SUGAR SHOCK! Blog

New York-Area Residents: Break Free of Sugar this January at the New York Open Center

New York-area residents, would you like to release unwanted pounds?

Would you like to feel liberated from your sugar habit?

Would you like to boost your energy so you're consistently full of verve and spunk?

Kicking or at cutting back on sugar and refined can quickly enable you to all of the above -- and more.

Save the dates now!

You can catch a free introductory program on Tuesday, January 5 at the New York Open Center, which recently moved to cool new offices.

Then, learn how to begin Breaking Free of Your Sugar Habit by taking my four-week course, which runs Tuesday, Jan 12 at the pm EST when I speak at the New York Open Center.

Of course, this is three-plus months away so in the meantime, I invite you to purchase my book SUGAR SHOCK! to learn about sugar's dangers.

New York-area residents, would you like to release unwanted pounds?

Would you like to feel liberated from your sugar habit?

Would you like to boost your energy so you're consistently full of verve and spunk?

Kicking or at cutting back on sugar and refined can quickly enable you to all of the above -- and more.

Save the dates now!

You can catch a free introductory program on Tuesday, January 5 at the New York Open Center, which recently moved to cool new offices.

Then, learn how to begin Breaking Free of Your Sugar Habit by taking my four-week course, which runs Tuesday, Jan 12 at the pm EST when I speak at the New York Open Center.

Of course, this is three-plus months away so in the meantime, I invite you to purchase my book SUGAR SHOCK! to learn about sugar's dangers.

New York-area residents, would you like to release unwanted pounds?

Would you like to feel liberated from your sugar habit?

Would you like to boost your energy so you're consistently full of verve and spunk?

Kicking or at cutting back on sugar and refined can quickly enable you to all of the above -- and more.

Save the dates now!

You can catch a free introductory program on Tuesday, January 5 at the New York Open Center, which recently moved to cool new offices.

Then, learn how to begin Breaking Free of Your Sugar Habit by taking my four-week course, which runs Tuesday, Jan 12 at the pm EST when I speak at the New York Open Center.

Of course, this is three-plus months away so in the meantime, I invite you to purchase my book SUGAR SHOCK! to learn about sugar's dangers.

Authors & Aspiring Authors Only

Authors and aspiring authors, getting a book published isn’t enough.

You need to know how to promote and market it so people buy it.

Join some 200 of us, who are going to gorgeous San Diego on Oct. 10 and 11 to learn about book marketing and more.

Impatient for more info? Get info now.

At this event, you’ll listen to keynotes with Jack Canfield, Marci Shimoff and Debbie Ford. 
Plus, you’ll learn about:

• Publishing  and Distribution Options: What's Best For Your Book
• Secrets for Attracting Traffic and Building your List
• How PR is Changing in the 21st Century
• How to Use Internet Search Engines to Market Your Book
• Marketing Venues Beyond the Bookstore:  Teleseminars, Webinars, Virtual Book Tours, Web TV Shows and More
• Hi Tech Marketing- Using Blogs, Podcasts and Video blogs
• Social Networking:  How to Use Social Networking Sites to Sell Books:  YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn your Way to New Customers
• Make Money Marketing and Selling Products:  CDs, DVDs, Workbooks, Continuity Programs, Consulting and More
• Book Trailers
• Selling Your Book Through Amazon (SNP, Buy X get Y, and more)
• And Much More

Get details now about this exciting event: http://mixiv.com/vp/60394/19382/

Gab With the Gurus Speed Interviewing Debuts On YouTube

I'm very excited to announce that the Gab With the Gurus Radio Show, which is hosted on BlogTalkRadio, now has a video companion.

You can now get inspired, educated and educated by watching the new Gab With the Gurus Speed Interviewing channel on YouTube.

Given all of our busy schedules -- from the gurus to you -- each guest will participate in what I'm calling "Speed Interviewing," answering only two questions. This means each guest will chat for roughly 2 minutes.

The Gab With the Gurus Speed Interviews -- which will feature experts in a variety of fields, including health, fitness, social media, relationships and more -- are being taken on my newly purchased Flip Video. The first three gurus, whom I met at the New York Press Club Foundation 17th Annual Conference on Journalism at New York University Kimmel Center on Saturday, Sept. 26, are:

• Entepreneur expert Peter Shankman, who discusses the importance of relevancy in social media. Peter, founder of Help a Reporter -- a fabulous service -- also gives the audience tips on what to do before you begin tweeting. (I'd like to thank Peter, a master marketer, for graciously suggesting the two-question limit.)
• Award-winning CNBC anchor and producer David Faber, who chats about his new book And Then the Roof Caved In: How Wall Street's Greed and Stupidity Brought Capitalism to Its Knees. (You can read a book excerpt here.)
• WCBS NewsRadio 880 anchor Steve Scott, who shares what it's like to be a broadcaster and how things have changed over the years.

Many Gab With the Gurus videos will be posted on the Gab With the Gurus Blog, and selected videos -- usually when they're related to health, wellness and social networking -- will be featured here, too. But I recommend that you also subscribe to the new Gab With The Gurus YouTube channel.

Experts for the new Gab With the Gurus YouTube Speed Interviewing channel will come from a variety of fields, as they do for the Gab With the Gurus Radio Show.

I Committed a "Robbery" on Rosh Hashanah! The Economy Made Me Do It (Personal Essay)

Note from Connie: As readers of this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog know by now, I like to write about a variety of topics other than health. Here's a fun personal essay, which I wrote too late (alas) to get published elsewhere. I encourage you to pass it around, post it on Facebook, tweet about it and/or Digg it. Hope it entertains you.

I Committed a "Robbery" on Rosh Hashanah! The Economy Made Me Do It By Connie Bennett

NEW YORK CITY—On Rosh Hashanah, when I should have been atoning for my sins of the past year, pulled off a smart, but stingy sin. In my defense, the economy made me do it.

Fully cognizant of my High Holidays wrongdoing, I stuck into services at a fancy hotel in New York City. By arriving late, no one was checking tickets at the door anymore. So, holding my head high, I quickly took my place among the worshippers.

In short, on Rosh Hashanah no less, I committed the perfect sin for this economic climate. I “robbed” a worthwhile Jewish organization of $150. (That was the fee to attend all High Holiday services.)

Sad to say, but I didn’t feel guilty about my transgression. That’s because, like many Americans, the economy has impacted me. If anything, I was proud that I’d saved $150 of my hard-earned money.

Certainly, I’m not alone in my economically driven High Holidays quandary. Many of us fellow Jews, I’m sure, are facing the same frustrations, especially now that we may have given up our expensive synagogue dues. This leaves us with a challenge. We want to atone, but we’d rather not pay to pray. (Of course, this plight holds true for people of all religions.)

Video Coming Here Soon!

I'm so excited. Just bought the coolest Flip Video, thanks to being nudged by my new friend, Dr. Diana Kirschner, author of the bestselling book, Love in 90 Days and creator of hot YouTube videos

Stay tuned for fun video to be posted here on the SUGAR SHOCK! Blog and also at the Gab With the Gurus Blog!

Get ready to be inspired, educated and entertained -- at least that's my goal. 

Also, be on the lookout for videos, which I'll post to YouTube. (That's another great idea from Diana. Check out one of her cute dating videos below.)

What a great day! Posted by first blog entry on my new blog over at Psychology Today. Have you had a chance to read my new PT blog, Smart Habits of Highly Successful People?

Learn now about Stairways to Health & a Slim Backside Like Beyoncé. 

Stairways to Health & a Slim Backside Like Beyoncé

Soon after the romantic drama "Love Happens" begins, renowned grief guru and bestselling author Burke Ryan (played by Aaron Eckhart) purposefully strides up several flights of stairs to get to his hotel room in Seattle, where he's teaching a seminar to hundreds of fans.

Burke's affinity for stairs doesn't sit well with his overweight manager/promoter Lane Marshall (Dan Fogler), who pleads with his fit client, "Could you please take the elevator?"

Burke ignores the question and ascends on foot anyhow, stopping once to catch his breath and survey the flights he's already covered and those to come.

As the story unfolds (don't worry, I'm not ruining the plot) we learn that, for Burke, there's a downside to striding stairs. In fact, taking the stairs represents a metaphor for being stuck.

Excuse me? Exercising by climbing stairs isn't a smart habit? Not in "Love Happens."

Read the rest of this column at my new Smart Habits of Highly Successful People blog on Psychology Today.

Please share this post with friends and loved ones. And let me know what you think about my new Smart Habits column.

Sugar Addict? Get Inspired by "Speed Shrinking's" Susan Shapiro

Are you struggling with a sugar habit or another addiction?

Take heart. You can get out of your self-destructive cycle. 

Just listen anytime to this week's Gab With the Gurus Radio Show with Susan Shapiro, author of the entertaining novel Speed Shrinking.

Susan will tell you how life becomes much richer and better when you get out from under your addiction.

Barbra Streisand Sings Beautiful Rosh Hashanah Song

No matter what your religion, you will enjoy this dazzling rendition from Barbra Streisand of the traditional Rosh Hashanah song, Avinu Malkeinu, "Our Father Our King," provided courtesy of Belief.net.

L'Shana Tova!

Wishing a very sweet new year to all.

Speed Shrinking is the Hot, New Trend

Check out this cool interview all about the new wave of Speed Shrinking, a trend that's been created, thanks to my friend Susan Shapiro, author of the entertaining, new novel Speed Shrinking, which offers a humorous account about how a self-help guru (a sugar-addiction specialist, no less) going on a shrink shopping spree, seeing 8 in 8 days to help stop her cupcake binging right before a major TV appearance.

See the fun news story that ran about it. As you'll see, I was one of the "Speed Shrinkers."

Shrinks Helped Author Susan Shapiro Kick Sugar

Want to learn how to kick sugar?

Author Susan Shapiro says therapy helped her quit all her addictive behavior -- smoking, drinking, pot, gum and sugar.

Get the scoop from Sue next Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 2 pm EST, when she comes on the Gab With the Gurus Radio Show.

Sue will discuss how she was able to finally conquer her sugar habit. She'll also chat about her debut debut novel, Speed Shrinking, a humorous account about how a self-help guru goes on a shrink shopping spree, seeing 8 in 8 days to quickly find help after she relapses on cupcakes right before a major TV appearance. 

As mentioned on this Sugar Shock Blog here and then again here, Sue has been holding acclaimed, much-publicized "Speed Shrinking" events, in which people chat about their issues for 3 minutes with a variety of "Speed Shrinkers." (Sue was kind enough to include me.)

If you're struggling with a sugar addiction, I recommend that you listen to my upcoming Gab With the Gurus Radio Show on Sept. 22 at 2 pm EST to get Sue's take on sugar addiction and more. (As usual, you can tune in live or later. See below.)

I also encourage you to get Sue's entertaining book, Speed Shrinking, which has been getting rave reviews.

For instance, Publisher's Weekly called it: " “…bubbly…an original voice and an energy that will resonate with anyone who’s ever stared down a Twinkie.”

And Guy Nicolucci, writer for Late Night with Conan O’Brien said: "Susan Shapiro does for therapy and food what Candace Bushnell did for sex and shoes.”

Remember, you can get entertained, educated and inspired by listening live on Sept. 22 at 2 pm EST or later, when Sue appears on my Gab With the Gurus Radio Show.

Wendy's Promotion for Diabetes Urges Drinking Sugar-Loaded Frosty's

I generally shun trite metaphors, but this news from Wendy's, the fast food outlet, really takes the cake! (Or should I say Frosty's?)

First a quick background is in order. If you've read my book SUGAR SHOCK!, you'll know that numerous medical studies conclude that consuming too many refined sweets and refined carbs could lead to obesity, cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Which is why cutting back on sugar is a good idea.

But a promotion at Wendy's restaurants in the Austin, Texas area came up with an alternate idea -- eat more sugar to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF),  which is dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. an autoimmune disease that usually occurs in childhood.

Let's face it: Sugar isn't nutritionally ideal for people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Even so, as this press release points out, Pisces Foods, which owns and operates 31 Wendy's restaurants in Austin, Texas, raised more than $72,000 this year for the JDRF by encouraging people to buy coupon books to get low-priced, sugar-loaded Frosty's. (Pisces Foods has donated $700,000 since 1996.)

Hey, I'm all for raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, but is behaving as "sugar pushers" the ethical, smart way to collect enough money for a donation?

The Soul-Searching Food Journal™ -- Forms to Keep Track So Your Weight Disappears

Did you know that research shows that if you keep a food journal, you stand a greater chance of losing weight and achieving better health?

Indeed, people who've happily peeled off the weight -- "Highly Successful Losers™," as I call them -- report that one of their Smart Diet Habits™ is to "Keep Track Like a Lab Rat™." (In other words, watch yourself as if you were a scientist conducting an experiment or monitor yourself as if you were your beloved pet.)

When you Keep Track, you don't mindlessly shove nutrient-lacking non-food in your face. You think first, because you know you have to write it down -- and possibly share it with an accountability partner.

To help you out, I'm sharing a food journal that I've created.

Feel free to share The Soul-Searching Food Journal™ with friends, co-workers, gym buddies, bosses, hairdressers, fitness trainers, loved ones and even frustrating frenemies. In short, spread the link love, as some like to say. (Of course, please provide the proper credit though, as indicated below.)

The Soul-Searching Food Journal™  --  From Connie Bennett, Author, SUGAR SHOCK!

Name ________________________________________

Date _________________________________________

What did I eat and drink?

(Any sugary foods or drinks? Any refined carbs? Any artificial sweeteners? Any foods with gluten? How much salt? How did I I feel? Was I physically or emotionally hungry? (On the 1st line, state what you ate. On the 2nd line, jot down how you felt -- tired, famished, angry, edgy, frustrated, furious, stressed out, etc.)

7 a.m.      _______________________________________________________________
7 a.m.      _______________________________________________________________

8 a.m.      _______________________________________________________________
8 a.m.      _______________________________________________________________

New York Area Sugar Addicts: Catch My Talk Thursday, Sept. 10 at the New York Open Center's Open House

Would you like to become liberated from your sugar habit?

Would you like to feel energy on a consistent basis?

Would you like to release unwanted pounds?

And would you like to get along better with your loved ones?

Kicking or at least cutting back on sugar and refined can be a fast, effective way to achieve all of the above -- and more.

Learn how you can be "reborn" by Breaking Free of Your Sugar Habit on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6 pm EST when I speak at the New York Open Center, which is having an open house at its new facilities that evening. I am one of 9 speakers featured at this amazing place, which is the largest urban holistic learning center in the United States.

At my talk, you'll:

• Learn how to begin to escape from the sugar influence.
• Find out about how your sugar habit can cut your life short and lead to diseases galore
• Enjoy participatory adventurcises™ (adventures that are exercises)
• Start to understand why you've been "using" sweets and how you can use that failure as a stepping stone to success
• Begin to confront your sugar truth
• Find out this is a great time to be in New York as you're phasing out the sugar. (You'll learn about the brilliant, new "Are you pouring on the pounds?" campaign from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 
• Have a chance to take a fun, but serious SUGAR SHOCK! Quiz, that will reveal the extent of your reliance on sweets.
• Bond with other like-minded sugar addicts.

Readers of this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog who show up at my talk at the New York Open Center  and sign up for the class will receive a special gift from me.

Please note that Thursday's talk is a free introduction to my four-week course at the New York Open Center, beginning January 12.

If you can't make my talk on Sept. 10, you also can attend a free introductory program on Jan. 5.

Again, if you sign up for my Breaking Free of Your Sugar Habit course at the New York Open Center as a result of reading this blog post, please let me know at the open house, and I'll give you a special gift.

Plan now to attend the New York Open Center's open house on Sept. 10. I look forward to meeting you.

Would you like to become liberated from your sugar habit?

Would you like to feel energy on a consistent basis?

Would you like to release unwanted pounds?

And would you like to get along better with your loved ones?

Kicking or at least cutting back on sugar and refined can be a fast, effective way to achieve all of the above -- and more.

Learn how you can be "reborn" by Breaking Free of Your Sugar Habit on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6 pm EST when I speak at the New York Open Center, which is having an open house at its new facilities that evening. I am one of 9 speakers featured at this amazing place, which is the largest urban holistic learning center in the United States.

At my talk, you'll:

• Learn how to begin to escape from the sugar influence.
• Find out about how your sugar habit can cut your life short and lead to diseases galore
• Enjoy participatory adventurcises™ (adventures that are exercises)
• Start to understand why you've been "using" sweets and how you can use that failure as a stepping stone to success
• Begin to confront your sugar truth
• Find out this is a great time to be in New York as you're phasing out the sugar. (You'll learn about the brilliant, new "Are you pouring on the pounds?" campaign from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 
• Have a chance to take a fun, but serious SUGAR SHOCK! Quiz, that will reveal the extent of your reliance on sweets.
• Bond with other like-minded sugar addicts.

Readers of this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog who show up at my talk at the New York Open Center  and sign up for the class will receive a special gift from me.

Please note that Thursday's talk is a free introduction to my four-week course at the New York Open Center, beginning January 12.

If you can't make my talk on Sept. 10, you also can attend a free introductory program on Jan. 5.

Again, if you sign up for my Breaking Free of Your Sugar Habit course at the New York Open Center as a result of reading this blog post, please let me know at the open house, and I'll give you a special gift.

Plan now to attend the New York Open Center's open house on Sept. 10. I look forward to meeting you.

Life Coaching: Break Free to Get a Breakthrough: Groups Start Soon

I'm a big fan these days of life coaching, an amazing process that can take you from where you are to where you want to be.

A life coach can help you overcome obstacles, learn why you're stuck and help you to accomplish that goal you've had for years, whether it's kicking sugar or writing a book.

Life coaching is on my mind a lot these days, since I'm completing the final requirements to receive certification as a CPC (Certified Professional Coach) from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). (If you decide to pursue training as a life coach, tell them Connie sent you.)

I'm already a life coach but I'm eager to get my CPC credentials.

Learn more about several new, reasonably priced Break Free Group Coaching programs with me, starting later this month.

You can join a group to:

• Help you kick sugar
• Accomplish lifestyle goals such as lose weight or
• Write and promote a book.

Let me help you to accomplish your dreams. Join one of my Break Free Group Coaching programs now.

Authors: Learn How to Promote in the 21st Century at Amazing Event on Oct. 10 and 11

Authors, would you like to learn up-to-date information on how to sell your book and build your platform?

If so, I HIGHLY recommend going to the upcoming 21st Century Book Marketing Event on October 10th and 11th at Catamaran Resort in San Diego. (I'm going, and I'm very excited.)

The co-presenter is one of the biggest names in book promotion. Her name is Arielle Ford, and she's behind the success of such big-name authors as Deepak Chopra, etc.

You will learn VERY VALUABLE information at this event, but you need to act fast to get in. Register now for this 21st Century Book Marketing Event and you'll get $50 off the ticket price! (But hurry because this offer expires on October 1st.)

At this Exclusive Event for Authors, which has Strictly Limited Seating, you'll  this event, you'll ll learn the most up to date information for marketing and selling your book! 

Topics Covered include:

Sugar: The Bitter Truth With Dr. Robert Lustig

If you haven't quit indulging in sugar and refined carbs, then you must see this informative, eye-opening, scary presentation from the nationally renowned Robert H. Lustig, M.D., professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology Director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health (WATCH) Program at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF).

I predict that you'll get shocked into taking action -- i.e., removing sugar from your life for good.

Watch now and learn why he rightly believes that "high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are both equally bad -- they're both poison."

Incidentally, as I posted here, on the Sugar Shock Blog back in 2006, Dr. Lustig is a forward-thinking researcher, who made the news (in the San Francisco Chronicle) for his theories about our poisoned food supply.

Get ready for some fascinating information about:

• What he calls "The Coca-Cola Conspiracy."
• How we have an epidemic of obese six-month olds.
• How the average person is consuming way too much sugar. (FYI, his figure of 141 pounds of sugar per year is too low -- it's really closer to 170 to 190 pounds per person.)
• The amount of sugar found in baby formula. (A lot! Of Similac Isomil, which contains 43.2% corn syrup solids and 10.3% sugar (sucrose), Dr. Lustig says, "It’s a baby milkshake.”

See his replies here to some questions.Listen now or anytime.

Tired? Wiped Out? It's Staycation Time (A Vacation at Home)

Are you exhausted? Burnt out from your work, financial stress and all the things you have to do?

If you're short on funds or if you're just not in the mood to leave town but still want to relax and chill out, it may be time for a staycation -- i.e., a vacation at home.

Lately, some publications are touting the merits of a staycation.Consumer Reports and SuperEco give you tips to have a great one. And today's Daily News even has some ideas for this Labor Day weekend.

A staycation is on my mind, because, after taking out-of-town vacations (in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix) earlier this summer, I'm hanging out in town this weekend, including hosting a Meetup to Madama Butterly.

But, really I'm not staycationing. This is really a work weekend for me, because I have lots of homework to complete my requirements ASAP so I can get certification soon as a CPC (Certified Professional Coach) from Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). (This is an awesome school. If you want to become a life coach, I suggest your going there, and make sure to tell them that Connie (the Stop Sugar Shock lady) recommended you.)

Would you like help to kick sugar, write or promote a book or find passion in your life? Grab me now at my pre-CPC rates. Learn more now about Coaching With Connie.

Sugar Addiction: Are You Committing Suicide by Sugar? Nancy Appleton Shares the Dirt on My Gab With the Gurus Radio Show: Listen Live or Later

Did you know that eating sugary foods and drinking sweet beverages can send you early to your grave?

Well, health expert and former sugaraholic Nancy Appleton -- who's been warning about sugar's dangers since the 1970s -- will appear on my Gab With the Gurus Radio Show on Oct. 20 at 2 pm EST to dish you the dirt about America's sweetheart, sugar.

Now, the friendly, enthusiastic, always-energetic Dr. Appleton has come out with a new book, Suicide by Sugar: A Startling Look at Our #1 National Addiction, which offers some startling information about this legal but dangerous, nearly ubiquitous, addictive white powder.

You'll be shocked when you listen to this radio interview, which you can catch either live at 2 pm EST on Oct. 20 or later, here on this SUGAR SHOCK Blog, by clicking the player at the bottom of this post.

Some of you have asked me, "Connie, why do you promote other sugar experts and sugar books when you've got your own to publicize?"

Well, I strongly believe that all of us sugar authors and experts have something special and unique to offer. Together, we can give you the information and inspiration that you need to begin to remove sweets to live a happier, healthier life.

Besides, as my tormented, frustrated sugar-addicted clients often reveal, people yearn for lots of scary information and eye-opening facts from a variety of sources so they can get more motivated to conquer their overpowering addiction. For instance, when I kicked sugar back in 1998, Nancy's book Lick the Sugar Habit was one of several that I read. I also appreciated having the books, Sugar Blues and Get the Sugar Out, to spur me to action. And now, part of what I'm doing is banding with other sugar addiction specialists to help serve you. For instance, I'm now working with fellow life coach James Hahn, II -- also a former sugar addict. Together, we just launched our Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Social Network, which you're invited to join.   

Back to Nancy. Of all sugar experts other than myself, she is hands-down my favorite. She has been my sweet, kind mentor for years.

I cannot rave enough about Nancy, my idol, who I had the pleasure of finally meeting in late April at a Food Addiction: The Obesity Epidemic Connection conference at IslandWood on Bainbridge Island. (You can watch a video here of me interviewing Jack LaLanne at the conference.).

Back to Nancy. For some four to five years, while I was researching and writing my book SUGAR SHOCK!, Nancy was incredibly kind, generous and helpful to me. She gave time to me and answered my many, many questions without hesitating and with no thought of herself. Her only goals were to get accurate information out to as many unsuspecting, sugar-addicts as possible.

When I was writing my book, Nancy has absolutely no way of knowing that SUGAR SHOCK! would sell well, and that years later I would finally be able to help her. 

So I encourage now, go out and buy Nancy's amazing new book, Suicide by Sugar: A Startling Look at Our #1 National Addiction.

To listen to the Gab With the Gurus Radio Show with Nancy either live on Oct. 20 at 2 pm EST -- or later, at your convenience, just click on the player below or listen live at BlogTalkRadio.com.

For more news about upcoming radio guests, visit the Gab With the Gurus Blog.

Madama Butterfly: Free Performance With Happy, Healthy, Dreamers Meetup

If you're doing a "staycation" (stay-at-home vacation) in New York this Labor Day weekend, come Monday night with a goup of us (as part of my newly revamped Meetup group, "Happy, Healthy Dreamers & Doers in the City") as we attend the final free performance of the Metropolitan Opera's Summer HD Festival.

At no cost to you, you'll catch see a staging of the glorious Madama Butterfly, which is sure to be an absolutely glorious experience, as was last night's Barber of Seville.

Here are brief details about Monday's opera/film:

Academy Award-winning film director Anthony Minghella’s production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly stars Patricia Racette as Cio-Cio-San, Marcello Giordani as Pinkerton, Dwayne Croft as Sharpless, and Maria Zifchak as Suzuki. Patrick Summers conducts. Approximate running time: 145 minutes

See the brief announcement on YouTube about the opening night of this opera.

Get details on how and where to meet at the Happy, Healthy Dreamers & Doers in the City Meetup site.

FYI, I'm in the city this weekend doing final homework assignments to conclude my superb life coach training from iPEC (the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching). (If you want to become a life coach, I heartily recommend iPEC. If you're interested, feel free to ask me about this program, and make sure to say Connie referred you when you call them.)

Save the dates for other exciting events:

• You're invited to join me on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 2 pm on my Gab With the Gurus Radio Show when I interview renowned sugar expert Nancy Appleton, who's just come out with a new book, Suicide by Sugar: A Startling Look at Our #1 National Addiction. This is sure to be an eye-opening show. In case you're wondering why I'm promoting another sugar book, it's because I believe that we all have something great to offer. Also, Nancy is one of my mentors, and she was incredibly generous to me while I was researching and writing my book SUGAR SHOCK!
• You're also encouraged to join me Thursday, Sept. 10 when I discuss "Breaking Free of Your Sugar Habit" at a free Open House at the New York Open Center's new offices. I'll be one of 8 speakers that night. Learn here about the schedule.

Are You Drinking Yourself Fat? New Yorkers Urged to Quit "Pouring on the Pounds"

The next time you think of grabbing a soda, sports drink, fruit-flavored beverage, lemonade, punch, Snapple or other sugary drink, just imagine lards of fat spewing out.

If "Yuck!" is your response to this disgusting image, then the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will have accomplished its mission: To shock New Yorkers to stay away from nutrient-lacking, calorie-filled sugary drinks.

Indeed, thanks to a brilliant, new "Are you pouring on the pounds?" campaign from the city's health department, many subway riders are being confronted via posters (some 1,500 in all), which alert them to the consequences of their sugary beverage consumption.

I'm thrilled by this bold move to shock New Yorkers -- especially overweight and obese ones -- to action by spreading  the message, "Don't drink yourself fat."

As more and more New Yorkers are becoming obese, a hard-hitting, in-your face approach is exactly what's needed to wake people up to sugar's dangers.

"Just trying to be positive and encouraging doesn't always get people's attention," New York Associate Commissioner Geoff Cowley told the Daily News. "If you get in people's faces a bit, that does get people's attention."

It's also smart, I believe, for York health leaders to state what's so patently obvious to those of us who are sugar experts.

“Sugary drinks shouldn’t be a part of our everyday diet,”

As New York City Health Commissioner Thomas A. Farley said in a statement, “Sugary drinks shouldn’t be a part of our everyday diet. Drinking beverages loaded with sugars increases the risk of obesity and associated problems, particularly diabetes but also heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer.”

More kudos go to Cathy Nonas, the department's director of physical activity and nutrition programs, for recommending that “We need to start thinking of the sugar in sweetened drinks as unwanted, wasted calories. These calories provide no nutritional benefits and can lead to weight gain," says Nonas, who is blogging about the campaign on the NYC Healthy Blog.

Not surprisingly, the soft drink industry is irked by the campaign, as The New York Times points out.

But you can't ignore the facts. Downing sugary drinks, as well as eating sugary and high-glycemic foods, can make people fat, trigger type 2 diabetes, and can lead to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, infertility, low libido and more.

Even so, most people remain clueless, especially those who unthinkingly gulp soft drinks. In fact, I've received a huge volume of emails from readers of my book SUGAR SHOCK!, who been astonished by how dangerous sugar is and how it can even cut your life short.

By the way, the New York City "Are you Pouring on the Pounds?" campaign contains one minor error. A 20-ounce bottle of soda contains slightly more than the 16 ½ teaspoons of sugar stated -- rather, it has about 16.87 teaspoons of sugar.

Again, congratulations to New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for stating this much-needed campaign.

To learn about how Americans are committing Suicide by Sugar -- the title of the new book from sugar expert Nancy Appleton --  tune into my Gab With the Gurus Radio Show on September 8 at 3 pm EST.