I’m flattered, I think?
Without being aware of the title — or even the existence — of my upcoming book, SUGAR SHOCK!, today, the front page of AOL (for us AOL users; can’t link to it, sorry) touts in a big headline, "Sugar Shock," when referring to the film, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which opens tomorrow.
Since I’m no longer an L.A.-based entertainment journalist invited to a plethora of screenings (just about every day of the week), I’ll catch an early show tomorrow (12:01 a.m.!) in New York (where I now live) and get you my thoughts in the wee hours of the morning or tomorrow morning/early afternoon about the remake of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
Incidentally, do you like my book title, SUGAR SHOCK!?
This naming of my title dates back to 2001, when I came up with a very cool, I think, definition of it. I was going to post this here much, much later on — in a few months — but now seems the appropriate time given AOL’s preference for the phrase.
(This definition below comes at the beginning of the book, if I can convince my publisher to be. Maybe you, dear readers, can help me do that.):
SUGAR SHOCK!(TM) – A mind-numbing, personality-bending, health-destroying constellation of symptoms affecting millions worldwide who frequently turn to processed sweets and simple carbs, which send their blood sugar levels wildly soaring and plummeting. The term SUGAR SHOCK! encompasses the often-misdiagnosed, dismissed condition of hypoglycemia and other blood sugar disorders, from insulin resistance to diabetes. Victims of SUGAR SHOCK! could experience such baffling symptoms as moodiness, fatigue, dizziness, cold sweats, depression, vertigo, drowsiness or sleeplessness, headaches, fatigue, forgetfulness, anxiety, mental confusion, heart palpitations, lack of sex drive, temper outbursts, suicidal thoughts, and more. This insidious roller-coaster effect brought on by inferior carbs hampers sufferers’ ability to function at full throttle–or even half throttle. Research suggests that repeatedly stimulating insulin release by over-consuming sweeteners (which most Americans do) could contribute to such "big killers" as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
In case you’re wondering if I made this stuff up, think again. I interviewed more than 250 (possibly 300; I need to count) revered physicians, researchers, nutritionists, fitness experts, obesity "warriors," public health advocates, activists, attorneys, and more from all over the world (plus hundreds of self-described "sugar addicts",) all of whom very generously took considerable time to explain how our consumption of sweets and refined carbohydrates (or what I call quickie, Much-Like-Sugar Carbs) could contribute to a host of health woes. (Incidentally, a well-respected physician is coming on board as my co-author. Details forthcoming.)
A very special thanks to my sharp, savvy, sweet friend Wendy Dubit of Vergant (who used to work at AOL) for taking a couple of minutes to call me and let me know about the "Sugar Shock" headline. (Wendy, you made my day!)
This AOL headline just confirms what I already knew — SUGAR SHOCK! is a great book title. At least, I think so! To ‘fess up, I’m afraid I can’t take full credit for this catchy phrase. I had some remarkable help and creative prodding three years ago from the super talented author/speaker/book-title-naming "queen" Sam Horn, while we brainstormed together (well, she was wildly innovative; I watched and helped some) at the Maui Writers Conference in 2002.
Now’s your chance! Call me curious. Tell me if you like my book title, SUGAR SHOCK! Got one you like better? I’m open to ideas.
By the way, many thanks go to cutting-edge authors John Battelle, Aaron Hamburger, Poppy Z. Brite, David Weinburger, Chris Anderson — all recently written up in fascinating New York Times article, "Dear Blog: Today I Worked on My Book."
Each and every one of these writers inspired me to use this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog in a different, more creative way than I’ve been doing since I launched it in early June, after I finished writing my book. Best of luck to you all on your books. (I already placed an advance order of Battelle’s book online last night; I’ll be the among the first readers to buy the rest of yours.)
19 thoughts on “My book title, “Sugar Shock,” hits AOL (before it’s even published!)”
Nothing like free publicity! I look forward to the release of your book! When I first started reading food labels, I was astounded to find sugar in the most mundane things like–MILK! What’s that all about?
More people should be educated about the dangers of sugar. I lost almost 5 lbs in just two weeks by sticking to my regular routine and cutting down on the sugar. Sure, I had a headache for the first week–but that’s when I realized that sugar is like a drug. I’m much more even tempered now that I’ve cut down out more than 150 g of sugar a day.
I think your definition of Sugar Shock is SPOT ON! It’s all tied together and it CAN stop! I hope that your publisher will put that definition right up there in the book, which I can’t WAIT to read by the way!!
The definition is great, but maybe a little long. Maybe something shorter that would stick with people and be easy for them to understand in our sound bite society. Just a thought.
Connie,
You have been such a positive influence on my life. Thanks to eliminating the harmful food products in my diet, I feel so very much better. As a successful businessman, it is so important that I take care of myself for maximum productivity. And, thanks to your counsel, I have seriously improved my diet. Moroever, I identifed food groups and food products that I never before realized turn to sugar in the bloodstream.
Connie . . . I credit you with helping me to have a healthy and hopefully longer life . . . Certainly my clearer mind and newfound energy have tremendously and positively affected my ability to earn money. Connie . . . all I can say is “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
I can’t wait to read your book as I know as much as you have taught me already. I have only learned the “tip of the iceberg.” Connie. . . you are a Godsend.
With warm personal regards,
David A. Vogel
CEO
The Hamilton Agency, LP
I like the name Sugar Shock. I think most people would be “shocked” if they knew all the foods that contain sugar. The amount of sugar we eat isn’t good for our bodies and there are so many sick people. I believe a good percentage of those people could be healthy if they stopped eating (or cut back on) sugar. I look forward to your book coming out! It will open a lot of eyes.
The name is very catchy and the book is definitely needed. There are so many people suffering from hypoglycemia and sugar addiction who don’t know where to turn. I’m hopeful that your book, as your yahoo KickSugar e-list is already doing, will let them know they are not alone and give them information and motivation to do something about it. I look forward to reading your book.
Far too many myths in the diet “industry.” So much misinformation is helping Americans be lazy and fat. Books like yours tell the truth. Thank you for being steadfast on your mission to help others understand their bodies and feed them with the right fuel!
This definition goes beyond my personal experience. For me the effects are more subtle, but still very real, and Connie made me aware of them in Sugar Shock.
I never considered myself sugar-sensitive or a big consumer of sugar, but reading parts of this book made me realize that I have a hard time staying away from sugar–it is addictive!–and that eating even moderate amounts negatively affects my mood, ability to concentrate, energy level, level of hunger, desire for more…a lot of seemingly subtle changes that don’t happen when I avoid sugary foods.
People trying to avoid sugar need confirmation and support to do so, because it is not all that easy, and Connie provides it.
I love your title! It will be a shock to most people to find out what sugar does, especially after all the watered-down advice of the ADA (who is proud to be sponsored by the Sugar Association).
I have been excited about this book for a long time — I can’t wait to read it!! This is one market, too, where there really is a need — there aren’t already a ton of books about this subject and some of the ones out there are very poorly-written and unscientific. It will be nice to have a scientific, well-written book on this important topic!
The majority of people have no idea how much sugar is added to the food they consume and the connection between that and their moods, behavior, and ultimately, physical health (poor). Sugar Shock will raise the level of awareness about the addictive and druglike nature of sugar. This is a necessary book for millions who are suffering needlessly; it has the potential to reshape the health and well being of our country.
“Sugar Shock” is an apt title. It describes what I have personally gone through when I was hooked on sugar. Connie Bennett has taught me so much about recovering from sugar addiction.
It is interesting that AOL, in discussing the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” came up with the same term, but Connie was definitely first.
I can’t wait to give my friends copies of your book, Connie. People think I’m insane when I tell them about sugar’s dangers. No one thinks it could be true. I like the title “Sugar Shock” because it has two or three meanings I can think of, and a play on words is always a good thing 🙂
Wow! Thank you all so very much for your kind comments. It warms my heart and just continues to convince me of the need for my book, SUGAR SHOCK!
By the way…
Patti, great point! In fact, I’ve already come up with a shorter “sound bite” definition of SUGAR SHOCK! rather than the lengthy one I provided. (Still working on improving it though. I’ll probably nail it down soon at this two-day media training that I plan to attend.
And, Kathy, by the way, actually, the sugar in milk is lactose, and it’s naturally occuring. So it’s not as bad as “hidden sugars,” which are added — unbeknownst to most of us — to thousands of products, from soy milk to ketchup to salad dressings. (Incidentally, when you sign up for a free e-zine on my website, http://www.sugarshock.com, you’ll get a free report on hidden sugars.)
Connie
Founder, http://www.SugarShockBlog.com
After a long wait, I’m looking forward to reading “Sugar Shock.” The title says it all and keeps to it. A diet full of sugar could lead to diabetes and obesity, which are rampant not only in USA but worldwide and have increased every year since the data has been collected. Until recently this not been seriously addressed by media and the general public. Only through awareness, education and desire will people turn away from the dangers of a self-destructive diet. Connie is making the effort to show readers all these issues.
Kevin McConnell
Quality Assurance Engineer
973-724-5603
Your book will be a good read. Connie, you, and and the rest of the KickSugar board have really opened my eyes to what I’m actually doing to myself as a sugar addict.
As a vegetarian, I eat fairly healthfully, yet I still binge on sugary foods… Connie, you’ve helped me understand the emotional and physiological components of that binging, so that at long last I’m eating less. I’m confident that my overall health and outlook will steadily improve as I continue to reduce the sugar I consume.
I cannot wait to read your book, Connie. I have been a member of your online “KickSugar” group on Yahoo since the beginning in 2002. I have been helped so much by what I have learned in this group and I have been anxiously awaiting the publication of Sugar Shock.
I used to be in such a fog from all the sugar I consumed — and I didn’t even realize that it was the sugar causing the problem. I was lucky enough to stumble across your online group, but not everyone has access to such things. Many people turn to published materials for help. The world needs this book and I can’t wait to read it!
Hi Connie,
Wow, you must be a ‘whirling dervish’ as you move about the planet, through major newspapers, online connecting and referring a plethora of great tips, blogging, adding articles, interviewing, holding an online class and writing your wonderful book!
As a natural healing teacher and practitioner, I had to really get serious about my own health and drop the sugar! I love this subject because as a natural vision-improvement instructor, the sugar intake effects the eyesight, and most people aren’t aware of it.
When I used to eat Snickers, I would have a haze over my vision for nearly a day from the ‘gunk’ in that few minutes of enjoyment. I learned.
I am newly sugar-free and want to add not only the vision impact, but the element of menopause and hot flashes in the sugar connection and equation.
I can almost count the minutes after indulging in my favorite sweet, candy bar, ice cream, or even some fast food that didn’t reveal its sugar content….and usually have a “hot flash” within about 5 minutes. Hmmm. Not a pretty picture 🙂
I always knew if I had just ingested something with sugar, for the hot flash would let me know. I had been told by an herbalist when I lived in Austin that there was a connection and to stop the sugar…
well, I finally have.
Your content here, always revealing articles and tips (and your upcoming book) are like having a “one-stop-shop” that the body craves.
Now that my sugar cravings have subsided, my hormones have improved through natural approaches covered by Dr. Schwarzbein’s book, “The Schwarzbein Principle.” The book has changed my life back into a sane person again. For those in the phase of peri-or menopause, it is a must-read, too.
Your information reinforces some of what we already know, but we can never hear enough. Now, I can pass up anything and drink more water instead. What a relief for my body and mind!
Your book is destined to become the new “bestseller” for this obese culture. Reading your information is like taking something sweet without the shock left behind to have to recover from! Thank you for your flight from the ashes that you use for so much good. Blessings to you, Connie.
Hello,
I sure hope you can help me. I was doing great until a zillion things happened in my life all at once, then presto, I was told I had not low but ‘low’ blood sugar. I have been eating the right foods, with exception of more proteins. Yet my blood sugar is getting lower. Now the doctor wants to do a GTT on me and I have eaten what I am supposed to eat before the test and my blood sugar is getting lower, not good. I hope that is just because of all the things that have happened in my life this last while and nothing else. Why else would it go so crazy……..I am so frustrated and scared of what is going on with me. I just start to get my life together at age 62 and now this crap.
Patty
I love your style, your taste for healthy treats and your unstoppable passion to get the word out. Your sugar control techniques have changed my life and I hope others will have the opportunity to be exposed to your groundbreaking ideas.
Connie you are like the earthmother founder of the new sugar shock movement.
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