I’m on 60 Minutes this Sunday night chatting about my journey to quit sugar. If you want to read more about it, click here.
Filming with Ally Langdon at the Byron Beach Cafe
- If you want to buy my I Quit Sugar: An 8-Week Program, just click here.
- If you want to buy my I Quit Sugar Cookbook, you can get hold of it here.
- If you want to follow my research finds, why not ‘like’ my I Quit Sugar facebook page.
A few ‘behind the scenes’ pics of the filming…
off for an early evening surf, with a camera on my surfboard too!
Post surf, with Ally
In the 60 Minutes feature, I refer to the feedback I get from the 30 000 (and growing) people who’ve done my 8-week Program. It’s so very humbling. And I say this in the most non-motherhood statement way I can. It’s also steered my career in this arena. And kept me RESPONSIBLE and COMMITTED.
I thought I might also share some of the stories I’ve received. Many, many people have lost a lot of weight doing this program, and healed a host of health issues.
But a word of caution: I think it’s great so many people have been able to quit their cholesterol and diabetes (and other) medications from cutting sugar out (and, yes, it is possible, and in a matter of weeks or months). But I do not advocate doing so without absolute guidance and support from your doctor. My advice is this: after being off sugar for a good 2-3 months, ask your doctor if you can get some blood tests and have your medication reassessed. Cool?
Matt says: Sarah, thank you for this brilliant program. I’ve lost 11kgs to date, now am at a perfect weight for my height and eat as ‘much’ (quantity-wise) as I used to but am now eating the right things. I’m bouncy, have clear, glowing skin and am just generally enjoying life without the lethargic, dark cloud that was sugar hanging over me constantly. The whole experience has just been incredible.
Liz: SO! In the last couple of months…I have eaten full fat everything, heaps of cheese, eggs, meat etc.., I always eat veggies and do sneak in a bit of sugar. Just got my cholesterol done…and its 3.4!!! My lowest ever and all other bloods are in order. So going back to good ol’ fashioned food- works!
Jon: Sarah, over the last 12 months, I have lost 20kg, my skin has cleared up, I’m now off blood pressure medication, I’ve ‘cured’ my own depression and off meds for that as well, not to mention a myriad of other benefits.
Simone: After being told I had rheumatoid arthritis, and gobbling anti-inflammatory medication on a daily basis, I decided to quit sugar. The medication has become a thing of the past! Thank you Sarah for helping us become healthier versions of ourselves!
Mary: What a blessing this book is…I have well and truly taken my health into my own hands… I have finally bitten the bullet so to speak, and after joining Sarah’s site, doing some online research, I have come to my own conclusions. With some modifications to diet, I can truly say that I have felt better than I have in such a long while. With Sarah’s help and this book to look forward to, life is just GREAT…! Thank you!
April and Julia: Thanks so much for writing your book. It helped me so much to see why “moderation” wasn’t working for me. My daughter, Julia, who is 17, read your book aloud to me in her best Aussie accent. It was fun! We decided to quit all sugar for Lent. We are doing it 100%!!!! This is the first time ever I had been able to quit sugar! One thing that really helped was the information about what counts as sugar. It wouldn’t have worked for me unless I knew to give up everything: agave, honey, etc etc. we even gave up fruit at first.
Alicia: Have read the book and have nothing but praise and gratitude. It is written in such an easy to follow and read format and I love the whole approach. I am a personal trainer with a strong interest in nutrition and I will be mentioning this book to anyone interested for sure.
Nicole: I started on IQS the day after my 30th birthday last October. Not only have I lost weight, I no longer have the anger issues, depression/mood swings, joint pain. I can’t believe something so ‘simple’ made such a difference in my life!
Vikki: It was an absolute revelation to me, quitting sugar. I’ve felt the benefits: not needing more than 7 hours sleep, being alert ALL day without an afternoon slump, losing brain fog… Thank you!
If you’re looking for the I Quit Sugar: 8-week program, simply click on the button below.
If you’re after the I Quit Sugar Cookbook, simply click on this button below.
I adore Ally Langdon !!
Can’t wait to see this Sarah, im going to tell everyone
[Reply]
Love both these books (the 8 week program and the cookbook) and use both often! And definitely glad that I can access 60 minutes online from here, so will definitely be watching!
[Reply]
I had researched both Sugar-free and Paleo for a couple of years, but with your encouragement finally made the commitment to do both 100%. I am still literally on my deathbed but I am hoping for the miracle that this will finally and eventually turn things around. Thank you, beautiful woman!
[Reply]
So many wonderful words and well deserved! I haven’t yet got such amazing results to reveal, but gradually reducing my sugar intake (and, by default, wheat) has seen my skin sparkle and given me a whole bundle of energy. I no longer get the afternoon slump, either. You certainly make it easy for people to ditch the poison, Sarah, and your blog is always beautifully written and insightful.
Wishing you all the best as you meander on the other side of the world.
[Reply]
I am slowly getting off sugar and very much feeling better and better with every week. I was wondering if you can tell me the swimwear you are wearing in the Post surf picture with Ally. Keep up the great work!!!
[Reply]
I can’t wait to watch the program! It sounds very inspiring!
[Reply]
I quit sugar at the start of the year, and have slowly added a little back in (I couldn’t even eat half a biscuit without getting a sugar headache after the 8 week program I was so ‘clean’) to a point where I’m happy to be – I can indulge a little occasionally without getting a stomach ache or headache, but can still eat a (small) piece of bday cake or whatever without getting the sugar binges – win win!
A word of warning though – I’m only 29, but my cholesterol has increased (in the last 7 months) to the point of Drs wanting me to go on medication – the only change I made in this time was giving up sugar and shifting back to full-fat dairy and coconut oil….so it is VERY important to get checked out by your Dr! I’m pulling back on the FF dairy and quitting coconut oil for awhile, but still think the program was an excellent thing to do – so much more aware of my body and what I put in it now!
[Reply]
June 8th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Hey Becs – Try adding in some Fish Oil – I like the Nature’s Own liquid brand – take at least 15ml a day – also cut out if you haven’t already vegetables oils and use only olive oil. Try it for 3 months and see how you go
[Reply]
June 8th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Hi Mat
Thanks for your advice – I’ve been doing both those suggestions for quite awhile already…I’m working with a Naturopath to get it down, so all will be well! Just thought this could be a good caution to others to remember to look at their diet holistically and not just focus on the sugar part as I did. Thanks again!
[Reply]
June 8th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Dietary cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol levels. If anything, it has a small but positive effect. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8857917
I am concerned people will read your comment and cut healthy foods out of their diet for no reason.
[Reply]
June 9th, 2012 at 7:04 am
Becs, if you can, ask your doctor for a cholesterol test measuring particle size, not just particle count. If your cholesterol particles are largely big & puffy, that’s ok and not harmful. If they are small and dense, they cause damage to your arteries. You may not need to change your diet after all. This might be useful reading: http://chriskresser.com/i-have-high-cholesterol-and-i-dont-care
[Reply]
June 11th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
My Dad and I have familial high cholesterol [9.2 for me] and we are vegetarians. We’ve both been to the specialist and don’t have any indicators of it causing problems. Dad’s was discovered over 15 years ago and mine about 5 years ago. We don’t take any medication and are fine. Maybe worth trip to a specialist familiar with this situation?
[Reply]
Can you buy a hardcover version (I no this old fashioned) of the book, am very interested , thanks
[Reply]
June 8th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Stay tuned!!
[Reply]
Ally Langdon is my fav 60 min host!
Will look fwd to the segment
Keep up the good work, Sarah: You are probably making a bigger difference to more people’s lives than all the doctors combined!
[Reply]
Sarah you look smokin in that wetsuit, total Bond girl.
[Reply]
How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is great to see you pushing these issues mainstream. I have set it to record so I dont miss it. The stomach is our second brain and I neveer realised how important this is to my health and happiness. I wish you continued success.
[Reply]
YAY Sarah, how exciting for you. I will be watching for sure, you have truly opened my eyes to world of sugar and it is so wonderful you are getting this air time. Now everyone I am telling can hear it straight from your mouth! Awesome news indeed!
[Reply]
How fantastic Sarah! I love both your books (and have referred to them on my blog!). Can’t wait to watch you speak about your journey on TV this Sunday! Booked into the calendar
[Reply]
Hi, my husband and I are both several stone overweight and we are four weeks into the quit sugar programme. We are very excited about no longer being controlled by sugar but are a little disappointed that we have not lost more weight. We have both lost a few pounds so far, but that is all. I am also now eating cheese, coconut oil, butter and ff versions of yogurt and milk, and i am still struggling to avoid overeating and don’t reach a point of satisfaction as is suggested in the book. What can we do that will help us to lose all the weight that people seem to lose when they give up sugar, and what are we doing wrong?
Thanks
Maria
[Reply]
June 9th, 2012 at 7:17 am
For me, I dropped sugar in all forms – this worked to a point. What got me there as to increase natural saturated fats (great for satiety and general health) and eliminate grains & legumes. Everyone’s different, but for me, eating like this was the key. I achieved weight loss and better health without strenuous exercise (just regular moving about at a slow pace but no cardio or gym sessions). It was all about the diet.
[Reply]
June 11th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Maria, it’s also good to note that at 4 weeks, 4 months even, your appetite control is still getting back to normal. Give it time.
[Reply]
Hi Maria: Cutting sugar alone will not always encourage a significant weight loss. As a trainer, there are many variables to lose weight. Eliminating sugar is just one. It’s portion control, exercising…in other words… calories in and more calories expended will equal weight loss. Try increasing your exercise (if you are not exercising), to 30 minutes daily. A brisk walk, treadmill…something that is going to get your heartrate up. Check out your portions of food. Incorporate weight training, which will increase your metabolism and encourage weight loss. Don’t expect miracles…you have to put in the time…to beat the crime! Hope this helps!
Linda
[Reply]
I can’t think of a better poster girl for a particular lifestyle choice than you Sarah. Your research, care and generous spirit is mirrored in your energetic, healthy and warm good looks. Go girl. x
[Reply]
Looking forward to watch TV for once:)
[Reply]
Hey Sarah! Thanks so much for your amazing program. I have lupus and have been eating paleo for the last 8 months, so I jumped ahead to week 3 of your program. I used to get quite dizzy- ALL THE TIME- unsure whether is was the lupus flaring up, or from the medications that i’m desperately trying to lower in dosage. After only 7 days of quitting all sugar including fruit, the dizziness has almost completely disappeared!! Along with the stress, anxiety, and the constant fear that the lupus was going for my brain again (which is why I got dizzy in the first place). I can’t wait to see what other wonderful things my body goes through over the next few weeks!! Thanks again, you rule
[Reply]
Got SO excited to see that you were going to be on 60 minutes! But then I realized it was in Australia
How can I see it here in the US?
[Reply]
June 10th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Mia I’m in the US as well, I can view some videos on the 60mins website but some of them don’t work. Not sure if Sarah’s will work!
[Reply]
I have been following IQS since Sarah started writing about it on this blog a year and a half ago. My willpower has waned at various points during that time but I always return to a sugar-less way of eating because it really does make my life better, not just aesthetically but also in terms of my emotional and mental wellbeing. Whenever I let some sugar slip into my eating, I don’t feel as good… I get hyperactive/ sad at the same time (not a good combination), and a little nauseous. When I’m without, I feel brighter, cleaner, more calm and fresh. It’s better.
(I have to say that although I eat much less of it now, I will ALWAYS love chocolate. Always.)
[Reply]
Thanks for doing this, it helps people understand that SUGAR can kill more then fats.
We can live without sugar but CANNOT live without fats.
[Reply]
Oh what a great 60 mins segment! I had the whole family watching. So glad I took this on – sugar free, the way for me.
[Reply]
I love that you are on there talking about this issue! I wish you could have mentioned Paleo but realise it is a bit off topic.. but I currently am doing my Masters of Counselling, and I have to learn about Neuropsychotherapy. Basically sugar reduces Neuroplasticity.. the brains ability to change and therefore our ability to change, it scares me to think I may have had sugar issues as when I started clean eating I had the lingering headaches and waking up feeling atrocious. You looked amazing as well! Great advocate!
[Reply]
Sarah I spent 4 years trying to fall pregnant, trying everything including 4 cycles of IVF with miscarriages and dozens of failed transfers. I quit sugar in December 2011 and I am now 4.5 months pregnant! My energy levels are consistent through out the day and I am no longer moody. Quitting sugar was never about weight loss for me – it was about my desire to be a mum. Quitting was the best thing I ever done and I haven’t looked back. Thank you for helping get the word out there.
[Reply]
June 11th, 2012 at 10:58 am
Congratulations Belinda that’s great!
[Reply]
Just watched you on 60 minutes. Don’t you just love it when the experts recommend moderation? Hello!!!! That was Robert Lustig’s point: sugar is so completely addictive it’s very difficult for people to”moderate” their intake! That woman made me want to scream!!
[Reply]
June 11th, 2012 at 8:58 am
Everything in moderation is a recipe for moderate health.
[Reply]
Hi
Just tried to download your ebook but it’s not working!! Aahg would live some help
[Reply]
June 10th, 2012 at 10:15 pm
Hi Eliza
I’m Having the same trouble!
Grrrrr
[Reply]
Hmmm 60 minutes was as usual disappointing,and probably edited beyond your interview Sarah. Great to listen to you speak and you look fabulous Apologies for that view but to the uneducated sugar quitters this was not a complete story and left me frustrated trying to say HEY wait there is so much more to say. IQS is such a big issue that deserved more viewing time.
[Reply]
Sarah, Hi! I’m not sure how to approach this exactly? I watched sixty minutes and have read the comments on your blog. I can see how sugar has had a negative effect o some people. I am a chef with over 25 years experience and I’m curious as to why this is only coming to the forefront now? If we turn back the clock and live like our grandparents we would all cook at home, everything we ate would be fresh and home made! Is this story/situation based on excesses? Such as the amounts of sugar hidden in our foods that we are not told about and consume on a daily basis on top of our normal intake or is it all sugar. How do you compensate for the natural sugars such as fructose and lactose? To others who may read this, I am not saying that sugar is not harmful, but it seems we have been down this road before. I am curious to learn more. I have a good understanding of most dietry problems and food allergies. I am interested to learn how people substitute sugar in their diets and what advantages this has for those that are not considered to be excessive. Yours Sincerely, Steve.
[Reply]
June 10th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Sarah’s book covers most of these questions. I had he same prior to reading it
[Reply]
Sarah I’m a huge fan & love what IQS has done for me & my outlook on life, and I’m so grateful which is why it’s such a shame that the 60min story was so soft. Not your fault at all, you were great-it just seemed a very light conversational piece. Hopefully however it sparked interest in lots of viewers. Keep up the good work!! Xx
[Reply]
What great timing that this was on at this point in time. I purchased and started IQS 2 weeks ago. I have had borderline hashimotos for 3 years now. Not bad enough to medicate but it’s there lurking and I don’t want to allow it to get the upper hand. I have come up against some hostility, which I find puzzling but I’ve also been told by a few people that I look as though I’ve lost weight. I haven’t as yet but I think that I must not be as bloated. I really haven’t missed the sugar at all and because I’m eating more healthy fats and protiens I’m not hungry between meals and no longer ravenous for chocolate mid-afternoon. If things are this good after 2 weeks, I can’t wait to see how I feel after 8. Thankyou Sarah. You are a constant source of inspiration to me.
[Reply]
I must be one of few people who doesn’t seem to be “addicted” to sugar. I’ve always been more interested in savoury foods, never been keen on chocolate, sauces etc. I quit sugar anyway, and went for a few months without it without any trouble or cravings. Was no problem. I lost no weight and it had no impact on my health (not that it was bad anyway). It was kind of disappointing, to be honest. I wish that I had stuggled with it, that it had actually made a difference for me.
I consume sugar now and then now and it still doesn’t affect me either way. I avoid it a lot more than I used to for health reasons (especially for my teeth) but I can’t get on the bandwagon again. That being said I encourage others to give it a go because I still believe for “normal” people it can make a difference! I’ve heard too many stories to disbelieve the benefits of quitting sugar, so I support anyone who does give it up. Just wish it worked for me
As a side note, I thought it weird that the woman on 60 Minutes who supposedly quit sugar still had tomato sauce, white bread, a lot of packaged food etc… I thought tomato sauce had heaps of sugar? Oh well, obviously whatever she is doing is working so good for her
[Reply]
June 11th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
You must be one of those rare people that doesn’t get addicted to sugar…
[Reply]
June 21st, 2012 at 11:25 am
You *might* be *addicted* to the other baddie in all those foods Sarah mentions – salt. I’ve recently had to reduce my intake due to being diagnosed with high blood pressure, and a lot of the stuff Sarah talks about with sugar also apply to salt. Again, its not adding it that’s the problem for most people, its the tomato/bbq sauce, stir fry sauces, pizza bases, cereals, stocks, pre-packaged soups etc that have so much in it. You can get 1/3-1/2 of your daily intake of salt from having any one of those items I’ve mentioned. It can also cause headaches, digestive issues, and as I found out, excess salt increases your blood pressure!
[Reply]
June 21st, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Hi J
I have extremely low blood pressure (bordering on being abnormally low for some reason) so thankfully high blood pressure is not ever a concern of mine. I don’t eat sauces (except on pizza every now and then), packet/tin soup, cereal or stir fry sauce. I use stock sparingly.
But I sure do love my salt. I could eat my body weight in chips, both hot chips and packet chips, far too easily
so it probably is something I should look at reducing. Chips are really not good for me… I didn’t think salt could be “addictive” but now you mention it, it’s not something I’m keen to give up. That’s a big sign that I could well be addicted!
How drastically can it reduce your blood pressure? My boyfriends is high and he eats far more salt than I do so perhaps that’d help him reduce it?
[Reply]
Well, you have another follower! On the off chance, while I was flicking through channels, I caught a glimpse of your segment on 60 minutes last night, and it confirmed what I always really knew but was too scared to admit…I’m addicted to sugar. As of today, I am trying the 8 weeks sugar free program *gulp*. I’ve started by throwing out all the high density sugary foods in my cupboards, and now I have popped onto your website to see where to go from here. So very glad that I am not on my own on this. More importantly so very glad I watched 60 minutes and are sorting out my problem. Thanks!
[Reply]
June 11th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Grab a copy of The Sweet Poison Quit Plan (from Big W and most bookstores), by David Gillespie. I used to be just as addicted as you, but with the help of the book (which explains everything and even gives you a shopping guide) I got through it. Seriously, it’s like my bible. If I can give up sugar, you can do it too!
[Reply]
June 21st, 2012 at 6:37 pm
Thanks boo! It’s been 11 days and I am going strong. Very exciting. Will check out the book
[Reply]
The video is up on the 60 Minutes website, I can’t stand the show, but I thought I’d give your appearance a try Sarah and I’m glad I did.
That nutritional “scientist” was terrible, no references or sources and pretty much gave those addicted to sugar a good excuse to keep eating it. No basis in science whatsoever and where did ten teaspoons come from? Completely arbitrary number! The brain scan section was particularly interesting, in that it highlighted a similar reaction in the addiction centres of the brain with sugar and cocaine. You were great though Sarah, it’s a shame you weren’t on for longer. I loved your response to “sugar is natural” – yes, so is arsenic, doesn’t mean we were meant to eat it. Brilliant.
You looked very sparkly and bright and happy, lovely to see!
[Reply]
Hi…and HELP! I just bought the e-cookbook but I gave the wrong email
on the order. I am such a twit!
Will I still be able to get it?
Cheers.
[Reply]
Ugh, I am so frustrated. I have been totally sugar and grain free for over two years now. Loved it and all going well and then – BAM! Pregnant! Only ten weeks in and paleo eating has gone out the window quicker than you can say “morning sickness”. Suddenly all I can think about/ keep down are kiddy foods – rice bubbles, gummy bears, tim tams and two minutes noodles.
The idea of a green vegetable, egg or piece of meat makes me dry retch, and this is from a girl who not three months ago lived on broccolini and loved nothing more than a piece of game meat. I feel so guilty about what I’m putting into my body and what I might be doing to my baby with all this crap, but I literally can’t face anything else.
I’d love to know if anyone else has had a similar experience with pregnancy turning them into a sugar monster and how they handled it. Tips, anyone?
Thx
[Reply]
Hi Hilary,
I had the exact same experience with my pregnancy. Please go easy on yourself because pregnancy is tough enough. I think the more you force yourself to eat healthy foods and not eat junk, the sicker you will feel. I’d advise that you just eat small amounts of anything you feel like, within reason. The cravings in pregnancy are usually for a reason because we need such a wide variety of nutrients during this important time. I just made sure I didn’t eat anything containing artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives. If you are lucky the nausea and cravings will ease up during the second trimester. Unfortunately I had sever nausea every single day from 4 weeks onwards. You can get strict on yourself right after the baby is born, I did.
Best of luck,
Amy.
[Reply]
June 15th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Thanks, Amy. Such great advice. I really appreciate it. I guess I’ll just listen to my body and get tough after the birth. Thanks again!
[Reply]
June 15th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
You are so welcome!
[Reply]
[...] I am not sure if you have noticed or if I have managed to sneak this by you undetected but I QUIT SUGAR. I use very minimal, if any, in my recipes these [...]