SUGAR SHOCK! Blog

You Need to Defrost Swanson Frozen Dinners. Duh!

Whenever someone uses the phrase "sugar shock," Google is kind enough to alert me. But little did I think that I'd crack up upon hearing an article or post using the title of my book.

But this really fun post from Schnuckiputz on the Diabetic Round Table blog may help you to look at food labels in a different way.

After casting a skeptical glance at just how smart NutriPals nutrition bars are -- 1 bar still has 12 grams or 3 tsp. of different kinds of sugar -- this anonymous blogger then shed a humorous look at some common labels.

For instance, Schnuckiputz (who I'll assume is a she) took a swipe at those processed-carb chips, Fritos. First she quotes the label: "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside."

To that unclear label language, Schnuckiputz offers this aside: "[What is this] the shoplifter special?"

Schnuckiputz also has a cute comeback to this labeling description on sugar-filled, quickie-carb Marks &Spencer Bread Pudding, which states: “Product will be hot after heating.” The smart blogger writes "…and you thought????…"

And one of my favorites: The labeling, she explains, on some Swanson frozen dinners says “Serving suggestion: Defrost.” The blogger observes "but, it’s `just' a suggestion."

Could Eating Chocolate Every Day Weaken Bones?

Note from Connie: If you're familiar with this blog or my book SUGAR SHOCK!, you, of course, know that I'm not a fan of sugary chocolate because of all the harm it can cause your mental and physical health. Now you need to learn about yet another danger that can result from chocolate. Jennifer Moore brings you the scoop.

Planning to romance your sweetheart with a box of chocolate this Valentine's Day? Well, a new study from an Australian research team may make you think again.

Jonathan Hodgson, Ph.D. and his colleagues from the University of Western Australia found that women aged 70 to 85 who reported indulging in chocolate every day had weaker bones than those who consumed it less than once per week. They published their findings in a recent issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Dr. Larry McCleary Will Give You the Scoop on How Sugar Can Shrink, Wither or Atrophy Your Brain

Did you know that sugar can make the brain shrink, wither or atrophy your brain?

Did you know that if you want to age your brain, all you have to do is eat the typical American diet?

That's right: Eat all those culprit carbs and junk food, and you're sure to have challenges remembering things and difficulties keeping attention. Not only that, but you're hastening the path to Alzheimer's disease.

Pretty outrageous claims, right? Well, Larry McCleary, M.D. -- source of assertions like these -- can back up them up.

And he'll do just that Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST, when Dr. McCleary, author of The Brain Trust Program, appears in a special, second Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show.

So tune in to this sure-to-be-provocative program.

Remember, you can listen live to the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio program, or you can tune in afterwards, at your convenience.

Just One Meal High in Both Sugar and Fat Can Harm You, Study Reveals: Jimmy Moore, You Misread This Blog

People who follow this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog and who have read my book SUGAR SHOCK! know that I devote considerable energies via this blog, TV, radio, articles, etc. to warning people about the dangers of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, which I call "culprit carbs."

Folks familiar with my work also know that I'm a huge fan of:

• What I call "Quality carbs" -- organic leafy green vegetables such as kale, collard greens, swiss chard and arugula; crudiferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage; root vegetables such as yams, sweet potatoes and turnips, and other low-sugar veggies; legumes such as chick peas, lentils and pinto beans; and low-sugar fruits in limited quantities such as strawberries, cherries and grapefruit. I also suggest that, if they like, people partake sparingly of such whole grains as brown rice and amaranth. (I urge people to be cautious about gluten products.)

As people who've read my book and blog know, I also advocate:

• Quality fats such as superior olive oil, macadamia nuts, avocado, coconut oil, pumpkin seeds, almonds, etc. -- again, all preferably organic.
• Lean protein sources such as superior fish, chicken, turkey, again, preferably organic.
• High quality water.

Furthermore, most of my fans know that I have a background as a journalist and that I try my best to report facts accurately and to ensure that people working for me do so as well.

So I'm utterly astounded and dismayed by a completely misinformed reaction and misleading blog entry from my blogging buddy Jimmy Moore. His surprising remarks were in response to a recent post on this blog, entitled "Just One High-Sugar, High-Fat Meal Can Damage Your Body, Study Stays."

This recent blog entry on the SUGAR SHOCK! Blog -- which was written by my hard-working researcher/blog correspondent Jennifer Moore (no relation to Jimmy) and edited by me -- discusses this fascinating new study, which found that just one meal high in both sugar and fat could harm your body in a number of ways.

The study -- from lead author James O'Keefe, M.D., head of preventive cardiology at the Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Mo. -- singles out the combination of sugar and fat as the culprit. Not sugar alone. Not fat alone. But the two together.

Weight Loss Myths: Get the Real Truth About Dieting Myths With Renowned Nutritionist J.J. Virgin on the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show Tuesday

Would you like to lose weight? Are you confused about how to best shed those pounds?

Then, you should listen to Tuesday's Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show at 3 p.m. EST, when I interview renowned nutritionist J.J. Virgin, Ph.D., C.N.S., C.H.F.I., who will shock you as she reveals the truth about certain accepted, weight-loss untruths. 

J.J.-- a 25-year veteran of the health and fitness industry -- will share her insights and eye-opening revelations while blasting the following misconceptions:

(1) You need to eat less and exercise more to lose weight. Get the truth about this fallacy. 

(2) You should count calories and restrict them by 500 per day to shed weight. Not so, J.J. will tell you. 

(3) You need to do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily for weight loss. Another misconception.

(4) Supplements don't help you lose weight. It's a placebo effect. Think again.

(5) Fat makes you fat. That's a big non-truth.

(6)You should eat less and more often (like 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks). Again, this is wrong.

I invite you: listen to the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show Tuesday to hear J.J. debunk these misconceptions.

As you can see in her interesting bio, J.J. is a nutritionist, fitness expert, writer, professional speaker and radio personality. She appeared numerous times on network TV shows, including working as a nutrition consultant for two seasons on Dr. Phil.

She also has appeared on E! Modern Girl’s Guide to Life, NBC’s iVillage Live, ABC’s Extreme Makeover and network pilots. She is also regularly featured in magazine, website and newspaper articles such as Dr. Phil’s The Next Level and NaturalPath.com. She also served as a guest host of The Wellness Hour.

J.J. is a nutritionist and fitness expert to whom you want to listen. She works with top CEOs and celebrities to get them in shape and keep them healthy while working. She has worked with former Heavy Weight Champions, rock stars and movie stars. She recently worked with actor Brandon Routh in preparation for his starring role as Superman in the movie Superman Returns. Other notables include Ben Stiller, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Tracie Thoms, Janeane Garofalo, Stephen Bishop and Benny Mardones.

By the way, if we have time tomorrow on the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show, we'll take questions from callers -- just dial (646) 716-7312.

Remember, if you miss this show live, you can listen afterwards, at your convenience.

Holy SUGAR SHOCK! Mars and Dunkin' Donuts Get Married for 2 Oh-So-Sweet Dishes, So to Speak

I wonder: Are Mars and Dunkin' Donuts aware of the fact that we're currently undergoing a devastatingly dangerous obesity epidemic?

Do the two corporations know that eating and drinking too many sugary foods and drinks -- which most Americans do -- can lead to type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and other deadly illnesses?

Are the companies blithely unaware of the consequences of sugar overloading?

Forgive the sarcasm, but what other response can I come up with upon learning about the two new, sweet, sugar-shock-creating concoctions that Mars and Dunkin' Donuts have banded together to create? (I won't describe them lest you become tempted. Remember, you can resist temptation and live a happier, healthier, longer life.)

Thanks to thatsfit.com for the heads-up about this sad sugary development.

By the way, isn't it interesting that the subject line reporter Tanya Ryno selected for her blog item includes "Holy Sugar Shock!" as part of its heading? (You've gotta love it!)

Hmm. I wonder if thatsfit.com staffers are aware of my book SUGAR SHOCK! Guess I should introduce myself.

Sleep: Did You Get Your Zzzzzs last night?

Did you get ample sleep last night? If not, then you'll want to read this. If so, you'll also want to check this out.

Did you know that there's a sugar-sleep connection, too? You can learn more in my 6-week Break Free & Soar With Glee program, which begins tonight.

SUGAR SHOCK! Cited in Fresno Bee And Other McClatchy Newspapers Article

SUGAR SHOCK! is in the news again, thanks to this article from Joan Obra, which first appeared in the Fresno Bee and then in other McClatchy Newspapers such as this you can see here.

Please note, though, that I'm not a fan of these alternate "sweeteners" discussed.

People are so obsessed -- as I once was -- with this need to artificially sweeten foods.

Folks, I encourage you to savor natural flavors and the inherent sweetness in foods? For instance, yum, I just love organic sweet potatoes, jicama and fennel. They're all so tasty, sweet and full of nutrients.

Candy Bars, Cookies, Cakes: They May Taste Sweet, But the Effects Are Sour -- Break Free With Me, Starting Tonight

Ah, the allure of all those tempting, tantalizing "treats" that beckon you wherever you go. It's hard to say NO, isn't it?

But, let me ask you this: If you knew that your sugar habit was speeding up your aging process; sending you hurtling towards type 2 diabetes, cancer or heart disease; giving you wrinkles before your time; and making you moody, confused and unfocused, would that be enough reason to quit the sweet substance?

Well, guess what, research shows that all of the above diseases and many more ailments can be triggered by sugar overloading, which is something most Americans do!

So get some help, starting tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. EST.

That's when you'll take the first step towards sugar liberation.

Learn to Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Break free so that you can soar with glee!

Sign up now for your life-changing 6-week program -- a seminar series that's modestly priced to make it easily affordable. (The entire six-week course costs It's a mere $49.95 -- a lot less than most people spend on sweets and quickie carbs over a 6-week period!)

Take the important step now to conquer your sugar habit for good! You may even get a new lease on life. (I did upon kicking the stuff 10 years ago.)

Don't think you can succeed? I'm so confident in this program that I'm even willing to give you a money-back guarantee. If you complete the entire seminar series, do all the exercises and find that it doesn't work, then I'll refund your money. But I'm sure that you won't want to do that -- because this works!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now to break free now.

McDonald's Will Stop Pushing Its Food on Report Cards, Thanks to Grass-Roots Campaign

Note from Connie: Parents, I urge you to pay attention to this inspiring story. It shows the power of rallying people together to fight to toss junk-food ads out of your children's schools. Jennifer Moore brings you this report.

The onslaught of junk-food advertising aimed at kids sometimes seems unstoppable.

But thanks, in part, to one spirited mom in Seminole County, Florida, fast food giant McDonald's will stop using the report cards to push their products to 27,000 impressionable kids.

This positive development was reported by Stuart Elliot in the New York Times, Dave Weber in the Orlando Sentinel, and Emily Bryson York in Advertising Age magazine.

Things began when mother Susan Pagan was shocked when her fourth-grade daughter came home with a report card plastered with Ronald McDonald, the golden arches, and photos of Happy Meal items like Chicken McNuggets. (Being a mom to a young girl myself, I shudder to think how I'd react if my daughter arrived home with such a blatant ad, along with her grades.)

Hurrah for Pagan, because she wasn't content to take this lying down. The furious mother sounded the alarm by calling the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood (CFCC), who rounded up thousands of complaints from other angry parents.

Just One High-Sugar, High-Fat Meal Can Damage Your Body, Study Stays

Note from Connie: If you think one fatty, culprit-carb-laden meal won't do harm to you, think again. You've got to learn about this new, eye-opening study, which points out the consequences of skipping the quality carbs and foods in favor of inferior ones.

Say your New Year's resolution was to eat better -- more fresh veggies and fruits, less sugar and fewer quickie carbs. You've accomplished your goal to date, and you're looking and feeling better as a result.

But then, one day, a cheeseburger on a white-flour bun or some other fatty, simple-carb food calls out to you. You're only human, after all, and goodness knows, unhealthy foods can be awfully hard to resist all of the time. So just one burger can't hurt, right?

Wrong.

Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer -- Bid Them Farewell Before It's Too Late to Smell the Roses! Kick Your Sugar Habit With Me in 6-Week Program, Which Begins Tues., Jan. 22

Perhaps you think that weight gain is the only result of overloading on sugar and refined carbs.

Or maybe you realize that your lethargy, anxiety, headaches and mood swings are being triggered by your culprit-carb habit.

But these are the least of your worries.

Your custom of eating too many desserts and quickie carbs could prove much more devastating.

You could get type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia just from what you've been putting in your mouth over and over again.

Shocking, isn't it? Sad, but it's the sour truth.

But I bring you hope. Starting next Tuesday, Jan. 22, I will help you to break free in a sure-to-be-life-changing, 6-week program.

So take action now -- before it's too late to smell the roses!

You're going to have an easy, painless time while getting a new lease on life. You'll learn valuable tips, tactics and more to help you get rid of this annoying, health-harming habit for good!

Reserve your spot now.

CalorieKing/Joslin Internet Tool Makes Healthy Eating Easy

Note from Connie: Let's face it, not only can kicking sugar be tough, but when you're on the run -- which many of us are these days -- eating a healthy diet can be a major challenge. That's why you'll want to know about this easy-to-use nutrition tool created by CalorieKing and the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School. Karen James brings you info about it.

The Internet-based food search toolbar (available for PC and MAC users) not only gives you the nutritional information of more than 50,000 basic and brand name foods, but it also tells you about how many minutes it will take to walk off that double-decker burger covered in sloppy sauce. (Of course, we're not recommending that you have one.)

This CalorieKing-Joslin tool also provides information on the calorie density of various foods using a one- to four-star rating system that signals which foods, calorie-wise, are the best choices.

But this may be the best part yet—the toolbar is also available in a simplified mobile format for those with Internet-enabled mobile or smartphone.

What this means is that no matter where you are (as long as you have cell coverage), you can get the skinny on what you're about to eat.

Karen James for SUGAR SHOCK! Blog

SUGAR SHOCK! is Topic on "San Diego Living"

Get some tips to kill your unhealthy habit by catching my appearance yesterday on Fox's "San Diego Living."

Kudos to sugar-savvy anchor Joe Bauer. Not only does the articulate journalist ask insightful questions, but he already is a believer in the dangers of sugar. (In fact, before interviewing me, he confessed that his wife had kicked sugar years ago on doctor's recommendations, and she had received innumerable benefits. Cool, eh?) Anyhow, watch the interview now.

Sugar Shock 1/17/08 Is your sweet tooth ruining and running your life? Say goodbye to sugar and hello to feeling good.

Hope this interview offers you some valuable tips to eliminate both your sugar overloading or any bad habit.

Kick Sugar With Me in My 6-Week Program, Which Starts Next Tuesday, Jan. 22

Are you feeling wiped out, fuzzy-headed and headachy? These could be happening because of your sugar habit.

Do bouts of mood swings, lethargy or low libido plague you? Those could also be occurring because of your  custom of eating too many sweets and refined carbs.

Have type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia struck you? In addition, these devastating diseases could have been triggered, in large part, by your terrible dessert routine.

But hope is here! Starting next Tuesday, Jan. 22, I will help you to break free in a sure-to-be-life-changing, 6-week program.

So don't delay. Take action before it's too late to smell the roses!

Make your reservations now. We're going to have a fun time -- and at the same time, you will learn all kind of valuable tips, tactics and more to help you get rid of this annoying, health-harming habit for good!

NewsTarget Runs Review of SUGAR SHOCK!

I'm still in California, giving classes and lectures, but a friend just alerted me to this review of SUGAR SHOCK!, which appeared on NewsTarget.com.

Back soon with more interesting tidbits.

Inmates Want More Nutrient-Rich Food!

You've gotta admire the guts of these three inmates, who filed a $2 million lawsuit claiming they are not getting proper nutritional value from their meals.

"The calories and nutritional value for adults and juveniles are not up to par," the suit signed by all three men reads, according to the Courier News. "The food is served cold and most times, bread, cookies and cakes are served soggy due to wet and cracked trays. Food is distasteful and disgusting."

I wonder if the lawsuit mentions anything about whether or not the prisoners' moods and energy levels are being affected by the nutritionally lacking food!

Live in Los Angeles or San Diego? Get Live Help to Squash Your Sugar Habit

Live in Los Angeles or San Diego? Want help to stomp out your sugar habit for good? Join me at one of three upcoming talks. Here's a quick look at where you can find me (either live or on TV or radio).

Monday, Jan. 14, 2008
"Simple Strategies to Stick to Your New Year's Resolutions: How to Break Free for Good of Your Unhealthy Habits Such as Sugar Addiction"
Whole Foods Market
239 North Crescent Drive
Beverly Hills, Calif.
(310) 274-3360
6 p.m. PST

Tuesday, Jan. 15
How to Kick Your Sugar Habit for Good
Sponsor: Learning Annex
Los Angeles, CA: Westside
6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 17
"San Diego Living"
Fox 6
Popular morning show with Chrissy Russo, Joe Bauer and Ruben Galvan
9:20 am PST
San Diego, Calif.

Thursday, Jan. 17
How to Kick Your Sugar Habit
Sponsored by the Learning Annex
6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
San Diego, CA

In addition, you can catch me live online for this week's Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show. Here are details:

Tuesday, Jan. 15
Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show
"Who Needs Drugs When Natural Cures Are Available?"
Guest: Renowned Nutritionist Jonny Bowden, Ph.D.
3 p.m. EST (12 noon PST)
Listen to the show from anywhere around the world at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/stopsugarshock

Also, please note that my upcoming, online, interactive Break Free With Connie to Stop SUGAR SHOCK! program begins Jan. 22. Here are more details:

Tuesday, Jan. 22
Week 1 (Opening Night) of Break Free With Connie to Stop SUGAR SHOCK!
A Life-Changing, Live, Online, 6-Week Seminar Series to Stop Your Sugar Misery
With Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C., "The Sugar Liberator" & "Your Habit Coach"
(Connie is a Former Sugar Addict & "Ex-Sugar Shrew!," who quit sweets nearly 10 years ago, in 1998.)
Listen live or afterwards, at your convenience, in a private, password-protected area.
(Tune in from anywhere in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Brazil, Bali, Costa Rica or anywhere else around the world!)
3 or more raffle prizes awarded each week to people present in real time.
8 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST (possibly longer, with some time for questions)
Find out how 6 weeks can change your life! Sign up now.
(You can join at any time if you missed the start date and listen to archived shows.)

Sugar Shock: Topic of Fresno TV Interviews

Friday was my day to be in Fresno, when I gave two TV interviews.

Here's an interview for NBC’s “Central Valley Today” on KSEE 24 with Alex Delgado.

Still waiting word on the video for another interview I had on Fox's "Great Day Fresno."

Inspiring Quote to Put Your Sugar Addiction Into Perspective

I just had to share this quote with you.

"I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues."

- Duke Ellington

Doesn't that fabulous quote inspire you?

Doesn't that make you think about your sugar habit and how maybe you mope and fret about it when instead of being blue about it, you could actually do something constructive instead?

I'd love to hear from some of you as to what you think the Duke Ellington quote means. Just write to me here.

I invite you to look at the Duke Ellington quote with your sugar addiction in mind -- see if you can come up with a relevant, meaningful connection.

Why mope about your sugar habit, which could drive you to cancer, type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia and other ailments? Instead do something constructive instead with your frustration!

By the way, I got the quote from a Franklin Covey course I took called, "Focus: Achieving Your Highest Priorities." It appeared as a screen saver in the software I installed. If getting organized is a challenge for you, check out these great courses. The one I took was fabulous! I may even go to another one.