Viewing Category: Tips, Tricks, Info & News

Toxic Truth About Sugar Video with Robert Lustig, MD

February 02, 2012 • Comments (0)

Dr. Robert Lustig talks about how sugar consumption is a huge problem and how it gets treated as “personal responsibility” instead of something bigger. Watch this video if you have trouble maintaining your weight, can’t stop eating sweets, and feel guilty because you think it’s all your fault.

Do you think that sugar is like alcohol and drugs? Is sugar the cigarettes of the future? Will we one day have our ID checked by the cashier if we want to buy a six pack of soda?

Posted on Feb 02, 2012 • Comments (0)

Do You Have Parameters?

January 31, 2012 • Comments (0)

Chocolate shop in Paris that sells in bulk by weight.

(Above is a photo of the sweet shop that I mentioned in Part 3 of my self indulgent post about eating sweets in Paris, France.)

Sweetaholics often state that they wish that they could simply get their sugar consumption under control. Nobody wants to give the stuff up, let alone quit sugar forever.

If you have an issue with sugar then you know how hard it can be to maintain an “everything in moderation” type of eating practice. What is moderate? One person’s moderation is another’s over the top. There’s one thing that you need to know when you stop being sweet. You must know your parameters.

What Are Your Parameters?

You must know what you’re willing to do or not do. The only way to figure that out is through experience. Remember, getting off sugar is not all or nothing! When you succumb to the all or nothing mindset you are in trouble from the start. How is it that I could go on a trip and eat sugary junk food (like a mad man) for two weeks and then stop short upon returning home? It’s because I have parameters.

Parameter - a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation.

I have a ritual of only eating sweets four days out of each year. I don’t go to France every month and so the fact that I went and ate sugar means it was an anomaly. By the time I got back from my trip I wanted to be off sweets and was looking forward to it. Next time I go away I won’t eat sweets, it’s not worth it.

Figure out your parameters and keep on conditioning yourself to be sugar free. It takes time but it’s worth every step. Whatever you do, don’t lose hope!

Posted on Jan 31, 2012 • Comments (0)

Sugar Experiment

December 28, 2011 • Comments (0)

1. Fill a medium size bowl with water.
2. Add enough sugar that it no longer dissolves.
3. Tie a nail to a pencil via a string.
4. Lower the nail into the bowl so it’s in the center of the watery, sugary concoction.
5. Wait a couple of days. Watch for crystals.

Posted on Dec 28, 2011 • Comments (0)

Are You Ready for Next Year?

December 27, 2011 • Comments (5)

Do you have a new year’s resolution to quit sugar in 2012? Let’s do it together. We’re going to have another sugar challenge starting on January 1st. Stay tuned for details…

In the meantime, the 2011 Holiday Sugar Challenge is still on for a couple more days.

You can also play the Sugar vs. Me game for the remainder of this week. Doing so will help to prepare you for 2012, which is just days away.

Also, start reading any of the posts in this blog to get an idea of what you’re in for.

If you’re sure you want get off sugar and you’re ready to begin right away, get the Stop Being Sweet ebook now.

Good luck!

Posted on Dec 27, 2011 • Comments (5)

8 Unexpected Benefits of Avoiding Sugar

December 22, 2011 • Comments (0)

I have been off sugar since 2005. There have been obvious and expected results to my sugar abstinence, but below are some of the unexpected benefits of avoiding sugar:

1. Meeting Like-Minded People

A lot of people will think you’re nuts when you stop being sweet. Those who understand will become your friends and allies.

2. Responsibility

By blogging about my journey, I have become a role model for others who want to get off sugar. This helps me stay off sweets. When you stop being sweet, you will blaze a path for the people who meet you. They can follow your example, which in turn keeps you honest.

3. Interviews

It’s fun and rewarding to get the opportunity to talk with people about something I’m very passionate about.

4. Less Consumption Overall

The food court in the mall holds little to no appeal. Buying stuff is less fun. I only get what I truly want or need.

5. Car Culture Changed

I used to be tempted into drive-thrus for snacks when driving. Now I don’t even notice signs for junk food. It’s just not on my radar. Convenience store—what’s that?

6. Saving Money

It wasn’t until I went shopping for Halloween candy that I came to see how much money I’m saving by avoiding sugar.

7. Saving Time

The amount of time I used to spend thinking about, planning, hunting down, and eating sweets was insane. When you stop being sweet you’ll have that much more time to deal with your life.

8. Enjoying Life for What It Is

It used to be that I’d have to eat some sweets to enjoy myself. A movie wasn’t a movie without some kind of treat (okay, I still snack at the movies but it’s something I smuggle in from home and it’s not imperative). A party wasn’t a party without some cake. Now a party means being with people I love and laughing.

Posted on Dec 22, 2011 • Comments (0)

The Beautiful Truth

December 14, 2011 • Comments (0)

This film explores how advertising, companies, and legalities have messed with our health. The amalgam mercury filling scene alone is worth the watch. Then it goes on to discuss food additives, including aspartame. Then they talk about chemical companies in the food business.

The presentation is heavy handed, but worth the watch because it contains a lot of food for thought.

Posted on Dec 14, 2011 • Comments (0)

How to Quit Sugar

December 10, 2011 • Comments (2)

I recently found this video, How to Quit Sugar, from Lucas Rockwood on Vimeo. He talks about the glycemic index, replacement foods, and explains the overall process very clearly—including what to eat and what to avoid. Watch it!

Posted on Dec 10, 2011 • Comments (2)