Am I 100% sugar-free? Heck no! But I’m 95+% sugar-free, and this is sayin’ a lot for someone who in her teen years used to compulsively binge on the stuff. (Turns out when you remove all dietary fat from your diet, you crave sugar.)
Today’s Nourishment Mindset episode #62 guest, Michael Collins of SugarAddiction.com has climbed many addiction and health journey mountains, and he’s come out on top with a simple message: if you’re addicted to sugar, he can help you detox. For the last 12 years, he’s helped people heal and recover their vitality and mental clarity.
During our conversation, we discuss how all addictions revolve around a dopamine regulation issue. Michael states that we’re not really looking for something sweet: what we really want is a quick hit of dopamine to feel better given stress, anxiety, depression, etc. When our brains are wired to turn to sugar for self soothing, it’s a pattern and the longer it exists, the more “hard wired” we become.
From a metabolic point of view, having a treat here and there is something we can handle if we’re well nourished and insulin sensitive. However, most people are both nutrient deficient and insulin resistant, which can lead to a blood sugar roller coaster and addictive tendencies including cravings and withdrawal. If you find yourself suffering consequences either metabolically or emotionally given your relationship with sugar, you have an issue. The good news is that detoxing from the stuff can help you incorporate new soothing practice and build new neural pathways.
Tune in to listen to his story of addiction and recovery, and learn about his approach. And learn my “pause button” approach to preventing mindless or addictive eating. Then let me know what you think including my nutty comments on bringing back smoking!
Lastly, check out Michael’s Quit Sugar Summit which is happening in January 2025 — it’s packed with impressive speakers!
FINE READS-
Check out this great post and op-ed from the esteemed Dr. Nina Teicholz, author of Big Fat Surprise and founder of the Nutrition Coalition. She discusses how to fix the very US Dietary Guidelines that have fattened and sickened us up. I’m personally hopeful that she will have a role in the new USG administration and forever grateful for her endorsement of my book, The Nourishment Mindset.
FINE RECIPES-
This month’s recipe features a quick and easy breakfast casserole that’s packed with nutrients and passes my son’s taste test.
1. Grab a baking dish and pre-heat to 400 degrees.
2. Chop an onion and place it in the bottom of the dish.
3. Grab a pack of (preferably organic) hot dogs and chop them and add to the dish.
4. Crack 6 eggs into a bowl and stir vigorously. Add salt and my fave seasoning, Pluck! (Go here for a discount.) Pour this mixture into the dish.
5. Feel free to add spinach or other veggies.
6. Place in the oven and set a timer for 15 minutes.
7. If desired, add slices of cheese or grated cheese atop and bake 5 more minutes.
8. Remove from the oven, add avocado and fresh herbs (basil pictured) and slice and serve. Santé!
FINE FINDS-
As I recommended Pluck — an organ and salt based spice, in this month’s recipe, I’m reminding y’all that Nourishment Mindset listeners get a 15% discount when using the code NOURISHMENTMINDSET when shopping on the company’s website!
I’d also like to recommend that you consider gifting your loved and liked ones with The Nourishment Mindset. I’m happy to add a holiday card, wrap and send your gifts. Simply visit my website, place the order and let me know your wishes.
Santé y’all!
Share this post