Suddenly it’s a heat wave!

Today I’m talking about ways to beat the summertime heat in the kitchen. When the weather is warm the last thing I want to do is turn on the stove and start cooking. Also, not eating out when it’s “too hot to cook!” is one of the best ways you can ensure you can eat well!

Here are a couple of tips to help you beat the heat:

1. Have a Simple Meal. Just say yes to a simple meal at home when it’s too hot out. Make a salad and add some protein like hard boiled eggs or tuna. A salad is surprisingly filling too! Check out this image showing how much 400 calories occupies in the stomach!
2. Get Grilling. If you have an outdoor area where you can safely BBQ like a patio or deck, move the party outside and get grilling! One of my all time favourite dishes is this grilled salmon on a plank! 
3. Blend It. SatisFast combines two exceptional health and weight loss products: clinically?proven PGX (PolyGlycopleX?) and high quality, undenatured whey protein. Available in Rich Chocolate and Very Vanilla. With only 60 calories, SatisFast is a great base for your shakes or smoothies.  Plus, you’ll feel full longer, control your appetite and promote healthy blood sugar balance. My favorite smoothie packs a punch too! I load it up with a banana, 1 cup of berries, and 1/2 cup of organic soy or almond milk.

For the past three months I’ve been working out in the mornings. But I didn’t start out as an early morning person. At the start, morning workouts were extremely difficult. I was used to working out in the evening after work but with my schedule morning workouts just made more sense. Full disclaimer, I’m not a fitness guru that goes for a 10 km run every day. I just strive to get in three to four workouts per week to stay healthy and feel good.

So, if you’re like me and aren’t a typical morning person, here are a couple of suggestions to help with the transition from afternoon to morning workouts.

1. Sleep in your workout clothes! Or have them ready to go the night before. No need to think about it.
2. Take advantage of the morning sun. The light will wake you up… literally.
3. Set the alarm clock to some music that makes you want to get moving.
4. Stretch while you’re still in bed.
5. Aim for a short workout. It’s better to start slowly and build up. Getting a 30 minute workout is better than talking yourself out of an 60 minute workout.

The first 2 – 3 weeks will be the most difficult but stick with it! By the 4th week you’ll start to feel it become a habit! After your workout, reward yourself with an ice-cold PGX smoothie!

Don’t Give Up!

Our friends, our family and even our co-workers will often say to keep going. Whatever goal you’re working on be it loosing weight, training for a race, or just trying to live a bit healthier, sometimes you ask yourself, “Why?”. We all have those moments and for the record, nobody’s perfect.

So, push aside any set backs and realize that the difference between reaching your goals or not,is about staying motivated. If you’re motivated, you won’t give up.

Peek into the future and take a look at our reasons to stay motivated!

1. You’ll build your confidence. Once you hit your goal you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment. Think of what else you could do!

2. Your kids will be proud. Or grandkids. Or nieces and nephews. Plus, the healthier you are, the more you’ll be able to play and be active with children.

3. OMG, It Fits! That dress you bought and thought one day I’ll be able to fit is actually here. Hey you, go buy another one. You look good!

4. You’re an inspiration! People around you are inspired to set goals of their own and start living a healthier life. You’re awesome and helping others too.

5. Reward time! You did it. You worked hard and you deserve a reward. Go ahead and treat yourself to something special.

We’d love to hear your tips for staying motivated. Let us know!