I was truly honored to be included on the faculty of the Kick Sugar Addiction World Summit. Florence, the organizer, has a unique style that brings out the best in all the presenters. I feel she pulled out of me one of my best interviews ever. I was digging deep to answer her well researched questions.
The faculty reads like a Who’s Who of sugar educators, teachers and coaches. A few of the educators have been studying sugar and it’s harmful effects for over 40 years! Kay Sheppard and Dr. Nancy Appleton should be enshrined as American treasures. They were about the only educators around when I quit sugar over 28 years ago.
Kay has such a deep grasp of what treatment centers and therapists are just now learning. Her interview should be required listening for anyone trying to quit sugar and who thinks it’s all about what you eat. I remember, back in the day, that therapy groups of all stripes used her book as their text book.
Dr Appleton has also been at this a few days. If I remember correctly she has been sugar free for over 41 years! Her books are must reads for anyone committed to this path. And her list of the 141, yes 141, ways sugar harms the body is classic in the literature of sugar research.
Also featured on the summit is Dr. Joan Ifland. Her grasp of the real nature of the effects of processed foods on the body is, in my opinion, one of the clearest and well articulated to be found anywhere. Her book Sugars and Flours: How They Make us Crazy, Sick and Fat, and What to do About It, was way ahead of it’s time.
Newer to the scene but bringing huge credibility to movement are Dr’s Nicole Avena, Kimber Stanhope and Vera Tarman. Dr Avena is a PhD who studied with the legendary Bart Hoebel at Princeton University and has gone on to continue his work and expand upon it. Her book, Why Diets Fail (Because You’re Addicted to Sugar): Science Explains How to End Cravings, Lose Weight, and Get Healthy, is also required reading for people serious about achieving peace with sugar.
Dr Stanhope has an amazing story. She actually abandoned her career to study the science of sugar. She’s not only a PhD but a registered dietitian and has written a children’s book on nutrition.
Dr Tarman is a medical doctor and heads up the first residential treatment center for food addiction. She’s a recovering food addict herself so she doesn’t teach from theory. Her book Food Junkies with Phil Werdell, another leader in the education around processed foods, is packed with years of experience from both Vera and Phil.
Michael Prager is also one of the presenters. He wrote the book Fat Boy Thin Man. I had the pleasure to meet Michael at a conference once and he is one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet. Having been 365 pounds and being in a right sized body for over 20 years – his wisdom is invaluable to people struggling today.
Dr Richard Johnson’s work in helping us understand how fructose works in the body is invaluable. Fructose is the very sweet and very dangerous ingredient in sugar and high fructose corn syrup. The information about fructose just seems to be hugely lacking out there today. Both his books are worth reading.
It’s exciting to see the leading educators and coaches in the world of sugar addiction all working together to bring all this information to the public.
Huge kudos to Florence for pulling this all together.
The Summit itself is completely free. Just click over to: http://kicksugarsummit.com/ and enjoy the interviews.
