- Allulose
- Allulose is a ‘rare sugar’ found naturally in small amounts in fruits like figs, raisins, and jackfruit. It tastes like sugar but has 90–95% fewer calories, making it popular in low-carb, keto, and diabetic-friendly foods. Unlike most sugars, allulose passes through the body mostly unmetabolized, with little to no effect on blood glucose or insulin levels. However, some people experience digestive discomfort—such as bloating or loose stools—especially when consuming it in larger amounts. Although early studies suggest it may support metabolic health, long-term human research is still limited. Allulose is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) in the U.S., but it’s still under regulatory review in some countries. Caution is advised until more is known.
- Cold Diuresis (cold-induced diuresis, CID)
- Cold diuresis, also called cold-induced diuresis (CID), is an increase in urine production that occurs during exposure to cold. It is a well-established physiological response to cold exposure that can contribute to fluid loss and hypohydration. When the body is exposed to cold, blood vessels near the skin constrict to reduce heat loss. This shifts blood toward the body’s core and can increase central blood volume and blood pressure. The kidneys respond by increasing the excretion of water and, often, sodium, resulting in increased urine production. The exact mechanisms underlying cold-induced diuresis are still debated and may involve changes in renal blood flow, blood pressure, sodium handling and antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin). Cold-induced diuresis can occur before core body temperature falls, meaning that cold exposure itself can increase urine output. The magnitude of the response varies depending on factors such as the intensity and duration of cold exposure, hydration status, physical activity, posture and individual characteristics.
- Cortisol (stress hormone)
- Cortisol, aka the ‘stress hormone,’ is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and the immune response. This means cortisol is essential for managing your body’s response to stress and maintaining overall energy balance. During stressful situations, your body releases cortisol to provide the energy needed to handle the challenge. However, consistently high levels can lead to side effects such as weight gain, particularly around the belly, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Conversely, low cortisol levels may cause fatigue and other health issues. Understanding what cortisol is and its impact on your body can help you manage stress more effectively and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
- Erythritol (E968, sugar alcohol, fermented sugar substitute)
- Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener in many sugar-free and keto-friendly products. Found in fruits like grapes, pears, and melons, it’s typically made through the fermentation of corn or wheat starch using yeast. Erythritol tastes about 70% as sweet as sugar but contains zero net carbs and almost no calories (0.24 calories per gram). Unlike other sugar alcohols, erythritol doesn’t spike blood sugar or insulin levels, making it a popular choice for people with diabetes, low-carb diets, or weight loss goals. It’s also tooth-friendly and less likely to cause digestive upset compared to alternatives like maltitol or sorbitol.
- Maltitol
- Maltitol is a type of sugar alcohol (polyol) commonly used in ‘sugar-free’ products like chocolate, protein bars, and chewing gum. It offers about 70–90% of the sweetness of sugar with fewer calories—but it’s not calorie-free. While it has a lower glycemic impact than table sugar, maltitol can still raise blood sugar and insulin levels, especially in larger servings. It’s also known for causing digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly in sensitive individuals or when consumed in excess. Because of this, it’s often listed with a warning on labels. If you’re trying to reduce sugar or manage your blood sugar, be cautious with products containing maltitol.
- Megaformer
- The Megaformer is a patented, multi-functional fitness machine designed for the Lagree Method, a high-intensity, low-impact workout. Created by Sebastien Lagrée, it features a sliding carriage, adjustable resistance springs, and pulley-based straps to deliver full-body strength training, endurance, and core stabilization through slow, controlled movements. The Megaformer is sometimes described as a Pilates reformer on steroids and blends Pilates precision with intense strength training. There’s also a smaller version called a Mini-Megaformer.
- Mini-Megaformer
- The Mini-Megaformer™ is a compact, at-home version of the classic Megaformer machine, designed by Sebastien Lagrée for Lagree Method workouts in smaller spaces. It delivers the same high-intensity, low-impact training as its larger counterpart but with a streamlined design ideal for home studios, Pilates enthusiasts, and fitness professionals offering private sessions.
- Monk Fruit
- Monk fruit is a small green melon native to southern China. Its extract—called mogrosides—is up to 200 times sweeter than sugar and contains no calories or carbs. Monk fruit sweetener is popular in keto and low-sugar diets and is considered a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners. Unlike sugar alcohols, monk fruit extract doesn’t usually cause digestive upset. Quick facts: it is a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener; doesn’t raise blood sugar or insulin; is often blended with other sweeteners such as erythritol or allulose; and is considered safe for most people.
- Sorbitol
- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant (moisture-retainer) in sugar-free foods, toothpaste, and cosmetics. It occurs naturally in fruits like apples and pears but is usually manufactured from corn syrup. Sorbitol has a lower glycemic impact than sugar, but can cause digestive distress and may have a laxative effect even in moderate amounts. Quick facts: it is about 60% as sweet as sugar; is used in diet foods, cough syrups, and toothpaste; is known to cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea; and is often labeled as a ‘laxative’ in high doses.
- Sugar Alcohols
- Sugar alcohols are a type of low-calorie carbohydrate found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, but often manufactured for use in processed foods. Despite the name, sugar alcohols aren’t sugars or alcohols in the traditional sense. They’re used as sweeteners in many sugar-free and keto-friendly products because they provide sweetness with fewer calories. Common sugar alcohols include erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol. Quick facts: they are found in gum, candy, protein bars, and low-carb snacks; can cause bloating or digestive upset in some people; are not always ‘zero-calorie’—it depends on the type; and may affect blood sugar less than table sugar.
- The Lagree Method (Lagree Fitness)
- Lagree Fitness, aka the Lagree Method, is a high-intensity, low-impact workout developed by Sebastien Lagrée. Lagree is typically pronounced as ‘la-GREE’ (rhymes with ‘degree’). It’s also sometimes spelled Lagrée, like the founder’s name. It combines Pilates, strength training, and endurance exercises using a specialized machine called the Megaformer. The method focuses on slow, controlled movements with constant tension to build lean muscle, improve core strength, and boost endurance—all while being gentle on joints. Lagree Fitness is perfect for those seeking a challenging yet joint-friendly alternative to reformer Pilates or HIIT.
- Xylitol
- Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, and commercially made from birch wood or corn cobs. It’s widely used in sugar-free gum and dental products due to its ability to reduce cavity-causing bacteria. However, it can cause digestive issues in large amounts and is extremely toxic to dogs. Quick facts: it is roughly as sweet as sugar with fewer calories; is known for oral health benefits; can cause bloating or diarrhea; and is extremely dangerous if ingested by pets, especially dogs.