SUGAR SHOCK! Blog

"Covering Health": New Blog From Association of Health Care Journalists

If you're intrigued by health news, health journalism or are a heath journalist yourself, as I am, you'll want to know about a new blog, Covering Health, which is intended to help keep journalists who report on health and health care issues informed about the latest news in the field and connected with colleagues.

Even if you're not in health journalism, Covering Health's Blog Roll is enticement enough to visit the new site, because you'll find links to numerous, wonderful Health News Bogs such as USA Today's A Better Life,The Los Angeles Times' Booster Shots and Julie's Health Club in the Chicago Tribune.

Anyhow, the Covering Health blog-- which comes from the Association of Health Care Journalists (a group to which I belong) -- will include news about health journalists, notable stories and how specific issues are being covered.

The posts already up are interesting (well, at least to me), but the item that most struck my fancy was this one about Daschle Uses Video to Discuss Suggestions.

High Fructose Corn Syrup: Dig Deeper Before Believing the New Corn Lobby Ads & Consuming the Stuff

Have you seen any of the TV spots, print and online banner ads that seek to convince us that high fructose corn syrup is fun to consume?

Before you believe the many new ads from the Corn Refiners Association -- which is spending a reported $20 million to $30 million to convince us of its safety -- I urge you to get facts from my recent Gab With The Gurus Radio Show, where I had the following guests:

• Curt Ellis, director and producer for the fascinating documentary "King Corn." (The best way to describe it is to quoteThe Austin Chronicle: "As relevant as Super Size Me and as important as An Inconvenient Truth.") 
• Acclaimed cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., co-author of my book Sugar Shock!
• Nutritionist, author and personal trainer Pedro Bastos, a colleague of Loren Cordain, Ph.D., acclaimed for his Paleo Diet.
• Biochemist and food and beverage formulator Russ Bianchi, who is also chief executive officer and managing director of Adept Solutions.
• Richard J. Johnson, M.D., author of The Sugar Fix: The High-Fructose Fallout That is Making You Fat and Sick (His interview is coming up.)

Before, during or after you listen to the Gab With the Gurus Radio Show about high fructose corn syrup, I recommend that you:

• Check out the full campaign, which includes three TV spots ("Brothers," "Party" and "Two Bites"), print ads in magazines and newspapers, and online banners that are increasingly seen on the Internet.
• Seee the paid endorsement of high fructose corn syrup with cardiologist James M. Rippe, M.D. (Hmm. I wonder just how much he was paid by the Corn Refiners Association to make those pro-corn syrup statements. By the way, it's interesting that he says "our website" when referring  the CRA website.) FYI, listen to Dr. Stephen Sinatra, my favorite cardiologist (he's co-author of my book), give his opposing point of view on my Gab With The Gurus Radio Show.
• Order a copy of the eye-opening documentary, "King Corn."
• Watch the 3 Minute Ad Age news story, A Sour View of Corn Refiners' Sweetener Ads, for which I was recently interviewed.

Remember, you can listen at any time to the Gab  With the Gurus Radio Show about high fructose corn syrup.

Gifts That Make a Difference for Any Budget

Fretting over what gifts to give this holiday season?

No problem, listen now -- or at any time -- on How to Give Gifts That Make a Difference, On Any Budget.

You can also learn about Do Your Giving While You Are Living.

You're in for a real treat, because "Gift Guru" Robyn Freedman Spizman and Small Act Founder Casey Golden have some fabulous ideas.  

Listen now or at whatever time works best for you.

Come back here later for URLs of some cool places to get or give gifts.

But, in the meantime, I recommend that you check out Small Act for a free way to give to charity. Make sure to include the code, "DoYourGiving," when you sign up so that $2 will go to whatever charity you choose.

You can get other ideas on where to give online by visiting Do Your Giving.

Gifts That Make A Difference, No Matter What Your Budget -- Fr*ee Special Program on Tuesday

The recent program on How to Give Gifts at Any Budget was such a hit that Robyn Freedman Spizman has agreed to come back for a follow-up program on my Gab With the Gurus Radio Show on Tuesday.

Join us live on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 3 p.m. or later to learn How to Find Gifts That Make a Difference, No Matter What Your Budget. Listen here either on Tuesday or any time that works for you.

Robyn will be joined by Casey Golden of the Small Act Network and philanthropy leader Edie Frasier.

They will talk about how you can make a difference with your gifts during this holiday season. Plus. they'll tell you how to find gifts on any budget.

Robyn and Edie -- co-authors of the new book, Do Your Giving While You Are Living -- will also share some inspiring, heartwarming stories about giving.

Got gift-giving questions? Call us live on the show at 3 pm Eastern Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Call-in number: (347) 426-3366.

Listen live to this show or listen later, at your convenience. 

As I mentioned earlier, Robyn is known as the "Gift Guru" and "Super Shopper." She is the author of numerous books, including Make It Memorable: An A-Z Guide to Making Any Gift, Event or Occasion... Dazzling! and, of course, her new book, Do Your Giving While You Are Living, co-authored with  Edie Fraser.

Edie Fraser is president, founder & CEO of Diversity Best Practices (DBP), Business Women's Network (BWN) and Best Practices in Corporate Communications (BPCC), which are part of the Public Affairs Group, an iVillage Company. Edie is a visionary business leader and strategist with stellar leadership in the area of best practices and benchmarking, workforce and market trends overall -- diversity, women and corporate communications. She and her team support more than 170 organizations, corporate and government members through Diversity Best Practices, and reach out to thousands of womens groups and entrepreneurs through BWN

Casey Golden of the Small Act Network will be on hand, too, to tell you how to be philanthropic and give gifts that really matter.

Learn about why it's important to get involved now and why small acts help.

You can listen live to Tuesday's program or listen afterwards, at your convenience.

TV Ads Make Kids Fatter: Ban Those Junk Food Ads Targeted at Children

Parents have been complaining about this for years, but now a study confirms that watching too much TV can make kids fat.

But, specifically, watching those food commercials for junk aimed at them that makes them wider. Not only that, but if there was a ban on fast food TV advertising, you'd see a big move to reverse childhood obesity trends, according to a new study from researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). 

In fact, just getting rid of those enticing TV spots for fast food could lead to 18 percent fewer overweight kids aged 3 to 11 and it would reduce the number of overweight adolescents ages 12 to 18 by 14 percent.

Of course, this study, published in this month in the Journal of Law and Economics, certainly adds to the ongoing debate in the food industry about whether or not child-directed food and beverage advertising should be allowed.

So why don't the government step in and do something about this? President-Elect Obama, are you listening?

Thanks to Food Navigator for tipping me off to this study.

Check out the Seattle Post Intelligencer story, too.

Farmer in Chief: Will He Get a Green Conscience?

As readers of this blog, you're clearly concerned about food, food politics, sustainability, farmers, health care and fuel.

But will the new president put these issues at the top of his list to address?

Thanks to renowned food activist Michael Pollan, that's a likely possibility, because he penned a thoughtful, insightful, must-read "letter" (really an article, entitled "Farmer in Chief") in The New York Times Magazine's special "Food Issue."

Pollan -- who is the Knight Professor of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley and author of several fabulous books, including his most recent, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto -- addresses "Mr. President-Elect" and eloquently tells him that the health of our nation’s food system is "a critical issue of national security."

What's more, he urges Mr. President-Elect, "you will need not simply to address food prices but to make the reform of the entire food system one of the highest priorities of your administration." Hurrah!

Dining Out Without Food Fretting

You know frustrating it can be to go to dinner and hope that the waiter will convey your instructions to the chef to please skip the sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt, nuts, dairy or whatever ingredient your body just can't handle?

Well, I'm thrilled to learn that Sloane Miller -- a.k.a. "Allergic Girl" in blog circles -- is making things easier for people like us by organizing Worry-Free Dinners. Although she began in New York in April, she's set her sights on holding events in the rest of the country.

Clearly, immediately, I have to contact Sloane and join forces with her. After all, millions have problems eating certain foods, whether they have a sensitivity, as is the case with many sugar sufferers or whether they have an outright allergy, as some 2 million people in America do, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) -- but Miller is looking to take the concept to other cities.

Hats off to CNN's Elizabeth Landau for this fascinating story. And kudos to Sloane for her great work!

Too Many Kisses Can Make You Fat

I love this news item on Mom Logic, which I found, thanks to my smart friend, nutritionist J.J. Virgin.

Without spoiling the piece, I'll just encourage you to check it out.

Lyme Disease Explained: Help Yourself & Your Loved Ones By Listening to Today's Radio Show Now

Did you listen yet to today's Gab With the Gurus Radio Show about Lyme disease?

If not, do yourself a favor and tune in right away (here's the direct URL), because it was one amazing event!

Also, please spread the word. Just send this link to your friends, family members and more.

It's important that people learn about Lyme disease ASAP so they can learn to prevent, identify it and get treated for it.

I also encourage you to learn more about each and every one of today's guests, who were:

• Science journalist Pamela Weintraub, author of the fabulous new book, Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Epidemic (See her story in Psychology Today.)
• Patricia (Pat) Smith, president of the national Lyme Disease Association, which is dedicated to Lyme disease education, prevention and research
• Bernard D. Raxlen, M.D., known for his treatment of Lyme disease as a complex infectious-neuro-immune phenomenon
• Steven J. Bock, M.D., acclaimed for his complementary approach towards Lyme disease
• Dr. Qingcai Zhang, recognized for his Chinese medicine approach, including acupuncture and herbs, to treat Lyme disease
• Renowned actress, playwright and author Rebecca Wells, who is acclaimed for such novels as Divine Secrets of Ya-Ya Sisterhood andYa-Yas in Bloom. (Read Rebecca's poignant story about Lyme disease.)
• Kris Newby, senior producer of the eye-opening, new documentary, "Under Our Skin: The Untold Story of Lyme Disease." (Watch compelling clips here.)

Now, I urge you to:

• Go buy Pamela's riveting, new book, Cure Unknown: Inside the Lyme Epidemic (A journalistic tour de force.)
• Organize a screening in your city, town or community of the eye-opening, new documentary, "Under Our Skin: The Untold Story of Lyme Disease." Or order a copy for your home.
• Buy and get lost in Divine Secrets of Ya-Ya Sisterhood and/or -Yas in Bloom and marvel at how Rebecca could write so beautifully while suffering from chronic Lyme disease.
• Find out more about the fabulous resource, the national Lyme Disease Association. Get doctor referrals and scope out their website to learn about Lyme prevention, education and research.
• And learn more about the amazing three doctors on the show today -- Bernard D. Raxlen, M.D., known for his treatment of Lyme disease as a complex infectious-neuro-immune phenomenon; Steven J. Bock, M.D., acclaimed for his complementary approach towards Lyme disease; and Dr. Qingcai Zhang, recognized for his Chinese medicine approach, including acupuncture and herbs, to treat Lyme disease

And again, please spread the word to everyone in your e-mail data base.

Allow me to repeat myself: Please help us to get an Internet-generated viral education movement going here -- a positive one, of course. We all need to know about this horrible disease and how to prevent, identify and treat it!

Madonna's Husband & Film Director Guy Ritchie Says "Sugar Kills"

The gossip mongers have been blasting film director Guy Ritchie, Madonna's husband for his alleged remarks (and "bizarre rant," according to the Mirror), during which he claimed that sugar sends more people to their grave than crack cocaine.

“Sugar kills,” Ritchie allegedly fumed during a recently promotional event for his new film "RocknRolla."

Ritchie reportedly said:

“Think of the calories in sugar. Fat kills more people than anything else. Sugar is responsible for a lot of deaths, arguably more than crack cocaine."

Look, I don't usually put it so bluntly, but as you can learn in my book SUGAR SHOCK!, sugar (when over consumed -- which is what most people do) can definitely send you early to your death.

What's more, sugar can lead to heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, polycystic ovary syndrome and many more ailments, which can then kill you.

So can sugar kill you? Well, yes, actually, it can.

In fact, come to think of it, with sugar leading to such deadly diseases, perhaps it does kill more people than crack cocaine. (I'd need to check my facts.)

Unfortunately, though, Ritchie may have some facts wrong, even if he is onto a compelling, if not partially right idea.

As for the fat part of Ritchie's comment, that rings me as wrong -- sugar, I believe, can be more deadly than fat.

Given my journalism training, I I think it's only fair to the guy to discuss the context of Ritchie's remarks -- he was, after all, promoting his new film.

You see, the poor guys' movie, "RocknRolla," got lost in all the media's horror about his sort-of accurate sugar comments.

The press coverage I've seen even neglected to cite the intriguing trailer here for Ritchie's new movie, which he directed and wrote.

So I invite you to learn about the film, which stars Gerard Butler, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Campbell Bower, Thandie Newton and Idris Elba.

Oh, you've got to read this amusing, if not misguided take on Ritchie's rather outrageous sugar comments.

Now, how do I get my book SUGAR SHOCK! into Guy Ritchie's hands?

Low-Carb/Low-Fat Study -- Guest Column from Jonny Bowden

You may have heard now about the new study in the New England Journal of Medicine -- which compared results from a low-carb versus low-fat study.

Given that I'm laying low now due to Lyme disease (I'm really sick), I'm going to rely on smart nutritionist Jonny Bowden to give you his take on the study.

I also urge you to see the fascinating New York Times story, Diets don't work? by Tara Parker-Pope.

Jonny claims that "like many diet studies," this, too, "was poorly reported and somewhat misunderstood."

Here are Jonny Bowden's thoughts as to "what actually happened:

Israeli researchers recruited 322 moderately obese subjects and randomly assigned them to one of three dietary groups.

Group one followed a low-carb diet without any restriction on calories. For the first two months they limited their carbohydrate intake to 20 grams a day (the exact amount on the Induction Phase of Atkins) and were then encouraged to increase their intake of carbs up to a maximum of 120 grams a day of carbs. (Sharp eyed readers might note that 120 grams of carbs hardly constitutes an Atkins diet, even during the most generous "maintenance" phase. For someone eating 1500-1800 calories a day diet, that would be between 25-40% of calories from carbs, closer to "The Zone" than to Atkins. But I digress.)

In contrast, both the Mediterranean and the low-fat groups were calorie limited: 1500 calories a day for women and 1800 for men. The low-fat group followed the standard American Heart Association guidelines (30% of calories from fat). The Mediterranean group were allowed up to 35% fat, mostly from olive oil and nuts, and were counseled to substitute beef and lamb with poultry and fish.

Interestingly, all three groups lowered their calories significantly compared to where they started, even though the low-carb group wasn't specifically told to do so, meaning the low-carb group "naturally" ate less calories without even trying. (This is an important point, since I've long maintained that a low-carb diet is easier to follow for many people-- especially those with sugar addictions-- because it doesn't stimulate the appetite like high-carb diets frequently do.)

Fast forward two years: the low-carb group lost the most amount of weight, the low-fat diet brought up the rear and the Mediterranean group was in the middle.

The weight loss results, however, were only part of the picture. The low-carb group had the highest increase in HDL ("good, protective cholesterol"), most improvement in cholesterol ratio, and the greatest reduction in triglycerides- an important risk factor for heart disease that I firmly believe is more important than cholesterol- (triglycerides didn’t budge in the low fat group).

It gets better. Low-carb dieters saw their C-Reactive Protein go down the most. C-Reactive protein is a very good measure of inflammation, something I think we need to be way more concerned with than cholesterol. Inflammation is a silent killer and a component of every degenerative disease from heart disease to obesity. Incidentally, C-Reactive Protein levels barely budged in the low-fat group.

Now for the "bad" news. The actual amount of weight lost on all three diets was pretty pathetic-- average of about 12 pounds for the low-carb group, 10 for the Mediterranean group and 7 for the low-fat group- statistically significant results, but pretty depressing considering this was over a two year period! Remember, though, those numbers were averages- some people lost a lot more (the highest number of pounds lost was lost on the low-carb approach, by the way).

So the first question that comes to mind is this: Did the subjects actually stick with their diets?

This is an impossible question to answer perfectly, and it's not the researchers fault. Short of locking folks in a metabolic ward for two years and counting every calorie served to them and left on their plate, there's no way to completely track compliance with any diet- people cheat, misunderstand the instructions, underreport what they ate, forget, and occasionally outright fib.

But the researchers were smart, and worked with what they had. In Israel, the biggest meal of the day is eaten at lunch, and in this study, everyone participating worked at the same facility and ate lunch at the company cafeteria. The employers cooperated fully with the researchers- all food was labeled and color coded, plus the subjects gave written reports about what they were eating outside company hours. If you're a researcher working with "free living" subjects, that's pretty much all you could hope for. Still, we all know what an evening (or a morning) or a weekend can do to sabotage any plan.

So, a lot of weight lost? Not really. But what's really remarkable about the results is that they didn't gain any weight over 2 years (and managed to lose some to boot!) Most people in that demographic (slightly obese, middle aged), left to their own devices, would continue to pack on the pounds. The fact that these people not only didn't gain but actually lost- albeit not that much- shows that there's hope.

This program shows that employers can actually make a big difference. What worked here- besides the diet programs themselves- was the group support, the counseling, the accountaility and the change in choices that was made available at their workplace.

That's a pretty optimistic finding, if you ask me. (Employers and schools- take notice!)

Most important of all, the study shows that there are health benefits to a low-carb approach that go way beyond weight loss. Lowered C-Reactive Protein, lowered triglycerides and increased HDL is nothing to sneeze at and a nice slap in the face of the establishment that keeps telling us how "unhealthy" low carb diets are!

And call me crazy -- I can't help wondering if the low-carb group would had lost even more weight if they had eaten less than the 120 grams of carbs these folks ate, all the while keeping calories at a moderate, reduced amount and incorporating other lifestyle changes like exercise and stress reduction. Can you imagine? A more reasonable level of under 100 grams a day (or even less) might have made a lot of difference- that's a level that seems to work the best for people who have problems with sugar, insulin and carbohydrates in general.

The best we can say about this important study is that it got a lot of attention (after all this was the New England Journal) and gave credibility to the researchers stated conclusion that there are other ways to go besides low-fat. And to the conclusion that no one program works for everyone, and that some people may be more metabolically suited to low-carb (just as some may thrive on vegetarian or raw food diets).

And as far as the dismal weight loss results, let's just remember that weight loss is a tough nut to crack- but with the right match between program and person, the right social support system, a level of determination and commitment, it can be done.

And frequently is- often with much more dramatic results than were seen in this study.

Thanks to Jonny Bowden for letting me use this.

Diet Coach Brought in to Arrest Obesity in Los Angeles Police Officers

It's the police's job to protect and serve us -- and of course, to arrest suspected criminals.

But how do you arrest obesity in the police officers?

Well, bring in a diet coach.

That's what's the Los Angeles Police Department has done, a development I learned about, thanks to the AP's Shaya Tayee Mohajer.

And it sounds like dietitian Rana Parker is offering some valuable suggestions like backing off from burgers, microwave burritos and greasy slices of pizza.

Indeed, I like Parker's point of view that, as Mohajer explain, "officers can better take a bite out of crime if they aren't hungry on their shifts."

Unfortunately, though, I'm wary of some of Parker's suggestions. She recommends energy bars (do they contain lots of sugar and high fructose corn syrup in them?). And what about these peanut butter sandwiches she recommends -- are they on whole grain bread? is this sugar-free peanut butter?

But I do like her idea of the police officers chomping on fruit.

All said and done, though, hurrah to the LAPD for making an effort to trim down its pudgy officers so they'll perform better.

What Do We Eat? Check Out Photos From Country to Country

Kudos to this site for colorfully showing insightful in photos that illustrate what typical families around the world eat and how much they spend.

So what would a week of your meals look like?

By the way, isn't it sad that the American family in North Carolina ate the most nutrient-poor, fake foods? Whatever happened to fresh fruits and veggies?

Thanks to the Huffington Post for the lead on this enlightening photo essay.

Good News: Learn to be More Happy by Listening to Radio Interview with Good News Guru

Did you catch my interview today on the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show with good-news guru Geri Weis-Corbley, founder, managing editor and publisher of the joy-inducing Good News Network?

Listen to this inspiring program now.

As promised on the show, here is Top 10 Good News Stories of 2007 that Geri mentioned.

And here are links to some other stories we discussed:

• Antigang Group Turns New York Thugs Into College Students
• Forgiving the Unforgiveable
• Follow-Up: Free College Scholarships From Oil Company Revitalizes Town
• How to Happier: 7 Steps to Contentment.

To get good news each week, subscribe here or send a blank e-mail to gnn-newsletter@aweber.com to receive the free Top 10 Good News of the Week.

You're also invited to get Geri's $1 e-book with 43 pages of advice from top experts on how to be happier, how to find the gift within your symptoms (especially depression and ADHD), how to tap into your intuition and how to discover your life's purpose.

Remember, even if you miss listening live to the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show, you also can listen live later, at any time.

Portion Size: Are You Unknowingly A Victim of Portion Distortion?

Are you often plunging into sugar shock, because you polish off almost the entire box of processed crackers?

Have you been packing on the pounds, because your sizes are way out of whack?

Are you a victim of what experts dub "portion distortion"?

To learn what a proper portion is, check out Lynn Grieger's great article about the subject on Your Total Health at iVillage.com.

Lynn, as you can learn here, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, co-author of 6 Weeks to Losing It for Good and popular nutrition writer.

Let Lynn help you to never overdo it on your portions again.

Valentine's Day: Gregory Godek, Tamsen Fadal, Matt Titus, Robyn Freedman Spizman, Dr. Paulettte Kouffman-Sherman & Dr. Stephen Sinatra -- Experts on "Oprah," "Today" & Lifetime -- Dish Delightful Gift & Food Ideas on Special Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show

Valentine's Day is fast approaching.

Wondering how to make it a very special one for your special someone?

Tune in Monday at 3 p.m. EST (or afterwards online, at any time, on a 24/7 basis) to the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show, when a panel of renowned experts on romance, relationships and gift-giving -- Gregory Godek, Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus, Dr. Paulette Kouffman-Sherman and Robyn Freedman Spizman -- will share helpful, tantalizing ideas about how to make this Valentine's Day your most romantic ever.

In addition, this Valentine Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show will feature renowned cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., who will explain why giving sugary chocolates is a no-no this Valentine's Day. He'll also discuss how, over time, candies and sweets could diminish your libido and pack on the pounds.

We'll have a lot of fun on this show as you'll hear insightful, imaginative ideas from these articulate, entertaining gurus, who are all tops in their respective fields. (FYI: Over the years, I've personally met each of our panelists, and I can assure you that they all have wonderful material to share!)

Now, learn more about these exciting experts:

Gregory Godek

Known as "America's Romance Coach," Greg has taught romance on "Oprah" and has written 12 books in 12 years.

For instance, his much-lauded book, 1001 Ways to be Romantic, has sold more than 2 million copies.

Greg studies successful couples, happy people, and "what works," and his romance seminars have helped more than 100,000 people in the past 20 years.

Interestingly, Greg also has consulted with the flower, chocolate, diamond and movie industries. And he's even given workshops to the U.S. Army.

Matt Titus and Tamsen Fadal

Matt and Tamsen -- who tied the knot (to each other) this past October -- are authors of the brand new book, Why Hasn't He Called? How Guys Really Think and How to Get the Right One (McGraw-Hill: Feb. 6, 2008.)

They also are stars of the Lifetime series “Matched in Manhattan, which is billed as a modern-day approach to the old-fashioned art of matchmaking."

Matt is the founder of Matt’s Little Black Book, a Manhattan matchmaking agency, and Tamsen is an Emmy Award–winning TV journalist, who works for WCBS-TV in New York.

Robyn Freedman Spizman

Recognized as one of the country's leading gift-giving experts, Robin is an Atlanta-based author, consumer advocate, speaker and TV personality.

Robyn -- who's also dubbed "The Gift Guru" and "The Super Shopper" -- has been interviewed for "The Today Show," CNN, The Discovery Channel, CNNfn, Headline News and Talk Back Live. In addition, she appears weekly on WXIA-TV in Atlanta in the popular segment, "Been There, Bought That."

Robyn has penned dozens of books, including The GIFTionary: An A-Z Reference Guide for Solving Your Gift Giving Dilemma and Make It Memorable: An A-Z Guide to Making Any Gift, Event or Occasion...Dazzling!

Dr. Paulette Kouffman-Sherman

Dr. Kouffman-Sherman is a dating expert, licensed psychologist, certified empowerment coach and ordained minister.

In addition, she is owner and director of My Dating School in Manhattan, which offers clases in dating issues and coaching and hosts an online singles community.

Dr. Kouffman Sherman -- who has been dubbed "Dr. Date" -- is the author of the brand new book, Dating from the Inside Out: Using the Law of Attraction in Matters of the Heart. (Atria Books/Beyond Words: February 19, 2008).

Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D.

Dr. Sinatra is an internationally recognized cardiologist, certified nutrition specialist, anti-aging expert and certified bioenergetic psychotherapist, with 30 years of medical experience.

Not only that, but Dr. Sinatra is a frequent media guest, who has appeared on such programs as The Today Show, Good Morning America and CNN.  Dr. Sinatra is author of several books, including The Sinatra Solution and The Fast Food Diet.

Actually, Dr. Sinatra -- "Stephen" to me -- is my favorite cardiologist and one of my favorite doctors, because he kindly provided pivotal support for my book SUGAR SHOCK! How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life—And How You Can Get Back on Track. In fact, he is the book's contributing author.

Although you'll get all kinds of great gift ideas for Valentine's Day (and tips on what to eat), I encourage you to join my Sweeter Gift Challenge survey and submit your gift ideas for Valentine's Day gifts, too. Just go to www.SweeterGift.com.

If you're new to this blog, welcome! Allow me to introduce myself to you. I am host of the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show, a journalist, speaker, former-sugar-addict-turned-"Sugar Liberator," certified holistic health counselor and author of SUGAR SHOCK! I offer private and group coaching to help people break free of their sugar habit to lose weight, get more energy, improve focus and regain their health.

I regularly interview bestselling authors and acclaimed experts in the field of health, wellness, personal empowerment, fitness, marketing, blogging, romance and more for the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show.

For instance, you can listen at any time to archived interviews with:

·         Frequent "Oprah" guest Dr. Mehmet Oz (# 1 bestselling author of YOU: Staying Young)

·         Dr. Barbara DeAngelis (#1 bestselling author of Secrets About Men Every Woman Should Know)

·         Doug Wead (author of All the President’s Children)

·         "The FlyLady" Marla Cilley (author of Sink Reflections)

·         Kim Barnouin (co-author of Skinny Bitch) and

·         Gary Taubes (author of Good Calories, Bad Calories).

·         Harvey Walden, IV (author of No Excuses Fitness Workout) and

·         Steve Ettlinger (author of Twinkie Deconstructed).

For instance, here are direct links to some of my listeners' favorite shows:

• How YOU Can Stay Young & Youthful -- With Dr. Mehmet Oz - Oct 30,2007
• Bestselling author Dr. Barbara De Angelis On How to Achieve Success & Happiness from the Inside Out - Nov 29,2007
• Just Ask Connie & FlyLady -- Call Live to (646) 716-7312 to Get Help to Stop Your Sugar Shock! - Dec 19,2007
• No Excuses, Folks! Get Off Your Butt! Get Inspired W/ "Celebrity Fit Club" Trainer Harvey Walden IV - Oct 16,2007
• Finding Yourself Through Blogging: Unlocking Self-Expression Online With Opinionistas.com Founder - Sep 26,2007
• Lick the Sugar Habit with Nancy Appleton, Ph.D. Author of "Lick the Sugar Habit" - Oct 02,2007
• The Low-Fat, High-Carb Diet Hoax: Why Conventional Wisdom Wrong -- With Gary Taubes - Sep 27,2007
• Help Your Kids Trim Down! With Renowned Children's Obesity Expert Dr. David Ludwig - Sep 25,2007
• Twinkies -- Get the Scoop on America's Sugary Sweetheart - Sep 11,2007
• Pet Peeves: "All Natural" Claims on Food Labels W/ Mike Adams of NewsTarget.com & Jonny Bowden - Dec 18,2007
• The Truth About the President's Children With Bestselling Author Doug Wead - Dec 06,2007
• Glucose Shrinks, Withers & Atrophies Your Brain! Listen to pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Larry McCleary - Jan 30,2008

Hope you join us either live Monday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. EST or afterwards for the Valentine's week special Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching.

Wondering how to make it a very special one for your special someone?

Tune in Monday at 3 p.m. EST (or afterwards online, at any time, on a 24/7 basis) to the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show, when a panel of renowned experts on romance, relationships and gift-giving -- Gregory Godek, Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus, Dr. Paulette Kouffman-Sherman and Robyn Freedman Spizman -- will share helpful, tantalizing ideas about how to make this Valentine's Day your most romantic ever.

In addition, this Valentine Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show will feature renowned cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., who will explain why giving sugary chocolates is a no-no this Valentine's Day. He'll also discuss how, over time, candies and sweets could diminish your libido and pack on the pounds.

We'll have a lot of fun on this show as you'll hear insightful, imaginative ideas from these articulate, entertaining gurus, who are all tops in their respective fields. (FYI: Over the years, I've personally met each of our panelists, and I can assure you that they all have wonderful material to share!)

Now, learn more about these exciting experts:

Gregory Godek

Known as "America's Romance Coach," Greg has taught romance on "Oprah" and has written 12 books in 12 years.

For instance, his much-lauded book, 1001 Ways to be Romantic, has sold more than 2 million copies.

Greg studies successful couples, happy people, and "what works," and his romance seminars have helped more than 100,000 people in the past 20 years.

Interestingly, Greg also has consulted with the flower, chocolate, diamond and movie industries. And he's even given workshops to the U.S. Army.

Matt Titus and Tamsen Fadal

Matt and Tamsen -- who tied the knot (to each other) this past October -- are authors of the brand new book, Why Hasn't He Called? How Guys Really Think and How to Get the Right One (McGraw-Hill: Feb. 6, 2008.)

They also are stars of the Lifetime series “Matched in Manhattan, which is billed as a modern-day approach to the old-fashioned art of matchmaking."

Matt is the founder of Matt’s Little Black Book, a Manhattan matchmaking agency, and Tamsen is an Emmy Award–winning TV journalist, who works for WCBS-TV in New York.

Robyn Freedman Spizman

Recognized as one of the country's leading gift-giving experts, Robin is an Atlanta-based author, consumer advocate, speaker and TV personality.

Robyn -- who's also dubbed "The Gift Guru" and "The Super Shopper" -- has been interviewed for "The Today Show," CNN, The Discovery Channel, CNNfn, Headline News and Talk Back Live. In addition, she appears weekly on WXIA-TV in Atlanta in the popular segment, "Been There, Bought That."

Robyn has penned dozens of books, including The GIFTionary: An A-Z Reference Guide for Solving Your Gift Giving Dilemma and Make It Memorable: An A-Z Guide to Making Any Gift, Event or Occasion...Dazzling!

Dr. Paulette Kouffman-Sherman

Dr. Kouffman-Sherman is a dating expert, licensed psychologist, certified empowerment coach and ordained minister.

In addition, she is owner and director of My Dating School in Manhattan, which offers clases in dating issues and coaching and hosts an online singles community.

Dr. Kouffman Sherman -- who has been dubbed "Dr. Date" -- is the author of the brand new book, Dating from the Inside Out: Using the Law of Attraction in Matters of the Heart. (Atria Books/Beyond Words: February 19, 2008).

Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D.

Dr. Sinatra is an internationally recognized cardiologist, certified nutrition specialist, anti-aging expert and certified bioenergetic psychotherapist, with 30 years of medical experience.

Not only that, but Dr. Sinatra is a frequent media guest, who has appeared on such programs as The Today Show, Good Morning America and CNN.  Dr. Sinatra is author of several books, including The Sinatra Solution and The Fast Food Diet.

Actually, Dr. Sinatra -- "Stephen" to me -- is my favorite cardiologist and one of my favorite doctors, because he kindly provided pivotal support for my book SUGAR SHOCK! How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life—And How You Can Get Back on Track. In fact, he is the book's contributing author.

Although you'll get all kinds of great gift ideas for Valentine's Day (and tips on what to eat), I encourage you to join my Sweeter Gift Challenge survey and submit your gift ideas for Valentine's Day gifts, too. Just go to www.SweeterGift.com.

If you're new to this blog, welcome! Allow me to introduce myself to you. I am host of the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show, a journalist, speaker, former-sugar-addict-turned-"Sugar Liberator," certified holistic health counselor and author of SUGAR SHOCK! I offer private and group coaching to help people break free of their sugar habit to lose weight, get more energy, improve focus and regain their health.

I regularly interview bestselling authors and acclaimed experts in the field of health, wellness, personal empowerment, fitness, marketing, blogging, romance and more for the Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show.

For instance, you can listen at any time to archived interviews with:

·         Frequent "Oprah" guest Dr. Mehmet Oz (# 1 bestselling author of YOU: Staying Young)

·         Dr. Barbara DeAngelis (#1 bestselling author of Secrets About Men Every Woman Should Know)

·         Doug Wead (author of All the President’s Children)

·         "The FlyLady" Marla Cilley (author of Sink Reflections)

·         Kim Barnouin (co-author of Skinny Bitch) and

·         Gary Taubes (author of Good Calories, Bad Calories).

·         Harvey Walden, IV (author of No Excuses Fitness Workout) and

·         Steve Ettlinger (author of Twinkie Deconstructed).

For instance, here are direct links to some of my listeners' favorite shows:

• How YOU Can Stay Young & Youthful -- With Dr. Mehmet Oz - Oct 30,2007
• Bestselling author Dr. Barbara De Angelis On How to Achieve Success & Happiness from the Inside Out - Nov 29,2007
• Just Ask Connie & FlyLady -- Call Live to (646) 716-7312 to Get Help to Stop Your Sugar Shock! - Dec 19,2007
• No Excuses, Folks! Get Off Your Butt! Get Inspired W/ "Celebrity Fit Club" Trainer Harvey Walden IV - Oct 16,2007
• Finding Yourself Through Blogging: Unlocking Self-Expression Online With Opinionistas.com Founder - Sep 26,2007
• Lick the Sugar Habit with Nancy Appleton, Ph.D. Author of "Lick the Sugar Habit" - Oct 02,2007
• The Low-Fat, High-Carb Diet Hoax: Why Conventional Wisdom Wrong -- With Gary Taubes - Sep 27,2007
• Help Your Kids Trim Down! With Renowned Children's Obesity Expert Dr. David Ludwig - Sep 25,2007
• Twinkies -- Get the Scoop on America's Sugary Sweetheart - Sep 11,2007
• Pet Peeves: "All Natural" Claims on Food Labels W/ Mike Adams of NewsTarget.com & Jonny Bowden - Dec 18,2007
• The Truth About the President's Children With Bestselling Author Doug Wead - Dec 06,2007
• Glucose Shrinks, Withers & Atrophies Your Brain! Listen to pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Larry McCleary - Jan 30,2008

Hope you join us either live Monday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. EST or afterwards for the Valentine's week special Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show.

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 Sugar Be Making You Moody, Depressed, Anxious? Courier News in Suburban Chicago Explores Idea

Do you get downright moody, irrational and erratic after eating sugar?

Are you finding yourself behaving strangely afterwards -- like perhaps you cry on end for seemingly no reason or lose your temper for no rational explanation?

Or, maybe, within an an hour to three days after chomping on a handful of cookies and candies, do you get inexplicably irritable, unfocused, depressed and crybabyish -- so much so that your loved ones seem to be hiding out from you?

Kudos to reporter Emily McFarlan for exploring this concept today (Sun., Jan. 6) in her lifestyle cover article, "Sugar rush: Can too much sugar alter your mood or is it a bunch of sweet nothing?,", which appears in The Courier News in suburban Chicago.

(The newspaper in which Emily's article appears is part of The Sun-Times News Group, whose media properties include the Chicago Sun-Times and suntimes.com, as well as newspapers and websites serving 120 communities across Chicago.)

It's thrilling to me when reporters become so intrigued by an idea that they'll write compelling newspaper articles about this subject. That's because journalists people such as Emily can play a very important role in waking up readers and getting them to wonder if their sugar habit could be to blame for their mood swings, hyperactivity, mental confusion and more.

We definitely need more astute, probing journalists like Emily to educate the public and urge their fans to learn the sour sugar news and seek help for their strange-on-sugar behavior.

Before you read Emily's wonderful story, let me leave you with one thought. Aren't crankiness, anxiety, lethargy and anger enough reasons to want to quit the sweet stuff?

What's more, bear in mind that if you keep piling on the pasta, swigging sodas galore and frequently chewing cookies, you could be paving the way for hypoglycemia, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and premature aging.

Now do you want to think about kicking the potentially poisonous substance?

If you'd like help kicking culprit curbs, tune in this Thursday night, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. EST to my free Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Radio Show for a special, 1 1/2-hour interactive program, when a couple of experts and I will shed light on sugar's dangers. We have all kinds of exciting things planned:

• You'll hear from a couple of successful "sugar kickers," who now find that life has improved just by cutting out sweets and refined carbs.
• You'll have a chance to ask your questions.
• And you'll get to learn about my modest-priced, money-back-guaranteed upcoming six-week, Break Free With Connie program to Stop SUGAR SHHOCK!

On Thursday, tune in here. To ask a question between 8 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST, dial (646) 716-7312. (You also can listen now to archived shows, especially Saturday's eye-opening, fast-paced show, which featured a number of exciting guests.)

Now read Emily McFarlan's provocative article in The Courier News in suburban Chicago.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Takes the Lead: Urges Retailers To Charge Extra for HFCS-Sweetened Soda

Hurrah to trim, health-minded San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom for taking a stand against soda by proposing a controversial idea to charge major retailers a fee when they sell high fructose corn syrup-laden soft drinks.

Mayor Newsom is singling out sugary soda to help combat obesity among the residents of San Francisco, given the growing body of evidence, which blames HCFS-laden soft drinks for helping to pack pounds on Americans.

This proposal is being hailed as the first in the nation.

But, as reporters Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross point out in their popular San Francisco Chronicle column, this tax-on-soda idea "has been roiling around in health circles for some time," even with backing from the American Medical Association.

In making his announcement, Mayor Newsom reportedly said: "The bottom line is that there is a direct nexus between high-fructose corn syrup drinks like colas and Big Gulps and obesity among schoolkids."

"Beverages sweetened by high-fructose corn syrup are standing in the way of our efforts to combat obesity," Newsom said in a press release. "With all of the mounting evidence showing that children are increasingly at risk for poor health because of these drinks, it's time for us to explore every avenue and examine every innovative idea, in the hopes of making obesity a thing of the past."

This move to tax soda was bound to happen at some point, given the increasing amount of talk and research linking Americans' consumption of sugar-filled soda with our obesity crisis.

And what better place for this to happen than in forward-thinking San Francisco? In fact, savvy San Francisco Chronicle journalist Kim Severson outlined the HFCS problem back in 2004.

What's more, Mayor Newsom wants this fee -- not a "tax," according to columnists Matier and Ross -- to help fund the comprehensive anti-obesity initiative "Shape Up San Francisco."

In addition, as the Chronicle's Matier and Ross point out, Mayor Newsom wants additional funds allocated to media campaigns to discourage soda use. (Now that's a cool idea! This sure sounds like what the cigarette companies are now doing. You can learn more about how some see Big Sugar as the next Big Tobacco in my book SUGAR SHOCK!)

Britney Spears: Could Her Behavior Be Caused By Her Sugar Addiction?

Back in mid-March, I wondered here, on this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog, if Britney Spears is a sugar addict.

I asked: "Might drugs, sugar or alcohol have triggered erratic, unpredictable behavior in her such as when the pop star shaved off her gorgeous locks on Feb. 16?"

Interestingly, yesterday -- nine months after I speculated that Britney had a sugar problem -- Access Hollywood raised the same issue, even  quoting an expert, who expressed horror about Britney's "toxic diet" and her bizarre behavior such as attacking a car with an umbrella.

“She’s a person who’s completely addicted to sugar," Dr. Timothy Brantley told Access Hollywood.

"This is like heroin for a junkie. She’s literally on a roller coaster to hell,” added Dr. Brantley, who educates people on the power of food.

“Caffeine and sugar in this drink will drive your blood sugars and hormones crazy and it can effect your mood for hours,” Dr. Brantley said of a Frappuccino.

Special thanks to my friend Donna Sonkin, a holistic health counselor and founder of "Get Thin for the Camera," for tipping me off to this Access Hollywood story, which she read about on celebitchy.