, be sure to clock eight quality hours of pillow time a night.

 

  1. You’re not building muscle. A higher muscle mass means you’ll burn calories at a faster rate. Besides, building lean muscle mass by eating protein and strength training won’t just boost your metabolism, it’ll have you feeling like you can take on the world.

 

Some people are blessed with a speedy metabolism (lucky them!). For everyone else, stoke that inner fire and take the steps to boost your metabolism: eat a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, rest easy, and think protein. Let us know how it pays off!

Looking to learn more about your health? Check out the PGX blog for a wealth of tips and info.

 

 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

8 Steps to Weight Loss

PGX-USA-blog-Weight-Loss-and-PGX-20150113

Maybe you’ve been hitting the gym religiously and cutting calories left, right, and center. More likely you’ve abandoned that unsustainable juice cleanse and those uninspiring workouts are already a distant memory. We’ve all been there – set intentions with the best of, well, intentions, only to realize we might have pointed ourselves in the wrong direction. Luckily, it’s never too late to course correct!

If you’re serious about your weight loss goals, here’s how to focus your resolution – and actually achieve it:

  1. Do your homework. I know, not the most exciting way to start the year. But doing a little extra work up front will lay the groundwork for successful weight loss. Keep a food diary and be sure to include physical activity (yes, there’s an app – or ten – for that). This will reveal patterns – and show you where there’s room for improvement.
  1. Set your goals. Think tangible goals. You may have “lose 20 lbs” in mind, but as a goal, it’s big and scary – and almost impossible to achieve. Instead, opt for a goal with measurable progress. “Add a plate of greens a day” is more achievable than “Eat more veggies”, and “Join an eight-week aerobics class” is better than “exercise more”. Sure, they might lead up to that end goal of significant weight loss – but now you’ve got a road map.
  1. Think beyond weight loss. You look great now, and we’re sure your loved ones agree. Trouble is, you don’t feel Health is about more than shedding a few pounds. Put increased energy, better sleep, and reduced stress on your list of goals.
  1. Write it down. You’ll feel more accountable if you have a visual reference, and it’s a great way to formalize your intention.
  1. Plan ahead. Does it seem as though there’s an office birthday – with cake – almost every week? Those treats are hard to resist. The best way to keep your weight loss goals from being sidetracked by the unexpected is to eliminate it. Keep snacks, such as fresh veggies, nuts, or PGX Satisfast™ Protein bars, in your bag to pre-empt snacking temptations, and plan your week’s meals in advance so you’ll never be caught with your hand in the cookie jar.
  1. Balance your blood sugar. Once you’re on the blood sugar roller coaster, it’s tough to get off – but it can be the key to healthy weight loss. Adding PGX to your healthy weight loss plan can help lower the glycemic index of foods and curb cravings that get in the way of your goals.
  1. Track your progress. Think the homework ended at step 1? Keep up your food and exercise diary – it’s the best way (short of stepping on the scale) you have to track your progress. At the end of each month, look back on earlier stages of the diary to see where you’ve improved – and what pesky patterns remain to be broken.
  1. Make room for mistakes. If you do fall off your health wagon, don’t abandon the wagon entirely. We all need the space to make mistakes – it’s how we grow. Don’t let that forbidden piece of chocolate become your excuse to quit.

Your number one resolution should always be to show love for yourself and the people around you. Surround yourself with positive, inspiring people and ideas and the rest will flow.

Have questions about PGX? Get in touch!

*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.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)

5 Tips for Beating Social Overeating

PGX-USA-blog-strategies-social-20141222

Ahh, the holidays. A time for family, giving back, good cheer – and food. If you’ve got major alarm bells going off at that last one, fear not! Holiday indulgence doesn’t have to be a one-way ticket to winter weight gain.

Here’s how you can indulge in the spirit of the season (and yes, a little chocolate, too) without sacrificing your weight loss goals to social overeating:

1. Hit the Dance Floor.

Hanging out at the snack table all night is the best way to ensure you’ll absent-mindedly eat a whole bowl of creamy dip – and the chips to go with it. Instead, invite friends and family to let loose on the dance floor (bonus cardio included!).

2. Get Moving.

Whether you brave the elements for a winter run or take a sweaty aerobics class, morning exercise gets your day off on the right foot, and helps keep food cravings at bay. Invite friends to work out with you to take food out of the social experience.

3. Don’t Go Hungry.

Showing up with low blood sugar and a hankering for cheesecake is a recipe for disaster. Snacking on a healthy treat – like a PGX® Nut Butter Chocolate Smoothie* or PGX® Bliss Energy Balls – will help you with that elusive self-control when your host offers up yet another piece of fudge.

4. Come Prepared.

Know your in-laws have a thing for white flour and white sugar? Offer to bring something – then bring the healthiest, most satisfying dish you can, and stick to that!

5. Be Mindful.

Easier said than done, sure, but that second (third?) piece of cake isn’t truly nourishing. Savour every bite of a delicious holiday treat – you’ll enjoy it more, and eat less.

Plan ahead with PGX® for a gourmet-without-the-guilt holiday season – and most importantly, have fun!

*Note: 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®

 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

9 Easy Swaps That Will Help You Eat Your Way to Health

PGX-USA-blog-healthy-food-swaps

Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean culinary revolution. A few small adjustments add up to make a world of difference. Make mealtime work for you with these simple switches.

 

Breakfast

1. The Dish: Oatmeal

The Swap: Instead of sugar or sweetener, add fresh fruit and cinnamon. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar while spicing up your breakfast, and fresh fruit adds a touch of natural sweetener.

2. The Dish: Bacon and Eggs

The Swap: Try an omelet with spinach, kale, and any other veggies you have on hand. You’ll still get the protein you need to start your day off right – supercharged with a dose of nutrients. Top with a little goat cheese for good measure.

3. The Dish: Coffee

The Swap: Whoops – we’ve all been there. When it feels like there’s no time for a proper breakfast, it’s easy to resort to quick fuel, but caffeine doesn’t nourish you, it just prolongs the inevitable crash. Instead, blend up an energizing smoothie in less time than the coffee takes to brew.

Lunch

4. The Dish: Sandwich

The Swap: Switch white breads out for whole grain alternatives, tortillas, or even collard green wraps. Refined flour does you – and your waistline – no favours, while whole grains and extra veggies offer a range of healthy nutrients.

5. The Dish: Pizza

The Swap: While we all know nothing can really take the place of pizza, instead layer pita bread with humus and your favourite veggies as toppings (or skip the pita all together).

6. The Dish: Soup

The Swap: Trade high sodium, low nutrition canned options for homemade soups and stews prepped at the beginning of the week. Just as convenient, tastier, and a whole lot better for you.

Dinner

7. The Dish: Fettucine Alfredo

The Swap: Skip rich creamy sauces in favour of tomato or pesto, and opt for whole grain or rice noodles. If you feel like an extra hit of veggies, shred zucchini for a raw, nutrient dense noodle experience.

8. The Dish: Meat and Potatoes

The Swap: Trade the classic russet for yams or sweet potatoes, which have a lower Glycemic load and more antioxidant nutrients than the average tuber.

9. The Dish: Tacos

The Swap: Instead of sour cream, add a dollop of tangy plain Greek yogurt to your fiesta. In fact, Greek yogurt – full of protein and healthy fats – is a great swap on any dish that calls for dairy, from granola to dips to baking.

For other healthy meal ideas, check out our selection of PGX recipes – and tell us what simple swaps have worked for you!

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Riding the Blood Sugar Roller Coaster

PGX-USA-blog-post-roller-coaster

Who among us hasn’t been tempted by the promise of easy weight loss? Claims of “fat that melts away” or “a magical change in metabolism” might sound like dreams come true, but that’s just what they are – dreams. If you’re struggling with weight loss and maintaining blood sugar balance, the allure of these empty promises is even stronger.

Reality – and weight loss – isn’t quite so simple.

Before you can shed those pounds, you have to get off the blood sugar roller coaster. Like the ride at your county fair, the blood sugar roller coaster is full of ups and downs – all day long. Racing from sugar high to major crash and back, this is one roller coaster you’re better off avoiding.

Even with the best intentions to eat well, how could you resist such cravings? Getting off the blood sugar roller coaster is key to curbing cravings that kill your weight loss goals.

These tips will help you stay on steady ground:

  • Reduce your portion sizes and calorie intake.
  • Think protein before carbs every time you eat.
  • Have a small snack – with protein – every 2-3 hours, all day long.
  • Eat three meals a day and include PGX with each of them.

PGX can help lower the glycemic index of foods and greatly assist you in managing hunger pangs*. Try it in a recipe or two and let us know if it crushes your cravings!

*Note: 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.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)