SUGAR SHOCK! Blog

Britney Spears: Does She Have Low Blood Sugar & a Sugar Addiction?

Britney Spears may be a victim of the blood sugar blues, according to the National Enquirer, which attributes a source stating that she collapsed while rehearsing..

The 27-year-old singer suffers from low blood sugar, according to the Enquirer source, who revealed that Britney's father has been trying to keep her condition a secret.

I'm baffled. Why would Britney's father want to keep it hush-hush that the singer has low blood sugar?

Having low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is not a condition you want to hide, and you shouldn't be ashamed of it.

Millions of Americans have low blood sugar, including Nichole Richie, as I also mentioned back in 2007.

In fact, more people have low blood sugar than have diabetes, but many experts believe that low blood sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes.

The good news for people with low blood sugar is that you can have a perfectly normal life, but you will need to take good care of yourself.

If you have low blood sugar, you should quit sweets and refined carbs, eat frequent meals and get plenty of rest, among other things, as I explained in Sugar Shock! (I learned all of this myself in 1998, when I was deep in the throes of my sugar addiction and suffered from many confusing ailments, including feeling faint and low on energy.)

If Britney Spears does have low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, this might explain her alleged interest in sweets, diet pills and alcohol.

Back in 2007, I posed the idea on this Sugar Shock Blog that Britney might be a sugar addict. I even posted a press release about it. I raised the issue again here.

Again, I posted about Britney's reported sugar interest here, and the year before, in 2006, I raised the questions as to whether or not Britney was relying on wine, diet pills and cigarettes to peel off her post-baby pounds or whether she was dancing off the weight.

I also wrote about a rumor that Britney was feeding her babies sugary foods and drinks.

The Enquirer cites sources stating that the singer doesn't often eat right or get enough rest. Plus she's under a lot of stress.

All of these can exacerbate conditions of low-blood sugar, as I've personally experienced.

But, as I pointed out in Sugar Shock!, you can prevent mystifying hypoglycemia symptoms such as fainting, weak spells and vertigo by:

• Eating moderate portions of high-quality foods every three to four hours (or about five to six times a day).

• Completely cutting out sugar and refined carbs such as white bread, most crackers, white rice and white pasta.

• Getting ample protein, slow-acting carbohydrates (such as vegetables and low-sugar fruits) and healthy fats.

• Never skipping meals, especially breakfast.

• Exercising regularly, if possible. (Light snacks before and aftewards may also be helpful.)

• Working with a qualified nutritionist or health care professional.

Here are 9 of many warning signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. (These symptoms also could mean that you're in sugar shock or have a sugar addiction.)

1. Feeling unexplained faintness, dizziness or weak spells (such as those experienced by Britney Spears and Nicole Richie).

2. Experiencing such baffling symptoms as staggering, lack of coordination, abnormal weight (loss or gain) and mental confusion or “brain fog.” .

3. Suddenly becoming wiped out and spacey. (Usually, people with hypoglycemia or low blood sugar wrongly grab quick, sugary snacks or drinks, which only make matters worse.)

4. Flipping from wired to tired, at a moment’s notice.

5. Getting abnormal, almost insatiable cravings for candy, soda and other sweets or fast-acting, refined carbs such as chips, white flour bread or white rice.

6. Suffering from ferocious headaches, the shakes or heart palpitations.

7. Displaying unpredictable cranky behavior, temper outbursts or crying spells.

8. Having excessive fatigue—so much so that extra sleep even doesn’t seem to help much.

9. Hearing unconvinced loved ones or doctors falsely assuming that your symptoms are “all in your head.”

Remember, if you have low blood sugar, you can lead a perfectly normal life. You just need to take good care of yourself which is what I'm doing this week. (I'm still on vacation but took some time out to post this.)

One other important fact to remember: If you have low blood sugar, relying on candies, cookies and other sweets is NOT the way to resolve your condition. It only makes it worse.

But if you cut out the offending sugary "treats," you will ultimately experience a renewed energy, zest for life and much more.

Need help with your sugar addiction? I'm happy to help you.

Off Vacationing to Walk My Talk: Do You Take Time for You?

Lately, I've been striving to walk my talk. Sure, I stay away from sugar and refined carbs and work out, but I just work too hard and don't take enough time for me.

So I'm off on vacation now taking some much-needed time for me.

Back on July 13 to help you again.

Do you walk your talk? If so, I encourage you to do so. I'm already feeling much more invigorated and ready to give back.

By the way, if you have sugar issues, did you know that I offer coaching (of course, my time is limited).

If you're fed up with your sugar issues, it would be my honor to help you break free of your sugar addiction. And I know we can do that together!

Please join my for next Tuesday's radio show about Lyme disease. This is a very important show about a fast-growing, infectious disease featuring the director and senior producer of the riveting, must-see documentary, "Under Our Skin."

Hich Fructose Corn Syrup: Get the Truth about This Sweetener

By now, you've probably heard all kinds of mistruths about high fructose corn syrup.

Please don't be deceived by the plethora of propaganda coming from the Corn Refiners Association.

See what the experts have to say. Thanks to Mike Adams of Natural News for putting together all these eye-opening quotes about HFCS.

FYI, thanks, Mike, for including a quote from SUGAR SHOCK!

Break Your Sugar Addiction Now

Are you tired of being ruled by your sugar habit?

Are you upset because your weight is higher than you'd like and are you scared you'll get diabetes?

Would you like to stop your debilitating, dangerous sugar addiction right now?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I can help you—and in only 4 weeks. (Well, about 3 and a half now.)

Sign up now so you can easily, quickly, permanently break free of your sugar addiction.

As my clients will happily attest, you can dispose and discard your sugar habit (or obsession) as you would old, rotten, disgusting food!

Impatient to kick your sugar habit and get going? Just sign up now to Break Free and Soar With Glee.

Now, I invite you to envision yourself finally breaking free of sugar and excess weight. See yourself:

• Enjoying a life full of energy, enthusiasm and excitement.
• Feeling free and not held hostage by your horrible habit.
• Not feeling out of control.
• Easily, effortlessly turning down sweet snacks and quickie-carb "treats."
• Not needing or wanting sugary desserts.
• Being more enticed and excited by your passions, hobbies, favorite sports, friends, etc. than sweet temptations.
• Feeling joyous, proud and self-confident because you said "No!" to sugar the day before.

Are you upset because your weight is higher than you'd like and are you scared you'll get diabetes?

Would you like to stop your debilitating, dangerous sugar addiction right now?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I can help you—and in only 4 weeks. (Well, about 3 and a half now.)

Sign up now so you can easily, quickly, permanently break free of your sugar addiction.

As my clients will happily attest, you can dispose and discard your sugar habit (or obsession) as you would old, rotten, disgusting food!

Impatient to kick your sugar habit and get going? Just sign up now to Break Free and Soar With Glee.

Now, I invite you to envision yourself finally breaking free of sugar and excess weight. See yourself:

• Enjoying a life full of energy, enthusiasm and excitement.
• Feeling free and not held hostage by your horrible habit.
• Not feeling out of control.
• Easily, effortlessly turning down sweet snacks and quickie-carb "treats."
• Not needing or wanting sugary desserts.
• Being more enticed and excited by your passions, hobbies, favorite sports, friends, etc. than sweet temptations.
• Feeling joyous, proud and self-confident because you said "No!" to sugar the day before.

Delay to Conquer Sugar Cravings: Kicking Sweets & Culprit Carbs Can Be Easy

Whenever people meet me, join one of my Break Free programs or my free, online KickSugar support group, they almost immediately wail, "Can I really kick sugar? This is so hard!"

I feel such empathy, compassion and sadness, because I've been there myself! Often, I was wracked with disappointment and frustrating that I couldn't kick my twisted, unhealthy sugar relationship.

Back in 1998, when a doctor ordered to quit sweets and refined carbs, I pulled myself together and successfully licked sugar once and for all. In my book SUGAR SHOCK!, I share my Top 21 Sweet Sugar-Free Success Secrets and Strategies (plus a few more).

Now, I'd like to share one tactic. Here's an article I wrote to help you learn this invaluable technique.

Just Delay to Squash Your Sugar Cravings

Creatively Procrastinate Your Way Out of Your Sugar Addiction

By Connie Bennett, M.S.J., C.H.H.C.

Quite often, people who want to kick sugar, lose weight or manage their diabetes ask me: “How can I curb my sugar cravings? Once I start, I just can't help myself."

One of the most powerful and potent strategies is so simple that you’ll wonder why you never tried it in the first place. Simply DELAY before you do anything – especially something that you'll later regret. After all, if you do mindlessly shove those fast-acting sweets or much-like-sugar carbs™ into your mouth, won't you become feel wiped out, spaced out, moody, depressed or even angry at yourself?

Think about it: Most of us are pretty darn good at delaying or procrastinating, right?

You know how you keep putting off organizing your desk drawers, cleaning the house, giving your boss that proposal, helping your kids with their homework, getting rid of old clothes or throwing out the garbage? Clearly, we all have things we've been planning on doing but never got around to doing it. 

For my part, while I’m certainly not proud of the fact that at times, I haven't completed certain projects, I've found that you can actually transform delaying into something that's fun, clever and positive. In other words, procrastinating can be a good thing -- even wonderful.

I hit upon this incredible simple strategy back in 1998 when I reluctantly kicked sweets and refined carbs on doctor's orders. To this day, I continue to be amazed at how easy, effortless, and darn effective it is to just delay.

What you'll do this this: Just delay away your sugar cravings.

Whenever people meet me, join one of my Break Free programs or my free, online KickSugar support group, they almost immediately wail, "Can I really kick sugar? This is so hard!"

I feel such empathy, compassion and sadness, because I've been there myself! Often, I was wracked with disappointment and frustrating that I couldn't kick my twisted, unhealthy sugar relationship.

Back in 1998, when a doctor ordered to quit sweets and refined carbs, I pulled myself together and successfully licked sugar once and for all. In my book SUGAR SHOCK!, I share my Top 21 Sweet Sugar-Free Success Secrets and Strategies (plus a few more).

Now, I'd like to share one tactic. Here's an article I wrote to help you learn this invaluable technique.

Just Delay to Squash Your Sugar Cravings

Creatively Procrastinate Your Way Out of Your Sugar Addiction

By Connie Bennett, M.S.J., C.H.H.C.

Quite often, people who want to kick sugar, lose weight or manage their diabetes ask me: “How can I curb my sugar cravings? Once I start, I just can't help myself."

One of the most powerful and potent strategies is so simple that you’ll wonder why you never tried it in the first place. Simply DELAY before you do anything – especially something that you'll later regret. After all, if you do mindlessly shove those fast-acting sweets or much-like-sugar carbs™ into your mouth, won't you become feel wiped out, spaced out, moody, depressed or even angry at yourself?

Think about it: Most of us are pretty darn good at delaying or procrastinating, right?

You know how you keep putting off organizing your desk drawers, cleaning the house, giving your boss that proposal, helping your kids with their homework, getting rid of old clothes or throwing out the garbage? Clearly, we all have things we've been planning on doing but never got around to doing it. 

For my part, while I’m certainly not proud of the fact that at times, I haven't completed certain projects, I've found that you can actually transform delaying into something that's fun, clever and positive. In other words, procrastinating can be a good thing -- even wonderful.

I hit upon this incredible simple strategy back in 1998 when I reluctantly kicked sweets and refined carbs on doctor's orders. To this day, I continue to be amazed at how easy, effortless, and darn effective it is to just delay.

What you'll do this this: Just delay away your sugar cravings.

Reader Admits That Her Sugar Addiction Story is Embarrassing, Too: What Do You Think?

Frequently, I hear from readers of SUGAR SHOCK!  In fact, of the hundreds of emails I receive daily, those from readers are the most heartwarming.

Here are some comments that came in yesterday in response to my email, in which I invited people to take a sneak peek of my book, get my shocking definition of sugar shock; learn my rather embarrassing story and how I used to act quite undignified when consuming sugar; and discover startling information about how millions are harmed by their excessive sugar consumption.

Kim [I changed her name to protect her privacy] from Michigan wrote:

"Embarrassing [sugar] story? It's exactly like my own life! Talk about humiliation. I've spent years in hiding, afraid that someone would find out. Yesterday, I received my copy of 'Sugar Shock' in the mail and I promise to do those things that freed you from a life of shame. My husband will reap all the benefits of having a much happier wife. We have been right at the door of divorce for almost 19 yrs. [He] has tried everything to get rid of this dark cloud of depression! Thank you, Connie for being our answer to prayer. Sincerely, [name], a trampled housewife, in Michigan"

Don't those remarks just bring tears to your eyes -- or at least choke you up?

If you're a reader of SUGAR SHOCK!, please write to me. Just post here to share your thoughts about the book, no matter what they are.

Talk to us now.

(You can read more thoughts from readers here.)

Would you like help to break free of your sugar habit so you can lose weight, get more energy, enjoy better relationships and become happier? Learn how to break free now. (Next program begins tomorrow.)

Lose Weight, Boost Energy & Kick Sugar in Only 4 Weeks

Are you tired of your excess weight?

Are you disgusted with yourself that you have a sugar habit?

Would you like to begin to Break Free of Sugar Shock in only 4 weeks, beginning this Monday?

Just think as summer begins, you could be well on your way to losing your excess pounds, getting a beach body and breaking free of sugar shock.

Are you ready to change your life for the better?

Learn how to Break Free of Sugar Shock now!

You deserve a better life!

Would you like to feel:

• Free from worry about weight?
• Full of glee, zest and pizzazz?
• Amazing—both physically and emotionally?
• Energized, enthusiastic and excited?
• Fulfilled by your activities, pursuits and loved ones?
• Completely free of a desire or need to plan or plot to eat your next sugary or carb snack?
• Released from the fatigue, headaches, brain fog and mood swings that hit you after consuming those quickie carbs?
• Like you’ve been reborn?

Sign up now to make all of that come true.

"The Weight-Loss Habits of Successful Losers": What Do You Think of My New Book Title?

My next book (the follow-up to SUGAR SHOCK!) is no longer called The White-Out Diet. And it's not The Better Habits Diet.

Instead, the new title is: The Weight-Loss Secrets of Highly Successful Losers.

The subtitle is: The Simple Diet to Slim Down, Boost Energy, Rev Up Your Libido & Become Happier in Only 21 Days..

It was very exciting how the name came to me. I had temporarily decided to go for The Better Habits Diet, but the new title just hit me out of the blue while walking around Book Expo America last weekend with my provocative sandwich board. It wasn't even anything in particular that I saw which triggered the idea. Perhaps it was just being around all those wonderful books?

Anyhow, to learn more about The Weight-Loss Secrets of Highly Successful Losers, see new graphics and become a VIP Super Friend at my new site, http://www.BetterHabitsDiet.com.

I'll post more info there shortly.

In addition, soon, www.SuccessfulLosers.com will also be launched.

What do you think of this new book title: The Weight-Loss Secrets of Highly Successful Losers?

Lakers' Lamar Odom: Is His Candy Habit Triggering His Uneven Performance on the Basketball Court?

Why does the Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom have an uneven performance on the basketball court such as this flagrant foul?

In a blog post, entitled "The Lakers' Lamar Odom, Sweet Tooth and Erratic Play," Dr. Daniel Amen, a Lakers fan since a child, presents a compelling theory -- the basketball player's compulsive candy habit is to blame.

After interviewing hundreds of experts for my book SUGAR SHOCK! and suffering my own horrific, sugar-induced nightmare, the physician's concept makes perfect sense.

Dr. Amen, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life and Magnificent Mind at Any Age, writes that Odom "is unbelievably talented, but often acts like a space cadet during games.

"He can play great, and be worth his 14 million-dollar salary, or he can act like he is `missing in action.'"

Indeed, acting like a space cadet or have brain fog is clearly a manifestation of low blood sugar, which can be triggered by eating too many sweets.

Kudos to Dr. Amen for pointing out that "Odom's massive consumption of candy leads to a sugar high and then a crash, evidence of which can be seen on the basketball court."

Dr. Amen writes: "I’ve been telling my patients for years that sugar acts like a drug in the brain. It causes blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, leaving you feeling tired, irritable, foggy, and stupid. Eating too much sugar impairs cognitive function, which may explain why Odom doesn’t always make the smartest decisions on the court."

Do you think Dr. Amen's theory is hogwash? Bet you'll change your mind after watching the Candy Confessions of the 6'10" Lakers forward, as revealed in this ESPN video, dubbed, "Lamar Odom: The Candy Man."

My head is shaking in both sympathy and worry upon learning about Odom's sweet tooth, which has to be called a sugar addiction.

"I'm the supplier of candy on that team. If you need that candy fix, I've got it," he admits.

Why doesn't his doctor alert him to the dangers of his candy ways? And why does it take a doctor who's a fan to warn him?

Clearly, Odom doesn't realize that his obsessive candy habit could pave the way not only to fuzzy thinking and brain fog, but to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and much more. Even though he's doing lots of exercise on the basketball court, he still can be setting himself up for ailments galore.

Folks, let's help him! Someone who says, "I'm like a chocolate freak at night," needs our support.

My heart goes out to him when he admits, "It's bad. We all got our vices, and sugar is just one of mine."

Oh my goodness, no offense meant, but Odom, you need HELP now! Your sugar habit could do you in!

Sounds like you could benefit from both my book SUGAR SHOCK!, as well as from Dr. Amen's books, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life and Magnificent Mind at Any Age.

Special thanks to Los Angeles Times reporter Mike Penner for sharing this candy concept.

FYI, in deference to my sugar-addict fans and because I'm dedicated to helping people break free of their sugar addiction so that they can concentrate better, lose weight, relieve depression, boost their libido and more, I'm deliberately not naming Odom's many candy preferences by name.

My Author Friend & I Are Going Zany During Book Expo America This Week

For this important week in publishing -- during which Book Expo America takes place -- my fun author friend Dr. Diana Kirschner and I are playfully going out on a limb to drum up interest in our books. Here's a press release that's now going out to the media today.

Authors Develop Zany, Outrageous Marketing Gimmicks to Nab Publishers & Fans in this Uncertain Economic Climate:

Author Connie Bennett Playfully Wears Sandwich Board Asking, “Are You ‘The One?’” at Book Expo America

                CONTACT: Connie Bennett, connie@sugarshock.com, (866) 542-5784 

(May 28, 2009) NEW YORK—As authors vie for publishers’ and readers’ attention in this uncertain economic climate, some innovative, pro-active authors are developing over-the-top, outrageous, humorous marketing gimmicks.

“It’s time to become an out-of-the-box-thinking author-preneur, who creates captivating messages and publicity stunts that nab the attention of readers and publishers,” claims author Connie Bennett, who is laughingly walking around Book Expo America on Friday and Saturday sporting a provocative, 24”-by-30” sandwich board that says, “Are You ‘The One’?”

The amiable author’s “Are You `The One?’” message—which looks like a single’s personal ad—pokes fun of the fact that Bennett is available as a single woman and as an author with a Big Platform. Her sandwich board goal: A “committed relationship” with a “compatible publisher” to release her second book.

“I wanted to playfully show that I have the guts, initiative and ingenuity to be a successful author no matter what the economic climate,” adds Bennett, an experienced journalist, certified health counselor, self-described “Ex-Sugar Shrew!,” the Better Habits Coach™ and author of the book SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books) (www.SugarShock.com).

SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkeley Books)—a bestseller on Amazon—has a foreword by Dr. Nicholas Perricone and has been endorsed by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Christiane Northrup and film mogul Harvey Weinstein. The book’s contributing author is cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra.

Bennett’s second book—for which she’s publisher hunting—is a fun, friendly, compassionate, diet book,
The Better Habits Diet: Slim Down, Boost Energy, Rev Up Your Libido & Be Happier in Only 21 Days. Fans of Bennett already are signing up in advance to buy it at the blog, www.BetterHabitsDiet.com.

The single author facetiously promises on her sandwich board, “Will put out on first date!!”—meaning that she’ll be happy to share information about her new book with interested publishers. Admittedly, Bennett is “embarrassed” by her bold sign. To that end, she’s even offering passers-by nuts to underscore the nuttiness of her marketing campaign. The author also promises to meet publishing suitors—not at the Empire State Building like “Sleepless in Seattle”—but at “Booth 3534 at the Top of Every Hour.”

Another author using out-of-the-box marketing techniques is psychologist and relationship expert Diana Kirschner, Ph.D., who, in March began starring with her 4-pound Pomerian, Madison, in a series of zany, dating-advice videos posted on YouTube to drum up sales for her new book, Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love (Center Street).

In Dr. Diana’s “Simply Irresistible Flirting Moves” webisode series (www.YouTube.com/lovein90days), she humorously illustrates flirting techniques with her adorable pooch, who “plays” a hot guy. In one month, the series has had 40,000 views. Dr. Dianas videos, which she launched without publisher support, also have attracted more than 56,000 friends, over 81,000 viewers and nearly 3,000 new subscribers to her YouTube channel. The author’s zany marketing gimmick has been so successful that YouTube—which links directly to the Amazon sales page for her book—has granted Dr. Diana partner status, driving even more traffic to her website. (www.lovein90days.com).

With the publishing industry at a crossroads, Bennett and Dr. Diana are part of an emerging trend of pro-active author-preneurs, who are building their platforms and driving book sales through creative PR stunts that also bring laughter into the equation.           # #  #