The Sugar Addict's Total Recovery Program (Hardcover)

~ Kathleen DesMaisons Ph.D. (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Sugar lurks in foods in more than 85 different forms. Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D., the first person to receive a doctorate in addictive nutrition, says that besides being detrimental to the immune system, the more than 100 pounds of processed sugar consumed annually by each American is responsible for "mood swings, depression, fatigue, fuzzy thinking, PMS, impulsivity ... [and] unpredictable temper." And while overdosing on the sweet stuff is a national pastime, she says her research shows indulging in sugar highs should be treated much more seriously, akin to heroin or alcohol dependency, because sugar causes spikes in the neurotransmitters serotonin and beta-dopamine just like those drugs--and can eventually wreak similar mayhem on one's health, work, and relationships.

The Sugar Addict's Total Recovery Program is not a quick fix; DesMaisons's plan aims to eliminate sugar cravings, requiring five days of "detox," along with building up the resolve to stick to the recommendations over time--including while out at restaurants, during social gatherings, and while traveling. Fortunately, she offers plenty of tips for those situations, and her prescription is practical and easy to follow, including seven steps as simple as making sure some protein is included with each meal. (That's not to say this is a high-protein, low-carb diet; she criticizes Dr. Robert Atkins and other fad-diet hawkers.) DesMaisons includes more than 50 recipes that cover breakfast through dinner; advice for choosing comfort foods to replace those M&Ms and sodas; and an invitation to join the support group she runs through her Web site. The Recovery Program should be of particular interest to parents and teachers, considering the way sugar-saturated foods are ruthlessly marketed to children--Coke machines are more and more commonplace in elementary schools--and that many of the behaviors DesMaisons links to sugar sensitivity are remarkably similar to those of ADHD. --Erica Jorgensen

From Publishers Weekly

Following in the tracks of her Potatoes Not Prozac, nutrition expert DesMaisons serves up a practical and promising dietary plan for sugar addicts, which revolves around several basic tenets: no sugar, moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates, more protein, regular meals and a nightly potato. (Eating potatoes enables tryptophan to enter the bloodstream, which increases production of the brain chemical serotonin, which, in turn, boosts optimism, creativity and the ability to concentrateAkey factors, DesMaisons avers, in maintaining a healthy diet.) Using biochemistry to alter mood and cure sugar cravings is DesMaisons's primary goal, and she maintains that the best way to redirect a sugar-sensitive makeup is to deal with the sugar addiction step by step. To that end, she offers an accessible diet that allows dairy (butter on the potato is allowed!), meat and plenty of whole grains. The book includes menus and recipes (including some creative ways to fix "Mr. Spud"), tips on what to order when dining out or when eating on the run and a list of foods containing "covert" sugar. DesMaisons guides readers graduallyAalbeit with some repetitionAthrough her plan This is a sensible approach that will surely tempt sugar lovers hoping to find a natural, long-range solution to their addiction, and ultimately change their lives. (Dec. 19)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1 edition (December 19, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034544132X
• ISBN-13: 978-0345441324
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #342,712 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

188 of 190 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real lifesaver, December 19, 2000

By	Allison Schacht (NM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Kathleen DesMaison's first book, Potatoes not Prozac, changed my life. I had been depressed and negative for years, and just couldn't change my attitude, no matter what I did. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that those desserts I loved so much were the cause of my problems.

The Sugar Addict's Total Recovery Program picks up where Potatoes not Prozac left off, and provides the practical know how to follow the plan outlined in Potatoes not Prozac. (By the way, this book stands by itself, so you don't need to read Potatoes not Prozac first.) It's full of practical tips and techniques. You'll learn how to make a grocery list, and shop for food, how to find a sugar free snack at a convenience store, what to order when you eat out, how to deal with nosy people who try to get you to eat sugar, how to sail through the holidays without sugar, and many other things. The book also features recipes submitted by people who are following the way of eating described in the book.

Kathleen DesMaisons has a very accessible writing style. You feel as though you are having a conversation with her. A feature I really enjoyed in this book is quotes from people who have been following the program. In case you are having doubts about the ability to have a good life without sugar, just read some of the quotes. It can be done, and here are real people who are doing it, just to prove it to you.

If you have even the slightest suspicion that you might be sugar sensitive, buy this book. It could totally change your life. In the last two years, since I started this program, I have changed in so many ways, I feel that I am finally becoming the person I was meant to be, instead of just staying stuck in depression and negativity. This book will show you how you too can become the person you were meant to be.

134 of 138 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Hands On Practical Guide for Addressing Sugar Sensitivity, December 13, 2000

By	Gretel O'Brien (Chatham, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

I had been following Dr. DesMaisons' plan for nutrtional healing of sugar sensitivity as outlined in her previous book, Potatoes Not Prozac, for a year and a half. And I have been aware of the research she continues to do to help people who come from places of pain and shame surrounding issues of addiction. Her warmth, compassion and dedication to carrying a message of hope has touched and inspired me.

This new book is a wonderful hands on, practical guide that addresses all the details and questions people might have for implementing a revolutionary new way of addressing addiction related to sugar sensitivity. Gathered from her own personal experiences as well as those of the global community that has grown in support of each other, she offers us menus, shopping lists, recipes and practical tips to guide us in ways to heal our biochemistry through food.

All who have experienced the feeling of hopelessness surrounding addiction, who are looking for a solution that works, will find simple tools in this book to help reestablish their physical, mental and emotional well being.

Bravo, Dr. DesMaisons! This is a 'keep it with me all the time' guide to the serenity, sanity and radiance that has eluded me because of addiction.

84 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing, December 22, 2000

By	"sara-bear" (Florence, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This book very clearly explained the biochemistry of Sugar Addiction and how to recover from it. I loved the gentle, reassuring voice of the author, Kathleen DesMaisons. I felt like she was holding my hand and walking me through the steps needed to change life-long self defeating patterns.

I have implemented these changes in my life and my life is turning around. People are telling me how radiant I look! My mind is clear and I am energetic and creative. I am going through the holidays without being tempted by the myriad of "treats" surrounding me.

For the first time, I really know how to take care of myself with food and, more importantly, I am able to follow through on what I know.

Kathleen's research and experience are a lifesaver! I highly recommend this book. And make sure to check out her website, which is an abundant resource: www.radiantrecovery.com