Hi Thermalist Members!
One of my research area is sugar consumption - or the sweet tooth. Many of us are aware of the harmful effects of excessive sugar intake on our health, and most people know that we should avoid giving in for the cravings. But there seem to be another problem, which is less in our control: The hidden sources of sugar lurking in our diet.
Actually we could consume up to 46 teaspoons of sugar daily without even realizing it. Today I want to dive into the details and uncover this together. My hopes with this information is to ultimately help you make healthier choices for yourself and your loved ones.
Become a Member and Get Access to all Articles
If you find my research and articles interesting, you’re welcome to join as a Member.
As a Member you get full access to all articles - monthly or yearly.
Access to archive.
Founding Members (new and old) Get the course - Thermalist Get Started (value 249 USD). Here you get answers on how to use cold water immersion and sauna in practice for better physical and mental health.
You can read all the benefits on becoming a Member HERE.
Gift a Membership to someone HERE.
Thermalist®Education- The future of cold & heat therapy for Spa & Fitness
Coaching other people in extreme environments (temperatures) requires a certain level of knowledge and tools to give the best costumer experience and to ensure safety. I have made this available in the Thermalist Education based on my dedicated research and practical knowledge in this area.
Get certified in this 5-star rated education.
It’s online video content. It’s bite-size, self-paced and easy to follow with clickable links. It’s much more than just an online education - it’s a network of continuous learning and sparring. We have a community of professionals and ongoing LIVE online refresher classes. Learn more in the link below.
Testimonials:
Why Should You Pay Attention to Added Sugars?
Before we get into the hidden sources of sugar, let's quickly go over why added sugars are a cause for concern. We all know that consuming too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, weight gain and increase our risk of developing chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, many people may not realize that added sugars—sugars added during food processing or preparation—are particularly harmful. These types of sugars provide empty calories with little to no nutritional value and can significantly affect our health in the long run.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake. A man's daily added sugar intake should be at most 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories). Women should consume no more than 6 tablespoons (25 grams or 100 calories) daily. But as you'll see, going over these limits is easy without even realizing it.
The Sneaky Source of Hidden Sugar
When we think of sources of sugar, the first things that may come to mind are sugary treats like candies, cookies, and sodas. However, many other foods and drinks contain hidden sugars. These sneaky sources can be found in everyday items such as condiments, sauces, cereal bars, and fruit juices.
Here are some common sources of hidden sugar to be aware of:
Breakfast Cereal
I always tell Felix and Elliot that this is “diabetes in a box”. My kids have not eaten “Frosties”, but they still love sugary müsli sometimes and I let them. I believe in educating our children is a better way to make them conscious about food products and for them to make their own healthy choices. Teaching our kids how to read labels, look for hidden sugars, will help them make these conscious choices.
Hidden sugars are everywhere in our food. When we eat it, we get addicted. This is how the food industry make us buy their products. Many popular breakfast cereals are loaded with added sugars, sometimes even surpassing the recommended daily intake in just one serving.