…I Quit Sugar has been getting a bit of attention lately, since the release of the print edition last week, and, I think, as the awareness of the failings of fructose spreads. For those of you who didn’t catch the clippings in the various media stories over the weekend, I’ll share a selection below. Consider it your light weekend read.
Matt Preston discovers (and loves!) kale chips at the I Quit Sugar book launch last week. Photo by Sarah Joy Photography – additional images of the launch below.
1. From Booktopia, I answered ten terrifying questions. I loved this interview, which included questions like:
- What did you want to be when you were twelve, eighteen and thirty? And why? I love this…my interests did shift. As a kid I wanted to be the first female Prime Minister of Australia. I was the eldest of six kids…being influential was in my blood. At 18 I was dreadfully confused. And so I tried all kinds of things for a good decade. At 30, I wanted to be doing something meaningful, communicating and working freely….which is pretty much my life now.
- What were three big events – in the family circle or on the world stage or in your reading life, for example – you can now say, had a great effect on you and influenced you in your career path? My Year 5 teacher gave me the class prize and said, in front of the school at the end of year “graduation”, that my curiosity was a gift. I treasure her words. They spurred me on. Moving to Sydney when I was 29, from Melbourne. Suddenly everything sped up and made sense. I felt that I belonged. Reading Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. Such mindful endurance of hardship…it very much guided me through my own troubles with illness.
- If your work could change one thing in this world – what would it be? To get everyone back to natural appetite and hunger. This would solve obesity and most modern diseases, as well as reduce the environmental impact of processed food.
To read the rest of the article, click here.
2. From the Canberra Times, whose writer declared me too sweet to wage war on sugar, “Quit and Win”.
You can read the full article here.
3. From the Newcastle Herald, this Q&A.
4. From the Sydney Morning Herald, the “Sweet Assassin” article.
5. From the Herald Sun, “Why I Quit Sugar”. Read the full article here.
6. From the Daily Telegraph, Sugar Sugar. You can read the full article here.
And as promised, a few images from the book launch last week, at Potts Point Bookshop. Thanks to Matt Preston for launching the book, aboutlife for the catering, using recipes from my book, and to Sarah Joy Photography for the photography.
Choc avo mud cups, made by aboutlife
Photographer of the I Quit Sugar book Marija, Pan Macmillian editor Ingrid, and eCookbook food stylist Lee
Activated nuts, kale chips and brocoli pesto. Some of the finger foods supplied by aboutlife
Pan Macmillan publicist Charlotte Ree, and Australian Women’s Weekly editor Helen McCabe
With my mum and dad, celebrating
What do you make of the heightened media awareness? Are you finding it easier to talk to friends and family about quitting? Do you feel like you’ve got the science to back you? Feel free to share your thoughts! Happy Weekend to you all…
Hello Sarah, I read the Sweet Assassin article last weekend and was very interested in your views. There is a certain department store I shop at that has packets of lollies lined up next to the check-out queue and most of them are labelled “99% Fat Free” which for some people means that it’s ok to buy a packet or ten. I want to scrawl “These may be 99% fat free but they are 1% fat and 99% sugar!!” on each packet. I agree that the “fat free” or “low fat” label is misleading and there should be an accompanying sugar percentage. I’m sure most people would be horrified to know how much sugar they are actually eating.
All the best, Sue
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February 1st, 2013 at 4:52 pm
I know, I know!!!
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Congratulations Sarah…more power to ya.
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I definitely feel like the heightened media awareness is beneficial in some ways – I’m more of the Paleo-bent (as opposed to focusing on quitting sugar specifically), but I feel as though both lifestyles are experiencing similar surges in popularity. Of course, with more attention comes more misinformation, which I personally find incredibly frustrating; if I hear “Oh, but everything in moderation is best!” one more time, I may cry. Still, I look at how far the gluten-free community has come (it’s becoming rarer and rarer that restaurants DON’T offer a gluten-free option for those with Celiac or other sensitivities), and I have great hope that sugar-free and Paleo will go the same way.
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Hi Sarah,
As Sharee just said, I’m really happy that sugar gets all bad reviews lately. It’s awesome BUT as a public person I believe you should also highlight that its not only sugar but also starch and wheat that is bad for us. Why? simply because people don’t bother reading and doing their own research. They need to be told. Anyone read about the latest request for putting warning labels on soft drinks?? Do we really need that?? Clearly we do, as society becomes more lazy by the day. They need to be told in bold letters. Sad but true. So if you tell them quit sugar, they will but they will keep on eating pastas and bread and in few months time they will come back and say :hey, its not working, I quit sugar and I’m not loosing any weight.
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February 1st, 2013 at 4:54 pm
Hey Mia, I do talk quite a bit about the toxins in carbs…check out a few of my posts…
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OK so i bought the ebooks when they first come out and i love reading them. I bought the hardcover and i love flicking through it I’ve even made a lot of the recipes and i love eating them BUT I have never actually started to quit sugar. I’m really annoyed with myself, i spend hours reading amazing websites and books about the dangers or sugar yet i still have it everyday. Its like i have excuse after excuse first i was waiting until after my weekend away, until after Christmas, until after my 3 weeks in Bali but now all those things are over so what am i waiting for?! Last night as i was flicking through the beautiful pages it dawned on me why i haven’t started…I’m scared to actually stop eating sugar! I know how bad it is for me, i know how much better i will feel if i could kick it so the question I have been asking myself (even as i had a tim tam or 3 with a my organic peppermint tea) is WHY?! Is it so addictive that I’m afraid to stop having it?
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February 1st, 2013 at 1:54 pm
Lynanne I get what you mean! For me sugar was my treat. I’d quit smoking, alcohol etc and it felt like sugar was all I had left. It made me feel loved too which sounds weird but my mother used to use lollies as a reward when I was growing up. She’d say “if you just do xyz then I’ll give you a lollie”. I’m not going to sugar coat it (nice pun there); it’s bloody hard at the start but you get to a point where you stop wanting 3 Tim tams and the sweetness from the tea becomes enough. I promise. Give it a go x
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February 1st, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Girls, its hard but you can do it! One day at a time.
Try to eliminate all temptation by getting rid of all the sugar, starch and wheat stuff from your house. If you don’t have it, you will not go and grab it in the moment of weakness. I used to chew a gum or make a tea if I felt sugar craving in the past.
If you really must, have a fruit, but try to pick one that does not contain too much fructose. Berries are the best (and cheap atm).
Have some nuts, you will be nicely surprised how full you will feel afterwards. Get supplements, not only vitamins but also minerals.
Eat protein (chicken, fish, bacon, eggs, meat) and veg and you will see that after your meal, you will feel fuller for longer and during that time you will not crave any sugar. Go for a walk. Give it a go, don’t think about it too much. One day at a time. You will see results after few days already. It only gets easier
Good luck and stay strong!
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February 2nd, 2013 at 4:04 pm
Mark’s Daily Apple had two really great pieces recently on emotional eating and self sabotage, you can find them here. I hope they help.
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/entitled-to-sabotage/#axzz2JiMIEm5b
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/weight-loss-the-emotional-element/#axzz2JVxgSuWH
Otherwise, maybe dont “quit” sugar. Just give it up for a few weeks and see how you feel (Sarah suggests 8 weeks I think, bought IQS when it first came out – I might need a refresher.) At the end of a month or two you’ll be in a much better position to judge how it affects you. If you like being without it, you can keep going. But dont make it a militant thing, a black-and-white sort of scenario. Just perform a little science experiment on yourself and see what happens.
Also – and this is the best part – you could always dedicate your experiment time to finding new treats that don’t involve sugar. My favourites are red wine and pork belly, you might like truffles or expensive cheeses or something else entirely. Or even a massage, acupuncure or something entirely non-food related. There are a million ways to cheer yourself up that dont have to do with sugar.
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February 10th, 2013 at 11:22 am
Thank you all so much for the great advice, i really appreciate it. I’m cooking some IQS recipes today to take to work for lunch this week.
I’ve added a pea protein powder to my green smoothies and I’ve honestly found that i feel fuller for longer so I’m not searching for that sweet sugary snack between meals. I’m vegetarian and i don’t think I’m getting enough protein so thats a start for me.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
Love and health to you all x
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Congrats Sarah on all the articles – it seems as though every newspaper or magazine I have picked up over the past month or 2 has had an article from you or interview with you and I have immensely enjoyed reading each article. my friends and family have also read the articles as I have been spreading the word of your blog and your message and it wasn’t until it hit “mainstream media” that I think they have sat up and taken notice.
I still find it hard telling people I am sugar free as some people seem to think I am on some fad diet and don’t take it seriously. however thanks to your blog, your articles, your books, as well as some personal research I have been able to back up my reasons for doing it to them. more importantly I know that it works and tell them to “just try it out” and they will see for themselves what its like – because life is sweeter without sugar.
Thanks again for helping me get rid of this toxic substance and congratulations on all of your success…..more is yet to come
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Hi Sarah,
Great to see the younger generation looking at the food stuff being churned out by food manufacturers and questioning their motives – hmmm – think profits. I am an oldie who found the earlier and still very active proponent of a sugar free life, David Gillespie, a great motivator in returning to the style of food without the sugar additives I had as a child… commercial icecream and lollies were a treat, not a necessity , as was the amount of food on my plate…unfortunately I still see children eating far too much of the wrong stuff and one only needs to observe a food trolley going though the supermarket checkout to see this so often…. I look forward to following your future sugar free exploits.
Jennifer
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I ordered the book online during the pre-sale and am eagerly checking my letterbox daily for it to arrive. All the photos and interviews etc are only making me more excited to recieve it. Love your work!
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Love the ten terrifying questions interview! Well done!
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Thank you for the great information. I’ve been living 95% or so sugar free for the last 20 or so years; using butter, regular milk, the occasional bit of good quality meat and the best treat of all, a slice of runny brie. I’ve maintained my weight fairly well taking into consideration the occasional limitations of MS. Followed low-fat etc. when first diagnosed but with diabetes in my family, started looking at sugar content and was shocked. It was the same with the menopausal soy milk – full of sugar!
Keep up the good work. Love reading your blog.
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Sarah, keep up the good work, I think you are an inspiration!
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Hi Sarah.Your book is exactly what I’ve been looking for.I’m lactose intolerant so am not too sure what too substitute for this?.It appears to be a great common sense way of eating,I’m hoping I can keep a handle on my portion control…The book itself is so beautifully presented.Congratulations to you and to everyone in the creating of..Thankyou,Victoria.
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Sorry but I couldn’t see a single declaration of your MLA association – what happened to being up front? Not mentioned in the book from what I could see either.
Why the double standard Sarah?
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February 2nd, 2013 at 1:19 pm
I know this is going to to make me seem really, really stupid but what is the MLA association?
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February 2nd, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Hi Georgi, it stands for Meat & Livestock Australia
Sarah discloses it here (David must have missed it)
http://www.sarahwilson.com.au/2012/12/how-i-eat-my-meat/
“I’ve recently been appointed the ambassador for the MLA’s Target 100 program, charged with sharing information about sustainable beef, lamb and goat consumption. This is a paid role, however these blog posts are my own.”
(She also states it on her ‘About’ page)
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February 3rd, 2013 at 1:34 pm
The issue is that Sarah criticises others for not disclosing their affiliations, when they do the same! I think she would like them to disclose them before they speak publicly on a topic, without doing the same herself! Dr Alan Barclay’s affiliations can be found on the web, but Sarah is critical of him and anyone else with an opinion that’s goes against her own! It wasn’t even listed on this site under her affiliations until she was called on it.
February 9th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
What does being an MLA ambassador have to do with quitting sugar…it’s not like meat is a sugar substitute. If she receives profits from sale of stevia or something, I can understand disclosure, but this just sounds like you’re being pedantic.
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February 17th, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Protein is a carbohydrate substitute on many diets, especially for someone going wheat and sugar free. The fact is that Sarah is critical of people who don’t declare interests up front and doesn’t practise what she preaches!
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I went to Gwinganna for 8 days – you have no choice but to quit all sugar and coffee – it’s tough, really tough, but by day 5 you feel absolutely amazing !!’
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Sarah I ordered a couple of copies of the hardback books for gifts early thinking it would come before it was released to the public again. Still waiting. Did I get a wrong message or have my books gone astray?
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Hey Sarah I’ve been with you all the way and have been slowly cutting out sugar. I can’t ever be 100% because I have family and friends who are bakers! And I fall off the bandwagon regularly. But I am giving it a real go now. What about plain smiths crisps? Or bread or pasta that has little or in the case of the crisps, zero sugar? Thanks! Confused about some foods which don’t have sugar as an ingredient but which are all carbohydrate.
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It’s great to see the message getting out there – like everything though, it will take awhile before our sugar-addicted society reaches a tipping point. But thanks to you Sarah that time approaches!
I have never felt better – it was easier than I thought to stop eating fructose, rice, pasta etc (I was into healthy home-made food anyway). I still eat dark chocolate,white wine (stopped being able to drink red) and home-made spelt bread, and don’t get too anal – but if I can’t eat my greens I go crazy!
Can’t wait ti get my hard copy book
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I’ve been leafing through your book all weekend Sarah and I’m really pleased with what I’ve found, I think you have done a good job. There are times when I think the anti-sugar thing gets too militant, but then when I take a step back I realise this is mainly media hype and not actually you saying these things. The recipes are very reasonable and achievable. And also like you say, this is not a diet but finding what works for you. I still like to eat a banana and sometimes when I’m eating out I eat a bit of sweet chilli sauce, but no drama! It’s about being aware and knowing how much your body needs in a day. I used to be so terribly thin I don’t want to get too anxious about any kind of eating plan, but reducing sugar is very sensible.
Just posted about your new book here: http://www.cookchewconquer.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/sans-sugar-sarah-style.html – and I signed up to your affiliates program.
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Hi Sarah,
I loved the 10 terrifying questions too!
While I eat sugar and have quite a different dietary approach to you, I admire your hard work and determination and your success is well deserved. Congratulations! I hope 2013 is a great year for you.
I also think you are strong (and smart) for saying your piece each time, and then moving on. As anyone with children would know, it’s pointless (and energy draining) engaging in endless debate
…although it’s fantastic that your critics feel your blog is important enough for them to take time out of their day to dedicate to reading it and commenting on it
On another note, I’m looking forward to the splitting of the sites. Is the site having a re-vamp (new header etc?) Also, do you think you’ll do another survey/request for reader feedback?
Cheers!
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February 17th, 2013 at 10:09 pm
“endless debate” I think you mean any debate!
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Well done Sarah! Looking forward to the book signing tonight xx
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A genuine congratulations, Sarah. I’m so incredibly grateful for IQS. It’s been up and down but your simple approach to quitting has made such a huge difference. I’m just so much more relaxed about food. Something I’ve never been. Thank you.
I love IQS so much I bought a copy of the book to give away on my blog! Just wanted to share!
erinmadethis.wordpress.com
All the best
Erin xx
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Whilst I agree with you excess sugar consumption causes health issues, I cannot agree out is just fructose causing this.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22351714
You are scare mongering. There are literally thousands of peer reviewed articles explaining the detrimental effect of excess calories on the body, sugar is only one means of obtaining these calories.
Furthermore, you are belittling the millions of scientists who RESEARCH and test before providing nutritional and dietary advice. All you have done is try it out on yourself and your buddy, then pop it in a book, add a splash of marketing, a spoonful of hype and presto, you are selling lots of books making loads of money because most sheeple don’t know better. You have essentially published a work citing a theory as proof.
You should be ashamed of yourself, you have a brain, you seem intelligent albeit misguided morally, perhaps you could put your energy, fame and passion for health into something worthwhile. Such as getting school canteens to sell better food or teaching children the basics (the real ones based on research and knowledge, not home trials and theories).
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May 9th, 2013 at 6:22 pm
She should NOT be ashamed.
All those nutritionists?
THEY should be ashamed! For belittling THOUSANDS of years of eating real nutritious food. Now they tell us to eat margarine. Now they tell us to eat crap.
YOU need to do some proper research and you will learn there is NO link between saturated fats and BEING fat or even heart disease. Any research article that says so is VERY flawed.
“Modern” diseases are called modern for a reason!!!!! Because only recently have they decided that fat is bad for us! When they STUPIDLY decided that fat was bad for us they doomed us to be starved of fat and all these modern diseases were born!
Processed food and sugar. These are the only villains.
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May 9th, 2013 at 7:41 pm
“YOU need to do some proper research and you will learn there is NO link between saturated fats and BEING fat or even heart disease. Any research article that says so is VERY flawed.”
So you judge the quality of research by how much you like the findings?
How about we start with the gold standard of research reviews – the Cochrane Collaboration
http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD002137/cutting-down-or-changing-the-fat-we-eat-may-reduce-our-risk-of-heart-disease
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May 10th, 2013 at 11:40 am
Showing me an article where the dont take into account the rest of there diet but only there fat intake proves nothing.
If you WERE correct.
We wouldn’t be here today.
Because until recently, for thousands and thousands of years, noone had an Issue with fat.
If it was such a problem, we wouldn’t be here to discuss it now as everyone would have died!
The article also told us to eat vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are processed and toxic. And WILL cause cardiovascular disease.
In 1988, the surgeons generals office decided to gather together ALL the evidence linking saturated fat to heart disease. Eleven years later, the project was killed, they released a letter saying they did not anticipate the magnitude of additional expertise and staff resources that would be needed. But if Saturated fat really was bad, would it not be simple?
It would be. However it is not.
In the 1940-50′s the low fat revolution began. And since then disease after disease gets more prominent and people seem to be getting fatter and fatter.
And THAT is a DEFINITE trend.
Ultimately it’s your choice. But I will continue to enjoy butter and real natural fats on a daily basis, as my cholesterol is in a completely healthy range, I’m full of energy and it makes me happier, healthier, and more satisfied than the “low fat” craze ever did.