If you're getting this Sugar Shock Blog through the feed, please join us over at my new website/blog at www.Connie-Bennett.com. Along with this new location, we're also activating a more active community so we can serve you better. I look forward to inspiring, encouraging and entertaining you at www.Connie-Bennett.com Make to connect with us so that we can Lead a Sweeterlicious Life™. Continue reading

Get a complimentary copy of my latest book, Beyond Sugar Shock, from Hay House. Yes, for the next few days — until my limited supply runs out — you can get my latest book in my first-ever Book Giveaway. Why would I do something so unusual? I’m giving away free copies of Beyond Sugar Shock for two big reasons: First, I really want to help you. Next, I need your help. To begin, here are two ways that I’d be honored to serve you: I will share easy, valuable, cutting-edge tactics to help you let go of your “need” for sugar, processed carbs (what I call “quickie carbs”) or other salty, fatty non-foods so you can shed weight, get more energy, reverse pre-diabetes or other diseases, and live a longer, happier, sweeter life. In addition, when you, as a valuable member of my audience, tell me what you want and need, I can tailor-make articles, blog posts, and products just for you. You’ll also get a free copy of Beyond Sugar Shock because I want to help thousands — well, ideally, millions — worldwide. But I would like your help, too, to spread the word about how I’m helping people in so many ways. If you’re in a hurry or desperate for help, please note that to get a free book, you need to follow the Book Giveaway Guidelines. So if you’re short on time, please jump to the next page to learn about the guidelines to get Beyond Sugar Shock. So why else am I doing this Beyond Sugar Shock Book Giveaway? Because, as I shared earlier, I’d love your help. My Book, Beyond Sugar Shock, Came Out When My Mom Was Dying & She Was My # 1 Priority So My Platform Went Down I’m doing this Book Giveaway, as I shared earlier, because I’d like your help, please. Here’s why I need your massive word-of-mouth power. In fall 2011, I decided and chose to put my poor, dying Mom my Number # 1 priority. Not only did I move across country for my terminally ill mother, who had stage 4 lung cancer, but we then spent lots of bitter and sweet times together, which is why I now dub this time My Bittersweet Last Year with Mom. About two months before she died, my then-new book, Beyond Sugar Shock, was published. What a joy it was to watch my normally critical Mom be so pumped-of proud of me! Because my poor, dying Mom was my # 1 priority, I did very little promotion for my then-new book. Then, after Mom died in fall 2012, I plunged into a massive, multi-year Dark Night of the Soul, because I was TAGGED-B. (That’s my acronym for Traumatized, Gripped by Grief, Emotionally Devastated, and Betrayed.) Getting TAGGGED and that year of being incessantly bouncing around in a fight-or-flight symdrome triggered many symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), too. Long story short: For four long years, I just couldn’t properly promote Beyond Sugar Shock or help my followers. But during that time, I kept quite busy to figure out ways to serve you. I’ve almost finished writing my my next book, Crush Your Crazy Carb Cravings™, in which I share sweet, simple blog tips with you, so you can easily, joyfully stomp out your urges for unhealthy, life-shortening, processed carbs. Plus, I’ve researched many other ways to help you lead a sweeter life. Now, here’s my dilemma. As an author, to get a book deal from a major publisher—my goal—you need a big “platform” of followers or fans on Facebook, Twitter, your mailing list, etc. But my platform plummeted, because Mom came first. So now that I’m back, ready, and eager to serve you, will you please help me build my platform so I can help you and many more like you? You’ll get simple tools to Crush Your Crazy Carb Cravings™. You’ll find out via my blog, tweets, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn posts how to break free of your sugar or carb addiction. You’ll get easy ways to lead a sweeter, happier, healthier life. So will you help me build my platform so I can help thousands, if not millions, around the world? Now, get the guidelines to participate in my Book Giveaway. Book Giveaway Guidelines First, “like” my Facebook fan page. (This is the page, where I’m wearing a turquoise top. Please don’t like the one where I’m wearing red.) Get active on my Facebook page. Post questions, make comments, and share posts. Invite 5 to 25 friends or Internet buddies to “like” my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter. Read my many helpful blog posts here on my website and share them via Facebook, Twitter, etc. Suggest places I can speak to help people in your area. Thanks so very much for helping me serve you and millions like you. Please keep in touch. Let me know your concerns and questions. See you soon on Facebook or here, on my website/blog. Warmly, Connie Bennett, CHHC, CPC, ACC Crush Your Crazy-Cravings Coach™ & Your Sweet Freedom Guide Get FREE STUFF at www.Connie-Bennett.com Author, Beyond Sugar Shock, Sugar Shock! and Crush Your Crazy Carb Cravings™ (next) Host, Gab with the Gurus, www.GabwithTheGurus.com Connie Bennett is a former sugar-addicted journalist and popular speaker, who reluctantly quit sweets and refined carbs on doctor's orders in 1998. Now recognized as the Accidental Sweet Freedom Coach™, Connie has helped thousands of people worldwide to easily break free of their sugar habit so they can shed excess weight, boost focus, and Enjoy a Sweeter Life Naturally™. Connie's first book, Sugar Shock, was praised by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Chistiane Northrup, Dr. Joseph Mercola and many others.. Her most recent book, Beyond Sugar Shock, was endorsed by Dr. Daniel Amen, JJ Virgin, Brian Tracy, John Assaraf and many others. Get free gifts and connect with Connie on her new website, www.Connie-Bennett.com. Continue reading

Thought you'd get a kick from this, the only type of sugar I consume! FullSizeRender Yes, I've been sugar-free since 1998 and doing so changed my life in big ways. Learn my 7 Lessons from Staying Sugar-Free for 16 Years. Have you used napkins or other products made of sugar? If you still are hooked on sugar and culprit carbs, I invite you to get some help. Find out how to kick harmful sugar out of your life. Join the limited-time Beyond Sugar Shock Giveaway on my Facebook fan page. Look forward to connecting with you on Facebook. Ask your questions, post comments, etc. Connie Bennett, Sugar Shock, Beyond Sugar Shock, quit sugar, lose weight, get energy Continue reading

Music, as you know, can calm you down, help you tune in, and invigorate you. In short, music is tremendously healing,. Indeed, music can and should be a vital part of your journey to health and wellness. For my part, after my mother died, listening to lots of music really helped me to break through my grief, shock, PTSD, despair, anxiety, turmoil, etc. Indeed, The Power of Music is astounding and far-reaching, as Elena Mannes reveals in her book of the same name, on NPR and to audience members at the Westport Library. For instance, did you know that music can lower stress, reduce depression, help your heart health and protect your metal sharpness? Today's Woo-Hoo, Feel-Good Tune -- a feature I revived yesterday on my Facebook fan page after my much-needed healing hiatus -- is the awesome "Bliss of Healing," from the Pure Heart Ensemble. While at the Chopra Center recently to see Elizabeth Gilbert, Joan Borysenko, and, of course, Deepak Chopra, I discovered this enticing CD. As you'll find, this melody is very, very soothing and healing. Pass it on. And join us on my Facebook fan page for more great Woo-Hoo, Feel-Good tunes. What are your favorite Woo-Hoo, Feel-Good Tunes? I'm eager to get your ideas on what to feature on my Facebook page. Post your suggestions now. Continue reading

Congratulations to yummico for meeting and exceeding the goal to create Yummiloo, a TV show that will promote healthy eating to kids. I invite you to donate to help them offset costs to be on Kickstarter. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/830273895/yummiloo-an-animated-tv-show-for-kids-about-health Continue reading

Which of these habits do you have? http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/03/04/13-everyday-habits-that-are-aging/ Continue reading

Join the Conversation. Have you had a relapse? What worked best for you? Share your challenges or successes here, on this Sugar Shock Blog, or on Facebook. As I reluctantly admitted last year, after my mother died, while I was reeling from grief, despair, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome), and more, I had a carb relapse that went on for some 10 months, and I packed on 21 pounds. Bestseller Beyond Sugar Shock BS For the past two-plus years -- after I Bounced Back After Relapse -- I've thought long and hard about how and why people relapse. Now, I'm determined to show you how not to blow your diet as I did when trauma, abuse, gut-wrenching grief and emotional devastation over loss or betrayal strike. Since people often want to know, "How do you bounce back after a relapse?" -- as someone just asked me today -- I've assembled pointers to help you get you back on track. Here are 10 Ways to Bounce Back After You Blow Your Diet. 1. Be gentle and compassionate with yourself. If you slip on your diet, this is not the time to berate or belittle yourself. Instead, use your relapse as a reason to lavish yourself with kindness, understanding and sympathy. The research is mounting on the benefits of giving yourself compassion. (More about that in a future post.) 2. Accept that you're human -- and therefore imperfect. People with food issues often expect themselves to do everything perfectly, especially "dieting," as I've discovered from coaching many people. Ironically, the word, "diet" even has "die" in it. Of course, it's impossible to be perfect, of course. Expecting yourself to eat "right" all the time sets you up for failure. So give yourself a break. Since you've had a relapse, use this as an opportunity to claim your humanity. That means accepting -- and even embracing -- your imperfections. Plus, you want to forgive yourself. Doing these things can be quite freeing. 3. Consider this a great time to start over. Instead of seeing your diet relapse as a disaster, regard it as an opportunity to start over. A so-called "mistake" such as this could be just the catalyst you need to reinvigorate you. After all, aren't you especially motivated when you begin a project? Besides, your determination can kick into high drive especially if you want to avoid or manage your low blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease or another illness. 4. See your slip as a Life Lesson. In the wake of a relapse with French fries, popcorn, onion rings or other quickie carbs, sugar or other junk foods, you can use your slip as a wake-up call. Often, people begin to succeed -- as I did back in 1998 and again in 2012 after my big relapse -- when they're so fed up with their self-destructive ways that they're ready to fully commit to kicking their self-abusive habit. 5. Study your body's reaction. There's nothing like a harsh dose of reality to make you realize that eating junk food doesn't only add inches to your hips. Study yourself dispassionately like a lab rat to discover what damage you caused by your diet relapse. Ask yourself the following questions: Am I more tired than normal? Am I excessively moody? Am I finding it tough to concentrate? Am I having brain fog? Do I have a headache? Am I having a tough time sleeping? Am I depressed for no good reason? How else am I NOT my best me? 6. Record the results of your binge for at least 4 days. Rather than beat up on yourself for blowing your diet, take notes on how bad you feel after your sugar or carb spree. Keep a journal for at least four days. Make sure to document the emotional, physical and spiritual ramifications of your relapse. Write about your problems with over-reactivity, anger, brain fog, depression, irritability, nervousness, aches, pains, outbursts at your kids and fights with your honey.. When you carefully monitor your reactions, you'll easily remember these awful repercussions so that the next time you're tempted to succumb to donuts, candies, chips or other nutrient-poor foods, you'll probably pause and then muster up the ability to say no to that junk food. 7. Reaffirm and recommit to your 'Whys" and 'Whats." Immediately after your binge or slip -- however minor -- realign your thoughts. Think about why you want to quit sugar or refined carbs in the first place. Is your doctor telling you to clean up your eating, as mine did years ago, because if you don't, you're headed toward type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease or another potentially fatal illness? What health benefits will you gain from eating better and cutting out sugar or fast carbs? How will your life change on other fronts if you're eating well? Review your list again and again. You'll find -- as I have at two major points in my life -- that your strong Whys-and-Whats lists will help you to break free from your carb or sugar addiction for good. 8. See yourself free. Speaking of free, now envision that you're liberated. Woo-Hoo! See how exhilarated you'll feel by saying no to junk food. Keep watching your delicious success as if you're catching your favorite TV show. Do it now. It's fun and freeing! See yourself back on the healthy-eating track. You're succeeding and your addiction is lying back there in the dust! Yes! 9. Create a Power Phrase or mantra. Now, verbally proclaim your success, too. You don't have to say it in public, but you can quietly or inwardly affirm: "I choose and eat only healthy, nourishing foods and drinks, that peel off my extra weight, give me energy, and make me happy. I am free." Or create your own Power Phrase. Share your ideas here for what Power Phrase works for you. Repeat your Power Phrase over and over -- preferably while looking in the mirror. As you probably know, visualizing success is a powerful Law of Attraction tool that's discussed in the bestselling film and book, The Secret. 10. Reframe Your Relapse as a Spiritual Springboard. Now that you're getting back on track with your food, you'll have a better perspective on your relapse. Most people I've coached have discovered that falling so low has infused them with a new-found spirituality, and feeling of joy and inner peace. They're more determined to treat their bodies with respect and reverence, because after all, we're spiritual beings. The same can happen to you, too. I hope that this post, "Did You Have a Relapse? 10 Ways to Bounce Back After you Blow Your Diet" will help you get back on track. Have you had a relapse? What worked best for you? Share your challenges or successes here, on this Sugar Shock Blog, or on Facebook. And remember that eating healthy foods and drinking nourishing beverages help you to enjoy a life full of good health, joy, and peace of mind. As you struggle to get back on your feet, kick your soda habit or get more sleep, remind yourself that life is much sweeter without all those refined sweets and other unhealthy habits. Connie Bennett, MSJ, CHHC, CPC, ACC is author of SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books) and Beyond Sugar Shock (Hay House), and Crush Your Crazy Cravings™ (upcoming). Connie is a The Sweet Freedom Guide, the Crazy-Cravings Crusher, a motivating speaker, and host of the Gab With the Gurus Radio Show. Connie has appeared on numerous media outlets such as "CBS News Sunday Morning," "Oprah & Friends Radio," and "The Howard Stern Show," and she has contributed to many publications and websites such as The Chicago Tribune, ediets.com, and the Huffington Post. Connie is certified health coach, a certified life coach, a journalist and columnist. Connie's sour-to-sweet story began in 1998, when she quit sugar and refined carbs on doctor’s orders, and her 44 baffling ailments vanished, including horrible headaches, crippling fatigue and brain fog. Now, Connie pokes fun of her not-so-sweet past by jokingly dubbing herself an “Ex-Sugar Shrew!.” She has helped thousands of people worldwide break free of their sugar or carb addiction and from the depressing, debilitating aftershocks of overloading on sugar and culprit carbs. © Copyright 2015. Connie Bennett, Sugar Shock Blog. You are welcome to reprint this story if you use the above credits and this additional information: This post, "Did You Have a Relapse? 10 Ways to Bounce Back After You Blow Your Diet" by Connie Bennett, CHHC, ACC, CPC, was originally published on the Sugar Shock Blog. Please make sure to notify us that you've used this. Continue reading

Donate Now to Bring Quality TV to Children Nationwide An Invitation to Health Colleagues, Concerned Parents, Chefs & Healthy Eaters & Anyone Who Enjoys Eating Well: Wouldn’t it be AWESOME if millions of preschool-aged-children across the U.S. could watch a clever, creative TV show, which encouraged them to eat healthy foods? The time is finally here! This is your chance to make a BIG difference. “Yummiloo,” an animated food-adventure TV show for preschoolers, is in the works. YL_eating_half1 Based on the award-winning app, “Rainbow Power,” the TV show, "Yummiloo," focuses on eating well. But the television show’s creators—award-winning, highly acclaimed TV and film veterans—need our financial support now to fund their pilot. You need to ACT FAST though. “Yummiloo’s” Kickstarter campaign ends June 9 at 5 pm PST. In a hurry? Donate now to this valuable “Yummiloo” TV project at: ====>>>>> https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/830273895/yummiloo-an-animated-tv-show-for-kids-about-health So what’s “Yummiloo” about? Just imagine if Willy Wonka’s Land of Pure Imagination were filled with irresistible characters, who enjoy healthy food instead of candy! “Yummiloo" is home to the Yum Yums, adorable elfin creatures, whose younger generation—led by best friends Rooty and Red—embark on amazing adventures, where they explore and learn. Even better, “Yummiloo” sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating. Plus, “Yummiloo” makes food FUN. Now learn about the creators of "Yummiloo," who are, as they say, “the real deal.” Meet: Traci Paige Johnson, co-creator of the blockbuster franchise, “Blue's Clues,” Nickelodeon’s acclaimed children’s franchise ($1bn merchandising business); Caroline Baron, Oscar-nominated film producer (“Capote,” “Monsoon Wedding”) and associate producer of the original TV hit series, “The Wonder Years”; Anthony Weintraub, feature film writer, director, producer and content creator. Bob Mowen, director, cinematographer, and visual effects creator for commercials, broadcast design and film. They're also parents and principals of Yummico, which is dedicated to creating quality children's TV. Learn about the other creators here. Please join me now to support “Yummiloo.” By the way, if you act fast and donate at least $5,000, you can have a TV character named after you. Make your donation now to create "Yummiloo.". You can show mainstream media, who have been slow to back this exciting children’s TV show. Join me now in "Yummiloo," bringing quality TV to kids nationwide. Warmly, Connie Bennett, CHHC, CPC, ACC Sweet Freedom Guide, Healthy Eating Advocate, and Author, Sugar Shock (Berkley Books), Beyond Sugar Shock (Hay House), and Crush Your Crazy Cravings (upcoming) P.S. If you hurry and donate $5,000, you can have a cute TV character named after you. Make your donation now to "Yummiloo's" Kickstarter campaign. Food for Conversation: Why are you donating to "Yummiloo"? P.P.S. Please spread the word about the "Yummiloo" campaign. Continue reading

I totally forgot to announce that I recently (on April 15) celebrated 17 years sugar-free. Isn't that entertaining -- that eating healthy is so second nature to me that I simply overlooked my 17 years anniversary of being sugar-free, well, mostly. Learn now about at least 7 Benefits from Being Sugar-Free. Which of these seven reasons most appeals to you? Continue reading

If you're a parent, you probably get frustrated by the deluge of advertising for unhealthy foods and the dearth of quality TV shows, which promote healthy eating. It's time to get excited, you conscious, conscientious, health-oriented parents. Yummiloo, a fun and healthy-eating promoting TV show from veteran TV and film directors/producers Traci Paige Johnson and Caroline Baron, is in the works. With your help through Kickstarter, your children, your relatives' kids or your loved one's youngsters will be able to watch a food adventure animated TV show that will expose preschoolers to healthy eating through irresistible characters, stories and games. Pretty cool, right? Help make this awesome children's TV show show a reality. . I invite you now to contribute to the KickStarter campaign for Yummiloo before the June 9 deadline. Now, learn more about Yummiloo below. YummilooWideImagine if Willy Wonka’s Land of Pure Imagination were filled with healthy food instead of candy. Imagine no more! Traci Paige Johnson, co-creator of the blockbuster franchise Blue’s Clues and the force behind Super Why, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Creative Galaxy has created that land for preschoolers everywhere. IMeet Yummiloo, a food adventure animated TV show that's designed to expose preschoolers to healthy eating through irresistible characters, stories and games. Red After working for 10 years to create the Blue's Clues brand, Traci took time off to raise her three children. She quickly realized that one of her greatest parenting challenges was to teach her kids how to eat and live healthfully. Childhood obesity was on the rise as was the flow of ads and marketing tactics targeted at kids by companies selling unhealthy food products. Recognizing the lack of healthy lifestyle messaging in kids media and that media matters, Traci knew what her next project would be. Enter Caroline Baron, Oscar nominated feature film producer ("Capote," "Monsoon Wedding"), visionary changemaker (FilmAid) and mother of two. The two talented women and concerned parents, Traci and Caroline, joined forces to form yummico, a company dedicated to creating multiplatform entertainment for kids and "delicious media" while educating kids on how to make healthy choices. First, the talented duo began to address the food crisis facing our children today, creating a game app to meet kids where they are today: on their tablets and screens. Premiering on the iOS platform in 2013, yummico’s Yummiloo Rainbow Power app used entertaining stories and characters as a vehicle to teach preschoolers healthy eating. A ‘Featured App’ on Apple for nine straight weeks, the Yummilo Rainbow Power app went on to win numerous awards and garnered over 120,000 downloads. Based the success of the app, they knew that their next project would be to bring the adorable Yum Yums and their message to television. The premise is simple. Most of us know how strong an impact media makes on our kids. We also know about how obesity is such a problem. And we know that the pervasive marketing of unhealthy foods has had an adverse effect on obesity prevention. But wouldn't creating a TV show that celebrates and informs healthy eating habits -- eating whole foods, and foods low in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids -- tilt the bar the other way? Just as Blue’s Clue’s revolutionized children’s educational media by engaging kids in virtual conversation, Yummiloo will teach kids that healthy food can be delicious and fun. This show -- which you can help get off the ground now with your Kickstarter contribution -- will flip the script on the current advertising strategies, which have made the junk food industry the unofficial poster children for the obesity crisis. Instead, Yummiloo will always engage kids first as adventure storytelling – with exciting, delicious food as the ever-present backdrop. As you may already know, a recent Interim World Health Organization Study on Obesity supports this strategy, suggesting that "new scientific evidence highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to the problem, including a focus on the life-course dimension"...which include "reducing the exposure of children to marketing of unhealthy foods and the appropriate marketing of healthy foods in order to achieve the goals of healthier eating norms and behaviours." The WHO study also suggests that getting to kids at a young age is the most effective way to change the paradigm. Indeed, “life-course studies suggest that interventions in early life, when biology is most ‘plastic’ and amenable to change, are likely to have the greatest positive sustained effects on health, particularly because they may influence responses to later challenges.” Join me in helping to get kids excited about eating real food! StaffPick To fund the pilot, a Yummiloo Kickstarter campaign was recently launched. The project was immediately given Kickstarter recognition and made a Kickstarter Staff Pick, designated New and Noteworthy, and after a few days, deemed Popular. As Kickstarter is an all or nothing model, the goal of $72,000 must be met by the time the campaign ends, Tuesday, June 9th at 8 pm EST. Please join me and make your contribution now to the important Yummiloo Kickstarter campaign. Please spread the word! And join these other sites: Yummico - http://www.yummico.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/getyummico Twitter: www.twitter.com/getyummico Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/yummico Donate now to the Kickstarter campaign here. Please join me in spreading the word about this valuable upcoming TV show and in contributing to make it hit your TV. Remember, you need to act before June 9. Now tell your friends and relatives and post notices on Facebook or Twitter buddies. Continue reading

Do you answer your cell phone if it rings while you're behind the wheel of your car? In short, do you drive while distracted? If so, you can end up dead, as last night's episode of the ABC medical drama "Grey’s Anatomy" shockingly showed, much to the horror, disappointment, and devastation of fans of the 10-year old show. Patrick dempsey - grey's anatomyu10521881 In the upsetting episode, actor Patrick Dempsey’s beloved fictional neurosurgeon character—aka "McDreamy"—did something appallingly inappropriate and incongruous for a talented brain doctor on TV (or a real M.D., for that matter). Dempsey's character, Dr. Derek Shepherd, behaved drearily while driving. In short, the renowned neurosurgeon drove while distracted, which triggered his untimely death. More specifically, after rescuing and helping four people from a massive car wreck that he witnessed, he leaned over to hunt for and then answer his ringing cell phone. But in those few seconds, he didn't pay attention, a huge trucker sped towards him. McDreamy's stupid split second decision to pick up his cell phone cost him his life. The four-wheeler came blazing out of nowhere and smashed into him, leading to his demise hours later. Whether or not the episode was a dream -- which avid fans of the show such as myself really hope -- the gut-wrenching Grey's Anatomy episode should, I hope, wake up all drivers: None of us should answer our cell phones while driving. What I find curious is that attention has been focused on the ineptitude of the on-call doctor, who dilly-dallied at dinner and didn't get to the hospital in time to save McDreamy. Rather, our focus should be on the fictional doctor's reprehensible on-the-road behavior. Distracted driving can kill you, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains. FYI, the phrase, "distracted driving" means you're "doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving," the CDC explains. And, as we saw on Grey's Anatomy, distracted driving can increase your chances of getting into a crash. There are three main types of distraction, according to the CDC: "Visual: taking your eyes off the road; "Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and "Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving.." Distracted driving can include things like: Using a cell phone Texting Eating Using such in-vehicle technologies such as your GPS, and Searching for something. Unfortunately, Dempsey's Dr. Shepherd is in good company. According to a 2011 CDC Distracted Driving study, 69 percent of drivers in the United States ages 18 to 64 reported that they'd talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed. Apparently, they're not as distracted in Europe. I hope that this scary Grey's Anatomy episode generates some massive behavior changes. Wouldn't it be nice if McDreamy's death wakes people all across America and the world to the dangers of driving while distracted? For me, this distressing episode aired days before I'm about to hit the road for my second recent cross- country road trip. (Back in November, I unexpectedly took a spontaneous, end-of-year, two-month road trip, which took me all over the south and part of the Midwest to such scenic or booming places as Colorado Springs, Miami Beach, Boca Raton, Sea Island, Savannah, Hilton Head, Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, San Antonio, Las Cruces and Tucson. Incidentally, I got into a car crash while on my journey, and I unhappily totaled the wonderful Toyota Camry my Mom gave me 53 days before she passed away. FYI, I was not driving while distracted, but I was in a city I didn't know well.) In fact, even before this depressing Grey's Anatomy episode aired, I've been creating some Healthy Rules of the Road. Sure enough, one of them is: Turn my cell phone off while driving so I'm not tempted to answer it. Later, I'll post more about my Healthy Rules of the Road. I'll also share tips about how you can Drive to Heal™, as I recently discovered. In the meantime, I invite you to do two things: First, take the Pledge to not drive and text. But, in addition, promise yourself not to talk on the phone while driving either. Then, join the conversation. Do you talk on your cell phone while driving? If so, will you stop doing so now that a beloved fictional character died because of his distracted driving? Talk to us now. And make sure to share on Facebook, too. Continue reading

Talk to us. Will you join me in making a donation to the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation? I hope you had a wonderful, grateful Thanksgiving. On Cyber Monday -- or any day, for that matter -- I invite you to make a donation to a worthwhile organization while you buy your holiday gifts. HSFIn fact, i invite you to join me in donating to the worthwhile, non-profit Hypoglycemia Support Foundation. Why am I encouraging you to donate to the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation? Because this organization does amazing work to educate people about hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This is a condition, which can manifest some 125 symptoms, including headaches, mood swings, heart palpitations, mental confusion (brain fog), excessive fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, cold hands and feet, and Crazy Sugar Cravings. I personally have greatly benefited from the Hypoglyemia Support Foundation. In fact, back in 1998, when I learned that I had hypolgycemia or low blood sugar, Roberta Ruggiero, founder and president of the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation, helped me so much! Indeed, thanks to Roberta's unwavering support, encouragement, and patient explanations, I was able to follow my doctor's orders to kick sweets and quickie carbs, to take back my health and to say farewell to 44 baffling ailments. You've never met a woman more dedicated than Robera, who has been steadfastly dedicated for 34 ears to help people learn about hypoglycemia, which has been dubbed the "Great Imitator," because people with this condition can manifest ailments that confuse medical professionals. Did you know, for instance, that if you have hypoglycemia, your doctor can wrongly diagnose you for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, neurosis, migraines, Parkinson's syndrome, chronic bronchial asthma, paroxysmal tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), rheematoid arthritis, cerebral arteriosclerosis (hardening of the brain's arteries), menopause, mental retardation, alcoholism, hyperactive disorder, and even senility. To learn more about the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation and its founder Roberta Ruggiero, listen to last year's Gab with the Gurus Show, when I interviewed Roberta for my 15 years off sugar celebration. In this show, we share secrets to staying sugar-free. Check Out Health Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Gab With the Gurus on BlogTalkRadio Now, I invite you to make a donation to the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation. Feel free to say that Connie sent you. CB - pink shirtWho is Sugar Shock Blog founder Connie Bennett? Connie is a former pooped-out, fuzzy-headed, sugar-addicted journalist. After quitting sugar on doctor's orders in 1998, ALL 44 of her baffling, crippling ailments (brain fog, PMS, headaches, etc.) vanished, and she became "reborn." For the past 16 1/2 years, Connie has helped thousands worldwide release their sugar addiction and Get a Sweeter Life that Rocks™. She is the acclaimed, energetic, charismatic Sweet Freedom Guide, Bounce-Back-to-Your Best Body™ coach, a transformational speaker, sugar and carb expert, blogger, certified health coach, certified life coach, EFT practitioner, Gab with the Gurus host, and bestselling author of Beyond Sugar Shock, which was endorsed Beyond Sugar Shock_RGBby Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Dr. Daniel Amen, JJ Virgin, and many others. Her first book, Sugar Shock, was praised by such respected people as Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Christiane Northrup. Connie is now planning the first Sugar World Summit, which will feature the biggest names in sugar and carb addiction, recovery, mindful eating, compassion, weight loss, etc. She is also completing her next book, The Bounce Back Diet™, which will help millions blindsided by Crazy Cravings™ after a major loss (such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or end of a job) or another life-changing event. Get free gifts at www.Connie-Bennett.com Continue reading

Please let us know how you're doing. What are your favorite ways to get back on track? Halloween_funny_pic_07-400x300If you're like millions of Americans, yesterday, you overdosed on candies, in large part, because Halloween is a sanctioned National Sugar Overload Day. For years now -- ever since 1998, when I kicked sugar on doctor's orders -- on The Day After Halloween, I hear from frustrated, disappointed, Sugar Shocked people, who want to know how to Get Back on Track. For instance, today, a determined Christie wrote to say: "I'm ready to kick sugar again.....again!!! Ready to sleep better at night, have more energy during the day, and have the brain fog lifted!" If you, like millions of Americans, pigged out on Halloween candies, you're probably reeling from Sugar Shock -- which means you may be feeling dizzy, headachy, sluggish, irritable or wiped out. Since you're not feeling so great, here are 6 easy ways to help you Rebound After Relapse™, as I call it, 1. Drink plenty of water. That, of course, you probably know. Add some lemon, too, if you can. 2. Ditch the Sweet Stuff or Hide it in Your Car Trunk. Please don't keep leftover candies in your home. Temptation can lead to one bite, which, of course, can lead to many more. Now, if you'd rather not be restrictive with your kids because you feel that they'll then want more candies, then ration them out. Let your childreen have 2 small candies per day. Then hide the rest in your car trunk or another place that's not easily accessible. 3. Treat Yourself to Nutritions Meals. Given that yesterday you tricked yourself, today's the day to treat yourself with nourishing meals. Think quality protein (free-range chicken, fish, etc.), healthy fats (like a little olive drizzled over your dinner), and quality carbs (a salad and veggies). 4. Savor Sweet Potato & Sweeten with Cinnamon. If you find yourself craving something sweet today -- which can be expected -- try sprinkling some cinnamon on a cooked sweet potato or pumpkin. Not only is this combo yummy, but cinnamon, as a 2007 study showed, may lower your blood sugar after meals, (See the actual study here.) You also can add a dash of olive oil or flax oil, which makes your dish quite tasty. In fact, you can make this your dessert. 5. Sniff Away Your Cravings & Stress. Since today, you may be feeling especially stressed since you ate a lot of sugar-filled candies, try dabbing on some lavender, which research shows can diminish stress, which is a prime trigger for food cravings. The various chemicals in lavender -- such as Linalol, linalyl acetate, geranyle, eucalyptol, pinene, limonene, cineole, phenol, coumarins, and flavonoids -- work together by “ stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system." That's "the part of the brain that controls emotions,” according to The Mayo Clinic. 6. Join fitness and nutrition expert JJ Virgin, for for another livestream event with top health experts. JJ, whose new book, The Sugar Impact Diet, comes out next week, is following up her previous event on Thursday. Today, she'll speak to cultured foods expert Donna Gates, along with nutritionist Christa Orecchio and Dr. Nalini Chilkov,, who will discuss sugar's connection to cancer. A very special thanks to YouOffendMeYouOffendMyFamily.com for this entertaining graphic. Personal Note from Connie: As you may know, I'm home now with a nasty flu, but I really wanted to help you Get Back on Track after Halloween whille I rest. Please let us know how you're doing. What are your favorite ways to get back on track? Continue reading

Today's Halloween, a day that really spooks me. The reason Halloween frightens me is because it's a sanctioned and heavily promoted National Sugar Overload Day. (That's what I call it.) Tonight, during and after trick-or-treating throughout their neighborhoods, millions of kids -- and their parents -- will be stuffing their faces with candies galore. But candies don't just grab our attention on this one night alone. Tomorrow and in the coming days, both youngsters and kids will be gorging on candies. Worse still, Halloween kicks off an entire two-month Season of Mindless Sugar Gorging. This is utterly frightening, because when you overdose on candies and other sweets, you’re speeding towards obesity, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes—and an early death. Today, I'd planned to present an exciting special Gab with the Gurus Halloween show. My guests were High Voltage (Kathie Dolgin), author of The Sugar Savvy Solution, and Barry Friedman, founder of 30 Days Sugarfree. Alas, I had to cancel the Gab with the Gurus Show since I'm sick with a nasty cold/flu and need my rest. Instead, I invite you to watch this video with me, thanks to Chris Morrow for iCNN. CB - pink shirtAbout Sugar Shock Blog Founder Connie Bennett: Connie Bennett is a former pooped-out, fuzzy-headed, sugar-addicted journalist, whose 44 baffling ailments completely vanished in 1998 after she quit sugar and quickie carbs on doctor's orders. For the past 16-plus years, the energetic, charismatic, self-mocking Sweet Freedom Guide™ has been sharing The Sour Scoop about Sweets™ and helping people worldwide Get a Sweeter Life that Rocks™. Connie is a transformational speaker, certified health coach, certified life coach, EFT practitioner, Gab with the Gurus host, and bestselling author of Beyond Sugar Shock, which was endorsed by many leaders such as Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Dr. Daniel Amen, JJ Virgin, Brian Tracy, John Assaraf, and High Volltage (Kathie Dolgin). Her first bestselling book, Sugar Shock, was praised by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Christiane Northrup and many more. Connie is now planning the first Sugar World Summit, which will feature 29 of the biggest names in sugar and carb addiction, recovery, mindful eating, compassion, and weight loss, etc. She is also completing her next book, The Bounce Back Diet™, which will help millions to Rebound After Relapse™, after they've been walloped by the death of a loved one, divorce, moving, financial loss or another life-changing event. Stay in touch at Sugar Shock Blog updates here. Continue reading

It's time to share a great treat with you. This is sweet, but not the dangerous, sugary kind. Tomorrow, before the Season of Sugar Gorging kicks off (Halloween), get help from renowned fitness and nutrition expert and New York Times bestselling author JJ Virgin. JJ--whose groundbreaking book, The Sugar Impact Diet, hits bookstores soon—is helping you Thursday in a complimentary online video event. Watch at: http://sugarimpactdiet.com/live Watch to get the scoop about: JJ’s latest discoveries about how we’ve been looking at sugar all wrong. Her new SID 4T protocol, which gives you control over sugar in 2 weeks. Frustration-free ways to keep sugar off your plate at every meal—including how to weed sugar out of your fridge and pantry. And much more. In this exciting program, you’ll also get: Sugar-busting strategies from such stellar experts as Dr. Sara Gottfried and gluten expert Dr. Tom O’Bryan, who's on now. JJ is even giving away some great prizes such as goodies from Vital Choice Seafood and more. If you missed this event, JJ's doing another livestream Saturday with more exciting experts -- cultured foods expert Donna Gates, along with nutritionist Christa Orecchio and Dr. Nalini Chilkov,, who will discuss sugar's connection to cancer. - See more at: http://www.sugarshockblog.com/#sthash.XIB0QY7b.dpuf k to cultured foods expert Donna Gates, along with nutritionist Christa Orecchio and Dr. Nalini Chilkov,, who will discuss sugar's connection to cancer. - See more at: http://www.sugarshockblog.com/#sthash.XIB0QY7b.dpuf ay, she'll speak to cultured foods expert Donna Gates, along with nutritionist Christa Orecchio and Dr. Nalini Chilkov,, who will discuss sugar's connection to cancer. - See more at: http://www.sugarshockblog.com/#sthash.XIB0QY7b.dpuf See you in the chat area on JJ’s livestream? About Sugar Shock Blog Founder Connie Bennett: Connie Bennett is a former pooped-out, fuzzy-headed, sugar-addicted journalist. After she quit sugar on doctor's orders in 1998, ALL 44 of her baffling, crippling ailments (brain fog, PMS, headaches, etc.) vanished, and she became "reborn." For the past 16-plus years, the energetic, charismatic Sweet Freedom Guide has been devoted to sharing The Sour Scoop about Sweets and to helping people Get a Sweet Life that Rocks™. Connie is now a transformational speaker, certified health coach, certified life coach, EFT practitioner, Gab with the Gurus host, and bestselling author of, Beyond Sugar Shock, which was was endorsed by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Dr. Daniel Amen, JJ Virgin, and many others, and, Sugar Shock, which was praised by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Christiane Northrup. Connie is now planning the first Sugar World Summit, which will feature 21 of the biggest names in sugar and carb addiction, recovery, mindful eating, compassion, and weight loss, etc. Connie is also completing her next book, The Bounce Back Diet™, which will help millions, who’ve lost their way around food when walloped and blindsided by overpowering emotions and challenges such as death, divorce, moving, financial loss or another life-changing event. Stay in touch. Sign up for Sugar Shock Blog uupdates here. Continue reading

Are you what I call a Sweet Success Story? Share your tale now. Happy people Have you shed excess weight, eliminated your horrible headaches, gotten rid of your pre-cancerous condition, or done away with another pesky health problem by kicking or cutting back on sugar, refined carbs and other high-glycemic foods such as corn nuts, potato chips, and French fries? In short, are you now slimmer, happier, and sexier? In other words, have you discovered the power of life without all those super-sweet or quickie-carb foods? Do you now Enjoy Living Sweeter Naturally™? If you're a Sweet Success Story, we may want to tell your story to inspire others. As you may already know -- or your friends do -- quitting sugary foods and rapidly processed carbohydrates (what I also call "culprit carbs") can speed you on your weight loss journey. Not only that but cutting out the culprit carbs can help you overcome a variety of health challenges, as thousands of people -- whom I call "Sugar Kickers" or "Carb Kickers" -- have been gleefully sharing with me for 16-plus years since I quit the dangerous carbs on doctor's orders. Readers of this Sugar Shock Blog love inspiring tales such as yours. We'd like to hear from you if you've had a drastic health improvement by cutting out sugar, quickie carbs, gluten, dairy or artificial sweeteners. If you're a Sweet Success Story -- whether you lost weight, got more energy, improved your moods or got your diabetes under control -- we want to consider sharing your tale here. Remember, by sharing your story, you'll be able to inspire, motivate, and encourage people from around the world. Wondering what I mean? Read some motivational Sweet Success Stories shared here previously: Fellow blogger Jimmy Moore. (Catch our interview on my Gab With the Gurus Show, too.) Jaime Jackson Felicia DesRosiers Karly Pitman Are you what I call a Sweet Success Story? Share your tale now. (Please submit info using the format used above, and we'll get back to you.) CB - pink shirtWho is blog founder Connie Bennett? Connie is a former pooped-out, fuzzy-headed, sugar-addicted journalist. After quitting sugar on doctor's orders in 1998, ALL 44 of her baffling, crippling ailments (brain fog, PMS, headaches, etc.) vanished,, and she became "reborn." Now, 16 1/2 years later, Connie is devoted to helping people Get a Sweeter Life that Rocks™. She is the acclaimed, energetic, charismatic Sweet Freedom Guide, Bounce-Back-to-Your Best Body™ coach, a transformational speaker, sugar and carb expert, blogger, certified health coach, certified life coach, EFT practitioner, Gab with the Gurus host, and bestselling author of Beyond Sugar Shock, which was endorsed Beyond Sugar Shock_RGBby Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Dr. Daniel Amen, JJ Virgin, and many others, and Sugar Shock, which was praised by such respected people as Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Christiane Northrup. She's now planning the first Sugar World Summit, which will feature the biggest names in sugar and carb addiction, recovery, mindful eating, compassion, weight loss, etc. She is also completing her next book, The Bounce Back Diet™, which will help millions, who are blindsided by Crazy Cravings™ and overpowering emotions after the death of a loved one, a divorce or breakup, moving, losing a job, or another life-changing event. Get free gifts at www.Connie-Bennett.com Continue reading

Talk to us: Do you have any of these symptoms? Do you often feel wiped out, weak, dizzy, forgetful, irritable or depressed? Or, do you struggle with insomnia, headaches, obesity, anxiety, brain fog or heart palpitations? And are you hounded by what I call Crazy Cravings™ and sudden, ravenous hunger? Worse still, does your doctor insist, "It's all in your head!" Your doctor could be completely wrong! Instead, you could be among millions, who have hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypolgycemia is an often-overlooked, debilitating medical condition, which means that your blood glucose drops too low for you to be able to go about your daily activities. When your blood sugar plunges, you can get hit by dizziness, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, forgetfulness, brain fog, heart palpitations and dozens of other ailments. Low blood sugar is the reverse of diabetes, which generally gets the most attention, but in my opinion, according to my extensive research, hypoglycemia is far more pervasive. In fact, my research leads me to believe that about half of the people in the United States and millions more around the world have this condition -- yes, it's not a disease. So what's the cure for hypoglycemia? Eat right! And exercise. Yes, to manage your low blood sugar, you don't need to take any medication. You just need to cut out candies, cookies, cakes, breads, pasta, candies and other fast-acting carbohydrates, which I call carb crap. Back in 1998, I discovered that my reactive hypoglycemia was to blame for my 44 ailments. (Yes, I had that many, as you can read about in my first book, Sugar Shock. See Chapter 13, which is about hypoglycemia.) At the time, my savvy physician's unusual prescription was unsettling. "Quit sugar and processed carbohydrates," my doctor ordered. Letting go of my favorite sweet treats was the last thing I wanted to do! And it was no easy feat. RobertaBut then, thankfully, I found the most amazing, kind, warm woman, Roberta Ruggiero, Roberta -- who has had her share of low blood sugar woes -- is president of the non-profit Hypoglycemia Support Foundation, which she founded in 1980 to educate and support millions worldwide on how to prevent and manage their low blood sugar, came to my rescue. This week, Roberta and her amazing organization are celebrating 34 years of serving desperate people worldwide. In fact, last night, the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation had its fourth annual Hypoglycemia Take Center Stage Gala in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Alas, I was bummed out that I couldn't attend this hugely successful affair. (I was at another amazing event in San Diego with Lisa Sasevich, The Queen of Sales Conversion.) I cannot overstate how grateful I am to Roberta for helping me to kick sweets and quickie carbs and to learn about hypoglycemia. Given that I first contacted Roberta in 1998 -- well before the Internet was easy to access -- I had to rely on books and Roberta for my hypo education. Wow, did Roberta come through for me! For instance, Roberta -- whose phone number I tracked down -- patiently explained to me that our bodies, and especially our brains, need glucose to survive. During a number of conversations, Roberta explained that 80 million of us worldwide are plagued by many symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia, especially if we don't watch our diets and eat sugars, many of which are hidden in processed foods. (I believe that her figure is too low.) As I became healthier without sugar coursing through my system, I discovered that hypoglycemia has been called the "Great Imitator." That's because low blood sugar's strange, startling symptoms -- some experts cite asm many as 125 of them -- can make your doctor wrongly believe that you have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, neurosis, mibgraines, Parkinson's syndrome, chronic bronchial asthma, paroxysmal tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), rehematoid arthritis, cerebral arteriosclerosis (hardening of the brain's arteries), menopause, mental retardation, alcoholism, hyperactive disorder, and even senility. In short, when you have hypoglycemia -- which I dub "hypo" -- you and your doctor can get mighty confused. As I was getting better, I then heard Roberta's startling story. In fact, both she and many doctors over the years were completely baffled as to what was wrong with her. She was even subjected to grueling electroshock treatments when all she needed to do was quit sugar! I invite you now to listen to my interview with Roberta Ruggiero on my Gab with the Gurus Show. The interview took place last year when while I was celebrating 15 years off sugar. Check Out Health Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Gab With the Gurus on BlogTalkRadio Anyhow, again, thanks to to the amazing Roberta Ruggiero, for helping me to successfully quit sugar and refined carbs back in 1998. HSFIn fact, I'm only here today helping people worldwide to break free of their sugar addiction and Sugar Shock because of Roberta. Again, I invite you to listen now to last year's interview with Roberta on my Gab with the Gurus Show. I also urge you to learn more about Roberta and her valuable Hypoglycemia Support Foundation. For instance, I recommend that you: Fan the HSF on Facebook. Donate to the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation. (When you offer your valuable contribution, please tell Roberta that Connie sent you.) A very special thanks to Craig Cameron for the artwork above. Talk to us: Do you have any of these symptoms? Connie Bennett is a former pooped-out, fuzzy-headed, sugar-addicted journalist and "Ex-Sugar Shrew." After quitting sugar on doctor's orders in 1998, all 44 of her baffling, crippling ailments (brain fog, PMS, headaches, etc.) vanished. Now, 16 years later, Connie is an acclaimed, energetic, charismatic Sugar Freedom Guide, transformational speaker, sugar ande carb expert, blogger, certified health coach, certified life coach, EFT practitioner, Gab with the Gurus host, and bestselling author. Her latest book, Beyond Sugar Shock, was endorsed by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Dr. Daniel Amen, JJ Virgin, and many other experts, and her first book, Sugar Shock. was praised by such acclaimed gurus as Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Christiane Northrup. Connie is now planning the first Sugar World Summit, which will feature the biggest names in sugar and carb addiction, recovery, mindful eating, compassion, weight loss, etc. Connie is also finishing her next book, Bounce Back After You Blow Your Diet: 22 Easy Ways to Ditch Sugar, Fat or Salt; Get Back on Track; & Shed Weight for Good. (Working title.)Connie's upcoming book -- which was inspired by her own embarrassing Carb Relapse after the death of her mother -- is designed to help millions, who lose their way with food while being walloped and blindsided by Crazy Cravings™ and overpowering emotions as they deal with the death of a loved one, divorce, a breakup, moving, the loss of a job, or another life-changing event. Get free gifts at www.Connie-Bennett.com 1 2 0 - See more at: http://www.sugarshockblog.com/#sthash.45MWi8UA.dpuf CB - pink shirtWho is blog founder Connie Bennett? Connie is a former pooped-out, fuzzy-headed, sugar-addicted journalist. After quitting sugar on doctor's orders in 1998, ALL 44 of her baffling, crippling ailments (brain fog, PMS, headaches, etc.) vanished,, and she became "reborn." Now, 16 1/2 years later, Connie is devoted to helping people Get a Sweeter Life that Rocks™. She is the acclaimed, energetic, charismatic Sweet Freedom Guide, Bounce-Back-to-Your Best Body™ coach, a transformational speaker, sugar and carb expert, blogger, certified health coach, certified life coach, EFT practitioner, Gab with the Gurus host, and bestselling author of Beyond Sugar Shock, which was endorsed Beyond Sugar Shock_RGBby Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Dr. Daniel Amen, JJ Virgin, and many others, and Sugar Shock, which was praised by such respected people as Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Christiane Northrup. Connie is now planning the first Sugar World Summit, which will feature the biggest names in sugar and carb addiction, recovery, mindful eating, compassion, weight loss, etc. She is also completing her next book, The Bounce Back Diet™, which will help millions, who are blindsided by Crazy Cravings™ and overpowering emotions after the death of a loved one, a divorce or breakup, moving, losing a job, or another life-changing event. Get free gifts at www.Connie-Bennett.com Continue reading