Sugar Shock Readers Write With Comments, Questions: Spotlight on JoLynn Braley

I love hearing from readers of my book SUGAR SHOCK! as well as visitors to my website or this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog.

For instance, JoLynn Braley, founder of the The Fit Shack blog, writes in to say that she believes sugar is addictive, a conclusion she arrived with the help of William Dufty (Sugar Blues) and Kathleen DesMaisons (Potatoes, Not Prozac).

"I personally think it's (sugar) all about money so we're not going to be seeing anyone step in and `take care of us'... Each of us has to be responsible for ourselves."

Very good point, JoLynn. We are the ones who can say yeah or nay to sweets. It's up to us alone.

"Anyway," she continues, "I'm very passionate about this topic and I believe it's one of the reasons that people struggle so much with overweight. I actually did an experiment on myself for a month during which I eliminated all refined sugar, sugar alcohols, and foods high in natural sugar."

 

I totally applaud JoLynn's approach to use herself as a guinea pig. In fact, I highly recommend taking this kind of dispassionate look at yourself. Just listen what a wonderful discovery abstaining from sugar proved to be for her.

 

"What was different about this for me was eliminating the sugar alcohols and foods high in natural sugar, because normally I wouldn't be eating sugar itself. When I cut out the other 2, my cravings completely decreased. I still had emotional cravings sometimes, but not physical."

 

She then concludes:

 

"Keep up the great work of spreading the word on the killer sugar. I consider it to be a drug just like any other."

Well, JoLynn -- who admits that she hasn't yet read my book -- will you'll definitely find the chapter about sugar dependency. Wanna learn more about this concept? I do hope you'll get my book now.

Comments

[Lou Hampton aka The Media Training Guru]

I agree with JoLynn that "Each of us has to be responsible for ourselves." I'm sorry, however, when she implies "it's all about money." First, we should be responsible for ourselves regardless. Second, companies sell products because people buy them. A few years ago, consumers demanded low fat, and major companies responded (unfortunately, low fat was often high sugar). As more people choose low or no sugar products, the market will respond. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes five years ago. Through diet (especially slashing intake of high-glycemic index foods), oral medication, and exercise, I've brought my levels down into normal ranges. In that time I've seen many more food choices made available for people who what to kick the sugar habit.

[JoLynn Braley]

Hi Connie! Wow, thanks for the wonderful write up!! I can honestly say that I've never had the spotlight like this yet, thank you for highlighting my blog and my sugar experiment! I do find that sugar is very addictive...a little is never enough for me. It's also been my experience that it's very difficult to maintain a healthy weight if I include refined sugar in my diet (most fruits are OK). When I abstain from it though, I eat when I'm hungry and enjoy whole, healthy foods, but if I eat those processed, sugar-filled foods, that's all I want...more, more, more, regardless of physical hunger! I am looking forward to reading your book Connie, I have it on order now. I am happy that you are spreading the word on this topic through your book and your blog, it's definitely needed! Thanks again for your kind words and the link! All the best, JoLynn