6 Quick, High Protein Snacks

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6 Quick, High Protein Snacks

There’s a big difference between a snack that makes your taste buds happy and one that keeps you energized, strong, and satisfied. And what is the key ingredient for a snack with staying power? Protein.

In one recent study, researchers found that women who ate a snack rich in protein, such as Greek yogurt, stayed full longer than those who ate snacks lacking this important macronutrient. To keep cravings at bay and give your body the tools it needs to thrive, choose snacks that offer up ample amounts of protein.

Benefits of High Protein Snacks

  • Helps to maintain blood sugar levels already within the normal range: protein makes your body absorb sugar more slowly, so your blood sugar stays stable and you avoid those mid afternoon sugar cravings.
  • Keeps you fuller, longer: with protein, you’ll find you have fewer cravings and feel more satisfied between meals. This can help steer you away from unhealthy impulse snacks.
  • Helps to support strong muscles, joints, and bones: protein is an essential part of countless functions in the body. Ensuring you get enough protein helps you maintain healthy muscle mass.
  • May promote weight loss: The body has to work a bit harder to turn protein into energy than it does glucose (which is why those sugar cravings hit so hard). The result is fewer calories stored.

Here are my favourite quick and easy, protein packed snacks:

1. Celery and Nut Butter

Protein: 8 grams per 1 oz of nut butter
Better known as “ants on a log” (thanks, Mom), this classic snack measures up in the protein category thanks to the nut butter, and the satisfying crunch of celery offers up other healthy nutrients. Whether you make it with peanut, almond, or pumpkin seed butter, it really is the perfect blend of texture, taste, and nutrition. Top with raisins or whole almonds, or sub out the celery for a crisp apple for variety.

2. Protein Bars

Protein: 10-15 grams
You can make your own protein bars from blended nuts, coconut, and dates – as a self-confessed chocoholic, I always add cocoa powder. For the ultra-convenient option, try a ready to go bar, such as Whole Earth & Sea’s Protein Bar. This one’s vegan, organic, and contains greens for bonus nutrition ( plus it’s coated in dark chocolate, so you can see why I’m a fan).

3. Hummus and Veg

Protein: 10 grams per half cup
Who knew this classic party snack was actually nourishing you between dance sets? Nutritious and delicious, hummus is an excellent source of protein. A quick afternoon dip with baby carrots or chopped veggies will keep you sustained through dinner. To make this snack extra convenient, layer a mason jar with hummus, place a few carrot and celery sticks in vertically, screw the lid on, and go!

4. Greek Yogurt

Protein: 15-20 grams per 6 oz
Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt. It’s perfect for a snack, or as a healthier substitute for sour cream or cream cheese. Top with fresh fruit or, for an extra protein boost, nuts and seeds.

5. Smoothies

Protein: Variable
You can mix and match ingredients for an endless array of tasty, protein packed smoothies. They’re quick to whip up and delicious – a winning combo. Nut butters, nuts, seeds, yogurt, dairy or nut milks, and hemp hearts all make for the perfect protein power up. For an extra power boost, add protein powder!

6. Trail Mix

Protein: About 8g per ounce
Found in every corner store and airport snack shop, trail mix is much healthier when you make it at home (and skip the extra salt found in the packaged kind). Mix it up with raw almonds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit – even dark chocolate chips – for a snack that’s ready to go whenever you are.

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The Mediterranean Diet

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The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet has a long-established history as the go-to eating plan for people who want to get healthy and enjoy themselves in the process! Often called the world’s healthiest diet, the Mediterranean diet covers the basics in healthy eating, and then some. It’s based on the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean – but what does that really mean for your plate, and your health?

Here’s our crash course to the Mediterranean diet:

Veggie, Veggies, Veggies

Really, there’s not a list out there that veggies shouldn’t top. If you change nothing else in your diet, adding vegetables is a surefire way to get more nutrients – and feel better. Honestly, you can’t eat too many vegetables.

Try adding more vegetables into your diet by incorporating them into omelettes and soups, roasting them with dinner, chopping them into salads, and of course munching on them for snacks!

Get Oily

One of the central tenets of the Mediterranean diet is olive oil. It’s used for everything from cooking to dressing salads to dipping bread. A good source of heart healthy monounsaturated fats, it’s the perfect swap for saturated fats such as butter. It’s not the only good fat you’ll find in the Mediterranean diet – anything with monounsaturated fats, including avocados and nuts, fits the bill.

Go Fish

Perhaps because of a lack of land for animals to graze on, fish make up a good portion of the protein in the Mediterranean diet. Fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, offer a wealth of nutrients, including heart-healthy omega-3s. You should try to aim to eat fish 2-3 times a week.

Other healthy lean proteins include chicken, turkey, beans, and nuts. This diet tends to be low in saturated fat, so eat red meat in moderation.

Feel Whole

Pair your fish and fresh veg with healthy whole grains that haven’t been refined (read: no white flour). Whole grains are full of fibre and other nutrients that get lost in the refining process, and are well known for their heart healthy benefits.

Go Nuts

We’ve mentioned nuts a couple times already, and for good reason. These little nutrient bombs are the ideal protein-packed snack. Of course, it’s easy to have too much of a good thing with nuts, so eat them in moderation.

Do Eat Dairy

Yes, dairy is ok! However, choose healthier options, like dairy from cultured milk, such as yogurt and kefir, and fresh curd cheeses, like ricotta. Steer well clear of “low fat” dairy products that promise fewer calories but sneak in extra sugar. Instead opt for plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit as a snack, or add a little lemon and dill for a tasty salad dressing.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Dessert is definitely on the table in the Mediterranean diet – after all, this has nothing to do with willpower and deprivation and everything to do with embracing a healthy lifestyle. That means fruit and a bit of dark chocolate for dessert rather than processed treats. Drizzle pears with a bit of honey for a truly decadent treat.

Share Food – and Laughter

Healthy eating isn’t just about food, every aspect of the experience can have an impact on your well-being. In many of the cultures that traditionally eat a Mediterranean diet, meals are a family – or even community – affair. People come together to break bread, creating a rich experience that feeds body, mind, and spirit.

When you eat according to the Mediterranean diet, you’re building your meals around veggies, fish, whole grains, and loved ones. As a result, you’ll find yourself feeling better in no time. This diet is especially good for the heart, but the high nutrient density foods will benefit your whole body. So eat local, in season, and share meals with family and friends – and let us know how it goes!

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A Guide to Fall Juicing

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A Guide to Fall Juicing

There’s nothing better than a refreshing green juice on a hot summer day, but for many, healthy juicing habits trail off come Fall. After all, as the temperature cools we seek warming foods that will keep us nourished through the long winter months. As well, many of our favourite fresh fruits and veggies for juicing aren’t in season any more.

Luckily, Fall brings a wealth of fruits and veggies that will reinvigorate your juices – and your health! Here are our top picks for fall juicing:

Yams or Sweet Potatoes

These are pretty good roasted (okay, they’re amazing roasted), but would you have thought to add them to juice? When paired with the right spices, you get a juice that’s both healthy and tastes like dessert. What’s not to love about that combination!

These root veggies are packed with nutrients, from vitamin A to potassium. Because some nutrients, especially antioxidants, are lost in the cooking process, juicing yams is a fantastic way to optimize your intake.

Favourite Yam Juice Recipe: Juice two yams, half a pear, a lemon, and a half inch of ginger. Add a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of clove, and a pinch of nutmeg to the juice and stir. Enjoy!

Beets

Beets are full of antioxidants that give them their rich purple hue – but not just the anthocyanins we’re used to hearing about, the ones found in berries and purple cabbage.

Beets contain a unique antioxidant known as betalain that is mostly responsible for their vibrant colour. This antioxidant supports the liver’s natural detoxification process. They’re also a great source of folate. These ruby red gems are grounding and create an earthy juice balanced with a touch of sweetness. We recommend juicing them with the next item on this list!

Ginger

Adding an inch of ginger root to your fall juices adds a warming zing that can balance hearty roots. This spicy favorite has long been used to support digestion– it’s a carminative, which helps with passing gas, and an intestinal spasmolytic, so it helps relax the intestinal tract.

Pumpkin

Craving pumpkin spice everything? We feel you! Juices made with pumpkin will help you get your fix without knocking you off track.

Pumpkin offers up plenty of B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and fibre. It’s quite the list! Be sure to choose pie pumpkins or another edible variety, and remove the rind before juicing. Pumpkin would be a fantastic addition to the yam juice recipe above!

Pears

Apples seem to be the star fruit when it comes to juicing – and they’ve earned that spot! But don’t forget about another fall fruit, pears. They’re mild, sweet, and contain vitamin K, vitamin C, and copper, among other essential nutrients. Pears compliment just about anything – try them with cranberries and greens!

Cranberries

If you’ve only experienced these tart berries in a sauce, you’ve been missing out! Paired with a sweeter fruit, like apples or pears, they create a balanced flavour profile, and offer up lots of vitamins C and A, and they’re also beneficial for urinary tract health. You can juice them frozen – just be sure there’s no sugar added.

Kale

It’s important to keep some greens  in your fall juices. Many of the fruits and veggies above are higher in sugar than, say, cucumber and celery. That’s not to say you should steer clear – just consume in moderation and make sure you’re pairing them with complimentary greens, such as kale and spinach.

Did this list spark some ideas? Have any favourite fall juice combos to share? We’d love to hear from you over on Facebook and Twitter!

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Foods That are Great for Your Metabolism

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Foods That are Great for Your Metabolism

Your metabolism fuels everything from exercise and digestion, to building and repairing muscle tissue. It’s a chemical process that works non-stop to keep you alive and healthy. Because your metabolism is powered by food, eating a healthy diet is a key aspect of keeping it up to speed. The following foods make great additions to your diet:

High Fibre Foods

Fibre is great for your metabolism on multiple levels. Soluble fibre, such as that found in PGX®* Daily Singles, beans, and many fruits, absorbs water during digestion. This extends the feeling of fullness and slows the absorption of carbohydrates to support healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range. † Insoluble fibre, such as that found in many vegetables and the intact bran and germ of whole grains, feeds intestinal microflora and supports digestive health.

Yogurt

As with other probiotic-rich foods, the good bacteria from yogurt helps to replenish the microflora of your digestive tract. Maintaining a healthy gut microflora supports the absorption of key nutrients, such as calcium and iron, and supplies energy.

Coconut Oil

The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil are a healthy fat that help you feel full and satisfied. They also supply a dense source of energy that your body can metabolize efficiently.

Stimulating Foods

Some foods are more stimulating than others. Hot chilies, cayenne, paprika, and pepper can add a pungent kick to your meals to stimulate digestive juices and heat you up. Green tea is also a satisfying way to load up on polyphenols, as well as a gentle dose of caffeine.

Water

Whether you are an athlete or not, water is vital to your body’s performance and energy. Drink enough water – or other healthy fluids – to keep your thirst down, energy up, and metabolism charged.

† 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.

*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 Fibre

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The Pro’s of Fibre

Fibre doesn’t sound especially appetizing, but it sure is good for you – and your weight loss goals. Dietary fibre 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 favour fibre over sugar. US FDA recommends 25 g of fibre for women and men based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet a day. Here’s why:

Healthy Plumbing

Fibre 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

Fibre 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 fibre 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 fibre, 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 fibre that feed our good bacteria are known as prebiotics.

Healthy Weight Loss

A nice effect of consuming fibre – 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. Fibre supplements such as PGX are a great way to ensure you’re getting the fibre you need as part of a healthy weight loss program.

How to Increase Your Fibre Intake

Don’t worry – increasing your fibre 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 fibre you need.

Try these delicious ways to up your fibre intake:

Black Beans: Take taco night to the next level with the addition of these fibre and protein-packed legumes! Black beans offer 15 g of fibre per cup.

Avocado: The rich creaminess of an avocado belies the whopping 6.7 g of fibre 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 fibre. Not a tough sell, right?

Almonds: Nuts might not seem like a natural source of fibre, 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 – fibre! With 6 g in just 1 tbsp, chia seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soak them in your favorite nut milk for a delicious snack.

Apples: Each of these lunchbox classics has about 4 g of fibre. 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 fibre. 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 fibre?

Onions: Surprised? A medium sized onion offers about 2 g of fibre. The soluble fibre 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 fibre 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 fibre diet – and the health benefits that come with it! Check out our recipe page for yummy ways to add PGX and other fibre to your meals!

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Healthy Eating Hacks

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Healthy Eating Hacks

If you think eating a healthy diet means eating meals that you don’t like, think again! Fresh, nutrient dense food packs much more flavor than nutrient poor or overly processed options, hands-down. With a little creativity, you can boost the nutritional value of all your favorite recipes – and still enjoy eating them.

Get started with these healthy eating hacks:

Add Colour

Adding naturally colorful foods to your meals will make them more appealing and flavorful. For a colourful flavour punch try the following: raw beet cubes into your salad, fresh strawberry slices on your oatmeal, chopped red bell pepper in your scrambled eggs!

Dessert-ify Your Day

Nothing appeals to your tastebuds quite like a sweet treat – ans they don’t even need to be calorie laden, sugar-filled treats to entice either! Curb mid-day hunger with quinoa cocoa balls, wake up to breakfast cookies, or treat yourself to a Rich Chocolate PGX® Satisfast™ Whey Protein drink anytime.

Sneak in Veggies

If your mom can sneak veggies into your meals, so can you. Substitute steamed cauliflower for one third of the cheese in baked mac & cheese, spread a layer of mashed yam under the tomato sauce on your pizza, or add half a cup of frozen cooked squash to your banana smoothie.

Healthy Ingredient Swap

Swap the mayo in your sandwich for a spread of homemade hummus, swap out French fries for baked sweet potato spears, or swap the sour cream in your homemade onion dip for plain Greek yogurt.

How do you make your healthy meals taste delicious? Let us know in the comments section below.

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3 Ways to Boost Your Salad

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3 Ways to Boost Your Salad

Whoever said you can’t make friends with salad? Salad is the perfect  – and perfectly nutritious! – way to fill up your tummy when it’s just too hot to turn on the oven. While not all salads are created equal (iceberg lettuce with ranch dressing, we’re looking at you), with a little help your greens can quickly become gourmet!

Try these three tasty ways to boost your salad:

1. Load Your Base

Leafy Greens

Salad doesn’t have to be a few leaves of bland iceberg lettuce with a couple of cherry tomatoes! For a hearty base try using an assortment of greens such as: lettuce, spinach, arugula, baby kale, or beet greens. For a little spice, mustard greens make a fantastic addition!

Veggies

Layer those greens with a variety of your favourite fresh veggies. Elevate the old standard  of tomatoes and cucumber by adding shredded carrots, fresh peas, and radish, or try cooked veggies such as steamed beets or sautéed zucchini.

Herbs

For added flavour, experiment with your favourite herbs. If they’re fresh, even better! Add herbs such as basil, parsley, mint, cilantro, dill, or chives for an incredibly fragrant, flavorful salad.

Fruit

For a summery take on salad, try fresh fruits: berries, chopped apple, orange slices, or avocado.

2. Dress It Up

Packaged dressings are often calorie bombs full of added salt, sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. Whipping up your own takes just a few minutes and gives you the benefit of fresh ingredients and added nutrients. Try this healthy Lemon Vinaigrette to support your metabolism – and dress up a delicious salad.

For a creamier dressing without all the bad stuff, mix up some homemade guacamole or hummus and thin with water. Or, go super simple with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, topped with a dusting of nutritional yeast.

3. Top if Off

From dried fruit to toasted nuts, salad toppers are a great way to add crunch – and extra nutrients – to your salads.

Legumes

Chickpeas are a protein-packed addition to any salad – try them cooked and cooled, or even roasted!  Don’t stop at chickpeas: mix and match legumes such as lentils and kidney, navy or black beans.

Cheese

Because who doesn’t love cheese! While you want to avoid loading your salad with grated cheddar, cheese can be a great way to add a little protein, healthy fat, and flavour.  Toss in a few spoonfuls of crumbled feta or goat cheese to add a touch of tang to your salad.

Nuts & Seeds

Pecans, walnuts and almonds add nutrients along with a satisfying crunch to any gourmet garden greens.

Seeds, such as chia, flax, hemp and sunflower, are sources of healthy omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, amino acids, fibre, and important vitamins and minerals. A little goes a long way, so you can add plenty of nutrients with just a sprinkle.

Protein

Power up your salad with lean proteins such as salmon, tuna, or grilled chicken. Looking for a meat-free option that still packs a protein punch? Boiled eggs are an excellent way to take any salad off the sidelines to the main event.

These tips should help you get the creative juices flowing in the kitchen. We’d love to know – what are your favourite ways to boost your salad?

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Best Trail Mix Ingredients for Hiking

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Best Trail Mix Ingredients for Hiking

Do you seek out the perfect vista for your mid-hike snack or do you munch away without dropping your pace? Either way, trail mix is a must-pack snack for any hike.

As great as GORP (good old fashioned raisins and peanuts) is, it can’t compete with the more sophisticated trail mix ingredients available today. When designing a healthy mix, aim to use 50% nuts, 30% dried fruit, 10% seeds, and 10% “fun stuff.” Here are some ingredients to start with:

Nuts

Nuts make up the bulk of your mix, providing a source of vegan protein, fibre, healthy fats, and micronutrients. Choose from raw, unsalted varieties of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, or pistachios.

Dried Fruit

The natural sweetness of dried fruit pairs well with nuts and supplies a surge in energy. Use unsweetened varieties of dried cherries, apple rings, cranberries, raisins, blueberries, pineapple, apricots, or dates.

Seeds

Seeds round out the nutritional value of trail mix with additional vitamins, minerals, fibre, healthy fats, and enzymes. Pumpkin, hemp, sunflower, and flax seeds are satisfying options.

Fun Stuff

This is where you can get creative and put your own spin on any trail mix recipe!  Adding ingredients such as dark cocoa nibs, candied ginger, or banana chips increase sweetness, while baked lentils, soy nuts, or puffed quinoa raises the crunch factor.

3 Great Trail Mix Recipes

Following the 50:30:10:10 ratio, try these three energizing combinations:

  1. Cashews, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and candied ginger
  2. Almonds, dried cherries, sunflower seeds, and dark cocoa nibs
  3. Walnuts, chopped dates, hemp seeds, dark cocoa nibs, and large coconut flakes.

When your hike is over, help your body recover with a PGX® Satisfast™ Organic Vegan 15 g Protein Bar.

What do you like to eat on the trail? Let us know in the comments section below.

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