SUGAR SHOCK! Blog

Important Info for Users of Cell Phones, Wireless Routers, TVs & Other Appliances

Do you get dizzy, headachy, nauseous, have difficulty sleeping and other issues?

You may being zapped -- in other words, you may be sensitive to the Digital Age.

Or, to put it another way, you may be a victim of what's now being dubbed electro-pollution.

All of us are under constant attack from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which are caused by our cell phones, power lines, household wiring, computers, TVs, clock radios, microwave ovens, and many other appliances.

Now, researchers are linking electro-pollution with a variety of illnesses, including cancer, depression, chronic fatigue, birth defects, learning disabilities, and Alzheimer's disease.

In fact, as DirtyElectricity.org points out, some "health problems being attributed to electrical pollution include fibromyalgia, attention deficit disorder, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, and asthma. There are also cases that detail that electrical pollution aggravates other preexisting conditions like multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches."

We all need to how to protect ourselves against electro-pollution.

By the way, I've been looking into this, because I've been working on my next book, The Sugar Shock Diet, for Hay House, and may be experiencing some symptoms of electro-pollution.

Arm yourself now by listening to my recent valuable Gab with the Gurus interview with Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman, author of Zapped: Why your Cell Phone Shouldn’t Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution.

Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio

Special thanks to http://completewellbeing.com/article/getting-buzzed/ for the photo.

Now that you've listened to this Gab with the Gurus show about electro-pollution with Dr. Gittleman, what changes can you immediately make?

 

Cell Phones & Microwaves: Ann Louise Gittleman Tells You How to Protect Yourself

Cell phones? TVs? Microwave ovens? How can we protect ourselves when we're constantly exposed to them?

via www.sugarshockblog.com

Connie's Super Cacao-Chia-Moringa Shake to Begin the Day

Lately, Facebook friends and other fans have been intrigued when I said I start my day with a Super Cacao-Chia-Moringa Ultimate Shake.

For the past week or so, I've been creating and revising this tasty concoction, adding or subtracting ingredients. Now, people have been repeatedly nudging me to share my recipe.

First a bit of background. Recently, after exhausting my adrenals, I've been doing all that I can to boost my energy, be highly creative, concentrate better, improve my stamina, be in my best shape ever, and write a fabulous book that can help many, preferably millions. I'm working on The Sugar Shock Diet, which is the follow-up to my book Sugar Shock. (Here's my original announcement.)

To that end, I'm now on Day 28 of doing a Detox Diet, following a program outlined in Dr. Jeffrey Morrison's new book, Cleanse Your Body, Clear Your Mind. (He recently appeared on my Gab with the Gurus Show. I'll be inteviewing him again, after I hit Day 40.)

Anyhow, these days, my goal is to cram lots of superfoods and healthy ingredients into my first meal of the day. 

My breakfast helps me remember that we eat to live and to thrive, remember?

So here's the healthy way I begin my day. Usually, I do a rigorous workout immediately afterwards, too.

This Super Cacao-Chia-Moringa Shake fills you up and is quite tasty, too.

What's more, unlike other popular, quickie beverages -- think, those Standard American Diet (SAD) shakes -- my Super Duper Shake isn't packed with nutrition-lacking, sugar-loaded calories, and it doesn't send your blood sugar bouncing all over the place. 

Here are the items that go into my breakfast shake. Bear in mind that every day I have fun making changes. In fact, please send me your ideas of what to add or subtract:

- First, I use 2 T. The Ultimate Life, Ultimate Meal. What's really wonderful about this powder is that it contains no gluten, no soy protein or fiber, no whey, no nuts, no MSG, no corn, no yeast, no dairy, no maltodextrin, sugar, honey or fructose, no colors, no preservatives, no fillers, and no animal products. (This is very hard to find in protein and health powders.)

- Next, I use some kind of cacao. For instance, I'll use 2 T. organic cacao nibs from Navitas. Adding these gives your shake a chocolate burst--plus you get the superfood benefits. Lately, I've been experimenting using 2 T of already ground-up instead of Raw Cacao Powder from Divine Organics. Here's a ground powder from Navitas you can get.

- About 1 or 2 tiny spoonfuls of Ribose from Jarrow. (Just started to recently to use before an intense workout. As the description indicates, "Ribose is one of the necessary building blocks for the formation of ATP; the `universal' energy molecule in the body.* Physical stress can deplete ATP stores in cardiac and skeletal muscles.* As the rate-limiting substrate in the synthesis of nucleotides; including ATP; ribose plays a vital role in replenishing ATP; thus; enhancing energy production; improving muscle recovery;and thus Muscle Edge. (Natually, the FDA doesn't sanction these comments.)

I also add the following to the shake:

• 1 tsp. Psyllium Husks Powder (I'm using this because I'm now detoxing. I use the one from Yerba Prima)
• 1 T. ground Nutiva organic chia seeds (or whatever brand you can find.)
• 1 T. ground plain organic flax seeds (I like the Spectrum that you can find at Whole Foods.)
• 1 tsp. Glutamine Plus from Daily Benefit
• 1 tsp. It's Moringa powder (*The Moringa plant has been called "The Miracle Tree." I started using this, because my intuition told me to include this superfood, which I learned about months ago. See info below to learn more about this amazing product of nature.)
• A big dash of Simply Organic cinnamon and clove powder if I'm in the mood for them.
• Sometimes I'll add a pinch of green powdered stevia from Navitas Natural. (Or I may use no sweetener. Please note that I never use any white stevia powder from any company. I prefer to use stevia in as natural a form as possible.) 
• About 8 ounces to 16 ounces of Water after my Brita water filter has purified it.
• A few tablespoons of coconut milk (I use Soy Free/Dairy Free/Unsweetened from SoDelicious. Instead, I may have a little taste, about 1/4 tsp., of refrigerated Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil.
• Lately, I've been adding 1 T. of Bob's Red Mills Almond Meal Powder. I'm excited about this idea, because it makes the Super Shake extra thick. (You may have to add another glass of water.)
• I also started opening up two capsules of another wonder spice, turmeric, which you can learn about here -- Jarrow's Curcumin 9.
• At the beginning of the day, I also take two or more capsules of Whole World Botanicals Organic Royal Maca, but I do NOT put this in the shake. I'm too nervous to try, because I don't want it to ruin the taste.

Blend until all ingredients are ground up and your shake is thick and creamy. Add more water, if desired. Then enjoy!

As you can see from the attached photo, I like to drink my Super Cacao-Chia-Moringa Shake in the glass that I got from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which I attended.

FYI, depending on when I work out, I also may save about a third of my concoction in the fridge to finish after I come back from exercising.

Let me know what you think of this recipe. What other great superfood ingredients would you add?

Now, let here's more info about Moringa oleifera, which has been hailed as the most nutritious leafy green in the planet today.

As I mentioned, I began adding it to my shake today. It did not make it taste extra green-y, which was nice.

 

According to my new friend, Jude Ken-Kwofie, founder of It's Moringa, "just one scoop of our moringa dried leaf powder in your favorite meal or beverage helps you achieve your recommended 5 to 9 daily servings of vegetables."

Moringa can be used by people in average or poor health, Jude says. Some reported health benefits of Moringa include:

• Increases and sustains energy naturally
• Gives a feeling of general wellness
• Nourishes that body’s immune system
• Promotes healthy circulatory system
• Increases the natural defenses of the body
• Heightens mental clarity
• Provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain
• Promotes metabolism with bio-available ingredients
• Promotes natural serum cholesterol
• Known to enhance weight loss
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Acts as an antioxidant
• High alkalinity helps balance your body’s pH level
• Has natural anti-aging benefits
• Anti-inflammatory support
• Supports the normal sugar levels of the body

Jude tells me that It’s Moringa products contain a high concentration of chlorophyll, which is also known as the “blood of the plant” and gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll, which is rich in magnesium, is also known to fight infection, cleanse the body of unwanted toxins, promote the healing of wounds, improve the body’s circulatory, immune, digestive, and detoxification systems. Due to its similarity to hemoglobin, chlorophyll is easily absorbed into human blood, which transports nutrients effectively and efficiently to every cell of the body. Incorporating chlorophyll into one’s diet, Jude says, is equivalent to consuming the energy of life. It’s Moringa products reportedly contain 4 times (4X) the chlorophyll content of wheatgrass.

What appeals to me about It's Moringa and why I chose to become an affiliate even though other companies also sell this superfood is that this particular company donates 10 percent of its sales to support malnutrition around the world. In fact, did you now that one third of all childhood deaths are caused by under-nutrition? Sad to think about that given our country's obesity problem.

Anyhow, to fight malnutrition, It’s Moringa has partnered with Vitamin Angels or www.vitaminangels.org and Nourish America or www.nourishamerica.org..

So, what do you think of my Super Cacao-Chia-Moringa Shake? Let me know know what you think aftter you try it out.

Is there anything else you recommend that I add? Please share your ideas.

* Please bear in mind that all products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any of these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Disclosure: I am an affiliate of most of these products, too.

Listen to Dr. Morrison's interview now.

Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio

Sugar Shock Readers: What Would You Like in My Next Book?

Attention, readers of my first book, Sugar Shock.

Please give your feedback!

I'm now wrapping up my next book, The Sugar Shock Diet, which will be released next year by Hay House, which brings you empowering self help, inspirational and transformational books, products and events. (Here's the original announcement, and yes, the title of my book may be changing.)

Please, dear readers of Sugar Shock, as I'm rewriting and editing The Sugar Shock Diet, please tell me what you'd like to see included.

What would make your life easier and sweeter?

We're eager to get your feedback now!

So what would you want included in my next book, The Sugar Shock Diet? Tell us now here, on this Sugar Shock Blog, and on the Facebook Smart Habits Fans Page.

Did You Miss Gab with the Gurus Shows? Catch Them Now

Have you missed Gab with the Gurus Shows you were eager to catch this three-year anniversary week? No problem!

Listen now to shows from the Gab with the Gurus three-year anniversary celebration this month.

Check back here every day to catch the latest shows, which will be posted here.

The following hot best-selling authors and world-renowned experts are scheduled for the Gab with the Gurus anniversary celebration:

•  Transformational teacher Marianne Williamson, author of A Course in Weight Loss -- listen now
Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio
•  Love coach Lauren Frances, author of Dating, Mating, and Man Handling -- listen now here
Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio
• "Sleep Doctor" Dr. Michael Breus, author of the new book, The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan -- listen now
•  Stress Relief Expert Lauren E. Miller, author of 99 Things You Wish You Know Before Stressing Out -- listen now

Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio

Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio

 Stay tuned to get links to the following upcoming shows, too:

• Deborah King, emotional wellness expert and author of the new book, Be Your Own Shaman
• Social media wizard Mike Stelzner, author of the new book, Launch: How to Quickly Propel Your Business Beyond the Competition
• Renowned love expert Dr. Diana Krischner, author of the new book, Sealing the Deal
• Dave Kerpen, CEO of Likeable Media, a social media marketing firm and author of new book, Likeable Social Media: How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (& Other Social Networks)
• Positive change advocate Brian Vaszily, author of the new book, The 9 Intense Experiences
• World-renowned Lauren Mackler, author of the new book, Soleness: Master the Art of Aloneness and Transform Your Life
• The late "Grandfather of Fitness" Jack LaLanne (this is a replay of a previous show)
• Equinox Group Fitness Manager Mark Hendricks on the value and fun of exercising
• Michael Port, author of Book Yourself Solid and the Think Big Manifesto

Remember, you can listen to shows live, generally Wed. at 2 pm EST. (Sometimes, we hold more shows.) In addition, you can catch shows:

• Directly on the show page on BlogTalkRadio at www.GabWithTheGurus.com
• On the Facebook fan pages for Gab with the Gurus (www.Facebook.com/GabWithTheGurus) and Smart Habits Fans (www.Facebook.com/SmartHabitsFans)
• And through iTunes

Please let us know what you think of the show! What Ahah moments have you had?

And make sure to tell your friends about the Gab with the Gurus Show

Gab with the Gurus Presents Experts Galore for 3-Year Anniversary

This week marks the three-year anniversary of my show, Gab with the Gurus on BlogTalkRadio.

Here is a press release now being distributed about the show.

World-Renowned Sleep Doctor Dr. Michael Breus, Love Expert Lauren Frances, Emotional Wellness Guru Deborah King, Social Media Wizard, Mike Stelzner Begin Celebration of Gab with the Gurus Three-Year Anniversary

Experts Regularly Empower Listeners Around the World on the Gab with the Gurus Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2011

NEW YORK--Starting week, world-renowned "Sleep Doctor" Dr. Michael Breus, love coach Lauren Frances, emotional wellness expert Deborah King, spiritual leader Marianne Williamson, and social media wizard Mike Stelzner appear on the Gab with the Gurus Show (www.GabWithTheGurus.com), which is celebrating its three-year anniversary.

The Gab with the Gurus Show—which is hosted by internationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, journalist, and Freedom Coach Connie Bennett—regularly presents internationally acclaimed guests, who are bestselling authors, celebrities, and recognized experts from a variety of fields.

Gab with the Gurus guests give worldwide listeners valuable, life-changing information about a variety of subjects, including health, fitness, wealth, social networking, business development, self-help, personal empowerment, the Law of Attraction, business, blogging, social networking, relationships, human potential, self-growth, celebrities, and more. The show--which airs on the acclaimed BlogTalkRadio.com--also features popular TV and film stars, as well as best-selling fiction writers.

"Every week, we're pleased to present internationally recognized gurus and celebrities, who are here to educate, empower and motivate listeners to Get a Life That Rocks™," says Gab with the Gurus founder and host Connie Bennett.  

"Each guest gives listeners one or more simple tips that are easy to implement immediately," adds Bennett, who normally hosts the Gab with the Gurus Show every Wednesday at 2 pm EST.

As part of the three-year-anniversary celebration for the rest of the month, Gab with the Gurus shows will air every weekday at 2 pm EST. (Most shows are live interviews.) 

People from around the world can listen to Gab with the Gurus Show on BlogTalkRadio several ways:

• Listen live at 2 pm EST on the BlogTalkRadio site, www.GabWithTheGurus.com, or download later, a podcast
• Listen after the show airs on Bennett's blog, www.SugarShockBlog.com
• Later, on the Gab with the Gurus Facebook fan page, www.Facebook.com/GabWithTheGurus and also Bennett's Smart Habits Fans page
• Download or subscribe via iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gab-gurus-with-connie-bennett/id290617732

During the Gab with the Gurus three-year anniversary celebration this month, these best-selling authors and world-renowned experts are scheduled:

• Transformational teacher Marianne Williamson, author of A Course in Weight Loss 
• Love coach Lauren Frances, author of Dating, Mating, and Man Handling
• Deborah King, emotional wellness expert and author of the new book, Be Your Own Shaman
• Happiness and love expert Marci Shimoff, author of Happy for No Reason and Love for No Reason
• Social media wizard Mike Stelzner, author of the new book, Launch: How to Quickly Propel Your Business Beyond the Competition
• "Sleep Doctor" Dr. Michael Breus, author of the new book, The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan
• Renowned love expert Dr. Diana Krischner, author of the new book, Sealing the Deal
• Dave Kerpen, CEO of Likeable Media, a social media marketing firm and author of new book, Likeable Social Media: How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (& Other Social Networks)
• Stress Relief Expert Lauren E. Miller, author of 99 Things You Wish You Know Before Stressing Out
• Positive change advocate Brian Vaszily, author of the new book, The 9 Intense Experiences
• World-renowned Lauren Mackler, author of the new book, Solemate: Master the Art of Aloneness and Transform Your Life
• The late "Grandfather of Fitness" Jack LaLanne (this is a replay of a previous show)
• Equinox Group Fitness Manager Mark Hendricks on the value and fun of exercising
• Michael Port, author of Book Yourself Solid and the Think Big Manifesto
• And more

Previous guests on the Gab with the Gurus Show have included:

• Recognized TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz
• The Secret teachers John Assaraf, Lisa Nichols and Joe Vitale
• Bloggers and social media experts Robert Scoble and Chris Brogan
• The "Pied Piper" of Facebook Mari Smith
• "Skinny Bitch" Kim Barnouin
• Actress and best-selling author Suzanne Somers
• Actress and author Marilu Henner
• Creativity expert Julia Cameron (The Artist's Way and The Writing Diet);
• "FlyLady" Marla Cilley (Body Clutter and Sink Reflections);
• Law of Attraction expert Arielle Ford (The Soulmate Secret);
• Transformational expert Dr. Barbara DeAngelis;
• "Celebrity Fit Club's" Harvey Walden, IV Harvey Walden's No Excuses! Fitness Workout);
• New media expert Sreenath Sreenivasan;
• Healing expert and bestselling author Dr. Bernie Siegel;
• Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz, authors of The Fifth Element
• Journalist Gary Taubes (Why We Get Fat);
• Bestselling author Dr. Mark Hyman (The UltraMind Solution);
• Opinionistas.com blogger Melissa Lafsky;
• "Goals Guy" Gary Ryan Blair;
• Celebrity health and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy
• Psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow;
• TV personality Susan Powter ("Stop the Insanity");
• Celebrity fitness trainer Gina Lombardi (host of "FitNation" and author of Deadline Fitness);
• Martha Stewart's fitness trainer Mary Tedesco
• Renowned cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, co-author of Connie's book Sugar Shock
• Montel Williams, who talked about how his battle with MS and much more
• Valerie Waters, personal trainer to Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Biel or Kate Beckinsale and Jennifer Garner
• Actress Lisa Rinna
• Online marketer Mitch Meyerson
• Relationship guru Dr. Pat Allen
• Happiness expert Gretchen Rubin
• Zumba founder Alberto "Beto" Perez
• "First Lady of Nutrition" Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman on Cell Phones & Electronic Pollution
• Janet Atwood on finding your passion
• David Wolfe on raw foods
• And many more

The Gab with the Gurus Radio Show was founded in June 2008 by author, speaker, and coach Connie Bennett. Previously, on July 10, 2007, she had created the Stop Sugar Shock Show, which she renamed a year later to more accurately reflect the broad scope of topics covered.

The Gab with the Gurus Shows airs on the popular, fast-growing www.BlogTalkRadio.com, the first and largest online radio citizen broadcasting network. BlogTalkRadio—which attracts 7 million listeners each month—was hailed as "a populist force in cyberspace" by Washington Post media critic Howard Kurtz.

Again, to listen to the Gab with the Gab Gurus Show, go live at 2 pm EST Wed. to www.GabWithTheGurus.com. Also, listen later at www.sugarshockblog.com and www.facebook.com/gabwiththegurus, or via iTunes.

Gab with the Gurus host Connie Bennett is an acclaimed speaker, journalist, certified life coach, certified health coach, and author of the Sugar Shock: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life—And How You Can Get Back on Track (Berkley Books), which has been praised by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Marilu Henner, Dr. Joseph Mercola and others.

Her next book, The Beyond Sugar Shock Diet: The 6-Week Plan to Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction & Get a Slimmer, Sexier & Sweeter Life, will be published in 2012 by Hay House.

Now sugar-free (mostly) for 13 years, Connie helps people easily release their sugar addiction and other bad habits (what he calls babits™). Her Sugar Freedom Now Course (or Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction in 6 Weeks)--available via teleseminar and webinar--has drawn rave reviews from fans around the world.

Again, here's how to listen to the Gab with the Gurus Show:

• Listen live at 2 pm EST on the BlogTalkRadio site, www.GabWithTheGurus.com, or download later, a podcast
• Listen after the show airs on Bennett's blog, www.SugarShockBlog.com
• Later, on the Gab with the Gurus Facebook fan page, www.Facebook.com/GabWithTheGurus and also Bennett's Smart Habits Fans page
• Download or subscribe via iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gab-gurus-with-connie-bennett/id290617732

 #  # #

Deepak Chopra's New Book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes

For years, I've been a fan of the remarkable spiritual teacher and best-selling Deepak Chopra, because he excels at helping you to tap into your greatness despite our challenging times. I've even attended three workshops or talks with him.

Now, in Deepak Chopra’s intriguing new book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes, connects the dots between ancient wisdom traditions and the costumed superheroes of today.

He explores what we can learn from the superhero archetype and how to become your own “superhero” as a pathway to greater joy, courage, creativity, and purpose.

If you order today, you can receive free bonus gifts numerous, leading thought leaders.

As the book's description reads, "Given the volatile state of the world, it is no coincidence that superheroes have captured our imagination like never before. Everywhere you look, superheroes have broken free from their comic book pages and become a dynamic aspect of the culture at large. Superheroes are imbued with magical powers that challenge the laws of space and time, offering us a vision of a world that can change. By exploring the boundaries of energy and awareness, allowing us to better understand ourselves and our potential, superheroes can help us save the planet in a very real way.

"From Buddha's search for truth to Batman's struggle with his dark side, from Wolverine exposing his greatest fears to Hanuman's divine gifts of inspiration, New York Times bestselling author Deepak Chopra with his son Gotham, author and cofounder of Liquid Comics, decode the seven essential laws that govern the realm of superheroes both ancient and modern, cosmic and commercial, and explain their relevance, importance, and perhaps most critically, how to apply them to our daily lives. These seven new transformative laws will help us all uncover greater happiness, courage, balance, creativity, compassion, and purpose in our lives. Each law has the potential to awaken us to our own superpowers and together these laws offer the potential to change our lives and the world around us."

Go here to learn more about The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes from Deepak Chopra and his son Gotham.

Sugar Shock Blog Turns 5 Today! How Shall We Celebrate?

Click below to get my personal message.

Today is the Sugar Shock Blog's five-year anniversary! Wow!

I may have missed this birthday, but I had to look it up, because today, someone requested more information about me and what I do.

As long-time fans may know -- and newer visitors can discover -- this Sugar Shock Blog began dedicated to providing health and wellness information, with a focus on providing tips to quit sugar,  updates about sugar research and ifnormation about artificial sweeteners, etc. Now its mission and goal has expanded greatly. Over time, we've enlarged our focus to help you live a happier, more fulfilling life.

My intention here is to give you content that:

• Helps you improve your health and activate your wellness
• Shows or tells you how to become personally empowered
• Helps you lead a better life, or, as I like to say, Get a Life that Rocks™
• Gives you info so you can master social networking and realize your dreams
• Tells you about inspiring guests, who will appear or have entertained and educated you on my Gab with the Gurus Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio. These gurus -- many of whom have written bestselling books, have a revolutionary product or are appearing in exciting movies or TV shows, etc. -- can help you a lot! In fact, there's nothing like hearing people's voices to help you. (By the way, Gab with the Gurus turns 3 next week -- actually it's 4 years (because the show began as the Stop Sugar Shock Radio Show.) Stay tuned for an exciting week of shows, which, as usual, you can listen to live or later.
• Educates you about cutting edge studies related to sugar, nutrition and more
• Helps you improve your relationships
• Lets you catch up with me and connect with me
• Updates you about my free teleseminars and my Sugar Freedom Now program.
• And so much more

For those of you who are new here, let tell you about myself. I'm:

• A trained-journalist-turned blogger.
• Author of the book, Sugar Shock (from Berkley Books, part of the Penguin Group).
• Author of the upcoming book, The Sugar Shock Diet (from Hay House), which I just finished writing. (I'm taking it easy a little before we go into major editing mode shortly.)
• A certified life coach (who studied at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching or iPEC), and certified health coach (who trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition or IIN).
• Host of the Gab with the Gurus Radio Show, which is how I bring to you many experts from a variety of fields, including health, wellness, personal empowerment, social networking, relationships, dating, fitness, forgiveness, celebrities, etc. Some of my guests have included Dr. Mehmet Oz, Montel Williams, Lisa Rinna, Suzanne Somers, Chris Brogan, Mari Smith, Marianne Williamson, Gretchen Rubin and many more.

People refer to me as a "Sugar Shrew No More," a Sugar Freedom Coach or Freedom Coach, Sugar Liberator or Smart Habits Girl (which is my handle on Twitter).

So to help us celebrate, please answer two quick questions.

• How should we celebrate the Sugar Shock Blog's five-year anniversary? Please share your ideas here on what we should do.
• And what kinds of information would you like to see here? Tell us what you'd like to see here.

Tips to Deal with Ticks and/or Lyme Disease

Now that the weather is nice, this is the season for ticks, which  means you may be at risk of getting infected with Lyme disease, as well as Babesia, Erlichia, Bartonella and other associated diseases.

If you get Lyme disease and/or a related disease, you may have some or more of the following ailments: fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headaches, mental confusion, fever or chills and swollen lymph nodes.

Why am I bringing this up now?

Well, in the past week, two people (one friend and one acquaintance) sought me out to discuss Lyme disease. They both know that back in 2008, one of those teeny-tiny bugs got far too cozy with me (burrowing under my skin -- yuck!) and gave me this Modern Menace. So now I know a bit about this devastating condition.

In 2008, after being afflicted with Lyme disease, I plunged into investigative journalist mode. (My background is as a reporter.)

So I began holding Gab with the Gurus shows to help others, reading books, etc. Therefore, here are some Lyme disease resources for you and your loved ones:

1) First I invite you to read and comment on my op ed piece on AOL News last year about Lyme disease  (http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/28/opinion-a-health-epidemic-thats-going-largely-unnoticed/)

2) Then listen to least year's Gab with the Gurus Shows about Lyme disease. http://tinyurl.com/LymeDiseaseGabGurus2010Connie

• First, learn Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Lyme Disease but Were Too Confused to Ask, Ia show I did in 2009. In this show (http://tinyurl.com/LymeDiseaseGurus08-09Connie), you'll learn what Lyme disesae is; how to test it (and how testing may not always be accurate, and how to recognize, prevent and treat this condition. You'll hear from:
• Dr. Kenneth Liegner, who is well known for treating Lyme patients;
• Lorrie Nadel, director of Advocacy and Patient Care at the Turn the Corner Foundation,
• James Gormley, author of User's Guide to Treating Lyme Disease;
• Pamela Weintraub, author of Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Epidemic; and 
• Homeopathic physician Dr. Ronald Whitmont.

Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio

3) Next, I invite you to listen to my very first Gab with the Gurus Show right after I got Lyme disease in 2008, where you'll hear from the following amazing experts:

• Pamela Weintraub, author of the groundbreaking book, Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Epidemic ;
• Pat Smith, president of the Lyme Disease Association ;
• Bernard D. Raxlen, M.D.;
• Steven J. Bock, M.D.;
• Dr. Qingcai Zhang, author of Lyme Disease and Modern Chinese Medicine;
• Novelist Rebecca Wells ("Ya-Ya" novels), and
• Kris Newby, senior producer of the eye-opening documentary, “Under Our Skin: The Untold Story of Lyme Disease.”

Please bear in mind that, at the time, I wasn't feeling well when I did this show, because I'd recently gotten Lyme disease myself and was kind of spacey and wiped out. Listen here: http://tinyurl.com/LymeDiseaseGabGurus08-08Connie

Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio

4) Then, I invite you to check out another Gab with the Gurus Show, in which you'll learn about the documentary, Under Our Skin. Just go here: http://tinyurl.com/LymeDiseaseGurus07-09Connie

Watch this trailer for this dramatic, eye-opening film.

Listen to internet radio with Gab With the Gurus on Blog Talk Radio

5) Then, see this blog post about Lyme disease, too, and how you can get Bitten in the City.

Now, for a few pointers if you've been out near nature and aren't feeling right:

• Get some help right away!
• Bear in mind that fewer than 50 percent of people know they were bitten by a tick.
• See what's called a Lyme-literate doctor pronto. See info below on how to find a doctor.
• If you do have Lyme disease, I believe that one week or 10 days of antibiotics isn't enough. Of course, bear in mind that I am NOT a doctor, and I'm not giving medical advice. This is my perspective based on my own experiences and the considerable research that I did. That's why it's imperative to see a Lyme-literate doctor. (See below on how to find a doctor.)
• Purify your diet big time. Get on what I call a Quality Diet. You don't want your body to be a hospitable host for those nasty spirochetes.
• In particular, cut out all processed carbs and sweets. This is very important! (After being diagnosed with Lyme disease, I started laughing when the doctor told me to quit sugar. For some reason, in my fatigued, fuzzy-headed state, it struck me as humorous. I'm not sure why, but bear in mind that I felt awful and I'd already been off sugar since 1998.)
• Educate yourself. You need to learn about this scary disease. I highly recommend Pamela Weintraub's book, Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Epidemic. You also may want to read Coping with Lyme Disease and User's Guide to Treating Lyme Disease.
• Learn more through the knowlwedgeable Lyme Disease Association (LDA) 
• Find a nurturing group of people who understand what you're going through. For instance, if you live in Manhattan, check out the New York City Lyme Support Group at www.nyclymesupport.org .

Meanwhile, if you haven't been bitten by a tick, here are some ideas what to do when you go out outdoors:

• Stay in the center of a trail.
• Wear light-colored clothing.
• When you go into nature, wear long pants! Then, make sure to tuck your pant legs into your socks so those little critters can't crawl up under your pant legs. Apparently, some ticks even can crawl down into your shoes. They're even small enough to crawl through socks.
• Take a shower when you come back from nature.
• If you don't wear long pants or if you do, make sure that every time you come back from nature, especially tick-infested areas such as in the Northeast, very, very carefully check your and/or your loved ones' bodies body for ticks! This is imperative! (You can even whip out a mirror and a magnifying class to inspect under your arms, near or even in your ears, inside your belly button, between your legs, on the back of your knees, and even near your hair. (One Lyme expert found a tick washing her hair after being out in nature!) That's why, with my long curly hair, I usually hide it under a hat under my helmet if I'm out bicyling.
• When you're back home, take off your clothing and toss everything in the washing machine and the dryer. Make sure to put the the dryer at high heat, because that's how ticks are killed.
• Bear in mind that your pets may be tick carriers, too, so inspect them, too. Just think -- they often frolic about in nature so when you hug or pet them, those ticks could be transferred to you. 
• If you do find a tick attached to your skin, pull out a tweezer and pluck it out. Do not pull it out with your hands. At that point, you may even want to get the tick checked for Lyme disease. (URL coming of places that do that.)

If you need to find a doctor, here are some resources:

• The Lyme Disease Association
• Turn the Corner Foundation
• International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society
• Here are some other resources.

Would you like to chat about ticks and Lyme disease? Post comments here, on this Sugar Shock Blog and on my Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/smarthabitsfans and also my new Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ConnieBennettCoachSpeakerAuthor

Look forward to connecting.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Do You Have It?

If you find yourself hooked on sweets and quickie carbs, you may have pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes or low blood sugar.

Likewise, if youi're moody, tired, confused, and headachy and more, you may have low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia.

Here's a list below of many symptoms of hypoglycemia. See how many ring true for you.

If you have a number of these symptoms, please see a doctor. Your physician might want to order a 5-hour Glucose Tolerance Test that also tests for insulin levels.

FYI, if you are hypo -- which many of us are -- this is NOT a pleasant test. You might want to bring some food along, or even a friend.

Do any of these symptoms ring true for you?

HYPOGLYCEMIA SYMPTOMS

Exhaustion
Sudden fatigue
Nervousness
Anxiety
Irritability & moodiness
Waking up with a "hangover"
Weakness
Faintness
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
The shakes (when hungry)
Mental confusion ("fog" on the brain)
Crying spells
Depression
Apprehensiveness
Tension
Mood swings (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)
Dizziness
Forgetfulness
Nightmares
Digestive problems
Aching eye sockets
Indecisiveness
Heart palpitations
Bizarre behavior
Tremor (internal trembling)
Restlessness
Sleeping too much
Ravenous hunger
Craving for sweets/Sugar addiction
Backache and muscle pain
Cold hands and feet
Vertigo
Incoordination
Temper outbursts
Sensitivity to light
Negative thoughts and attitudes
Unnecessary and excessive worrying
Suicidal thoughts
Halitosis
Feeling best after 7 p.m.
Sighing and yawning
Premenstrual tension & bad cramps
Accident prone and loss of coordination
Shallow breathing
Family history of diabetes or low blood sugar
Itching and crawling on skin
Vertigo
Joint pain
Abdominal spasms
Craving for alcohol and coffee
Fearfulness
Blurred vision
Cold sweats
Edema
Numbness
Blackouts
Allergies
Lack of sex drive (women)
Impotence (males)
Leg cramps
Muscular twitching or twitching of eyelids
Gasping for breath
Smothering spells
Staggering
Slurred speech
Uncontrollable weight gain
Night terrors
Rheumatoid arthritis
Phobias and fears
Neurodermatitis
Nervous breakdown
Asthma
Hay Fever
Undue perspiration
Hives
Sinusitis
Colitis
Diarrhea
Arms and legs or body hurt when first rising in a.m.
"Motor-Mouth" (constant talking)
Alcoholism
Visual disturbances
Antisocial behavior
Sneezing
Skin tags
Feeling of "going crazy"
Dry or burning mouth
Ringing in ears
Hot flashes
Insomnia
Convulsions, coma, unconsciousness and seizures!

Read on for more symptoms uncovered by Myra Pinkham. (My sources are below. Hers are here:)