Category Archives: Recipe

While energy drinks and coffee can give you a boost when your get up and go has gone, you’re really just running off ‘borrowed’ energy rather than sound nutritional choices that will nourish your body.

High-sugar snacks devoid of fibre, protein, healthy fats and other nutrients are also just a recipe for an energy low. So, when choosing high-energy foods, opt for snacks that provide a ready source of energy along with a wealth of nutrients to help you metabolize your snack and stay healthy.

Here are three high-energy snack ideas that are easy to prepare:

1. Nut Butter and Apple Slices

One of the easiest ways to stock up on fuel is to slice up an apple and load each portion with peanut, almond, or cashew butter. Apples are a rich source of simple carbohydrates, but they also contain plenty of fibre to help maintain blood sugar levels already in the normal range. Team the fruit with a good source of protein and fat – like your favourite nut butter! – and you’ve got a nutrient-rich snack for the whole family.

2. Overnight Blueberry Oats

If you’re busy as a bee, don’t even think about skipping breakfast! Make overnight blueberry oats and start your day with a burst of energy and antioxidants. It’s easy:

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon of applesauce or mashed banana
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1/2 cup of oats
• 1 cup of soy, almond or rice milk (or coconut milk for added luxury!)

Add all the ingredients into a mason jar and with the lid placed firmly on,  give it a good shake to mix everything up. Refrigerator overnight. In the morning, grab your jar and a spoon and take your healthy breakfast to go!

3. Ginger-Date Energy Balls

Date-based energy balls are far and away my favourite high-energy snack. Easy to make in advance and customize, I often make Mason jars full of these as gifts for all the busy-bodies in my life. It’s best to use Medjool dates as these are naturally softer and easier to process. If you choose to use harder dates, soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes and drain and chop them before adding to the food processor.

The recipe below includes blackstrap molasses to boost iron intake, cinnamon to support healthy blood sugar regulation, and almonds as a source of protein, calcium and healthy fats. Add in some fresh ginger, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its warming effects and to support digestion.

• 2 cups almonds or cashews (raw, unsalted)
• 1 cup Medjool dates
• 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Shredded coconut or ground almonds (for rolling to coat)

To make the energy balls, add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Scoop out enough dough to form a bite-sized ball and roll it on a sheet of baking parchment before rolling it in shredded coconut. Store the balls in the refrigerator, using parchment to stop them sticking together, or freeze them for later use.

To add further punch to these high-energy snacks, try adding in a scoop of PGX protein powder* to your oats and energy balls for a slow release of fuel (and a little extra support for those muscles when moving heavy boxes!).

*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.

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®.

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:

1. watermelon, raspberry, and blueberry
2. banana and  pineapple
3. strawberry, peach, and kiwi
4. 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.