What’s new on the PGX^® Program Blog?

6 Quick, High Protein Snacks

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 16 November 2015

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.

Lifting Weights: Tips for Beginners

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 9 November 2015

Lifting Weights: Tips for Beginners

You’ve stuck to your cardio routine and you’ve been on your best behaviour in the junk food aisle, but you’re just not getting the results you need. What’s missing?

Many of us discount the importance of strength training when it comes to achieving our health goals. In fact, it’s common to steer clear entirely for fear of adding unwanted muscle bulk. The truth is, you shouldn’t live in fear of lifting – weight training is actually a crucial part of getting fit! As well as building muscle strength, lifting weights can help increase your body’s resting metabolic rate, which means you’ll burn more calories throughout the day.

If you’re just starting out on the weights, these tips will keep you in top shape – and help prevent injuries:

Warm Up

Whether you take a brisk jog or pop off a few lunges, a quick cardio warm-up will loosen up your muscles, increase your range of motion, and get your blood flowing. Strength training with cold muscles may leave you more susceptible to injury.

Start Out Light

There’s no reason to jump straight to the dumbbells – they might not even be your endgame. You’re better off starting with weights that might feel as if they’re too light. Once you’re on your third set of reps, you’ll thank us for this piece of advice. Besides, if you’re going for the strong and lean look, lighter weights are your ticket to success.

Go Slow

Once you’re ready to add weight (if you’re breezing through a couple dozen reps, you’re ready), increase it slowly. The same goes for reps – don’t speed through them; rather, take the time to move mindfully and with control. By going slow, you’ll get better results, and you’ll be protecting both your muscles and joints.

Learn Proper Technique

While there may be several right ways to lift, there is definitely a wrong way – and figuring it out through trial and error (and perhaps injury) is not the way to go.

Proper technique will keep you safe and ensure you’re working the right muscles while avoiding strain. Even just one training session with a personal trainer will help as they’ll show you how to hold the weights, how to stand, and the basic movements that will set you on the right path.

Don’t Swing

It might feel good to get a little momentum going, but swinging rather than lifting decreases the effectiveness of your workout, and opens you up to injury. It’s also a sign that you’re lifting more than you can handle – for now. Be sure to pause after each lift to ensure your muscles are properly engaged and your form is good.

Stretch

Once you’ve strengthened, be sure to stretch! Stretching after lifting weights will help reduce muscle soreness the next day.

Rest

It’s easy to get carried away with weight lifting, so be sure to give your body time to recover. Many strength trainers rotate which areas of the body they focus on for each workout, but unless you’re working out daily, that might not be necessary. Just be sure you’re giving your body time to integrate each workout before you head back to the gym.

Eat Right

Yes, food is an important part of any exercise program, even weight lifting! A small snack of healthy carbs, such as whole grain toast with jam or a banana, an hour before you exercise, will give your muscles the fuel they need to power through your workout. Eating protein afterwards will help speed your recovery time.

2 Basic Exercises You’re Probably Doing Wrong

Written by Kara Hamada - Posted on 5 November 2015

2 Basic Exercises You’re Probably Doing Wrong

Moving your body and staying active is helpful to maintaining your health. Whether you enjoy leisurely walks around your neighborhood, swimming, hiking, taking aerobic classes or lifting weights, the opportunities are endless to keep your body moving.

As we age, we begin to lose muscle, known as “sarcopenia”. Around 30 years and older, our bodies start losing muscle mass at 3-5% per decade (sedentary lifestyle) [1]. Exercise becomes critically important to help muscle gain, as it stimulates the release of hormones that help with healthy muscle growth [2]. So, on that note – keep that body moving!

Ensuring that the movements you decide to do are done in the right form is crucial to getting the most out of your workouts. Here are two basic exercises you may have been doing wrong, and how to execute them correctly:

1. The Squat

The basic squat is one of the most effective movements for sculpting your legs as they mainly target your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps. Did you know that your glutes are one of the biggest muscle groups in your body?

If squatting does not feel natural to you, try holding onto something to stabilize yourself in the beginning to get your body used to the movement.

To execute a squat in good form, start with your legs slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Your toes can be pointed forward or slightly out.

Your legs should be slightly wider than shoulder width apart

When you crouch into your squat, lean back like you are sitting into a chair. Do not let your knees move forward over your toes or come together (knock knees). Your chest should be up, and your core should be firm. When you stand up, push up with your heels and squeeze your glutes.

Do not let your knees move forward over your toes or come together. Chest up, core firm.

Do 3 sets of 10 squats, and if possible, watch yourself in a mirror to make sure you’re really sitting back and getting the most out of the squat.

2. The Plank

Planks are a full body workout. It’s better to hold a plank for 20 seconds with proper form than for 1 minute with lousy form! Bad form has been known to cause muscle imbalances and injury.

A great plank is all about alignment and full body effort. Every muscle should be engaged, from your upper traps all the way down to your calves. When you are in position, you want to make sure your elbows are right under your shoulders; try to push away from the ground with your forearms. Your stomach should be tight (do not let your back sag) and think about how you would react if someone sucker punched you in the stomach (I’m serious!). That motion of slightly curling in will make this exercise dominate your abdominal muscles.

Elbows under your shoulders. Stomach should be tight – do not let your back sag!

Start off with increments of 15 seconds at a time to ensure you have good form before going for a full one-minute hold.

There are always modifications to any exercise you do. If your body is not yet at the level of holding a 15 second plank with proper form, you can start off by planking on your knees instead of your feet. Continue to work on this until you feel you can start going for 15 seconds, then progress eventually to 1 minute. The determination and progress you’ll see will make you feel great!

References:

[1]. Cooper, Greg. “At What Age Do You Start to Lose Muscle?”LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 14 Sept. 2015. Web. 08 Oct. 2015.

[2]. “Sarcopenia (Muscle Loss With Aging): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.” WebMD. WebMD, 3 Aug. 2014. Web. 08 Oct. 2015.

The Mediterranean Diet

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 3 November 2015

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!

Fall Fitness: 4 Ways to Stay Motivated

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 29 October 2015

Fall Fitness: 4 Ways to Stay Motivated

The short days and cool temperatures can make it rather tempting to cozy up inside with a good book and a cup of tea, but don’t let fall sabotage your fitness! If your motivation is flagging, check out the following ways to put a spring back in your step:

1. Set a Goal

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to focus on making a dream a reality. This means not only deciding what you want to achieve, but figuring out a realistic plan to accomplish that. Maybe you want to run a marathon or half-marathon, or even 5K or 10K next year. Perhaps you want to take on a challenging multi-day hike that was just outside your comfort zone this summer. Now’s the time to work on a training plan so you’re ready to achieve that dream next summer.

2. Sign up for a Class

If you find it hard to stay motivated by yourself, try going back to school! Check your local community centre, gym or other fitness facility for fall classes and pick something fun and social. You’ll learn new techniques, make friends, and have a regular fitness routine to keep you motivated. How about salsa? Zumba? Yogalates? Or maybe hip-hop dance is more your speed….

3. Reward Yourself

If exercise isn’t itself a rewarding activity for you, why not engage in a little operant conditioning? Treat yourself to something fun after every fitness class, run or gym session and you’ll soon associate exercise with positive things. If you’re trying to watch your weight, avoid food-based rewards and try something activity oriented, like going to see a movie, browsing the bookstore, or going to an art gallery with friends.

4. Switch up your music

If running, rowing, cycling or otherwise exercising is starting to feel a little repetitive, try creating a new music playlist to boost your motivation. Eye of the Tiger, Coldplay, maybe even some Cotton Club era jazz or a little Taylor Swift could all help you, ahem, shake it off.

A Guide to Fall Juicing

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 22 October 2015

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!

Cholesterol and Fibre

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 19 October 2015

Cholesterol and Fibre

Experts recommend that all men should have their cholesterol checked before the age of 35, and that women begin having regular cholesterol checks by age 45.

A complete cholesterol check, which can also be referred to as a lipid panel or profile, looks at the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is beneficial to have a good level of HDL cholesterol as this is the type that helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Triglycerides, meanwhile, are formed from excess calories from sugar and fat and are stored in fat cells.

What is a Healthy Cholesterol Level?

Recommended levels of cholesterol and triglycerides for adults are as follows (measured in milligrams per decilitre of blood):

LDL: 70-130 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
HDL: more than 40-60 mg/dL (the higher the number, the better)
Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
Triglycerides: 10-150 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)

Here are some things you can do to help support healthy cholesterol levels:

Get regular exercise
Reduce alcohol intake
Quit smoking
Eat a high-fiber diet
Reduce intake of fat and sugar

Fibre and Cholesterol

Dietary fibre and functional fibre are thought to bind to fat and block its absorption. Fibre also helps the body regulate blood sugar by slowing the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down and enter the bloodstream.‡

Fibre also helps people feel fuller for longer, thereby helping prevent cravings and minimize overall food intake. This means fibre may also help support the liver by supporting healthy production of cholesterol and triglycerides in response to calorie intake and blood sugar.‡

Fibre and Plant-Based Proteins

One of the easiest ways to reduce fat intake and increase fibre consumption is to replace animal-derived foods, such as meat and cheese, with fibre-rich options, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, and legumes. These foods provide protein and fibre and they’re packed with phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity, offering additional support for cardiovascular health.‡

Considering that meat and cheese contain no fibre, but do contain saturated fat, switching to plant-based sources of protein seems pretty wise all-round. Take a look at the fibre figures per half cup of the following foods and it’s easy to see how quickly you can achieve the recommended fibre intake:

Chickpeas – 17.5 g
Lentils – 8 g
Adzuki beans – 8.5 g
Oats – 8 g
Quinoa – 2.5g
Brown rice – 1.75 g

Even a small banana contains 2.6 g of fibre, while an average sized apple contains 4.4 g!

A healthy breakfast of oatmeal with fresh slices of apple and banana could jump start your day by providing some 15 g of fibre. Enjoy a chickpea and vegetable curry with brown rice for dinner, or some homemade chickpea fries with a salad and a white bean and parsley dip, and you’ve already met your daily minimum fibre intake if you’re a woman! Have a three-bean quinoa salad for lunch and you’re easily topping 40 g of fibre.

Fibre Supplements

Of course, there are days where it may be a struggle to eat well, which is where functional fibre supplements come in handy. Adding just a scoop of PGX® to your morning smoothie, or even to your glass of water at lunch, can help keep you stay on track to meet your daily target for fibre.*

*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.

5 Foods for Endurance

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 14 October 2015

5 Foods for Endurance

Loading up on carbs is standard practice before an endurance event as this is thought to help ensure the muscles are full of glycogen for quick energy, but some athletes have found other great ways to boost stamina and performance.

If you’re gearing up for a race, try smashing your personal best by eating these 5 foods for endurance:

1. Buckwheat

A source of all nine essential amino acids, tryptophan and vitamins E and B, calcium and manganese, buckwheat is a staple for many endurance athletes. Not actually a grain, this seed of the rhubarb family is gluten-free and much more alkaline-forming than glutinous grains, helping the body to maintain a healthy blood pH. The slow-release carbohydrates in buckwheat help sustain energy levels and promote a better performance.

Try adding sprouted buckwheat to a smoothie, or as part of a salad with chickpeas, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Flaxseed

A source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed supports healthy fat metabolism, circulation and normal inflammatory response. The easily metabolized fatty acids in flaxseed help to spare muscle glycogen, enhancing endurance. Flaxseed is also a source of potassium, an important electrolyte needed for muscle contractions and lost through sweat.

Try a tablespoon of flaxseed in a smoothie, on yoghurt and fruit, or with granola. Add a scoop of PGX® to help support healthy blood sugar regulation already in the normal range and keep hunger pangs at bay!*‡

3. Soy

These green beans are perfect for endurance athletes. Steamed edamame are a delicious snack to keep protein intake high, while soy protein is easily digestible and ideal for a recovery drink after a long run to help promote muscle growth.

In one study, researchers at Ohio State University found that soy is just as effective as whey protein for building lean muscle in male athletes (Brown et al., 2004). What’s more, soy actually helps preserve antioxidant function, whereas whey had a potentially negative effect on antioxidant status after workouts!

4. Apples and Onions

Several studies have shown that quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid found in abundance in apples and onions can help improve endurance when ingested for at least seven days prior to exercise. Quercetin has been seen to have antioxidant activity and to support healthy immune function and healthly inflammatory response, which could help athletes recover more quickly after training. ‡

In one study, healthy but untrained volunteers who took 500 mg of quercetin twice daily for 7 days had a 13.2% increase in the time it took for fatigue to set in during a bike ride, compared to those taking a placebo for 7 days. Quercetin was also associated with a modest increase (3.9%) in VO2max, a measurement of maximal aerobic capacity (Davis et al., 2010).

An apple a day (around 100g) contains the equivalent antioxidant activity of about 1500 mg of vitamin C, with much of that activity courtesy of quercetin (Eberhardt et al., 2000). Importantly, the quercetin in apples is found exclusively in the peels, with the average amount of quercetin amounting to 13.2 mg/100 g of fruit (Lee et al., 2003).

5. Almonds

Almonds are not only a source of calcium and other minerals, they may also enhance endurance in trained athletes. A study published recently in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that cyclists and triathletes who ate 75 g of almonds per day had an increase of 1.7 km in endurance cycling distance compared to baseline (Yi et al., 2014).

The almonds were also associated with more efficient use of oxygen and carbohydrate, as well as higher vitamin E and total antioxidant capacity, suggesting that including a handful of almonds in your daily diet could help enhance your exercise endurance and support healthy muscle recovery by reducing oxidative damage during exercise.

References
Brown EC, DiSilvestro RA, Babaknia A, et al. (2004). Soy versus whey protein bars: effects on exercise training impact on lean body mass and antioxidant status. Nutr J, Dec 8;3:22.

Davis JM, Carlstedt CJ, Chen S, et al. (2010). The dietary flavonoid quercetin increases VO(2max) and endurance capacity. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab, Feb;20(1):56-62.

Eberhardt M, Lee C, Liu RH. (2000). Antioxidant activity of fresh apples. Nature, 405:903-904.

Lee K, Kim Y, Kim D, et al. (2003). Major phenolics in apple and their contribution to the total antioxidant capacity. J Agric Food Chem, 51:6516-6520.

Yi M, Fu J, Zhou L, et al. (2014). The effect of almond consumption on elements of endurance exercise performance in trained athletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, May 11;11:18.

* 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.

The Benefits of Coconut Water

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 8 October 2015

The Benefits of Coconut Water

Just finished a workout and ready to reach for your water bottle? Consider reaching for coconut water instead! Not only is coconut water the ultimate thirst quencher, but it also delivers a wealth of other health benefits – and it’s delicious!

Here’s why we stock up on coconut water every chance we get:

Hydration

H20 alone doesn’t equal hydration – your body needs natural salts known as electrolytes to stay hydrated and balanced. Coconut water is 95% water, but it’s the other 5% that makes this beverage stand out. Potassium, sodium, and magnesium are the most important electrolytes, and they are abundant in coconut water. If you’re exercising, sweating (hello, heat wave), or simply struggling to pack enough fruits and veggies into your day, coconut water is an excellent way to ensure your body gets those essential electrolytes. And unlike sports drinks, you’re skipping all the added sugars and artificial flavors.

Nutrient Boost

Coconut water contains a lot of nutrients that help our bodies thrive, such as:

A range of vitamins (especially the B vitamins),
Minerals
Trace elements, including: zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur, and manganese

B vitamins are necessary for your cells to produce energy, so if you feel fatigue coming on, a coconut water might be just what you need!

Potassium

This essential mineral keeps your brain, heart, and nervous system in working order. One serving of coconut water has as much potassium as a banana – about 13% of your daily potassium needs. Drink up!

Light on the Calories

Sure, plain water might be 100% calorie free, but coconut water is a pretty light on the calories too, with just 42 calories per 240 g serving. It’s also low in sugar. Coconut water may taste sweet, but it’s all natural sugar. Be sure to check the label before you buy though – some brands of Coconut water may use added sugars.

Antioxidants

We’re used to finding antioxidants in vibrantly coloured things – think the deep red hue of pomegranate juice – but did you know they’re also hanging out in your coconut water? And since antioxidants help prevent the damage caused by free radicals, that’s a pretty great thing to have hanging out in your drink!

Healthy Blood Pressure

Proper electrolyte balance supports a healthy cardiovascular system. Coconut water supplies the important electrolytes that help maintain healthy blood pressure already within the normal range.*

Healthy Weight Loss

Coconut water is an excellent complement to a healthy weight loss program. You can drink a lot without worrying about added pounds. Plus, it’s more likely to leave you feeling full and satisfied than water. It’s the perfect option for mixing with PGX, too!

Great Taste

Coconut water is delicious on its own, but it’s also a great way to add a little tropical flavour – and a few extra nutrients – to your smoothies by subbing it for water.
Coconut water is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and replenished. Now that you know it’s key to healthy hydration, how will you be adding it to your fitness routine?

* 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.

Fall Health and Fitness: Goal Setting

Written by Patience Lister - Posted on 7 October 2015

Fall Health and Fitness: Goal Setting

Short days, crisp air, and busy school yards – it’s hard to believe, but we’re firmly entrenched in Autumn. With the long days of summer behind us, and the short, cold days of winter ahead, it can be easy to let some of our health and fitness goals slip as we gravitate towards feeling warm and cozy.

Here are some ways you can set goals to help keep the lazy feelings of fall at bay:

Fitness

To overcome the fall weather and limited daylight, you need a concrete strategy for meeting your fitness goals.

Schedule your workouts in advance – and stick to it
Have a back-up plan (or two) so when the rain is too heavy to run in, just grab your indoor jump rope or turn on a cardio workout video
Plan one or more of your workouts with a partner to hold yourself accountable

Healthy Eating

The summer produce may be gone, but you can still meet (and exceed) your nutritional goals. Embrace the flavors of fall with fresh apples, squash, pumpkins, and brussels sprouts. Keep your pantry stocked with healthy, protein-source staples, such as lentils, quinoa, nuts, and canned salmon, and keep your cravings under control by starting each day with a *PGX® Satisfast™ Vegan Protein Drink.

Expand Your Horizons

Does fall still give you that back-to-school itch? It’s a great time of year to expand your horizons and upgrade your skills. Whether you want to take a course, read a set of books, or volunteer, define how you’re going to accomplish your goal – and be realistic with how much time you can commit to it.

What goals have you set for this fall? 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®.