Food Archives

3 Easy High-Energy Snacks

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 21 January 2016

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 fiber, 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 fiber to help maintain blood sugar levels already in the normal range. Team the fruit with a good source of protein and fat – like your favorite 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 favorite 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.

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6 Healthy Ways to Add Protein to Your Diet

Written by Darcy Smith - Posted on 13 January 2016

When you think about what your body needs as fuel for physical activity, protein is probably something that comes to mind. This macronutrient is a component of every cell in your body, especially muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood, and you need it to build and repair tissue. Proteins are also vital for the multitude of enzymes, hormones, and other compounds that help your body function.

Your body can make some proteins but others must be obtained from your diet, and because we don’t store protein the way we do fats and carbohydrates, it’s important to put protein on our plate at every meal. It might even be vital to your weight loss goals. Protein can help curb hunger and cravings, fuel fat burning, promote muscle growth, and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Try these 6 delicious and nutritious ways to add protein to your diet:

1. Hempseeds

With 9 grams of protein in just 2 tbsp, hempseeds are a hearty protein boost that can be sprinkled on pretty much anything, like your morning fruit and yogurt, your lunch hour salad, or your dinner time veggie rice bowls.

2. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a quick, easy, and delicious way to add protein to your day.
It offers about 7 grams of protein in 2 tbsp – just make sure you seek out natural peanut butters without added salt, sugar, or oils. Try it on whole grain toast in the mornings, in smoothies, or with celery for a protein-packed snack.

3. Eggs

These little nutrition bombs contain a complete complement of the essential amino acids that the body uses to build proteins – as well as a host of other important nutrients, from B vitamins to brain-boosting choline. Scramble them in the morning, boil them for an on-the-go-snack, or bake them into healthy treats.

4. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds contain about 4 grams of protein in 2 tbsp of seeds, along with a hearty dose of fiber and healthy omega-3 fats. Chia seeds are more versatile than hempseeds – you can make a delicious pudding simply by soaking them in almond milk for a few minutes.

5. Green Peas

Surprised that these dinner plate regulars are a great source of protein? 1 cup contains 7.9 grams! Sure, you could have them as one of the standard “meat and two veg”, but peas also make a tasty addition to quinoa salad, omelettes, and – if you get them fresh – salads.

6. Protein Smoothies

Power up with protein drinks such as PGX® Satisfast. Each serving has 20 g of vegan protein to help keep you feeling satisfied between meals. You can add PGX to smoothies for a quick and delicious boost.

While there are different takes on how much protein you need every day, a good rule of thumb to follow is to have 20-30% of your daily intake of calories come from protein. That means if you consume 1800 calories a day, you’re looking at about 90 g of protein daily – plenty of opportunity to incorporate tasty, healthy proteins into your diet! Check out the PGX recipe page for a little protein inspiration!

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5 Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Written by Patience Lister - Posted on 21 December 2015

5 Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast can fuel your morning, recharge your blood sugar, and help to prevent the mid-morning slump. Studies show that people who eat a healthy breakfast have an easier time managing their weight. However, it’s often hard to think of healthy ideas in the midst of your morning rush. Keep this list handy for five breakfast options that will give your day a healthy kick-start!

1. High Protein Smoothie

With the right ingredients, smoothies make a healthy and filling breakfast that are convenient to eat on the go. Give this smoothie recipe a try one morning for a delicious breakfast drink complete with protein, healthy fat, and fiber.

2. Apple With Cottage Cheese and Walnuts

Combining a fresh, crisp apple with creamy, protein-rich cottage cheese makes an ideal sweet and savory breakfast. Sprinkle on a tablespoon of walnuts for added fiber and the omega-3 fatty acid ALA.

3. Steel Cut Oats With Berries

If you exercise in the morning, steel cut oats make a fantastic pre-workout fuel. Their low glycemic index, along with the healthy balance of carbohydrates and protein, provides a long-lasting source of energy. To boost the fiber content, sprinkle on *SlimStyles® PGX Granules.

4. Protein Pancakes

Swapping out high-flour pancakes for those made with lentils, additional egg whites, or Greek yogurt will rev-up the protein content, and help stave off hunger during a busy morning.

5. Avocado Egg White Wrap

Healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and fiber; A satisfying breakfast that’s as simple as wrapping sliced avocado and a cooked egg white in a corn tortilla or low carb cabbage leaf.

*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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Eating For Your Body Type

Written by Patience Lister - Posted on 24 November 2015

Eating For Your Body Type

There’s no “one size fits all” body, so why follow a “one size fits all” diet? This is the notion behind eating for your body type. It’s an age old concept, practiced through Ayurveda, classical Chinese medicine, and various Western systems.

An important principle in eating for your body type is that your diet and metabolism affect where your body stores extra fat [1] [2]. Below we break down the four most common body shapes, along with the foods that are best suited for each.

1. Apple Shape

Features: Excess abdominal fat with slim arms and legs.

Top foods: Lean proteins and dark leafy greens
Don’t forget: Good fats from coconut oil, nuts, avocados, and eggs
Cut back on: Starchy foods and refined carbs
Smart tip: Keep blood sugar levels already within the normal range steady and cravings curbed

2. Pear Shape

Features: Heavy hips and thighs with a thin upper body.

Top foods: High fiber fruits and vegetables with whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, and rice
Don’t forget: Small portions of lean protein and good fats
Cut back on: Dairy fats, soy, non-organic fruits and vegetables
Smart tip: Avoid foods that may contain pesticides and growth hormones

Inverted Pyramid Shape

Features: Muscular upper body with excess chest and back fat.

Top foods: Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fresh vegetables and fiber rich fruit
Don’t forget: Low fat dairy
Cut back on: Dairy fats, meat, salt
Smart tip: Avoid the afternoon energy slump

Rectangle Shape

Features: Even fat distribution from head to toe.

Top foods: Raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and spices
Don’t forget: Small servings of lean protein
Cut back on: Animal fats and refined carbohydrates
Smart tip: Eat plenty of fiber

No matter what your body type is, you’re sure to benefit from the soluble fiber and 20 g of lean protein in each serving of *PGX Vegan Protein.

*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] Mitchell, T. The Belly Burn Plan. Ontario: Harlequin, 2015. Print

[2] Abravanel, E. and Elizabeth King. Dr. Abravanel’s Body Type Diet and Lifetime Nutrition Plan. Bantam Books, 1999. Print.

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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 fiber 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

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 favorite 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.

Favorite 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 color. 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 fiber. 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 flavor 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 favorite fall juice combos to share? We’d love to hear from you over on Facebook and Twitter!

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Cholesterol and Fiber

Written by Leigh Matthews - Posted on 19 October 2015

Cholesterol and Fiber

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 deciliter 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

Fiber and Cholesterol

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

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

Fiber and Plant-Based Proteins

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

Considering that meat and cheese contain no fiber, but do contain saturated fat, switching to plant-based sources of protein seems pretty wise all-round. Take a look at the fiber figures per half cup of the following foods and it’s easy to see how quickly you can achieve the recommended fiber 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 fiber, 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 fiber. 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 fiber intake if you’re a woman! Have a three-bean quinoa salad for lunch and you’re easily topping 40 g of fiber.

Fiber Supplements

Of course, there are days where it may be a struggle to eat well, which is where functional fiber 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 fiber.*

*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.

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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.

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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 colored 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 flavor – 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.

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Foods That are Great for Your Metabolism

Written by Patience Lister - Posted on 1 October 2015

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 Fiber Foods

Fiber is great for your metabolism on multiple levels. Soluble fiber, 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 fiber, 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’re 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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