SubscribeSugar Shock: Author Discussion
Greetings, Diet-Blog readers,
I'm thrilled that Jim was kind enough to let me join you here for my blog tour. So allow me to introduce myself. My name is Connie, and I'm a former sugar addict and author of SUGAR SHOCK!, which was recently published by Berkley Books (and is available online and at bookstores everywhere).
Nowadays, my goal is to dish the sour scoop and sweets and offer some tried-and-true tips to help you break free, too. What made me so keen to give you the full facts about sugar?
Well, my interest in sugar's nightmarish effects began because back in 1998, I was besieged by many seemingly unrelated ailments -- mood swings, heart palpitations, intense sugar cravings, ferocious headaches, brain fog, severe PMS, frequent hunger pains, etc.
Although I wasn't overweight (other than the 5 pounds I wanted to lose), I was horribly hooked on candies -- red licorice, hard candies, and chocolate. And, as I now laughingly reveal, my boyfriend had the sense to send me packing. ...Finally, I found a savvy doctor, who, as I recount in Chapter 1, told me to quit eating all those "culprit carbs" (my phrase for them). Not something I wanted to hear at the time. Suffice it to say that I was reluctant Sugar Kicker!
Fast forward nearly 9 years, and I'm here to make a difference in your life. Seriously.
So, obviously you're here at this Diet-Blog because you want to get rid of those excess pounds. Well, for starters, let me ask you this: Do any of those symptoms I rattled off ring a bell for you? Are you, also agonized by mystifying ailments -- like wanting sugar or simple carbs NOW?
Connie, thanks for coming on here.
When you say "hooked on candies" -- just how much refined sugar would you be downing in a day? And was it just candies etc that were the issue or was your diet also heavily loaded with refined flour products?
Hypoglycemia was the issue that sparked off my whole interest in nutrition -- but I was never a huge sweet eater - the issue was the abundance of white breads and buns and muffins etc.
ReplyHi Connie,
Thanks for stopping here. I'll be checking back as much as possible during the day to read what you say.
I've had all those symptoms for years and really thought it was just life. In Dec. 2005 during a marathon I had a major sugar reaction (my term) and thought I was going to die. I ended up finishing the marathon but only by continually drinking coke. A visit to the Dr. informed me I have hypoglycemia.
Since then I've been trying to break my sugar addiction and doing fairly well. But every so often, like last night, I just can't fight it and I have to have sugar - lots of it. Worse that usually sets off a week long eating binge that I have zero control over.
At this point I don't have any specific question but I am very eager to hear what you have to say and I will be making a trip to the bookstore this weekend to get your book.
Thanks,
ReplyFlorence
I've read that Chromium taken as a suppliment can help control sugar cravings. Due you have any experience with that?
ReplyWell, actually I personally don't have any of those symptoms but I know people who do including my best friend.
He also finds that when he eats vegetarian or mostly vegetarian for a while, the cravings for sweets go away.
This is very interesting, thank you! I'll be checking back again.
PS. Sorry, this is a silly question, but did your boyfriend really dump you because you ate too much candy?!
ReplyHi Connie,
I just want to say that I read your book a few weeks ago and I truly found it informative and engaging. I couldn't believe how much information you presented backed by some of the most respected doctors and researchers on the subject. I am on my 2nd week of cutting out refined sugars and I have to say I feel a whole lot better than I did before. It's definitely a great way to start out the new year! Thank you!
ReplyHaving cut out most refined sugars due to the side effects you mention, I have to say that my sensitivity to sugar extends to most fruits (apples and bananas are the worst) and some vegetables (like tomatoes) as well. After nearly three years of low/no refined sugar consumption, I don't even want it now.
My best friend takes chromium to control sugar cravings, but I had a horrible experience with it when I accidentally took more than the recommended dose. (I ended up having to see a neurologist and have an MRI to make sure I hadn't inadvertently done some serious, permanent damage as a result.)
ReplyI had no choice but to give up sugar, as well as all refined carbs, when I was diagnosed with diabetes right after my Thanksgiving binge. I'm the first in my family to have it. I had to completely change my diet and I now exercise. I never really tasted food before. Now I do, and the thought of candy sounds sickening sweet to me. I've dropped 17 pounds in the past 2 months and I never felt better. My moods have stabilized along with my blood sugar. I'm not worried about sugar cravings because I never felt this good while eating it!
ReplyJim, that's so interesting that hypoglycemia is what sparked your interest in nutrition! Me too! What do I mean by "hooked on candies"? Well, bear in mind that was nearly 9 years ago so my memory might be sort of hazy, plus it's probably "sugar clouded" in a big way, too! LOL! Basically, I would have maybe 20 hard candies in any given day. (Bear in mind that they were low calorie! What was I thinking? That since they were low calorie, they were OK?) I also was into red licorice in a big way. (Maybe 5 to 10 pieces on a different day when I wouldn't have the hard candies. Again not all that terribly high in calories but high in sugar!) Or I'd make a chocolate run to my favorite chocolate store (whose name we won't mention) and nosh on some chocolate sticks or pieces of caramel! So I would devote (easily) several hundred calories to foods that had zip in nutrition value!) Yes, I was into refined-flour foods, too, particularly crackers (which I later learned also contained a lot of sugar). You see, you really can take in only 1,500 calories but have 1/3, 2/3 of it coming from junk food! Our poor bodies!
Connie, Author, SUGAR SHOCK!
Replywww.SugarShockBlog.com
Oh wow, Florence, you're like so many of us (millions!) out there! It's just so tragic that you had to suffer symptoms for years! I'm curious when your doctor told you that you had hypoglycemia, what did he or she tell you to eat? Did your M.D. advise you to cut out sweets and simple carbs?
...Hurrah to you for doing well most of the time. So sorry to hear about last night. What do you think set you off? Were you tired, angry, lonely, depressed, sad, frustrated, bored, etc? Doing something that I call "Sugary Soul Searching" really can help in a case like this.
While I feel bad for you for your sugar spree, why don't you take it and use it for your better good? Try to learn from it.
Also, what can you do now to prevent a week-long eeating binge? Can you plan some other fun activities instead? Glad you're gonna purchase my book SUGAR SHOCK! -- FYI, there are a bunch of tips on the back -- it's part of a whole self-help section.
You take care. Do something really nice for yourself today. And show yourself some compassion and kindness.
Connie, Author, SUGAR SHOCK!
Replywww.SugarShock.com
Hi, Dr. J,
Good to hear from you. Does this mean you're a doctor? Cool if you are! (OK if you're not!) If you are, can you let us know and tell us your views on the connection between sugar consumption and developing hypoglycemia?
To answer your question, yes, when I was kicking sugar back in 1998, my doctor put me on chromium, which helped with my sugar cravings.
And then, while I was working on my book SUGAR SHOCK!, experts kept mentioning chromium as helpful (in amino acid chelate form) as helpful to alleviate sugar cravings. Of course, the FDA hasn't evaluated any of this and you need to see your doctor and this isn't medical advice.
FYI, one expert (sharp nutritionist Dr. Shari Lieberman) told me that 80 percent of the population is deficient in chromium, which you need for insulin production and the uptake of glucose into the cells. It also can help your blood lipids.
By the way, there's been some fascinating chromium research conducted by psychiatrists at the University of North Carolina -- Dr. Robert Golden and Dr. Malcolm McLeod.
These doctors found that giving depressed, carb-craving patients chromium supplements improved both their glucose tolerance and their moods. Dr. McLeod --who even wrote a book called "Lifting Depression: The Chromium Connection" -- found that chromium picolinate could have a dramatic impact on normalizing appetite and reducing carb cravings.
Of course, I'd rather have you spend more time on my blog (LOL!!!) -- it's www.SugarShockBlog.com -- but Dr. McLeod (who I mention in my book SUGAR SHOCK!) has a blog himself. It's pretty interesting -- it's just devoted to chromium talk -- the URL is www.chromiumconnection.com/blog/index.asp
(If you visit Dr. McLeod's blog, tell him Connie, the SUGAR SHOCK! author, sent you!)
Remember, tell us if you're a doctor. Also, what have you read about chromium? I'm always eager to learn more!
Connie, Author, SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books)
Replywww.SugarShockBlog.com
Good to hear from you, Nic. Fascinating that your best friend has hypoglycemia symptoms. What are some of his ailments? ...Yeah, it's pretty cool that the symptoms do go away! I'm wondering if your friend careful not to eat too many of those low-caliber carbs and to get ample protein since he keeps vegetarian?
As for your "silly question," actually I've come a long, long way, baby!!!! LOL!! The fact is: Your question cracked me up! I found it incredibly funny that you asked, "Sorry, this is a silly question, but did your boyfriend really dump you because you ate too much candy?!"
So here's the embarrassing, mortifying scoop about Connie on Sugar -- well the Connie of 1998, that is: When I ate a lot of sugar, which I did back in 1998 and before, it affected me in some ways that, shall we say, weren't exactly nurturing of a relationship!! In other words, I became what I now laughingly refer to as a "Sugar Shrew!"
So yes, as a result of my strange, sugar-induced behavior, my boyfriend bid me bye-bye! Sad, isn't it that when I ate sweets I became unsweet?! (Either that or it's incredibly funny! Did you see my cartoons on my website www.SugarShock.com in which I poke fun of my hooked-on-sugar behabior?
Also, you might really enjoy Chapter 1 of SUGAR SHOCK! in which I share my sugar skeletons!
Let me tell you: I thought long and hard about whether or not I wanted to reveal to the world that my over-the-top sugar habit made me moody, crybabyish, and irrational.
But you know what, I'm not alone! You won't believe how many people have contacted me since buying my book SUGAR SHOCK! and saying to me: "Oh my goodness, Connie, you're telling MY story!!" Anyhow, that's my scary sugar story! LOL!
Connie, Author, SUGAR SHOCK!
Replywww.SugarShockBlog.com
Hey Kyle,
Gee, thanks for your kind words about my book SUGAR SHOCK! I love hearing from readers! And I'm so glad to hear that my book helped you and that you're feeling "a whole lot better." That's so heartwarming to hear! It makes all my hard work worthwhile to hear stories like yours!!!
Do let us know what happens and stay in touch! I always love success stories like yours!
By the way, which part of my book SUGAR SHOCK! did you find most helpful and motivating? Any particular chapters or sections you liked best?
Perhaps you'd like to join my free, online KickSugar group and tell members there your wonderful experiences?
Do you mind if I post your comments about my book on my blog (www.SugarShockBlog.com) and my website (www.SugarShock.com)?
And feel free to share your review elsewhere on the Internet, too!!!
Remember, Life is Sweeter Without Refined Sweets(TM).
Connie, Author, SUGAR SHOCK!
Replywww.SugarShockBlog.com
Former Fat Child,
Wow! What a story! Yeah, some people are sensitive to fruits. In particular, high glycemic fruits end to cause problems. Of course, we're all different so you just have to figure out what works best for you. ...Sorry to hear about your best friend and that incredible chromium tale. I've never heard anything like this.... I'm not sure how taking too much chromium which make you need to see a neurologist but maybe you're extra sensitive. Are you sure the chromium was what caused problems? What symptoms did you develop?
Connie, Author, SUGAR SHOCK!
Replywww.SugarShock.com
Hi Connie!
ReplyThank you for your reply! Yes I am a doctor, but I am a surgeon and as such, 'I do a lot but don't know anything!' I've been taking a Chromium Picolinate 200 suppliment daily for years without any known problems. I avoid excess sugar, salt and fat in my personal diet. I feel I eat high carb, but with the current diet trend, I guess I eat low carb as I never ate much of what is now considered bad carbs.:-) I'm afraid I can't comment with any real knowledge on hypoglycemia and sugar consumption.
Hi--
ReplyI know that sugar has caused problems for me in the past, but I never seem to have enough scientific support to justify skipping the chocolate, etc. Now, what about alcohol?
Thanks!
Information on Chromium Picolinate, Connie!
Replyhttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=62046
I am of average weight for a female who is 52 years old and a little extra adipose around my abdomen and hips. I crave chocolate or pastry after every meal or the meal is not complete. I can curb it somewhat if I carry with me a mix of raw almonds,raisins, dried cranberries raw pumkin and sunflower seeds. L-glycine or L-glutamine are amino acids helpful in reduction of sugar and carbs. Whole grains, nuts, chromium piclonate are helpful in healping those with hypoglycemic symptoms. Is Stevia including on the "bad sugars" list? Also Alpha Lipoic acid and cinnamon are instrumental in glucose control.
ReplyConnie - isn't what you're advocating basically another version of the low gi/south beach/zone diet? however, i totally agree - a super low sugar diet was how i got to my ideal weight -- and STAYED there!! :) i didn't even really think about how many simple carbs (granola bars, cereal, cookies, cookies, cookies) i was eating until i stopped and looked back! what a HUGE difference - i was at a normal weight before but i feel so much better now!!!
ReplyEverything is sugar-packed these days, even down on the so-called health foods.
But I have to warn you. Artificial sweeteners are just as bad as sugar. Sure you won't gain weight, but the disasterous health effects far outweigh the benefits of a calorie-free sweetener. Great alternatives would be honey, maple syrup, and stevia, which are the natural health-benefiting sweeteners that you should use. They cause cancer, it's cancer's food,
You can also have pancakes, waffles, and pizza, so long as they are whole grain. Whole grain pizzas provide you with the vitamin K-rich sauce, along with proteins in the crust, and the calcium in the cheese. Just don't overload on the cheese...too much will overload it with too much fat. You need some saturated fats, but too much will clog your arteries. We are talking sugar and refined carbs hers.
Furthermore, we discuss from bad-rap foods that are now good for you:
ICE CREAM
BAD RAP: Ice cream is loaded with calories and saturated fats
FACT: Ice cream is rich in protein, vitamins A and D, and Calcium. Some studies show that a cup of Ice Cream a week can cut the risk of osteoprosis by 10 percent.
However, don't go to the Ice Cream parlor every day and gorge. That will be harmful to you.
DARK CHOCOLATE
BAD RAP: Dark Chocolate is loaded with saturated fat and calories
FACT: Dark chocolate is extremely rich in antioxidants and latest research shows that dark chocolate can cancel the detrimental effects of the saturated fats on your arteries.
However, too much chocolates will put on pounds, so eat in moderation.
BUTTER
BAD RAP: Butter raises cholesterol and can cause heart disease
FACT: Butter is rich in vitamins and the fats help absorb the vitamins as you butter your bread and vegetables.
Too much butter, again, is unhealthy. But I urge people to use this instead of partially hydrogenated and interestrified oils. Remember, while a moderate amount of saturated fat is good for you, trans fats (except for Conjugated Lenoleic Acid) are bad for you in any amount, and the new interestrified fats are the worst, since not only they wreck your cholesterol and insulin sensibility, they raise blood sugar and blood pressure.
So the ruling is: everything in moderation.
ReplyThis is so true. People wonder why our nation is overweight and it is because the things we eat and how lazy we are. Our taste buds have changed as well as we what to eat things that are better tasting and sweetier than usual.
ReplyDr. J, I've taken 200mcg chromium on and off, and my diet is low in refined sugar but high in carb overall (55% carb on average). I find that my sugar cravings are reduced greatly when I am on it. That is my very unscientific experience.
ReplyThanks Jan! That is my experience also!
ReplyClaims of this study shows this and the latest research says that have NO validity without a reference to the study. If one feels that strongly about an opinion, they should provide a reference, otherwise, they may just be making it all up.
ReplySugar is the modern poision resposable for al manner of ills, keep up the good ork
ReplyChromium picolinate, like any supplement, carries risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9562138&dopt=Abstract
In my case, a single incident in which I accidentally took just 3x the recommended dose caused me to have symptoms that resembled a stroke to the extent that I sought immediate treatment. Follow-ups with a neurologist (and LOTS of testing) indicated that I hadn't had a stroke; the neurologist was convinced that
Replyit was most likely the toxic effects of the excessive chromium picolinate.
I decied to take sugar out of my daily diet and that was on 8-5-05 and that was the day I started weighing in on the scales. I weighted 250 and wore a size 24. I took sugar out.....Started wanting less food and felt so much better. I have more enegery now then what I had with the sugar in my system. Today as of 2-4-07.... I have lost 87 lbs. and 10 yes I said 10 dress sizes..... I use to love sugar. But now I love the new me more.
Reply'She had ingested chromium picolinate 1200-2400 microg/d for the previous 4-5 months to enhance weight loss. The patient had chromium plasma concentrations 2-3 times normal.'
ReplyThat's 10-20X the recommended dose. Thank you for the link!
Wow that is scary. I take 200 mcg chromium and even that is on and off, not non-stop.
I think the problem there is that people are buying it as a weight loss aid, and with anything sold as that, people tend to abuse it. They think "if one is good, twenty is better".
Dr. J, I'm now taking my chromium associated with garcinia cambodja, which is supposed to do the same thing. Have you taken that?
ReplyHi Jan!
ReplyNo, I have not taken garcinia cambodja(garcinia cambogia/HCA). As with most suppliments, I imagine you feel the same, they are a minor adjunct to an overall healthy lifestyle.
I am currently reading and finding out more about The Hibernation Diet which advocates eating honey before bedtime to lose weight. I realise that there is a need to differentiate between fructose and sucrose in the discussion of consuming sweet foods, and understand how to make use of such foods to keep blood sugar levels balanced and let your recovery hormones get on with burning fats.
ReplyRuth, look into 'sugar' at bedtime and it's depressant effects on growth hormone.
Reply