Pilates Platinum Asks: Do you know how much sugar you’re really eating?

Recommended daily intake of “added sugars” is 6 teaspoons for women, and 9 teaspoons for men.

Guess what the American average is? 22 teaspoons a day! That’s over 355 calories a day in added sugars alone. That adds up to about 150 pounds of added sugar a year- per person! Too much sugar can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, heart disease, premature aging, poor memory, weaker hones, acne, depression and belly fat. And that’s just the short list!

We know some obvious ways to balance sugar intake: eat healthy, exercise to burn excess calories, consume sweets in moderation, eliminate sodas and stay away from processed foods and GMO products. What could be the most important piece of advice is to pay attention to the ingredients and nutritional labels on foods so that you’re aware of what exactly you’re putting into your body.

Sadly you’re mistaken if you think you can watch sugar levels by simply staying away from labels marked with a high sugar count. Unfortunately there are more than 200 types of added sugars used in processed foods (and don’t forget beverages)! These added sugars that are used in 80% of products on shelves at the market are disguised with alternate names. And added sugars hide in everything- even bread.

You might recognize some of the most commonly used sweeteners like corn syrup, cane sugar, or high-fructose corn syrup. But did you know there are over 46 names for added sugars used in processed foods? You’re probably consuming extra added sugars without knowing what these ingredients really are.

Learn about the many forms of added sugars in this list below, compiled by Appetite for Health. Pilates Platinum wants to keep our members (and blog readers!) as informed, healthy, and sugar-free as possible. It’s also a great cheat sheet to pack in your wallet for reference when shopping. It’s better to be safe and healthy than feed into the nation’s addiction to sugar.

Stay away from these ingredients with deceiving names and keep your levels in check. Remember, the recommended daily intake is only 6 teaspoons for women (9 for men) a day!

Pilates Platinum on Getting a Good Night's Rest

Sometimes it takes longer to fall asleep than we plan for. We finally hit the sack and that’s when our mind starts racing. But getting enough ZZZzzz’s is such an important part of a healthy lifestyle! It’s not always easy to catch some rest, but luckily we’ve found some ways to help ease you into dreamland.

*Make sure you calm down before you lay down- 

that means no work emails.

The last thing you want to worry about is tomorrow’s list of To Do’s. Refrain from reading work emails in the hours leading up to bedtime to avoid stress and maintain a healthy work/life balance.

*Put down that iPhone/iPad/video game controller.

You eyes and ears, and not to mention your mind, are constantly stimulated by pings and beeps and flashing lights on electronic devices. When you’re ready to hit the sack, turn off your sounds, stop texting and playing online games so that your senses wind down as your day does.

*Sex = endorphins = sleep.

Yes, sex helps you get to sleep! The endorphins released during sex tend to help most people fall asleep faster. The hormone prolactin, which is released after an orgasm, is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. Sleep with your loved one to improve your sleep.

*Step into some fiction before you slip into dreams.

Studies show that slipping into a good fiction book helps settle your mind before resting. But if you’re reading on a tablet, it’s a good idead to slap on a SleepShield screen cover so that the glow from the screen doesn’t destroy your sleepy state of mind.

You don’t have to count sheep anymore.

 Try Pilates Platinum’s sleep aids above and balance your workouts with plenty of rest.

To Eat, Or Not To Eat?

To eat or not to eat…that is the question! Or rather, that’s the question Heather asked ActivewearUSA Magazine readers this month in her featured article, "Am I Really Hungry?"

We’ve* been lucky to have Heather on-hand to dish out fitness advice on the regular---how many members took advantage of the complimentary fitness consultations she's offered in the past, or heard her speak on panels at the various charity events she’s hosted?

(*Everyone at Pilates Platinum, including all of our members from all 4 studios!)

If you’ve been missing out, fear not!! 

Thanks to the growing popularity of fitness and wellness websites and blogs, (Yay pilatesplatinum.blogspot.com!!) trainer tips and tricks, and health and wellness advice from Heather and fitness ambassadors all over the country, are available for everyone at just a click of a button.

Click on over to Activewear USA and enjoy their latest and greatest article called, “Am I Really Hungry?”

Heather shares, “Knowing about how our body works will help up make the right decision when it comes to what and how much to eat before and after workouts.”

Everyone is unique. Every body is different.

Learn what your “magic number” is, and stay on track!

Figure Eight Beach Side Workout with Heather Dorak for fabfitfun!

In our eyes, summer wouldn’t be complete without a few beach side workouts. Thankfully, Pilates Platinum owner Heather Dorak has got us covered with a custom Pilates Challenge featured on fabfitfun!

Fabfitfun is exactly what it sounds like—a website full of fabulous articles on wellness, entertainment, and style. As a contributing Ambassador for the fabfitfun network, Heather provides readers with at home workout ideas and helpful tips to support a healthy lifestyle.

The best part is that you can do the workouts at home without any fancy equipment. Take this week’s article for example, which has you laying on your back burning your inner thighs with the help of a Magic Circle, aka a Pilates ring. But if you don’t have a ring, Heather explains that the exercises can easily be done with a ball or towel, (or even a stuffed animal) between your legs!

Check out Heather’s 

Figure Eight Hip Circle Workout 

for fabfitfun HERE!

 

Want more? 

Enjoy the below articles featuring Heather and Pilates Platinum also found on fabfitfun:

Pilates Guru Heather Dorak

Fit Tip Friday for Pilates Reformer Class