In the 1800's the average American consumed about 2 pounds of sugar a year. By 1970, we consumed around 123 pounds of sugar a year. Today, the average American consumes almost 152 pounds of sugar per year. If there are 126 cubes of sugar in one pound, that means the average American will consume approximately 19,152 cubes of sugar in one year. This is an alarming statistic when considering what excess sugar does to your body. In honor of National Nutrition Month, we will focus on the overconsumption of sugar and how it affects us. You will also find information on the Inner Dimension Yoga & Mindfulness Challenge, the recording of Lauren Eckstrom and Travis Eliot's presentation, a delicious recipe and more!

Too much sugar can reduce beneficial bacteria leading to a leaky gut syndrome. Not only does sugar reduce the good bacteria in our digestive system, but it feeds the bad bacteria. Our digestive system is responsible for breaking down the foods we eat and absorbs nutrients that support our body's functions — from energy production to hormone balance, skin health to mental health, and even toxin and waste elimination. If we consume high amounts of sugar, our digestive system will struggle to perform its duties that keeps our body's systems functioning.

Sugar is everywhere. Sometimes it feels like there is no escaping the added sugar, but rest assured that there are ways we can be more conscious about how much sugar we are consuming.

1. Eat more vegetables. Vegetables have very little sugar and help clean out the gut as they move through the digestion process.
2. Drink water. Water is not only vital for our bodies to function properly, but it contains no sugar. If you swap all your sugary beverages (soda, juice, energy drinks, etc.) with water, you will avoid a large amount of excess sugar.
3. Swap dessert. By switching out your sugary dessert with a delicious bowl of fruit. You will not only decrease the amount of sugar you're consuming but you will also be giving your body nutrients in addition to satisfying your sweet tooth!
4. Clean out the cupboards. When trying to avoid sugar, it can be hard to accomplish with your pantry filled with sugary, processed foods. Cleaning out your cupboards will help you avoid being tempted.

Sugar not only disguises itself with different names, but it is added to things you may not expect. Watch out for added sugar in

• Pasta Sauce
• Yogurt
• Granola Bars
• Instant Oatmeal
• Fruit Juice
• Canned Baked Beans
• Canned Soups
• Salad Dressings

For the month of March, challenge yourself to cut down on beverages and foods with added sugars. Avoid consuming sodas, juices, energy drinks, cakes, pies, etc. to give your body a sugar-break. When the sugar cravings are impossible to ignore, try a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.

Why a month? Sugar promotes more sugar cravings. It takes about three to four weeks for your brain and body to eliminate cravings for sweets, and begin craving healthier foods that satisfy more of your actual nutritional needs. Try it and let us know if you were able to reduce your sugar cravings!

Smola Consulting is hosting a 30-Day Inner Dimension Yoga & Mindfulness Challenge! Please email ginther@smolaconsulting.com if you would like to join the challenge.

Challenge Details:

• We have extended registration through March 6th!
• The challenge begins on Monday, February 28th, and ends on March 30th but will extend for later registrants to April 8th.
• You will have unlimited access to Inner Dimension TV for 30 days
• Below is the challenge calendar that you can submit to ginther@smolaconsulting.com prior to April 11th for prize eligibility (must complete 20 classes within 30 days to be eligible for prizes)

Challenge Tips & Tricks:

• Create a warm and welcoming space to practice
• If you don’t already have one, invest in a decent yoga mat
• Yoga blocks & a strap will help you with alignment and support and are suggested props for many Inner Dimension classes

Thank you to everyone who joined Smola Consulting's Wellness Speaker event on Thursday February 24th! Below is the recording from the event:

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Heart Health Quiz in the February Positive Pulse! The winner of the $25 Starbucks gift card is Phyllis Anderson. Please email Lexi at ginther@smolaconsulting.com to arrange gift card pick up/drop off.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to win in future newsletters!

Email: ginther@smolaconsulting.com
Website: www.smolaconsulting.com
Location: 1 South Washington Street, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 5857774080