SUGAR SHOCK! Blog

Many Thanks & Wows to Anne Lamott

I'm now recovering from being very sick (cold, flu, utter exhaustion, and grief over my mother's recent death), but I wanted to get out of bed to extend many thanks and wows to the talented, prolific, motivating writer Anne Lamott, author of the fabulous book, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers.

Annie -- whom I had the pleasure of hearing speak while she was launching her remarkable book, Help, Thanks, Wow -- kindly mentioned me and my newest book, Beyond Sugar Shock, on both her popular Facebook page and in her reprinted article on Style, Substance, Soul.

While I'm very grateful for the mention of Beyond Sugar Shock and my sugar freedom coaching, there's a far bigger reason that I want to extend my deep, heartfelt gratitude to Annie.

Although the inspiring Anne Lamott asked me for help with her sugar challenges (after we met at her book signing for Help, Thanks, Wow) and while it's been an honor and privilege to offer her text coaching, what Annie didn't know was that while I was giving her support, she was giving me a tremendous amount of support, too.

Indeed, without realizing it, the remarkable Anne Lamott was probably helping me just as much, if not a lot more, than I was helping her.

A little background is in order. I met Annie while I was (and have been) going through a very rough time. In fact, I barely dragged myself to Annie's book signing while nursing a broken heart. Recently, my mother passed away, and I've been reeling in absolutely excruciating grief, profound anguish, and utter agony after what I now call My Bittersweet Last Year with Mom, as well as some recent, very painful discoveries.

At the same time, I’d been feeling lost and in limbo. I was (and still am) trying to decide where to live, because soon after discovering that Mom was terminally ill, I gave up my apartment in New York City (which I'd enjoyed for a decade) and moved across country to California to be there for my mother in her dying days. I’m now in a temporary, cramped, but wonderfully peaceful place. Read about my truly beautiful, but utterly gut-wrenching time on my new Bittersweet Year blog.

The delicious irony about my having been there for Annie Lamott since late December (right before Christmas) is that in between or after texting or emailing tips, ideas, encouragement and insights and the joy of eating healthily and staying away from sugary non-treats, I'd often turn to three of her many marvelous books -- Help, Thanks, Wow; Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith; and Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life -- as well as her fabulous Facebook page, to get tips, ideas, encouragement, and insights. 

It seemed like every time that I visited Annie's Facebook page or picked up  Help, Thanks, Wow; Traveling Mercies or Bird by Bird, I'd find more inspiring, thought-provoking, butt-kicking words of wisdom.

Indeed, whenever I veered off track, Anne Lamott -- and also Louise Hay (more about that later) -- kindly, generously, magnanimously reached out to me and gave me solace and encouragement though her words and concepts, which helped to propel my thoughts to a better plane such as moving away from sorrow and grief to gratitude or optimism.

For instance, Anne inspired me by writing:

"There's freedom in hitting bottom. . . relief in admitting you've reached the place of great unknowing. This is where restoration can begin,..."

Or, in Help, Thanks, Wow, Anne Lamott urged me to find freedom and value in my funk with these words:

"I have seen many people survive unsurvivable losses, and seen them experience happiness again. How is that possible?

". . . In most cases, their pain evolved slowly into help for others. The great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote, "I slept and dreamt that life was joy. / I awoke and saw that life was service. / I acted and behold, service was joy."

Ah yes, how true. Thanks, Annie, for reminding me that I'm here to serve people. And while I heal, I can and shall serve.

Meanwhile, I've been getting awesome ideas from her. For instance, in Help, Thanks, Wow, Annie offers the suggestion to store your woes in a God box. (I love that idea, and I'm now experimenting with this.)

It's truly remarkable how every time I've turned to Help, Thanks, Wow; Traveling Mercies; or Bird by Bird, I've found something that really speaks to me. (One of my favorite things to do with inspiring books is to shut my eyes, pick a page and then find a quote or comment that helps me.)

What I also find fascinating is that although Anne Lamott and I are different religions -- I'm Jewish and she's a Christian, who welcomes Jesus into her life -- she still inspires me mightily.

Anyhow, after my nap today -- remember, I'm very sick, flu-ish, and utterly exhausted -- I'll turn again to Help, Thanks, Wow, or what she's now playfully calling Hips, Thighs, Waist.

Meanwhile, Anne Lamott has helped to wake me up. It's as if she's been nudging me to focus and refocus.

She helped me to realize that I really need to say, "Help," more often, especially in my time of profound grief. But that's not all. I also need to gratefully and repeatedly say, "Thanks." And then later, I should continue to marvel, "Wow."

Anne Lamott, thank you for all you've done for me while I've hoped to be there for you, too. You've motivated me to say "Help, Thanks, Wow," more often and more meaningfully.

Now, dear readers of any religion, whatever you're going through at present, I strongly urge you to get, read, and re-read Anne Lamott's latest book, the spectacular Help, Thanks, Wow.

My prediction is that you, too, will begin to learn the value of saying, "Help, Thanks, Wow."

Is Sugar Toxic? "60 Minutes" Explores Issue: Hurrah!

Tonight,  on "60 Minutes," multiple Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta will tell the show's viewers about new studies, which suggest that sugar is toxic.

Specifically, on "60 Minutes," Dr. Gupta will tell viewers:

"New research coming out of some of America's most respected institutions is starting to find that sugar could be a driving force behind some of this country's leading killers."

Of course, this sugar-is-toxic conclusion -- which has been gaining momentum for years -- is nothing new to those of you, who are regular visitors to this Sugar Shock Blog and to readers of my first book, Sugar Shock, which was first published in 2007.

For my part, I'm thrilled that "60 Minutes" is devoting time to explore the question of whether or not sugar is toxic. I've been hoping for such a segment for years.

What I find especially exciting is that Dr. Gupta will spotlight the close cancer-sugar connection, which I also explored in my book, Sugar Shock.

I also examine recent sugar-can-cause-cancer research in my upcoming book, Beyond Sugar Shock, which is being published in June by Hay House. (In the book, I guide readers to eaily break free of their sugar addiction by joining me in a fun, six-week Mind-Body-Spirit adventure.)

Anyhow, in the "60 Minutes" segment about sugar, you'll watch Dr. Gupta interview respected pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Robert H. Lustig, whose YouTube video, Sugar: The Bitter Truth, has gone viral, attracting 2,159,456 viewers (as of today).

Dr. Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, is not alone in his sugar-is-toxic view.

Indeed, many cutting-edge physicians, including Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, medical consultant for my book Sugar Shock, contend that the high amount of sugar in the American diet is killing us. (By the way, I disagree with the low figures usually cited -- most Americans consume far more than the 130 or 150 pounds a year that's often mentioned in news reports.)

While I applaud "60 Minutes" for telling the nation that sugar can be toxic, I also need to congratulate Dr. Mehmet Oz for his important work drawing attention to sugar's dangers in several episodes of the top-rated "The Doctor Oz Show."

In one episode, Dr. Mehmet Oz even called sugar "The # 1 food Dr. Oz Wants Out of Your House." Hurrah!

By the way, I'm honored that Dr. Oz praised my book, Sugar Shock.

Again, congratulations to "60 Minutes" for devoting a segment to this important sugar subject.

 Join us on my Facebook fan page during and after "60 Minutes" airs to share your thoughts and feelings about the is-sugar-toxic segment.

Make sure to tell your friends and family members to watch this important "60 Minutes" episode.

Watch the full episode below.

If you have a sugar addiction and are worried about the toxic effects, stay tuned for free teleseminars that will help you to break free of your dangerous behavior.

I also invite you to keep a lookout for my next book, Beyond Sugar Shock, which gives you a simple, compassionate six-week Mind-Body-Spirit Plan to let your addiction float away into nothingness.

Dr. Wayne Dyer Endorsed My Book, Beyond Sugar Shock, for Hay House: He Joins Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Bernie Siegel, Dr. Christiane Northrup & Others

Woo Hoo! Best-selling author and beloved teacher Dr. Wayne W. Dyer just gave me the most exciting, amazing gift!

The remarkable Dr. Dyer -- author of many bestsellers, including his latest, Wishes Fulfilled: Mastering the Art of Manifesting -- has just endorsed my next book, Beyond Sugar Shock.

This endorsement means so much to me at this time. Although I've been a fan for years, lately, I've been relying and turning to his motivational works and books over and over again.

For instance, every morning now, I chant and listen religiously to his Meditations for Manifesting: Morning and Evening Meditations to Literally Create Your Heart's Desire.

I'm also very eager to get his new I AM Wishes Fulfilled Meditation, that Dr. Dyer and James F. Twyman have created. I'm sure it will be miraculous.

So here the endorsement that Dr. Dyer so kindly gave:

"I have taken the advice and guidance that Connie offers here and used it to reclaim my  own well being. We have unknowingly and unwittingly become a nation of addicts, and here in this book you are given a blueprint for living a life of perfect health. Follow the easy-to-apply guidelines, and then you will be able to look in the mirror and say, `I AM finally living a healthy life.' There is no greater feeling and it is your birthright. You were not designed to walk around in shock. A much needed book. --Wayne Dyer"

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dr. Dyer!

Now, I encourage you to watch these fascinating interviews with him. 

And make sure to sign up for a chance to get Dr. Dyer's new book, Wishes Fulfilled, and a copy of Anita Moorjani's Dying To Be Me, offered by Hay House, his (and my) publisher.

Watch Dr. Wayne Dyer Wishes Fulfilled | Preview on PBS. See more from pbs.

 

Dr. Dyer is joining many other wonderful experts, who've generously provided endorsements, including Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Bernie Siegel, Brian Tracy, Dr. Joe Vitale, Marci Shimoff, Janet Bray Atwood, John Assaraf, and Brian Alman, Ph.D.

Nutrition gurus Dr. JJ Virgin, Dr. Oz Garcia, Dr. Jonny Bowden, Ann Cooper, Marc David, and Mark Sisson also said kind words about Beyond Sugar Shock, which offers you a fun, simple, compassionate six-week Mind-Body-Spirit adventure to easily and effortlessly release your sugar addiction.

In the book, I take you by the hand, so to speak, and coach you to Sugar Freedom so that by the time you finish the book, you're now leading a life that's sweeterlicious (that's my word for delicious, combined with scrumptious, delicious, and of course, sweet).

Even fellow sugar experts have been kind enough to praise it--which gives me such profound joy. 

I bow my head in gratitude to such amazing authors of sugar books or programs as Jeff O'Connell (to your left), Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Richard J. Johnson, M.D., Jill Escher, and Kathie Dolgin (a.k.a. "High Voltage"), to whom I'm so grateful for writing endorsements for Beyond Sugar Shock.

It's also been an honor to have several authors published byHay House (my publisher) offer endorsements.

A very special thanks go to Dr. Christiane Northrup (see photo to your left), Colette Baron-Reid, Dr. Ken Druck, Donna Gates,Lauren Mackler, and CarolineSutherland.

Read my recent Sugar Shock Blog post to read the nice things other empowering speakers and best selling authors have said about Beyond Sugar Shock. 

Kick Your Sweet Tooth to the Curb: Thanks to Vital Juice

Do you have a sweet tooth?

Feeling a prisoner to your sugar habit?

Get some help now, thanks to Vital Juice, whose talented editor Maridel Reyes, interviewed me.

Read this package of articles now:

Sweets Surpise
Kick your sweet tooth to the curb.

How have these sugar articles have helped you?

What's your biggest Ahah!?

Let Vital Juice know on their Facebook fan page.

Then make sure to share your thoughts on our Facebook fan page, too.

Tony Horton Dishes Great Tips & Info on Gab with the Gurus

 

Did you catch today's Gab with the Gurus Radio Show with fitness guru Tony Horton? 

 

Get ready to be motivated, encouraged, challenged, excited, and intrigued.

Tony -- the founder of the amazing P90X and other programs and author of Bring It! The Revolutionary Fitness Plan for All Levels That Burns Fat, Builds Muscle, and Shreds Inches -- shared lots of valuable information.

You'll love our Gab with the Gurus interview!

Listen now -- or whenever you like -- to this amazing interview. 

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

Tell your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc. to listen, too. 

Food Addiction Program Featuring Dr. Robert Lustig, Michael Prager, Etc. Planned

Robert H. Lustig, M.D., whose YouTube video, Sugar: The Bitter Truth, hit viral, and Michael Prager, author of the exciting book, Fat Boy, Thin Man, are among the fascinating experts I'll have the pleasure of meeting and listening to in an exciting program about food addiction at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco next week. 

Stay tuned for some compelling points that you'll get from these amazing speakers. 

These are the experts lined up. 

Michael Prager, Author, Fat Boy Thin Man
Nicole Avena, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Florida
Eric Stice, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Oregon Research Institute
Dr. Vera Ingrid Tarman, MD., MSc., FCEP, CASAM, Medical Director, Renascent
Elissa Epel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, UCSF Department of Psychiatry
Robert H. Lustig, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, in the Division of Endocrinology at UCSF

Now read the enticing description:

Addiction is about brains, not just about behaviors. We all have the brain reward circuitry that makes food rewarding; it’s a survival mechanism. In a healthy brain, these rewards have feedback mechanisms for satiety or "‘enough." For some, the circuitry becomes dysfunctional such that the message becomes "more." Michael Prager, author of Fat Boy Thin Man, will begin the discussion telling his very personal story of recognizing and then seeking treatment for his food addiction. Leading researchers and clinicians will discuss many aspects of this important topic. 

Before You Indulge this Holiday Season, Consider Nearly 150 Ways Sugar Ruins Your Health

As 2011 winds down and we approach the holidays, we're about to enter what I call the Season of Overeating and the Season of Sugar Gorging.

So before you over-indulge this holiday season, I urge you to learn the sour news. You need to know that when by continually chomping on delicious desserts, sugar can ruin your health in nearly 150 ways.

Below you'll find an extensively researched list from my mentor and heroine, Nancy Appleton, Ph.D., author of Suicide by Sugar: A Startling Look at Our #1 National Addiction.

If you doubt the facts on this list, bear in mind that Nancy has been researching sugar's dangers for more than three decades, and she found (and cites) medical studies to back up all of the claims on this list.

An avid researcher, Dr. Appleton is also the best-selling author of Stopping Inflammation and Healthy Bones. In addition, she lectures extensively throughout the world, has appeared on numerous television and radio talk shows, and maintains a private practice in San Diego, California.

Incidentially, to this day, more than 13 years after I quit sugar myself, I'm grateful to Nancy. In fact, her book, Lick the Sugar Habit, helped me quit sweets back in 1998.

Now review Nancy's shocking list of nearly 150 ways that sugar can ham you before you continue to overdo it on sweets this holiday season.

Nearly 150 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health by Nancy Appleton, Ph.D. (Reprinted with permission.)

1. Sugar can suppress your immune system.

2. Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.

3. Sugar can cause juvenile delinquencey in children.

4. Sugar eaten pregnancy and lactation can influence muscle force production in offspring, which can affect an individual’s ability to exercise.

5. Sugar in soda, when consumed by children, results in the children drinking less milk.

6. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses and return them to fasting levels slower in oral contraceptive users.

7. Sugar can increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cells and tissues.

8. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, inability to concentrate and crankiness in children.

9. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

10.  Sugar reduces the body’s ability to defend against bacterial infection.

11.  Sugar causes a decline in tissue elasticity and function – the more sugar you eat, the more elasticity and function you lose.

12.  Sugar reduces high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

13.  Sugar can lead to chromium deficiency.

14.  Sugar can lead to ovarian cancer.

15.  Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose.

16.  Sugar causes copper deficiency.

17.  Sugar interferes with the body’s absorption of calcium and magnesium.

18.  Sugar may make eyes more vulnerable to age-related macular degeneration.

19.  Sugar raises the level of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

20.  Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.

21.  Sugar can lead to an acidic digestive tract.

22.  Sugar can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline levels in children.

23.  Sugar is frequently malabsorbed in patients with functional bowel disease.

24.  Sugar can cause premature aging.

25.  Sugar can lead to alcoholism.

26.  Sugar can cause tooth decay.

27.  Sugar can lead to obesity.

28.  Sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

29.  Sugar can cause gastric or duodenal ulcers.

30.  Sugar can cause arthritis.

31.  Sugar can cause learning disorders in school children.

32.  Sugar assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections).

33.  Sugar can cause gallstones.

34.  Sugar can cause heart disease.

35.  Sugar can cause appendicitis.

36.  Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.

37.  Sugar can cause varicose veins.

38.  Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.

39.  Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.

40.  Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.

41.  Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.

42.  Sugar can lower the amount of Vitamin E in the blood.

43.  Sugar can decrease the amount of growth hormones in the body.

44.  Sugar can increase cholesterol.

45.  Sugar increases advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which form when sugar binds non-enzymatically to protein.

46.  Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein.

47.  Sugar causes food allergies.

48.  Sugar can contribute to diabetes.

49.  Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.

50.  Sugar can lead to eczema in children.

51.  Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.

52.  Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.

53.  Sugar can change the structure of protein.

54.  Sugar can make the skin wrinkle by changing the structure of collagen.

55.  Sugar can cause cataracts.

56.  Sugar can cause emphysema.

57.  Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.

58.  Sugar can promote an elevation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

59.  Sugar can impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in the body.

60.  Sugar lowers enzymes ability to function.

61.  Sugar intake is associated with the development of Parkinson’s disease.

62.  Sugar can increase the size of the liver by making the liver cells divide.

63.  Sugar can increase the amount of liver fat.

64.  Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.

65.  Sugar can damage the pancreas.

66.  Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention.

67.  Sugar is the number one enemy of the bowel movement.

68.  Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness).

69.  Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.

70.  Sugar can make tendons more brittle.

71.  Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.

72.  Sugar plays a role in pancreatic cancer in women.

73.  Sugar can adversely affect children’s grades in school.

74.  Sugar can cause depression.

75.  Sugar increases the risk of gastric cancer.

76.  Sugar can cause dyspepsia (indigestion).

77.  Sugar can increase the risk of developing gout.

78.  Sugar can increase the levels of glucose in the blood much higher than complex carbohydrates in a glucose tolerance test can.

79.  Sugar reduces learning capacity.

80.  Sugar can cause two blood proteins – albumin and lipoproteins – to function less effectively, which may reduce the body’s ability to handle fat and cholesterol.

81.  Sugar can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

82.  Sugar can cause platelet adhesiveness, which causes blood clots.

83.  Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance – some hormones become underactive and others become overactive.

84.  Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

85.  Sugar can cause free radicals and oxidative stress.

86.  Sugar can lead to biliary tract cancer.

87.  Sugar increases the risk of pregnant adolescents delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant.

88.  Sugar can lead to a substantial decrease the in the length of pregnancy among adolescents.

89.  Sugar slows food’s travel time through the gastrointestinal tract.

90.  Sugar increases the concentration of bile acids in stool and bacterial enzymes in the colon, which can modify bile to produce cancer-causing compounds and colon cancer.

91.  Sugar increases estradiol (the most potent form of naturally occurring estrogen) in men.

92.  Sugar combines with and destroys phosphatase, a digestive enzyme, which makes digestion more difficult.

93.  Sugar can be a risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

94.  Sugar is an addictive substance.

95.  Sugar can be intoxicating, similar to alcohol.

96.  Sugar can aggravate premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

97.  Sugar can decrease emotional stability.

98.  Sugar promotes excessive food intake in obese people.

99.  Sugar can worsen the symptoms of children with attention deficit disorder (ADD).

100.   Sugar can slow the ability of the adrenal glands to function.

101.   Sugar can cut off oxygen to the brain when given to people intravenously.

102.  Sugar is a risk factor for lung cancer.

103.  Sugar increases the risk of polio.

104.  Sugar can cause epileptic seizures.

105. Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure (pressure when the heart is contracting).

106. Sugar can induce cell death.

107. Sugar can increase the amount of food that you eat.

108. Sugar can cause antisocial behavior in juvenile delinquents.

109. Sugar can lead to prostate cancer.

110. Sugar dehydrates newborns.

111. Sugar can cause women to give birth to babies with low birth weight.

112. Sugar is associated with a worse outcome of schizophrenia.

113. Sugar can raise homocysteine levels in the bloodstream.

114. Sugar increases the risk of breast cancer.

115. Sugar is a risk factor in small intestine cancer.

116. Sugar can cause laryngeal cancer.

117. Sugar induces salt and water retention.

118. Sugar can contribute to mild memory loss.

119. Sugar water, when given to children shortly after birth, results in those children preferring sugar water to regular water throughout childhood.

120. Sugar causes constipation.

121. Sugar can cause brain decay in pre-diabetic and diabetic women.

122. Sugar can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

123. Sugar can cause metabolic syndrome.

124. Sugar increases neural tube defects in embryos when it is consumed by pregnant women.

125. Sugar can cause asthma.

126. Sugar increases the chances of getting irritable bowl syndrome.

127. Sugar can affect central reward systems.

128. Sugar can cause cancer of the rectum.

129. Sugar can cause endometrial cancer.

130. Sugar can cause renal (kidney) cell cancer.

131. Sugar can cause liver tumors.

132. Sugar can increase inflammatory markers in the bloodstreams of overweight people.

133. Sugar plays a role in the cause and the continuation of acne.

134. Sugar can ruin the sex life of both men and women by turning off the gene that controls the sex hormones.

134. Sugar can cause fatigue, moodiness, nervousness, and depression.

135. Sugar can make many essential nutrients less available to cells.

138. Sugar can increase uric acid in blood.

139. Sugar can lead to higher C-peptide concentrations.

140. Sugar causes inflammation.

141. Sugar can cause diverticulitis, a small bulging sac pushing outward from the colon wall that is inflamed.

142. Sugar can decrease testosterone production.

143. Sugar impairs spatial memory.

144. Sugar can cause cataracts.

Go here now to find find Nancy's extensive references, which back up the citations on this list.

To learn more about sugar's dangers, I urge you to get Nancy's book, Suicide by Sugar. I also invite you to read my book, Sugar Shock.

In addition, find out more about more about sugar's dangers by listening to a special Gab with the Gurus Radio Show on which I interviewed Dr. Nancy Appleton.

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

Begin Your Day With Positive Thoughts to Create an Exceptional Life, Louise Hay Urges

How do you begin each and every day?

What are the very first thoughts you think?

What ideas fill your head as you get out of bed, hop in the shower, make breakfast, and prepare for the day ahead?

Do you dread the projects and duties that lie ahead of you? Or do you approach your day with happy anticipation?

No matter what challenges you are facing -- whether it's sugar addiction, financial issues, or other family situations -- If you begin your day joyously and gratefully, you'll have a fabulous day -- and life.

Lately, I've been giving quite a bit of thought to how I begin my day, thanks to the fabulous new book, You Can Create an Exceptional Life, from two of my heroines, Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson, both mega-best-selling authors, who've helped millions around the world. (Follow these amazing ladies on Facebook -- just click the links I just gave.)

Both of these remarkable women are living proof that the spiritual principles they discuss in their new book really do work. As you read You Can Create an Exceptional Life, you'll discover that you, too, can create  an exceptional life, too.

In fact, I now follow their wonderful advice religiously, and I urge you to do that, too.

In You Can Create an Exceptional Life, which features the collective wisdom of Louise and Cheryl, you get many wonderful tidbits of advice on how lead a glorious life.

For instance, Louise suggests that you begin your day by looking at yourself lovingly in the mirror and telling yourself how much you love yourself and how awesome you are. Try it! You'll find that this simple little tool works amazing wonders!

Also, see this wonderful YouTube video with Louise and Cheryl.

Anyhow, in this fabulous new book, You Can Create an Exceptional Life, you get many wonderful affirmations to use as you begin and go through your day. (There's an amazing Collected Affirmations section in the back of the book, which you'll love, I predict.)

By the way, another one of my absolute favorite CDs/books is, I Can Do It: How to Use Affirmations to Change Your Life, also from Louise Hay.

Since June -- after getting quite exhausted, rundown, headachy, low on energy, and really burnt out (I developied electropollution from working long hours on my book, Beyond Sugar Shock) -- I've been listening to I Can Do It or another Louise Hay CD every morning.

My daily Louise Hay booster shot helped to quickly bring back my natural energy, enthusiasm and joe de vivre. Wow! If you're facing any kind of challenge, I urge you to check it out!

Let us know here what you think of both of these fabulous books, You Can Create an Exceptional Life and I Can Do It: How to Use Affirmations to Change Your Life.

Stay tuned for photos of me with Louise and Cheryl at Louise's recent 85th birthday party. 

So what new affirmations and thoughts are you having as you begin your day?

 

(Full Disclosure: My next book, Beyond Sugar Shock, is for Hay House, which is the same publisher for both You Can Create an Exceptional Life and I Can Do It: How to Use Affirmations to Change Your Life, but just because we're in the same publishing family does not affect my thoughts about these books. Both of these books are amazing, and I'd be raving about them no matter what. Get them now to change your life, and tell us what you think!)

Today's Feel-Good Tune is Waka Waka! Get A Fun Song Every Day in Smart Habits Fans on Facebook!

Today's Feel-Good Tune is "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" from Shakira.

This Feel-Good Tune of the Day is a new fun feature in the Smart Habits Fans on Facebook.

Every day, in Smart Habits Fans, you'll find another upbeat, exhilarating, cheery, confidence-generating Feel-Good Tune that at cheers you up, empowers you, and lifts you to a great place!

Right now, when you can, take just a few minutes -- the song's only a quick break -- and get up and boogie!

So how does this amazing song, Waka Waka make you feel?

It's far better and sweeter than food, junk food or sugary chocolate, isn't it?

Join us now in the Smart Habits Fans to get Daily Feel-Good Tunes.

By the way, I'm posting on Facebook -- at http://www.facebook.com/smarthabitsfans -- instead of here, on this Sugar Shock Blog, because it's easier, quicker, and it allows us to become more interactive. Also, you can easily share the tunes from friends and fans.

Watch now.

By the way, I got the idea for posting a Feel-Good Tune of the Day on the Smart Habits Fans page on Facebook, because I need to come up with ways to get away from the computer -- I need to cut back on my constant exposure to those harmful EMFs or electromagnetic fields from my computer, etc. (When on deadline, as I cam now for my next book, The Sugar Shock Diet,  I tend to put in 10, 12, 14 hours a day, and all that electropollution has been dragging me down. So it's time for Feel-Good Breaks! Learn more about the dangers of electropollution on my recent Gab with the Gurus Radio Show.

Like this post now, and share it on Facebook with your friends or fans. Then get up and boogie!

Been writing too long on the computer. Time to get away from those EMFs. It's dancing time to Waka Waka!

Learn about the making of Waka Waka.

So, how do you feel after listening to this tune?

Jack LaLanne: Tribute to the Legendary Grandfather of Fitness

As you may have already read on my Sugar Shock Blog, Jack LaLanne -- who passed away yesterday -- was one of my heroes.

Can you think of another man, who's been as influential in the field of fitness?

And can you think of another person, who's been as outspoken as he was on the dangers of sugar and refined carbs?

As I mentioned here, I've had the pleasure to interview Jack several times.

I encourage you to listen now to my Tribute Show to Jack LaLanne, the enthusiastic, energetic Kind of Fitness and Sugar-Free Pioneer. (The tribute includes my interview with Jack LaLanne on May 1, 2008, right after I'd celebrated 10 years sugar free.)

Please join me anytime. I invite you to listen to my Tribute Show now.

Listen now. 

Check Out Tasty NuttZo

I'm always on the lookout for healthy, unsweetened, organic foods. that won't put you into Sugar Shock. People often ask me for foods to recommend.

Well, I'm delighted to report that I found Organic NuttZo, a yummy, crunch nut butter that has no sugar or sweeteners added.

Recently, I had some, and it's really tasty! Having a tablespoon of that, I believe, can help to help you (or many of you) to quit thinking about sweets.

Try some yourself, and let me know if you like NuttZo as much as I do.

My Sweet, But Stringent Standards: FYI, I'm pretty careful as to what foods or beverages I'll recommend on this Sugar Shock Blog. For instance, whenever possible, I'll suggest organic foods. In addition, I will NOT recommend anything that contains any sugars or sweeteners, including agave, honey, maltodextin or raw cane sugar. And I will NOT advocate foods containing artificial sweeteners. Learn more here about my Sweet, But Stringent Standards.

Remember to let me know what you think of NuttZo.

The Power of Your Thoughts: Guest Post by John Assaraf of "The Secret"

The amazing John Assaraf, one of the experts featured in the blockbuster film and book The Secret, sent this inspiring, helpful article to his email subscribers. With his permission, I'm sharing this with you to help you realize your dreams. As you read "The Power of Your Thoughts," I urge you to think about how to use this information to accomplish your particular goals.

The Power of Your Thoughts by John Assaraf

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."--Albert Einstein

Thoughts create everything. But here's the problem. Most people spend their time thinking about what they don't want, and they're wondering why it shows up over and over again. In The Secret, we referred to this as the "don't want" epidemic. When people think, speak, act and focus on what they don't want, they keep it alive.

You can free yourself of this epidemic by thinking and speaking about what you do want. Your thoughts not only matter; they create matter. Thought is where everything comes from. And your thoughts are where your business comes from. Consciousness is what the universe is made of; matter and energy are just two of the forms that consciousness takes.

So, what am I saying here, that everything is made of thought? That thought creates the physical world? Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. In a nutshell, here is the conclusion so far of humanity's epic quest to understand the world:

1. Everything in the physical world is made out of atoms.
2. Atoms are made out of energy.
3. Energy is made out of consciousness.

If all of this seems difficult to grasp or accept, imagine what it must have seemed like to the people of Galileo's time when they were asked to consider the proposition that the earth travels through space around the sun. Or the idea of a spherical earth to pre-Socratic philosophers. The truth is, we don't see what is there. We see what we are prepared to see, what we are conditioned to see.

Once we know that everything is energy--that there is no absolute distinction between matter and energy--then the boundaries between the physical world and the world of our thoughts start to disappear as well.

You've heard the old expression, "I'll believe it when I see it." But that's not really how it is. The truth is more like this: "You'll see it when you believe it."

When novelist Victor Hugo said, "There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come," we now know that this was more than a metaphor. He may not have fully realized it at the time, but he was giving us a literal description of how reality works. Our thoughts are the controlling factor in what we manifest and create in our lives.

The idea precedes the thing.

In a very real, concrete sense, your beliefs don't simply reflect your reality, they create your reality. This concept applies to the reality of massive success in business.

Listen to your thoughts. What are the dominant thoughts that run through your mind?

Review your thought list. Is it a list of "don't wants" or wants? What thoughts do you need to change?

Replace your "don't wants" with wants. When you find yourself thinking of things you don't want to manifest in your life, interrupt those thoughts and replace them with thoughts about what you do want.

Start with a picture, an idea in your mind, and before you know it, you will be living it. This is at the heart of how my dream house showed up, as well as every business I have built. The same thing happens to every business person who has a vision and knows their thoughts have a direct, causal impact on reality.

Your thoughts and beliefs are the most powerful force in the universe. Make sure you are cognizant of yours.

John Assaraf  is the New York Times bestselling author of The Answer and Having It All. He was featured in the blockbuster movie and book The Secret. He has shared his expertise on achieving financial freedom and living an extraordinary life with millions of viewers on Larry King Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and dozens of other media venues worldwide. Learn about John's exciting new program, Winning the Inner Game of Business Success: Brain Training System.

To get more inspirational help from John Assaraf, listen to my recent interview with the motivational entrepreneur.

Special thanks to talented photographer Loren Zemlicka for the beautiful photo of the trea at sunset. And more thanks to www.betrulyhappy.com for helping me find the above artwork.

Recipe: IIN Winner Frank Giglio's Seared Scallops with Cucumber Salad

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the wonderful school I attended in 2005-2006, recently held a "What's on Your Plate?"  contest.

Here's the yummy recipe winner from chef Frank Giglio. Thanks, IIN and Frank, for sharing this with us!

Seared Scallops with Cucumber Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons coconut oil
4-8 Large scallops (U-10)
A sprinkle of Frank's Finest Lemon-Pepper Blend
1 large English cucumber
2 Tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
1 cup snap peas, cut into 3rds
1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
2-3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt to taste
Freshly cracked black peppercorns
1/2 lemon for drizzling
1 green onion, tops sliced thin

Directions:

With a Japanese mandolin or sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumber.  Place into a large bowl, mix in the snap peas, onions, and dill.  Drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar, then season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.  Toss well and allow flavors to meld.

Place the scallops on a dish and season with Lemon-Pepper blend

Heat a large heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat.  Melt the coconut oil and when a light amount of smoke is visual, add the scallops.  Cook on one side until well browned, then flip each scallop, turn off the heat and allow to rest in the pan for 1-2 minutes before removing.

Place a small amount of cucumber salad onto 2 plates.  Place 4 scallops around each salad.  Drizzle the plate with lemon juice and sliced green onions. Serve and enjoy!

Frank Giglio is the owner of Frank's Finest.  He is also the Executive Chef and Contributing Editor to The Best Day Ever.  Learn more about Frank at www.FrankGiglio.com.

If you have an interest in nutrition, I highly recommend that you contact the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Learn more information at www.IntegrativeNutrition.com.  Or you can call IIN with questions. From the US, use this number: (877) 730-5444, and International callers can use this number +1 (212) 257-6171. You can also set up an appointment to talk to an admissions advisor. Please make sure to say that Connie Bennett referred you. (I'm a big believer in being "as transparent as an ocean breeze," as marketer Alex Mandossian calls it, so let me reveal that, yes, if you sign up, I would get a referral fee. However, the only reason I'm recommending the school is because the training you get from IIN is an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience. So I encourage you to contact IIN now.

Gratitude Week: Thank You to All Experts

Now that Gratitude Week has come to a close, I want to extend a very special thank you to the 21 gracious, articulate, amazing experts and bestselling authors, who made this week possible.

My deepest desire is that these empowering gurus will change your life.

For my part, I know that I've been dramatically transformed just from holding these shows and hearing the remarkable thoughts shared by our guests.

Indeed, I'm feeling much better after accidentally smashing head first while running into glass. (In fact, I'm thrilled that my headaches are subsiding -- concussion begone!) Learn about the origins of Gratitude Week on Gab with the Gurus by reading the press release about the event.

Please note that in all 5 shows for Gratitude Week, different angles were covered. And every show was equally fascinating, inspiring and helpful. So I urge you to listen to each and every show.

During Gratitude Week, you received insights on:

• How a practice of gratitude can completely transform your life.
• How being grateful can take you away from your pain
• How gratitude can help you to become creative.
• How grateful people are more optimistic.
• How when you are thankful, your grouchiness takes a hike.
• For what celebrities such as Alicia Keys and Morgan Freeman are grateful.
• How being grateful can help to diminish your stress.
• How an attitude of gratitude helps you become spiritual.
• And much more 

You also received:

• Many wonderful, practical pointers on how you can fit gratitude your daily routine. 
• Tips on how you can slip gratitude exercises here and there to enhance your happiness. 

My heartfelt thanks goes to the following people:

Gratitude Week, Day 5: On Goal Setting, Creativity & Moving through Pain

• Cami Walker, author of the New York Times bestseller, 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life and founder of www.29Gifts.org, a site that encourages people to sign up for a free 29-day giving challenges. Became more grateful after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a month before getting married.
• Dr. Larry Iverson, clinical psychologist and author of Unleash Your Success.  www.DrLarryIverson.com
• Rabbi Irwin Kula, author of the award-winning Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life and recipient of the 2008 Walter Cronkite Faith and Freedom Award. (See Dr. Kula give great suggestions on "Oprah" here.)

Listen to Day 5 here: http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay5-GabWithGurus

Here were Day 4's wonderful guests.

Gratitude Week, Day 4: On Optimism, Managing Stress, Getting in Balance & Being Spiritual

• Dr. Terry Paulson, a psychologist, professional speaker, columnist and author of the new book, The Optimism Advantage. www.optimismadvantage.com
• Howard Martin, author of The Heart Math Solution and founding member of www.HeartMath.com, which researches the heart-brain connection and develops science-based solutions to reduce stress and improve performance
• Mary Treacy O’Keefe, co-founder and president of Well Within in St. Paul, Minnesota. Uses gratitude for stress reduction and spiritual growth. www.WellWithin.org
• Nora Firestone, journalist and founder of www.ThankingOfYou.com, a Web-based forum for posting (and discovering) stories of gratitude to "recognize, affirm and honor" the people who've made a difference in your life.
• Amy Weintraub, author of Yoga for Depression, founder of the LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute, and a leader in the field of yoga and mental health. Amy’s evidence-based yoga protocol is featured on the award-winning DVD series LifeForce Yoga to Beat the Blues. www.yogafordepression.com.

Listen to Day 4 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay4-GabWithGurus

Gratitude Week, Day 3: On Celebrities, Gratitude Lists & Grouchiness

• Todd Aaron Jensen, an award-winning entertainment journalist, a Kundalini yoga instructor, youth baseball coach, father of six and author of the upcoming book, On Gratitude: 50 Celebrities on the Power of Giving Thanks (to be published Sept. 21, World Gratitude Day).
• Ciji Ware, a former KABC radio commentator, who has been keeping a "Gratitude List" for 2666 days (as of July 7). Jotting down 3 things a day for which she is grateful helped her turn her life around. Ciji is also author of the book, Rightsizing Your Life: Simplifying Your Surroundings While Keeping What Matters Most.
• Sally Marks, author of the ebook, Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within. She contends that lack of gratitude is probably the number one cause of grouchiness.
• Sue Lundquist, author of “I’m Thankful” and owner of the I’m Thankful™ Network, which is syndicated syndicated across the country. www.ImThankful.com

Listen to Day 3 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay3-GabWithGurus

Gratitude Week, Day 2: On Optimism, Love, Empowerment & Getting "Enough"

• Dr. Stephen G. Post, director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University and author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People http://www.stephengpost.com
• Dr. Diana Kirschner, psychologist and author Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love. http://www.lovein90days.com
• Elizabeth “Lily” Hills, author of the new book, A Feminine Manifesta, which delves into how women have sabotaged themselves by being their own worst critics. It shares how the power of gratitude can transform your life, freeing you up to be the best of who you can be. www.AFeminineManifesta.com
• Sue Lundquist, author of I’m Thankful and owner of the I’m Thankful™ Network, which is syndicated syndicated across the country. www.ImThankful.com
• Erika Oliver, a Positive Approach Coach and author of Happy Crap: The Power of Positive Assumptions! www.erikaoliver.com
• Corinne Gregory, President and Founder of SocialSmarts, a nationally-recognized program for teaching kids and adults positive social skills, character and values, and author of It's Not Who You Know, It's How You Treat Them

Listen to Day 2 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay2-GabWithGurus

Gratitude Week, Day 1: On Happiness, Forgiveness, Coping & Resolving Food Issues

• Dr. Philip Watkins, psychology professor at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. Conducted research on how gratitude contributes to happiness, your ability to cope and be healthy. 
• Dr. Philip Friedman, psychologist and director of the Foundation for Well-Being in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Published three clinical research articles on gratitude and forgiveness as they relate to well-being and change over time using empirical measures (GQ6 and GRATS) www.ForgivenessSolution.com
• Dr. Sharon Livingston, a psychologist who helps people with emotional eating problems and uses gratitude as an essential piece of healing this problem. www.EmotionalEatingSecrets.com
• Robert Mack, positive psychology expert and author, Happiness From the Inside Out: The Art and Science of Fulfillment and a positive psychology expert. www.happinessfromtheinsideout.com

Listen to Day 1 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay1-GabWithGurus

Here are the links to all 5 shows:

Day 1 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay1-GabWithGurus

Day 2 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay2-GabWithGurus

Day 3 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay3-GabWithGurus

Day 4 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay4-GabWithGurus

Day 5 – http://tinyurl.com/GratitudeWeekDay5-GabWithGurus

Please note that you can subscribe to Gab with the Gurus on iTunes.

Get more details by reading the following press release about Gratitude Week on Gab with the Gurus.

Stay tuned for another Gab with the Gurus Radio Show on Sept. 21 for World Gratitude Day and another show (date TBA) with a couple of gratitude researchers, who were unable to participate in Gratitude Week.

Also, here's another recent Gab with the Gurus Radio Show about gratitude with Stephanie Gunning.

Burst to Blast Fat with JJ Virgin

Learn how to burst off your fat with JJ Virgin, celebrity wellness and fitness expert.

Authors, Speakers & Coaches: Be a Mover & Shaker with Hay House

 

Do you have a powerful message that you're yearning to share with millions in a book, through talks or even on your own radio show?

Are you convinced that you have transformational information that could really help people?

But are you completely stumped as to how to reach all those people so you can change their lives? 

If you have burning desires such as those I just cited, I strongly encourage you to attend one of the upcoming Movers & Shakers events sponsored by Hay House and emceed by bestselling author Cheryl Richardson and Hay House President & CEO Reid Tracy.

Back in December, I attended a Movers & Shakers event in New York City, and I cannot rave about it enough! Over the years, I've attended some 20 to 30 wonderful conferences for authors, speakers, bloggers, social media experts and more, but this Movers & Shakers conference was a powerful event that really pulled it all together for me.

Here's my heartfelt testimonial about this fabulous Movers & Shakers conference:

"If you feel a calling to serve people and help them transform their lives for the better, then you MUST attend the Hay House Movers & Shakers conference! This is a powerful, transformative, life-changing experience that gives you valuable tools, tips and insights, which empower you to be true to yourself and pursue your vision at the same time. As if that's not enough, you also could make the most wonderful friends."

-- “Smart Habits Girl” Connie Bennett, CPC, CHHC, Author, SUGAR SHOCK!

If you're serious about becoming a Mover & Shaker, I strongly recommend that you sign up now for one of these life-changing Hay House Movers & Shakers events. I predict that you'll be enthused, exhilarated and excited when you meet the amazing Cheryl Richardson and Reid Tracy. 

And guess who will make an appearance to? The amazing Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life and founder of Hay House.

To learn quickly about this event, go to http://tinyurl.com/HayHouseMoversAndShakersConnie

Reid Tracy Cheryl Richardson
Do you have an important message to share with the world? Are you ready to take your career to a whole new level by expanding your reach, so you can help thousands of people to improve the quality of their lives? Do you have a dream to write a book, build a speaking career, appear on TV, or host your own radio show? I'd love to hear from you if you attend one of these Hay House Movers & Shakers events. Please let me know what you thought. And I hope to connect with you in the special Movers & Shakers page on Facebook after you've attended. Make sure to tell them that Connie Bennett referred you. By the way, Hay House is the cutting-edge publishing and events company, which also presents the inspiring, life-changing I Can Do It conference in Toronto and the I Can Do It conference in San Diego. Please note that I'm a compensated affiliate for this program, but I'm only recommending it because I think it's fabulous. To learn more, go here: http://tinyurl.com/HayHouseMoversAndShakersConnie

Sugar Addicts: Share Your Success Stories from Sadness to Sweetness

Calling former sugar addicts: Have you kicked sugar and refined carbs?

And are you a reader of SUGAR SHOCK! who was then inspired to remove refined sweets from your life?

Did cutting out sugar enable you to boost your energy, release weight, become more cheerful, have better relationships and get other amazing benefits? If your sugar addiction is a thing of the past -- or is under control -- we want to hear from you!

Share your Sugar-Free Success story with me so I can share it on this Sugar Shock Blog and other places. Please help me to encourage, educate and inspire other people.

Wondering what a Sugar-Free Success Story sounds like? Read motivational Kick-Sugar Success Stories shared previously on the Sugar Shock Blog.

• Jimmy Moore, who I interviewed recently on my Gab With the Gurus Radio Show
• Jaime Jackson
• Felicia DesRosiers
• Karly Pitman

To be featured as a Kick-Sugar Success Story on this Sugar Shock Blog and on other places, you should have either cut out or heavily cut back on your sugar and quickie-carb consumption for at least 3 months and achieved wonderful results. By sharing your story, you agree that I can publish all or parts of it on my Sugar Shock Blog, any other websites or in an upcoming book or books. You agree that I can use your name and photo and that I will edit your story for accuracy and readability. You agree that you are contributing this piece to help others and that you are sharing it without compensation. (Sorry!) To tell your sour-to-sweet story and to be considered for inclusion in this column, just write to me with answers to the following questions. Please also send photos -- preferably before-and-after photos.

• Your Name (full or first name only), City, State & Country (or just list state, if you like) & Age (if you choose):
• Your Previous Weight & Height & Your Present Height:
• Favorite Hobbies & Activities Now:
• When did you kick sugar? Have you quit other foods, too? If so, what?
• What are the biggest BENEFITS you've received from kicking sugar?
• What was your rock-bottom moment before you decided you needed to change your diet?
• Just how bad were you feeling? What ailments did you have? Please be specific.
• Please describe any pivotal moments. For example, you could share something that happened in your doctor's office, how you behaved towards a loved one (like I confessed in Chapter 1 of my book SUGAR SHOCK!), or what embarrassing event made you decide that it was high time to tackle your sugar habit, etc.
• What made you finally decide to eliminate sugar and refined carbs to help with your health issues?
• Describe the day that you finally decided it was time to break free! 
• What were the very first 3 things that you did to prepare yourself to quit sweets?
• DS (During Your Sugar Days), what did you used to eat?
• Tell us how bad you felt. What was your lowest point? What was it like?
• What do you think most people don't know about processed carbs that they need to know?
• How did you first learn about the dangers of sugars and refined carbs?
• Did you find a doctor or other health professional (acupuncturist, nutritionist, etc.), who understood all about how eating sugar triggers drastic blood sugar swings, etc. Tell us about him or her.
• What were your biggest challenges when kicking sugar and refined carbs? Please help prepare others for any potential pitfalls ahead.
• Do you have any favorite websites, blogs, books, organizations or support groups that have helped you to lick your habit?
• What are your best 3 tips and tactics to help other people kick sweets and quickie carbs?
• Please share some final words of wisdom, inspiration, encouragement or motivation to others who are thinking of cutting out sugar and simple carbs.
• Add your own question and response, if you like:

Please feel free to share this call for Confessions of Sugar Addicts No More on your blog or website, in your ezine, on your Facebook page or via Twitter. Please note that Connie Bennett, author of SUGAR SHOCK!, and the founder of the Sugar Shock Blog (http://www.SugarShockBlog.com) is compiling this collection. Please let me know if you've shared this call to action.

If you are not yet a success story but want to me, learn how to Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction in 6 Weeks.

Calling former sugar addicts: Have you kicked sugar and refined carbs?

And are you a reader of SUGAR SHOCK! who was then inspired to remove refined sweets from your life?

Did cutting out sugar enable you to boost your energy, release weight, become more cheerful, have better relationships and get other amazing benefits? If your sugar addiction is a thing of the past -- or is under control -- we want to hear from you!

Share your Sugar-Free Success story with me so I can share it on this Sugar Shock Blog and other places. Please help me to encourage, educate and inspire other people.

Wondering what a Sugar-Free Success Story sounds like? Read motivational Kick-Sugar Success Stories shared previously on the Sugar Shock Blog.

• Jimmy Moore, who I interviewed recently on my Gab With the Gurus Radio Show
• Jaime Jackson
• Felicia DesRosiers
• Karly Pitman

To be featured as a Kick-Sugar Success Story on this Sugar Shock Blog and on other places, you should have either cut out or heavily cut back on your sugar and quickie-carb consumption for at least 3 months and achieved wonderful results. By sharing your story, you agree that I can publish all or parts of it on my Sugar Shock Blog, any other websites or in an upcoming book or books. You agree that I can use your name and photo and that I will edit your story for accuracy and readability. You agree that you are contributing this piece to help others and that you are sharing it without compensation. (Sorry!) To tell your sour-to-sweet story and to be considered for inclusion in this column, just write to me with answers to the following questions. Please also send photos -- preferably before-and-after photos.

• Your Name (full or first name only), City, State & Country (or just list state, if you like) & Age (if you choose):
• Your Previous Weight & Height & Your Present Height:
• Favorite Hobbies & Activities Now:
• When did you kick sugar? Have you quit other foods, too? If so, what?
• What are the biggest BENEFITS you've received from kicking sugar?
• What was your rock-bottom moment before you decided you needed to change your diet?
• Just how bad were you feeling? What ailments did you have? Please be specific.
• Please describe any pivotal moments. For example, you could share something that happened in your doctor's office, how you behaved towards a loved one (like I confessed in Chapter 1 of my book SUGAR SHOCK!), or what embarrassing event made you decide that it was high time to tackle your sugar habit, etc.
• What made you finally decide to eliminate sugar and refined carbs to help with your health issues?
• Describe the day that you finally decided it was time to break free! 
• What were the very first 3 things that you did to prepare yourself to quit sweets?
• DS (During Your Sugar Days), what did you used to eat?
• Tell us how bad you felt. What was your lowest point? What was it like?
• What do you think most people don't know about processed carbs that they need to know?
• How did you first learn about the dangers of sugars and refined carbs?
• Did you find a doctor or other health professional (acupuncturist, nutritionist, etc.), who understood all about how eating sugar triggers drastic blood sugar swings, etc. Tell us about him or her.
• What were your biggest challenges when kicking sugar and refined carbs? Please help prepare others for any potential pitfalls ahead.
• Do you have any favorite websites, blogs, books, organizations or support groups that have helped you to lick your habit?
• What are your best 3 tips and tactics to help other people kick sweets and quickie carbs?
• Please share some final words of wisdom, inspiration, encouragement or motivation to others who are thinking of cutting out sugar and simple carbs.
• Add your own question and response, if you like:

Please feel free to share this call for Confessions of Sugar Addicts No More on your blog or website, in your ezine, on your Facebook page or via Twitter. Please note that Connie Bennett, author of SUGAR SHOCK!, and the founder of the Sugar Shock Blog (http://www.SugarShockBlog.com) is compiling this collection. Please let me know if you've shared this call to action.

If you are not yet a success story but want to me, learn how to Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction in 6 Weeks.

Make Your Dreams Come True in 6 Weeks (Or Less) in Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp

You can make your dreams come true in six weeks or less, insists Joyce Schwarz, author the bestselling book, The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life.

To help you make that happen, Joyce -- a Hollywood career and new business strategist -- is offering a six-week Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp.

It begins Monday, June 21, 2010 -- the first day of summer -- and continues for six weeks with both weekly teleconferences (on Mondays) and small group coaching (on Wednesdays). You can listen live or later, at your convenience.

In this Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp, you will learn:

• Secrets and strategies to make your dreams come true.
• The 3 reasons most people’s vision boards don’t work for them.
• How to create a vision statement that guides you to achieve your dreams.
• How to do the ancient art of visioning. 
• How to realize your vision even if you have zero or little money in the bank today.
• How to travel and live in your dream house and destination even if you've never left your hometown before -- and do it for little or no cost.
• The top ways to make sure that your dreams thrive and don’t die.
• Where to put your vision boards in your house or office.

In addition, in this Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp, you'll learn where to place the "who" and the how" on your vision board or where to find them. For instance, you'll discover:

• How to find companies and organizations to partner with to make your dream come true – yes, they will want you even if you’re not famous in your field.
• Then 7 traits that all stars in their field practice that you can use to create a name for yourself
• How to find investors who are looking for amazing new ideas that they can fund, even if you don’t have a complete business plan yet.
• What Joyce learned from launching the Missing Kids on the Milk Carton campaign that you can do with your product or service that will change your life and better society.
  
• How to get advice from a dozen top leaders in your field without paying a dime.
• Why you need a mailing list of at least 2,000 names to share your vision to the world and how to get that number in 6 to 8 weeks.
• The way to brand yourself and your message that will get you regional and national attention on radio, TV, newspapers and blogs.
• Case histories of Joyce’s clients who've gone from working a regular job to making their dreams come true in such areas as TV, film, speaking, nonprofit leadership and more.
• How 38 of Joyce’s clients landed a deal with major publishers and sold more than 2 million books and launched programs that changed the world.
• The 3 rules of social marketing you need to know now – even before you set up your website.
• 5 ways to take your idea and turn it into both a product and a business.
• Case histories of Joyce’s clients working in TV, film, speaking or nonprofit leadership, who have made their dreams come true because of visioning and vision boards and taking the steps to make them come true.

Plus, in this Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp, you'll hear about many amazing case histories of people, who've successfully used both vision boards and visioning. You'll find out about:

• A woman, who found a piano for her kids to play for free;
• A military wife, who started a nonprofit woodworking workshop without spending a dime;
• A woman, who now gets free weekly massages;
• Candy Lightner, who turned her own issues into a national crusade -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving;
• Harris Faulkner, who went from junior accountant to a Fox News national TV anchor;
• The creators of Primesense.com, whose revolutionary technology now powers the new XBOX kinect;
• Mark Chasen, who founded the now-popular emusic.com;
• Linda Loudermilk, who created the first line of eco-luxury clothes and has been featured in many publications and media outlets; and
• The bank president, who went from controversy to cheers when he turned his offices into mini-museums and got a National Endowment for the Arts Grant.

You will also get a number of free gifts in this Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp, including:

• A downloadable Dream & Vision Survival Workbook (99 pages) by Joyce
• A 20-page guide by Joyce to making your dreams come true with little or no cash
• A downloadable 15-page list of 150 ways (and links) to find free music and pictures on the Internet legally. You'll also learn how use these images to change your mind and your life.
• Free giveaways every the week that total more than $20,000
• More than $5,000 in free coupons for discounts on vacations, courses, retreats, spas and more

Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp inspiring speakers and experts will include:

• Lisa Osborne, Goddess of Destiny and Los Angeles radio news anchor and talk show host.
• Raleigh Pinsky, best-selling author of 101 Ways to Promote Yourself: Tricks Of The Trade For Taking Charge Of Your Own Success
• Yours truly (Connie Bennett, Sugar Shock!: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life--and How You Can Get Back on Track)
• Beth Greer, former president of the Learning Annex, bestselling author of Supernatural Home and eco-authority expert
• Marisa Petroro, actress (Showtime's "Dexter") and briefcase model on NBC’s "Deal or No Deal."(She'll share how she used a vision board to beat sarcoma and why she's raising $1 million for her favorite charity.)
• Marie Diamond, feng shui master, who appears in The Secret
• Aras Baskauskas, NBC’s $1 million winner of the "Survivor" (he'll share what he learned and what you need to know)and
• Jim Stovall, speaker and author of The Ultimate Gift blockbuster book and movie

Sign up now for this exciting program -- http://tinyurl.com/VisionBoardBootcamp-Connie

Teleclasses will take place Mondays and bonus group coaching are on Wednesdays, both at 12 noon PST or 3pm EST. You can listen to audios on your computer or download them to play in your car heading for the beach or wherever and whenever you like.

Please note: I am an affiliate of this program, which means that if you get something, I will receive compensation, which will enable me to continue bringing you quality information and programs. I signed up as an affiliate because I believe in this exciting Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp and I urge you to join now to make your dreams come true.

While you're waiting for this Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp to begin, here are three tips Joyce was kind enough to give to help you get you going if you don't know what you want now.

1) Start with gratitude. (In Joyce's book, she discusses a "GRABS" formula, which begins with Gratitude and then leads to sharing which starts the cycle of creation over and over.

2) Begin, she says, by making a list of 7 things for which you are grateful. Even if you're caught up in some family crisis, just take 10 minutes, Joyce urges. "Believe me, it will only take 10 minutes -- promise," she says. And, she adds, "don't overthink it -- be grateful for all of the good things in your life."ads to sharing which starts the cycle of creation over and over.

She adds that if you feel "nothing's good right now, then be grateful that you're alive, that you have your health, that you have food in the cupboard, that the sun came up this morning and will set tonight, that there is a moon in the sky, that you can write, that you have two hands, etc." 

3) Fill out your GRATEFUL LIST

1._______________ 2______________ 3______________ 4___________

5____________ 6_________________7 ____________________

"By being grateful, you'll find that you'll automatically switch over to a new state of mind -- just like clicking a remote control," Joyce says. "Once your state of gratitude, you can begin to RELEASE some of your past expectations and hurts or regrets for 2009 or before or for the first part of 2010. Be ready to RECEIVE immediately!"

This gratitude exercise, she says, gives them a new outlook that provides insight into opportunities for today and tomorrow. "You can latch on to your inner creative power IF you are true to yourself and let go of the past," Joyce notes. "Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. `Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes,'" Carl Jung wrote. 

Sign up now for Joyce's upcoming Virtual Vision Board Bootcamp.

Feel free to share this with your friends, too -- just send them to http://tinyurl.com/VisionBoardBootcamp-Connie

Dolly Parton's Funny Take on Dieting (an Audio Post)

Today's post is mostly a short vlog (voice blog) post.

You'll hear a very humorous quote from Dolly Parton about dieting.

Thanks so much to my friend Jena LaFlamme, a health and wellness expert, for telling me about this fun quote.

By the way, Jena -- who shares my passion for living a healthy, sweet life -- offers a cool Pleasure Weight Loss Summer Camp with her colleague Marc David.

Comedians Jeff Garlin & Ellen DeGeneres Shun Sugar

Please visit AOL today to read my opinion piece, in which I praise both comedians Ellen DeGeneres and Jeff Garlin for the wonderful examples they're setting for the rest of the nation.

Ellen DeGeneres, who, of course, hosts The Ellen DeGeneres Show and is now also a judge on American Idol, and Jeff Garlin, the star and co-producer of Curb Your Enthusiasm, have both kicked sugar and they've experienced amazing results, from weight loss to more energy.

As an advocate of leading a happy, healthy, energy-filled life, I'm thrilled by what the two comedians are doing. 

I invite you to read my my op ed piece now: Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Garlin Could Inspire Others to Kick the Sugar Habit - AOL News.

Feel free to share this article with friends and loved ones.

Please spread the word now Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Garlin Could Inspire Others to Kick the Sugar Habit - AOL News.

Unfortunately, right now the comments section on AOL is closed so please post your comments here on the Sugar Shock Blog and also on the Facebook Smart Habits Fans page.