Beyond Sugar Shock: The 6-Week Plan to Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction & Get Slimmer, Sexier & Sweeter [Paperback]

Connie Bennett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2012

From Connie Bennett, author of the bestseller Sugar Shock!—the book that Mehmet Oz said “spills the beans” on the shocking impact of sugar and simple carbohydrates—comes Beyond Sugar Shock, the first book to provide a simple, practical, mind-body-spirit plan to help readers break free of their sugar or carb addiction.

For the millions of people who suffer with problems such as low libido, excess weight, overpowering fatigue, and many other unexplained ailments, Beyond Sugar Shock provides a step-by-step, six-week program to gently guide readers to a healthier life. In this friendly, compassionate book, they’ll find:

·         A playful, but serious Sugar Shock Quiz to help readers learn about their personal sugar addiction.

·         Easy, tried-and-true techniques that Connie used—and that her clients and Sugar Freedom Now participants now use—to successfully quit her sugar habits.

·         Dozens of easy tips and tactics to stomp out carb cravings.

·         Simple meal plans, tasty recipes, and a food/lifestyle pyramid that shows readers how to let go of quickie carbs and nonfoods (the Standard American Diet or SAD) and instead enjoy real, wholesome, health-giving nutrition.

·         Entertaining, interactive “adventurcises” (adventurous exercises) such as “Do Sugary Soul Searching,” “Party with the Produce,” and “Snatch the E-Z Vitamins.”

·         Affirmations to refresh, rejuvenate, and renew the mind, body, and spirit.

·         Remarkable success stories with before-and-after photos.

In Beyond Sugar Shock, readers will find out that letting go of their sugar or carb addiction is much simpler than it seems—and it can even be fun!  And once they’ve addressed their addiction, readers will not only look and feel better, but will also experience an overpowering sensation of joyous freedom and a sweeter, balanced life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“If you are ready to love yourself and your body, abandon the wounds of your past, and free yourself from unhealthy addictions, then read Beyond Sugar Shock. Then, combine the information it contains with your new-found inspiration.” –Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of A Book of Miracles and Faith, Hope & Healing

“We are born loving sugar for its sweetness and its ability to help us store up fat for lean times. Times are no longer lean for most and too much sugar is ruining our health and our lives. Beyond Sugar Shock gives you everything you need to bring more sweetness and health into your life..... without the risk of sugar!" -- Christiane Northrup, M.D., ob/gyn physician and author of the New York Times bestsellers:Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause

“Sugar is NOT good for your brain. It increases erratic brain cell firing, promotes inflammation and is clearly addictive.  Beyond Sugar Shock can help you get sugar out of your life and replace it with health and vitality.  It is a powerful program full of easy tips and tactics.” –Daniel G. Amen, M.D., bestselling author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, Magnificent Mind at Any Age, and Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

"If you're a sugar addict like most people, you need to read Beyond Sugar Shock. This compassionate, comforting, uplifting book will change your life." --Kathy Smith, International Fitness Expert

“This enjoyable book shows you how to change your diet, reduce your sugar intake, lose weight and enjoy greater energy than ever before.” –Brian Tracy, motivational speaker and author, Earn What You’re Really Worth “ 

“Connie Bennett’s Sugar Shock! is one of the best books ever written about the toll taken by excess sugar consumption, and Beyond Sugar Shock! is a worthy and logical follow-up. Anyone can use her six-week action plan to break their sugar addiction—and make no mistake, sugar is addictive, not to mention complicit in diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and an long list of other health calamities when consumed to excess. Connie is a true expert in the field, and this latest book of hers represents yet another major contribution. I give it my highest recommendation.” –Jeff O’Connell, Bodybuilding.com Editor-in-Chief, author of Sugar Nation 

"Beyond Sugar Shock fearlessly tackles the nation's Number One health crisis - the diabesity epidemic. Connie Bennett offers real life solutions, recipes, take-action programs and spot on science to help break the sugar addiction that is fueling our nation's health epidemic.  In the right hands,  this book could change the course of America's health with Connie Bennett's unique 6-week plan for a slimmer, sexier and sweeter YOU!” –Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S. author of The Fat Flush Plan and Fat Flush for Life 

“Break free! This refreshing and enlightening book shows how to release sugar addiction easily. It can save your life. Read it!” –Dr. Joe Vitale, author, The Attractor Factor

About the Author

Connie Bennett, C.H.C., C.P.C., A.C.C., is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, journalist, blogger, former sugar addict, and author of the best-selling book Sugar Shock!, which has been praised by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Marilu Henner, Dr. Joseph Mercola, and many others. She is also a certified health coach, who studied at  the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN); a professional life coach, who trained with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC); and the host of the popular Gab with the Gurus Radio Show for which she interviews experts in health, human potential, social networking, and relationships such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Marianne Williamson, Suzanne Somers, Marilu Henner,  and Dr. Bernie Siegel.

Known as the “Smart Habits Girl” and the “Sugar Freedom Coach,” Connie helps people worldwide easily release their sugar addictions and other bad habits. Since 2002, Connie has offered her groundbreaking Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction Program (now called the Sugar Freedom Now Course).

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Hay House; 1 edition (June 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781401931896
• ISBN-13: 978-1401931896
• ASIN: 1401931898
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (96 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Connie Bennett, MSJ, CHHC, CPC is a former sugar addict and author of the bestselling book Sugar Shock! (Penguin Group), which has been praised by Dr. Mehmet Oz, who says it "spills the beans" and bestselling author Dr. Mark Hyman (UltraMetabolism), who said it "could save your life."

Her latest book is Beyond Sugar Shock: The 6-Week Plan to Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction & Get a Slimmer, Sexier & Sweeter Life.

Connie's Story: Back in 1998, Connie was besieged by 44 ailments, including baffling brain fog, scary heart palpitations, horrible headaches, crippling fatigue and severe PMS. She quit sugar on doctor's orders, and much to her surprise, all her ailments vanished. Now, Connie -- who is known as the Smart Habits Girl -- is dedicated to helping people break free of their sugar addiction and other bad habit.

Connie is a certified health coach, a certified life coach, sugar-liberation expert, speaker, frequent TV and radio show guest ("CBS News Sunday Morning," "Oprah & Friends Radio," etc., experienced journalist and columnist and the the "Smart Habits Girl."

She maintains her Sugar Shock Blog and hosts her Gab with the Gurus Radio Show, for which she interviews prominent experts in a variety of fields (Suzanne Somers, Montel Williams, Lisa Rinna, Barbara DeAngelis, Joe Vitale are Jack LaLanne are among those who've appeared on her show).

Connie also holds her acclaimed Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction in 6 Weeks program. To learn how to release your sugar habit, find out about Connie's Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction in 6 Weeks Program at http://www.BreakFreeWithConnie.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 76 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Value depends on your needs and knowledge June 2, 2012

By txlucky1 VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Review of Beyond Sugar Shock by Connie Bennett.

Pros:
1) Attractive cover grabs the attention of sugar lovers. I mean, there are cupcakes on there. Yummy!
2) As a nurse, I felt the book offered an excellent overview of the medical signs and symptoms related to hyperinsulinemia and the resulting hypoglycemia--what most are now calling prediabetes. The list of symptoms found on pages 3 and 4 gives one the idea of how metabolically pervasive carbohydrates are to the human body. The irritability and food panic is recognizable to anyone with hypoglycemia. "I need food now!" Bennett hits on the diseases caused by sugar on page 7. Blindness should have been an addition here.
3) All of chapter 3 is information based on science and medicine. The problem here, as I noted throughout the book, is that the author frowns upon so many foods---dairy, grains, artificial sweeteners, salts, high-fat meats, processed foods, etcetera---that one is left wondering what remains to actually eat.
4) The Sweet Success Stories told by real sugar addicts are the highlight of the book. I identified with several of these people.
5) I enjoyed the quiz in chapter two; however, some of the questions focused too much on candy and not on the other carbs we so love: pasta, bread, cereal...
6) Tips like using a journal and employing question words--who, what, where, when, why, and how--would come in handy for most folks trying to make drastic changes.
7) The book offers great information on hidden sugars in foods as well as on various forms of exercise. Go Zumba!
8) Helpful section on portion sizes begins on page 193. Sadly many foods are not discussed at all. What about replacements for salad dressings that are no longer recommended?
9) Fair price for the content.

Cons:
1) Not consistently realistic for people on a limited budget. Throughout the text the author recommends organic foods including grass-fed, free-range meats. In one section, she offers the contact information for a company that ships these approved foods. Let's just say they were out of my budget.
2) Full of shameless self-promotion. How many times do we have to read about the websites, Facebook page, and blog? Six week courses as well as other paid programs and services are mentioned a few times starting on page 9. Page 74 again suggests hiring a health or life coach. It all sounds kind of hokey--and expensive--to me. Also, depending on the website for much of the books content, like the shopping list for example, is not fair to the high percentage of the population that lacks internet access.
3) The book somewhat mirrors the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet): all dessert and no entrée. Perhaps the fact that I was expecting something different colored my perception; however, I feel as if the bulk of the book is mushy, mind game junk that most people have tried before--you know, think yourself thin concepts.
4) Too many acronyms and sweet words. The book comes across as corny. Perhaps that's the point though so as not to scare people away with too much science and medical jargon. If I have to show any more mirror love or repeat any more affirmation, I'm going to puke.
5) Readers should speak to their doctors and do some research on bursting before replacing regular exercise with these workout frenzies.
6) The meal plan and recipes section was shorter than I expected after reading so many chapters on emotional support. Where is the nitty-gritty information sugar addicts need to change their lives? What do I buy? What do I do with it? What things can I eat?
7) The resources section was definitely hit or miss. Some treasures are hidden there as well as some nonsense. The author discusses earthing or grounding, practices meant to protect a person from electromagnetic fields. This is considered pseudoscience at best. The author writes, "As I write this, I'm grounded by a pink band on my wrist that's delivering the earth's recuperative energies to me" (234). Seriously? Much of the resources are more advertisement than anything. Another recommended company is VibesUP who offers "...items designed to neutralize and release your toxic energy and reconnect you to Mother Nature's natural electrical energy" (237). I thought we just decided electrical fields were bad? And the essential oils recommendation...too hippie for me.

Conclusion: If you are okay with a focus more on life change instead of hard and fast diet rules, this book is for you. I recommend anyone unfamiliar with the damages of sugar overload read the book. If you are already familiar and are looking for more than mental preparation and support such as actual dietary advice, cooking techniques, and making food choices, then this book may not be what you need.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Ridiculous July 4, 2012

By Lillian M. Matthews VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I ordered this book though the Amazon Vine program. I thought it would give me good tips on conquering my devotion to the sweet taste. But alas!, all I found was a hystrionic, almost manic coach throwing at me a multitude of suggestions. There is way too much hyperbole, both for the positive and negative. The overly cheerful creation of words, the suggestions to constantly repeat your affirmation (up to 100 times per day), the affirmative visual aids (post-it notes posted everywhere), prayer, Success Strut, Benefits List, seeking doctors and therapists to help you understand your addiction, meditation, journaling, and shameless constant self-promotion drove me nuts. Here's an example from page 79

"Before You Head into Week Two, Have You Laid the Groundwork for Your Success?
- Are you boogeing to your Woo-Hoo, Feel Good Theme Song every day and doing the Success Strut?
- Do you boldly pronounce your affirmations frequently throughout your day?
- Do you regularly See, Feel, & Act As If You've Already Won?
- Are you looking at your vision board several minutes a day?
- Are you regularly doing Sugary Soul Searching?
- Are you often asking yourself the 5 W's & 1 H?
- Did you prepare your "Why I Need to Quit" and Benefits List, and are you taking it with you for inspiration wherever you go?
- Have you made an appointment with a sugar-savvy doctor yet?
- Have you found a supportive therapist, health coach, life coach, or nutritionist?
- Have you joined the free Beyond Sugar Shock Freedom SparkTeam on [...] and started chatting with us?
Congratulations! You've Completed Week One."

How can one take this author seriously? The whole book is full of this kind of nonsence. Even the recipes are ridiculous. Here's the complete list: Balsamic Dressing, Chef Salad, Connie's Crispy Kale Chips,Connie's Frozen Fruit Kabobs, Egg Salad, Egg and Veggie Scramble, Greek Spinach Salad, Jill's Roasted Veggies, Olive Oil Dressing, Roasted Turkey Wrap, Steak, Sea Scallops, Super Oatmeal, Mexican Green Salad, Stuffed Bell Peppers, Tuna Broccoli Slaw, Turkey or Bison Burger, plus a couple more. She could have added at least 1 recipe for dessert using almond flour, or something along those lines found in the Paleo Diet websites. After all, we sugar junkies would love an alternative. Needless to say, I cannot bear to finish this book. I love myself, and value my time too much to waste it on such a worthless book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book.....great advice.....'do-able' ideas...... June 21, 2012

By Georgia on my mind VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I've wanted to cut down on sugar/carbs, but was having a hard time sifting thru the 'eat this, don't eat this' bombardment that seems to come at you every week. This book is easy to follow, fun to read & gives you a lot of common sense ideas to cut sugar & carbs from your diet. I haven't exactly followed it for 6 weeks, just took some of the ideas & applied them to my daily meal planning.....I've lost 8 lbs. since receiving this book & no doubt will be able to lose more. I'm in my 40's & I think my tastes have changed-I really don't like sweet stuff that much anymore & I can't stand any of the artificial sweeteners, so having some ideas on how to cut back on sugar is wonderful.