The Kick Sugar Coach Podcast

This week on our podcast, we sit down with the renowned Dr. Robert Lustig, a leading expert in pediatric endocrinology, who shares his enlightening insights on the detrimental effects of sugar on our health. Dr. Lustig takes us beyond the surface-level discourse on diet and calories, diving deep into the biochemical and environmental intricacies that fuel metabolic diseases.Key Highlights from the Episode:The Toxic Truth About Sugar: Discover how sugar goes beyond being a simple calorie source to acting as a toxic substance that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and a spectrum of metabolic dysfunctions.Rethinking Obesity: Dr. Lustig challenges the outdated 'calories in, calories out' narrative, advocating for a nuanced understanding of obesity through the lens of biochemical processes like the carbohydrate-insulin hypothesis.Environmental Factors and Metabolic Health: Learn about the critical role of environmental pollutants in metabolic diseases and the urgent need for a holistic approach to detoxify our surroundings for better metabolic health.The Nature of Addiction: Uncover the neurological impacts of sugar and how addictive behaviors, especially sugar addiction, can perpetuate a cycle of poor health choices.A Call to Action: Be inspired by Dr. Lustig's call to take charge of your health by recognizing the fallacies of the food industry and making informed choices towards a diet of real, whole foods.This episode is a call to revolutionize our health paradigms and make informed choices that benefit not only ourselves but society as a whole. Dr. Lustig's groundbreaking insights offer a roadmap for anyone looking to escape the sweet deception that has long ensnared our society.Tune in to this eye-opening episode and embark on a journey towards a healthier, sugar-conscious lifestyle. Together, we can challenge long-held beliefs and embrace the truth for a brighter, healthier future.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Could giving up sugar and flour change your life? Chef AJ joins me to share her transformative journey to health through a whole food, plant-based diet, and inspires us to consider the profound effects that cutting out these addictive substances could have on our well-being. Chef AJ's four-decade commitment to this lifestyle and her insights on food addiction offer an enlightening perspective on how we approach our eating habits. From her experience, we learn the healing power of whole foods, and she challenges us to experiment with eliminating sugar, flour, and alcohol to witness their impact firsthand.The road to recovery from addiction is a challenging one, but it's a path I've walked myself, and I open up about my own health scare that led to a complete dietary overhaul. We discuss how environments like the Optimum Health Institute can pave the way to a cleaner, more vibrant life, free from the shackles of food addiction. This episode is filled with compelling stories of individuals who've reclaimed their health by embracing nutrient-dense foods, particularly the superheroes of the vegetable world: dark, leafy greens. We delve into practical tips and celebrate the empowering sense of community that surrounds those who choose sobriety from addictive foods.Addressing the societal pressures and the marketing trap of sugar, we take a hard look at how processed foods and sugary treats are pushed upon us, especially children, creating a cycle of dependency from a young age. We discuss how changing our food environment can make a significant difference in overcoming addictions and highlight the need for education and support systems. From the backstory of how I kicked my own health into high gear to Chef AJ's infectious enthusiasm for fitness and whole foods, we offer a candid, motivational dialogue that invites you to start your own journey towards a healthier, addiction-free lifestyle.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

When the wisdom of the body meets the complexity of trauma and addiction, profound healing can begin. This is the message that Jan Winhall, an experienced trauma and addiction psychotherapist, brings to our latest conversation. With her Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, Jan offers a paradigm shift, viewing addictive behaviors as adaptive strategies for managing dysregulated states. Throughout our discussion, she dismantles the traditional brain disease narrative, instead celebrating the body's innate intelligence and advocating for a treatment approach that respects its capacity for self-regulation.Triggers, those emotional tripwires, are typically seen as obstacles, but what if we viewed them as signals pointing us toward deep-seated healing? Jan guides us through this reframe, leveraging the polyvagal theory to decode the language of our nervous system. The journey through ventral, dorsal, and sympathetic states illuminates the intricate dance of our reactions to stress and trauma, with Jan's insights offering a map to navigate these complex territories. By embracing and understanding our body's responses, we open the door to a life more authentically lived and aligned with our true self.But what does the path to recovery from addiction and trauma really look like? Jan paints a picture of resilience and hope, emphasizing the importance of neuroplasticity and the human capacity to rebuild and recover. She stresses that setbacks are not failures but part of a continuing story of growth, and how communities can become safe nests that foster healing and connection. By the end of our profound exploration, it's clear that understanding our neurophysiology can free us from the grip of fear, offering a beacon of hope to anyone entangled in the complexities of addiction and trauma.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Discover what happens when the seductive sweetness of sugar meets the science of addiction, as we sit down with Dr. Nicole Avena. Her illuminating research uncovers the alarming parallels between our cravings for sugar and the intense grip of drug addictions. Our discussion takes you deep into the mechanisms of the brain that are hijacked by sugar, reshaping everything we thought we knew about our daily diets. Dr. Avena's new book, "Sugarless," offers a compelling seven-step plan to escape the sugar snare, revealing that the battle against sugar addiction isn't just about willpower—it's about understanding the hidden forces at play in our food and our brains.If you've ever found yourself reaching for just one more sweet treat despite your best intentions, then this episode will resonate with you. We tackle the controversial intuitive eating movement and its clash with the realities of sugar's addictive nature. It's an eye-opening discussion on the necessity of awareness, and for some, a sugar-free path akin to abstinence from other addictive substances. We question the societal norms around processed foods and investigate the deceptive nature of artificial sweeteners. All this, while providing you with the knowledge to discern between the true needs of your body and the false hunger crafted by sugar's allure.Armed with Dr. Avena's expert guidance, we round out our chat with actionable steps to regain control over sugar consumption. The transformative journey to a sugarless life isn't a straight line, and we explore the value of patience, resilience, and self-compassion in this process. From revamping nighttime routines to handling social pressures, we share invaluable strategies that promise to empower you in rewriting your food narrative. Join us as we champion a movement towards a healthier, more informed future, one where sugar no longer holds the reins of our well-being.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Do you struggle with emotional eating? Healing is possible, and our guest Lacou Flipse is living proof. A former binge eater turned trauma-informed food coach, she's been helping women release emotional and binge eating for over a decade. Lacou shares her innovative "pleasuring process," an approach that separates pleasure from bingeing and transfers it to the pleasure of being present with ourselves. Instead of looking to food to fill us up emotionally, we come to the food fed - nourished from within. Lacou makes a distinction between intuitive eating and pleasure eating and shares her perspective that strict food rules obscure the opportunity to explore hidden layers.In this interview discuss the challenge of sugar addiction and how pleasure eating can be a lifeline for those grappling with it. Lacou emphasizes the importance of self-intimacy, the ongoing nature of recovery, and the need for continual refinement in your relationship with food. We also explore the concept of recovery that doesn't necessarily mean giving up certain foods altogether, instead, Lacou encourages using food as an invitation to delve deeper into our underlying issues and emotions, and even into how trauma can come into play.We conclude with a conversation on how insecure attachment (early childhood trauma) can manifest in compulsive eating and the critical role of pleasure in addressing our unmet needs. Join us for this deep and enriching discussion and gain insight into a non-abstinence-based approach to disordered eating. https://www.enlightenedmunch.com/https://www.facebook.com/EnlightenedMunch/https://www.instagram.com/LacouFlipse/Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

In this captivating podcast episode, I engage in a compelling conversation with the author of “Killing You Softly: How Sugar is Killing Us”, Rich Holman. This hard-hitting page-turner exposes the harms of sugar consumption and corporate efforts to hide these facts from the public.At the age of 73, Rich Holman describes himself as a “dead man walking.” He was putting his affairs in order assuming the end of his life was near. Rich had chronic aches and pains, grotesquely swollen feet, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and more. One day, by chance, he met a naturopathic doctor who recommended a 21-day strict no-sugar detox diet and everything turned around. It was nothing short of a miracle. Rich shares before and after photos of his feet that returned to normal size after only 7 days of eating whole foods! The rest of his body fully healed over time and today at the age of 80 he feels better than he has felt in decades!Rich’s dramatic health reversal inspired him to conduct 7 years of intense research into what science had to say about sugar. The more he researched, the more shocked and angry he became. He simply could not believe that no one - no doctor, no dietician, no medical expert - ever told him how his diet of refined carbs was making him sick and miserable. Prepare yourself for a profound eye-opener interview that exposes startling truths about the link between sugar and chronic diseases, and the influence of Big Pharma, Big Health, and Big Food in suppressing the facts. Rich holds nothing back as he shares the lies and coverups that have led to widespread misinformation that enables corporations to legally peddle junk food products known to be both addictive and destructive to human health.Tune in to hear a man - whose second chance at life - has inspired him to help others wake up to the insanity of our sugar consumption and find our path to freedom. He wants all of us to be able to relish our twilight years in the peak of health.Beyond the interview, be sure to seek out Rich's book on Amazon. The more people armed with the information and inspiration to break free from sugar's addictive grip and reclaim their health, the brighter our collective future becomes.https://www.amazon.com/Killing-You-Softly-How-Sugar/dp/B0CJLLLTCZEnjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

The revolution of health and wellness is upon us, and leading this revolution is Udo Erasmus, a global innovator in the health and wellness industry. His unique food philosophy and exceptional product line have been transforming lives for decades. Udo was flagging threats to our health (seed oils, sugar and more) and solutions to metabolic syndrome (whole foods, supplements and self-care) long before some of us were even born!Our in-depth conversation with Udo touches on how refined carbs damage our microbiome, nutrient absorption, and mental health. And how probiotics, digestive enzymes and whole foods can help support and repair our digestive tract and strengthen our immune system. Udo's personal sugar story (with a funny highlight) and insights into inflammation’s impact on our bodies will strengthen your resolve to kick the sugar habit. And hopefully, make you think twice about feeding it to your loved ones including your children and grandchildren.What I loved most about this interview is the authentic inner peace Udo radiates. He places a refreshing emphasis on NOT just finding wellness but also self-contentment - something that can feel so elusive in our stressed lives. Udo shares highlights of his journey from stress and struggle to wellness and serenity. It touched me deeply.Tune in to this heart-opening episode and be reminded of the importance of aligning your diet with nature, avoiding sugar, and making a conscious effort to find peace inside, too. As an added bonus, Udo put together a free e-book called: “10 Ways to Kick Your Sugar Habit”. Download your copy here: https://udoerasmus.com/KickSugarWithUdoEnjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Are you looking to naturally increase your energy without stimulants? Have you tried everything but still feel exhausted all the time? There is hope!Join me as I deep dive with Catharine Arnston, the founder of EnergyBits, into the world of algae (spirulina and chlorella) and their long list of amazing benefits including their capacity to fuel, protect, and repair our mitochondria.If our mitochondria are damaged - through poor nutrition, toxins, lack of self-care, etc - they cannot produce the energy we need. Resorting to caffeine, chocolate, etc for energy becomes our default. Fortunately, algae have the potential to improve the functioning of our mitochondria - the powerhouse of our cells—and thus naturally improve our energy levels. In addition, algae have also been shown to support the detoxification of the body, balance our hormones, reduce brain inflammation, support liver function, and more.Spirulina and chlorella are relatively unknown in the Western world but have been used as critical food sources in Asia for centuries. Most people do NOT know they are cyanobacteria and come complete with bio-available protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants.Catharine shares her extensive research on these superfoods, discussing their alkaline properties, easy-to-digest nutrients, and beneficial impact on human health. We explore concerns about their safety and purity and learn more about how algae are grown and why not all algae are of the same quality.If you're looking for ways to improve your energy, heal and detoxify your body (a common goal among those who have previously consumed excess sugar), this episode is a must-listen.PS—Take advantage of Catharine’s once-a-year Cyber Monday sale. Get 25% off plus free shipping with code “CYBER”. Starts Sunday 11/26 and ends at midnight on Monday 11/27.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Ever wondered how the tiny organisms in our gut can profoundly impact our health? In this podcast episode, I sat down with Martha Carlin and delved into the intricate connection between gut health, sugar consumption, and our overall well-being.Martha Carlin's journey from a systems analyst to the founder of The Biocollective, a company focused on microbiome science, is nothing short of fascinating. Her groundbreaking research on probiotics and their potential role in diabetes management is altering the course of scientific discourse.During our conversation, we examined how our gut microbiome and sugar consumption interplay, influencing our overall well-being. Martha weaves together an engaging narrative of how pathogenic bacteria can affect nutrient absorption, drive our cravings, and produce harmful metabolites.Martha also shares about her Sugar Shift formula, a pioneering initiative aimed at managing glucose levels, inspired by her husband's battle with Parkinson's. The promising results from clinical trials on diabetics paint an optimistic picture for the future.In conclusion, understanding our microbiome's role in our health is essential. Through the pioneering work of scientists like Martha Carlin, we are gradually unraveling the mysteries of our gut. Their research can potentially lead to improved health outcomes and the development of innovative treatment methods for various diseases.15% OFF SugarShift: https://biotiquest.com/products/sugar-shift (use code: KICKSUGAR)Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Imagine a world where the key to mental wellness lies not in a pill bottle but on our plates. In the recent podcast episode, Dr. Chris Palmer, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher, offers insights into this intriguing field known as metabolic psychiatry. The discussion traverses his groundbreaking work on the potential of dietary interventions for mental health disorders, focusing particularly on the ketogenic diet.Dr. Palmer emphasizes that this diet, though initially designed to treat epilepsy, is a metabolic intervention that profoundly affects brain function. Therefore, its potential in treating mental health disorders cannot be overlooked.The podcast delves into the critical question: could breaking up with sugar be the key to addressing both mental and physical health? It’s not an easy journey. It involves understanding your nutritional needs, battling withdrawal symptoms, and most importantly, persisting past the three-month mark. But the rewards could be a transformation in mental health.In conclusion, the episode encourages us to view nutrition not merely as a means of maintaining physical health but as a crucial player in mental health. It opens up a discussion on the potential of dietary interventions for mental health, sparking interest and curiosity about this nascent field. It invites us to join the movement to revolutionize mental health, one dietary intervention at a time.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE