Heart Health Month

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February is Heart Health Month, which means we’ll be looking at some simple changes you can make and healthy habits you can adopt to keep your ticker in good working order.

One of the best things you can do for your heart is to exercise regularly. After all, the heart is a muscle, so giving it a good workout help keep it stronger. Staying active can help you maintain optimal health, but it’s essential to talk to your health care practitioner before engaging in any new types of exercise.

Great ways to stay active include:

  • Going for a 30 minute walk after dinner
  • Cycling to work and back a couple of days a week (or more!)
  • Taking the kids swimming, and sneaking in some full lengths while they’re on the water slide
  • Getting a rebounder trampoline and jogging at home (this is also great for bone density!)
  • Using a stationary bike (catch up on your audiobooks and podcasts!)
  • Taking the dog for a lengthy weekend hike
  • Joining a local tennis club
  • Going on a treasure hunt with friends around your neighbourhood

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

Ideally, you’re aiming for around 90 minutes of exercise each week that gets your heart rate up a little and leaves you slightly breathless. You can do this in three 30 minute sessions, or a number of shorter sessions – whatever fits your schedule. The important thing is to get up and get moving as even a little extra exercise can help cardiovascular health. All is not lost if you skip the gym one day, just make up a little time by going for a short walk after dinner and getting off transit a stop earlier the next day.

Stay Safe and Start off Slow

For anyone returning to exercise after being ill or inactive for a while, it is a good idea to start off slowly and gradually increase your level of exertion. Not only does this reduce the shock to your system, it will also help you keep motivated as you’ll see an increase in fitness.

It’s unrealistic and unhelpful to expect to go from the couch to champion swimmer overnight. Setting reasonable goals can help you avoid frustration, as can partnering up with a friend so you can help motivate each other.

Shaping Up for Heart Health

Another great way to look after heart health is to maintain a healthy body weight. This looks different for all of us, but the benefit of carrying around less adipose (fat) tissue includes help for maintaining healthy inflammatory responses and optimal heart health.

Nutrition for Heart Health

Like any muscle, the heart needs a good intake of protein, essential fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and other antioxidants. Making sure you eat a predominantly plant-based diet that contains plenty of phytonutrients and fibre, with little refined sugar or unhealthy fats can help keep your appetite satisfied and your nutrient intake high while keeping calories low.

To help maintain energy while exercising, try fuelling up with a PGX protein shake before you begin!

Like us on Twitter and Facebook for more heart healthy tips!

 

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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5 Healthy Ways to Lose Weight Over Winter

5 Healthy Ways to Lose Weight Over Winter from PGXIf the winter marks the time of year where you’re more likely to stay indoors and drink hot chocolate by the fire rather than exercise, it might be time to learn to love snowshoeing, overhaul your diet, and borrow a dog. Read on for 5 healthy ways to lose weight over winter.

1. Make Exercise Fun!

Many of us find it difficult to exercise for exercise’s sake, meaning that over the cooler months we pack on the pounds, lose some of our fitness, and feel more sluggish and unhealthy.

Rather than concentrating on what the weighing scale says, focus on having fun and staying active and soon you’ll stop seeing your skis as a guilt-trip and start seeing them as your passport to fun! All it takes is a little change of mindset, so to avoid unhealthy weight gain and stay healthy and fit over winter, how about:

  • Exercising to socialise! Start a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing club with friends old and new!
  • Finding out of the way hot-springs that you have to hike into – the perfect reward for your efforts!
  • Getting the right equipment – if you have gear that’s a pain to use, you won’t use it, so invest in your success!
  • Signing up as a volunteer dog-walker at your local shelter – or taking your friends’ pups on hikes if you can’t commit full-time to an animal companion
  • Checking out your local community centre for badminton, tennis, squash, swimming or indoor volleyball opportunities – you’ll be in great shape for beach volleyball!

Of course, it’s not all about exercise, especially as it can be tempting to indulge in warming comfort foods in winter. Pies, puddings, and other hearty fare typically contain an excess of calories from simple carbohydrates and fats and, added to the excess alcohol and treats that you’re likely to consume over the festive period, this can see you starting out the new year with a few more pounds than you might like.

2. Try Plant Proteins

One great way to stay in shape over winter is to try plant proteins. Vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes and seeds are all great sources of protein and, unlike meat and dairy, plant proteins are accompanied by fibre, phytonutrients and healthy fats, in addition to essential vitamins and minerals.

Some great choices include:

  • Quinoa – 8g of protein per cup, excellent added to salads and baked goods
  • Buckwheat – 6g of protein per cup, a great substitute for regular flour
  • Hempseed – 10g of protein per 2 tbsps, great for salads, yoghurts, cookies, and smoothies
  • Chia seed – 4g of protein per 2 tbsps, add to salads, smoothies and desserts
  • Rice and beans – 7g of protein per cup
  • Spirulina – 4g of protein per tbsp, add to smoothies and energy bars

3. Know Your Nuts

Many weight-loss articles say to eat nuts as a health snack, but there are so many types of nut available and they can have wildly different calorie counts.

For example, 200 calories equals:

  • 8 walnuts
  • 10 macadamia nuts
  • 10 pecans
  • 22 cashews
  • 22 peanuts
  • 29 almonds
  • 62 pistachios

So, when you’re snacking on nuts, mix it up so you get a good intake of nutrients from a variety of nuts, but don’t go overboard on calories.

4. Substitute High Calorie for Low Calorie, Nutrient Dense Foods

Cutting calories can quickly lead to a cut in essential nutrients, so it pays to learn some handy substitutions that mean you’re still getting the vitamins and minerals you need but without the surplus energy.

Some great nutritious replacements to consider include:

  • Cacao nibs for chocolate chips
  • Chia seeds for butter in baking – 2-3 tbsps chia soaked in a cup of water for 15 mins can replace a cup of butter
  • Mashed banana (1 cup) for a cup of oil or butter
  • 1 cup pureed avocado for 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce for 1 cup sugar (ideal for oatmeal cookies, just reduce the rest of the liquid by about a 1/4 cup)

5. Increase Fibre and Water Intake

Our wintertime food cravings are often the result of dehydration as many of us forget to drink enough water over the cooler months. Staying hydrated with herbal teas, mulled apple juice (in moderation), and warm water with lemon slices can help take the edge off hunger as well as help keep metabolism working nicely.

Along with drinking enough water, a good intake of fibre can also help combat food cravings. To help you feel full while cutting calories increase your fibre intake by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, pulses, legumes, and whole grains. You can also add PGX to your morning oatmeal or cereal, as well as in soups and stews, or simply mix it with a glass of water or juice and you’ll get that same satisfied feeling of fullness but with significantly fewer calories.

*Remember to 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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8 Steps to Weight Loss

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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.

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5 Weight Loss Tips for Your New Year’s Resolution

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Does your New Year’s resolution involve losing a couple kilos, shrinking a few centimeters, or dropping a pant size? If so, you’re not alone. There are countless health benefits to losing excess body weight, but this resolution extends far beyond the New Year. Successful weight loss means losing it permanently.

Try these five tips to make 2015 the beginning of your thinner, healthier life.

  1. Slow and steady. If you want the weight to stay off, do not rush. People who lose weight slowly are more likely to keep it off.[1]
  2. Prioritize sleep. While this could be a resolution in its own, getting a good night sleep is a key part of maintaining a healthy weight.
  3. Keep active. On top of your scheduled workout, integrate physical activity into daily tasks. Walk your kids to school, take the stairs, or bike to the store.
  4. Eat! Weight loss does not equal hunger. Fill your plate with nourishing plant-based foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, but low in calories. Load up on fresh greens, mushrooms, berries, and tomatoes.
  5. Fibre, fibre, fibre! People who eat more fibre have lower body weight.[2] This is because fibre-rich foods are satisfying and filling. They help keep blood sugar steady and cravings curbed. Boost your intake of beans, seeds, and whole grains, or add PGX granules to your meals.*

What’s your weight loss tip?

 

*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®

 

References:

[1] Heart & Stroke Foundation. “Canadians Trapped on Weight-Loss Rollercoaster.” Heart & Stroke Foundation. 2014. Web. 28 December 2014.

[2] Korczak, Renee and Joanne L. Slavin. “Effects of Dietary Fiber on Body Mass Index: A Systematic Review of Cross-Sectional Studies, Prospective Cohort Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials.” The FASEB Journal 27 (2013): 1079.3. Print.

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Riding the Blood Sugar Roller Coaster

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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.

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FAQ: How does PGX control cravings?

Many people who struggle with weight loss and weight management experience food cravings that drives them to snack, even when they’re not necessarily hungry. In order to understand how to control our cravings, it’s important to also understand why we experience them in the first place.

Cravings are a direct result of a blood sugar imbalance within your body. Meaning that when your blood sugar is out of balance, you end up craving foods, such as sugar. This imbalance is something that PGX can help you with.

How Does PGX Help Balance Blood Sugar Levels?

PGX controls the release of sugars into the bloodstream. As a result, PGX helps slow down digestion, which in turn creates a feeling of satiation. You will be left feel satisfied and experience fewer cravings. Many PGX’ers have even said that they’re cravings have disappeared entirely after taking PGX!

Discover more answers to our most popular FAQs.

 

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The PGX Center’s DEXA Machine

Take advantage of our DEXA scanner and discover your body composition.

One of the cool things about our new PGX Program Center is the DEXA scanner. It looks a bit like a tanning bed but it is actually a unique kind of X-ray machine.

DEXA Scanner

DEXA is an abbreviation for “dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.” This piece of equipment provides one of the most accurate measurements of body composition available, registering the distribution of fat and lean muscle throughout the body. A DEXA scan sends low-energy X-rays from two different sources through the body, which is about as much energy as an airport body scanner. The person lies face-up on the machine and the scanning device makes several passes over the body. It takes about 6 minutes for the scan, with the whole process taking about 15 minutes. Information from the scan is sent to a computer where calculations are done to provide a detailed score and illustrated printout that helps the nutrition and fitness experts at the PGX Center advise that individual on an appropriate program for weight management, fitness, and lifestyle changes.

 

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The PGX Program: Roadmap Diet

Sign up for The PGX Program and discover if the Roadmap Diet is for you.

PGX Roadmap Diet

If you are someone who needs a roadmap to better health, the Roadmap Diet Plan is a safe, highly effective, and clinically proven way to lose weight. It’s easy to follow because it’s a structured meal plan. Discover how to get started below!

What is the PGX Roadmap Diet?

In its simplest form, the PGX Roadmap Diet consists of the following:

  1. Two PGX Meal Replacement Shakes per Day: Take a full serving of the PGX Meal Replacement Shake twice per day, in place of two meals such as breakfast and dinner, or breakfast and lunch. Alternatively, you can take PGX Granules, Capsules or SatisFast shakes with a meal in place of the PGX Meal Replacement Shakes, but be sure to slowly increase your PGX intake from 2.5 up to 5 grams per meal.
  2. Two or Three 100-150 Calorie Snacks: Have two small snacks with a source of protein and fibre between meals. To make it easier and to stave off hunger, mix up a PGX SatisFast shake as a snack. Only have an after dinner snack if absolutely necessary.
  3. A Healthy, Balanced Meal with 2.5 – 5 grams of PGX: A portion-controlled, healthy and balanced meal for lunch or dinner with 2.5 to 5 grams of PGX. The easiest way to get this additional PGX is with the PGX Granules or Capsules.

Try to include as many whole foods in their most natural state and really limit processed or manufactured industry foods. If you don’t know how to cook, your cooking skills are poor, or just don’t have time to cook, refer to The PGX Program Booklet 10 Lazy Person’s Guide to Food Planning and Preparation, which you can download when you sign up for The PGX Program!

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The New Home of PGX

Don’t miss the Grand Opening of the brand new PGX Center!

PGX’ers, we’re more than excited to tell you about the opening of our brand new PGX Center, a place that you can call home.

PGX Center - Grand Opening

Join us for the Grand Opening in Coquitlam, BC, happening this Friday and Saturday, and check out what the new Center has to offer. Plus, if you drop by this Friday, you just might run into Dawn Chubai from Breakfast Television! We’ll also be giving away a small gift pack of product to those who stop by. Learn more about what the PGX Center is all about below.

What is the PGX Center?

The PGX Center is a place where you can go for support with your weight loss journey. More than just a place to workout, although you’re welcome to utilize our exercise rooms whenever you visit, the PGX Center is a place where you can talk to our expert staff, learn how to use PGX and come together as a community of PGX’ers on the journey to lifelong health.

Every part of the PGX program at the PGX Center is free, with the exception of the DEXA scan, a scan which measures body composition, body fat percent and bone density, and PGX products, which will be available for purchase.

Services Available at the PGX Center

  • Diet plans and booklets
  • Resources on how to control appetite, reduce cravings and effectively use the PGX Program
  • Consultations with our expert staff

Amenities Available at the PGX Center

  • Exercise rooms
  • Showers
  • A kitchen for experimenting with PGX recipes
  • A commissary store where you can learn more about PGX and purchase PGX products

Location of the PGX Center

We look forward to seeing you!

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PGX Daily Singles

A spotlight on one of our most popular PGX products.

What are PGX Daily Singles?

PGX Daily Singles are unflavoured granules that mix easily and dissolve into foods and beverages.

How do you use PGX Daily Singles?

Simply sprinkle on cereal, soups, yogurt or salads without affecting the flavour or just add it to water for a convenient way to control your appetite. PGX granules will change the consistency of your food or beverage, becoming thicker the longer you wait prior to consuming, therefore, it is important to sprinkle your PGX onto your food or beverage immediately before consuming; don’t wait too long if you would like the consistency to remain unchanged.

PGX requires additional water to provide its full range of benefits, so it is important to always drink plenty of water when using any PGX product.

Health Benefits of PGX Daily Singles

  • Helps to normalize blood sugar levels    
  • Lowers the glycemic index of meals    
  • Supports healthy weight loss   
  • Reduces food cravings  

Pros of Choosing PGX Daily Singles

  • Granules are flavour-free
  • Easily mixed into your food and added to your regular diet
  • Discreet and convenient packages that you can carry on the go

Discover where you can find PGX Daily Singles in store.

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