013: Sweet Surrender: A 30-Day Plan to Quit Sugar Addiction

“I've been a sugar-holic all my life. I could eat sugar all the time. I could put down a dozen cookies at a time. I can— but do I want to? No, I don't, because I love my life. I love me. I love being healthy.” —Ann  LeMaster

Sugar is a sneaky villain that slowly crept its way into nearly every facet of modern life. With obesity and type 2 diabetes rates skyrocketing as a result, it's clear that this sweet poison has been wreaking havoc on our health for far too long. But with the right plan, support, and determination, anyone can sweetly surrender to sugar addiction for good, reclaiming their health and freedom from this deadly disease.

Tune in as Ann shares the link between sugar consumption, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, the health risks of high blood sugar levels, how sugar addiction develops and the vicious cycle it creates for diabetes patients, the role of genetics and family history, and how monitoring A1C levels can prevent long-term complications. 

Connect with Ann on Social Media:  

Website: https://seednutrition.com/Annt/home 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008572834952 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annthemasterhealer/ 

Email: Tamingdiabetes@yahoo.com 

Episode Highlights: 

03:58 Type 2 Diabetes— Shared Risk Factors and Prevention

10:12 Blood Sugar Levels Impact on Health

15:31 Lowering A1C Levels 

Resources: 

Ann’s Book

Heaven Scent: Listening to Your Inner Voice

Transcript

Ann LeMaster: Welcome back to Common Sense Living Podcast. I'm so thrilled to have you join me again on this exciting journey. Engage in common sense episodes, thought provoking conversations and inspiring stories I know you're going to love. So as a health professional, my focus will be on health as I was taught. So sit back, grab your pen and paper, and get ready to dive into another season of discovery and enlightenment. 

But first credit to my advertisers Avini health that's, avinihealth.com/annlemaster health products. I love them. And also Taming Diabetes Differently. It's a 30 or 60 day course, or monthly coaching calls. And tamingdiabetes@yahoo.com. Or call me at 972-948-9976. So with that, let's get started. And I do have a cat in here that's going to want to bother us. 

Are you really busy? So busy that you put convenience before your health? You make a fast food pitstop on the way home from work that you're too tired to cook. What is this really costing you? Here is reality, and some of the costs. Obesity and type two diabetes rates are on the rise. Just think about that around 90% of those with type two are overweight. This isn't really a surprise because there's a deep link between obesity and type two that can't be ignored. But see what this connection is starting with the basics. 

Just what is type two diabetes? It's a metabolic disorder where high blood glucose levels occur because your body can't use insulin properly called insulin resistance, or your body doesn't produce enough insulin. It's mostly connected to lifestyle factors such as not exercising much and carrying extra weight, especially around the midsection. What then is obesity? It's not just carrying some extra pounds, it's having too much body fat, which will cause various health problems. So how do I know I'm overweight? A fast way is by calculating your BMI, Body Mass Index. According to the World Health Organization, a BMI over 30 is considered obese. There are tools and apps to do all the math for you. You just input your weight and height, and the calculators give you your BMI. But remember, BMI is just one measure of obesity, and doesn't look at muscle mass or fat distribution. And also being muscle, it's going to put you higher even if you're not out of shape. Most people are aware of the link between type two diabetes and obesity, but they often overlook it. So common risk factors are shared between type two and obesity. While they're different, they have a lot in common regarding what makes them happen. 

One is family genes. Genetics play a big part in making you more likely to have type two diabetes or obesity. Your family has a history of these conditions, your chances of getting them go up to some gene differences can mess with how your body handles food and responds to insulin stores fat making you more at risk for both. You can't change your genes. Knowing about your family's history can help you work on other things that can be changed. So the second risk factor is your eating habits. What you eat makes a big difference in whether you end up with type two or obesity. Health complications of type two and obesity is a big chance of heart disease. And this happens because high blood sugar can hurt blood vessels and nerves leading to clogged arteries, poor blood flow and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Diabetes can disrupt your kidney function and maybe even lead to kidney failure. Another issue is neuropathy were damaged nerves cause feeling tingling and numbness, pain in the hands and feet. The combined impact when someone has both type two and obesity, the risks pile up. Obesity makes a heart risk linked with diabetes or by causing high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and more trouble with insulin. This combo makes chronic kidney disease more likely. 

But there's good news. Obesity and type two are reversible conditions. Even though they're complex, both obesity and type two diabetes are reversible with lifestyle tweaks. Research confirms that sustained weight loss and improvements in metabolic health can result in type two remission and significant reductions in obesity related health risks. If you want help with this, join my program to get individualized support reversing obesity and type two, all by following a scientifically backed and natural approach. You can contact me, Ann LeMaster, or tamingdiabetes@yahoo.com, or be quicker by calling 972-948-9976. 

Here's a tip from someone who's already done what you want to do so stick with me here. Most people spend 1 to 5, even 10 plus years trying to give up sugar only to have the problem get worse. Some folks will go a few days completely sugar free, but then they tend to crack usually under stress and binge on their favorite sugary foods. While the sugar may give them a temporary relief from the cravings long term, it makes them feel powerless, and they're no longer in control. Maybe you can relate. When you feel powerless to something as strongly sugar, it can make getting to the other side of that addiction seem absolutely impossible. But (inaudible) is the key word to focus on here, because breaking your sugar habit is not only possible, it's actually super easy when you have a proven path to follow. A path it's been proven time and time again to work. A path that if you fall off has someone they're coaching you and holding your hand helping you get back on track. And from my own experience as a recovered sugar addict for the last 60 plus years, it's best to follow the proven path of someone that was once in your shoes. And that is exactly where you want to be. Because if you want the best odds at breaking your sugar habit in 2024, you're going to need to learn from someone who's already been there and done that. Someone who will take your personal struggles and create a custom sugar free plan that's made specifically for you. Cookie cutter plans hardly ever work. 

This someone should also be able to focus on three things for you. Whether where you're at now on your sugar free journey, where you want to be or where you want to go, and how to get there as fast as possible with the least amount of struggle. And most importantly, because once you've got your power back and you finally feel like you're in control again, sugar stands no chance against you. Which leads me to some exciting news. Taming Diabetes Differently course and coaching programs are beginning again in July of this year 2024. So text me at 972-948-9976 to schedule your free consultation and more. So when you eat an unhealthy diet, three things happen. First, you compromise your health with excess pounds and toxins. Second, you risk falling into the spiral of food addiction and emotional eating. And third, you help make the healthcare industry very, very, very rich. 

Did that last one surprise you? It shouldn't. The fact is Americans spend a staggering $4.5 trillion on health care annually. That makes up 19% of the nation's entire GDP. And here's the kicker. Despite spending all that money, we're sicker than ever. Think about it. No one is making money off of you if you're eating a healthy diet and embracing an active lifestyle. So they have no incentive to push you in that direction. Let me tell you though, I'm already there. I've eaten healthy most all my life. I say I'm 80% organic, 20% I'm healing because you can't get away from the crap that's out there. Whether you go to a party or you let your guard down, that's that 20%. So we're big ag, big sugar, and big Pharma makes money by treating the damage caused by the standard American diet. And you know the acronym for that is S-A-D, sad. That lifestyle guarantees that you'll be caught up in a loop of endless medications, more processed foods and more cool features. The bottom line is that these industry giants have been quietly lining their pockets capitalizing on a system designed to keep you a steady customer patient. 

But you don't have to be a pawn in this profit driven game. You can take back your health into your own head and where it belongs. Simply eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help you prevent and even reverse most of their sugar, most of the major illnesses of our time. I got that article from a doctor. So Taming Diabetes coaching program, can you imagine 365 days without sugar? Make it a month and crave it. If you're a woman, perhaps it is at that time of the month when the cravings really hit. Let me share from experience. It doesn't end up after menopause either. Most people struggling with sugar couldn't imagine making it a few weeks without sugar, let alone an entire year. 

The following is from an article I read. Mary is living proof that it is possible, and she had some inspiring words of advice to share for those who think they will never be able to live without sugar. Her birthday was soon approaching. Her mom asked if she was going to eat cake on her birthday. It was less than a month sugar free for the year. She thought about it, but decided not to. She would relapse and eat all the leftover cake. Then they're done. It was then she realized she didn't need cake to celebrate her birthday. By now, she didn't really even want cake. By allowing herself to have the cake, she overcame the desire to eat it. Two key words there. She allowed herself to make the choice to have it. But she overcame that desire. She knew she could indulge anytime she wanted, but would it really be worth it? This was huge for her. She never dreamed she would and could live without sugar. Mary had made a promise to her so that she would not eat sugar for a year. She was just two short weeks away from that goal and felt no need to indulge. She chose not to.

Now for all of you at the beginning of a sugar free journey and think you can never exist without sugar, you can. One day you'll realize it is a conscious choice and not an endless struggle. You will be so proud of your success. Are you ready to take the challenge of giving up the sweet tooth, no longer being a victim to the cravings, binges and emotional eating and feeling the self disgust at your failure. Join me at the Taming Diabetes Coaching Program, it will help you get there just like it did for Mary. You don't have to commit the entire year. She did it month by month. Even just 30 days sugar free will show you how possible it is for you. You'll get so inspired. You'll want to continue at just $30 a month. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Plus, if you sign up for my Taming Diabetes Differently for two month course, you're going to get your $30 back from your first month investment. And don't wait, join now. Let's finally put sugar behind you once and for all. 

Join my Taming Diabetes Differently course or coaching program. Email me at tamingdiabetes@yahoo.com, or call 972-948-9976. And as a certified health coach, a nurse and common sense living podcaster, I enjoy giving you all this valuable information. So we're on the last article here and the cat really wants out of this room badly. 

You know how we're always hearing get that A1c down. Why do they keep saying that? Why is your A1c so important? When they say let's lower your A1c. How? What's the magic number? I'm aiming for you. Yes, we hear it everywhere, and it's so confusing. Where do you start? Let's break it down. Let's talk about A1c(HbA1c). You're A1c is a peek into your average blood sugar levels from the past three months. When glucose enters your blood, it attaches to hemoglobin. The protein or red blood cells that transport oxygen. This process is known as glycation. Therefore, the higher your blood glucose, the more hemoglobin becomes glycated. And the higher your A1c goes. Since these red blood cells live in your body for about three months by looking at how much glucose is attached, you get all the information about your average glucose levels during that time period. Think of it this way. Your A1c value measures how much glucose is attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells over the past three months. If you're keeping an eye on diabetes, it's your best bet to see how you're doing by checking your A1c levels. If your A1c is riding high all the time, oh, you could be looking at an increased risk for heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage and vision problems called retinopathy. 

By tracking your A1c, you stay ahead of the game and can prevent these chronic conditions. If your blood glucose is high, what happens? First off, high blood glucose can raise your risk for blood vessels and nerve damage, because too much glucose for too long is extremely inflammatory. Also, if your A1c is high, it can increase your risk for kidney damage known as diabetic nephropathy. It sounds scary, and nephropathy can result in chronic kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant down the road. Neuropathy can also damage nerves in your brain, arms and legs, and can lead to limb amputations down the road. So what can you do to control your agency at all costs? The ADA, the American Diabetes Association recommends most folks with diabetes should shoot for an A1c below 7%. It's like hitting that perfect balance between keeping costs levels too high hyperglycemia, and too low hypoglycemia. The A1c is a snapshot of the three months, and DNA testing is like an ongoing movie. You need both to really understand what's going on. It's possible to lower your values by a whole number in six weeks and lose some weight as well. Doesn't that sound fantastic? 

Here's a testimonial from my program. My grandmother died from diabetic complications and amputations. I promised myself this would not be me. My previous labs were 5.9. I took charge of my life and did this program. In as little as six weeks, my new set of labs were 4.9. I lost three pounds. I'm inspired to continue. So here's some starter tips to lower your A1c. Swap out foods like processed junk and fatty meats for more green food like fruits, veggies, legumes and whole grains. Whether it's going to the gym or for a brisk walk, getting a heart pumping can help you lower your A1c levels. Drink plenty of water and aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep. When you're running empty, your body has difficulty regulating glucose in your blood. If you're taking diabetes medications or insulin, it's crucial to take them as prescribed. 

If you're scared of diabetes, if you're confused by all the conflicting information out there about weight loss diets, what to eat, excessive medications, whether you're living with free diabetes, or cursed with it, I can help you. And if you live in San Antonio, I can actually do your labs for you. I can check your A1c so you'll know in as little as five minutes what your A1c is. I keep practicing because I'm a biometric screener on contract. And I test my husband every first of the month. And while I was doing this program for myself, I actually tested myself twice a month. I've noticed how I respond to the foods whether I go high because I've eaten the wrong things because it was up already. Or I eat the right things. So it's so inspiring for me to know that I can help you overcome your sugar habits. I've been a sugarholic all my life. I could eat sugar all the time. I could put down a dozen cookies at a time. I can. But do I want to? No, I don't because I love my life. I love me. I love being healthy. And that's it. I'm 74 years old, and I'm loving life. I'm the happiest I've ever been because I found a purpose. My purpose is to live, learn, share and help you to find your purpose in life. Your love of life and being healthy. So you're there for things you want to do, and your family so you're not a burden and can't throw the ball to your son or daughter. Things like that. So you can dance again. And it's so inspiring to be able to help people to get their lives back the way it should be. 

I'm honored for you to join me on my Taming Diabetes Differently course. I'm honored if you want to sign up for the monthly coaching program, and I would be so pleased for you to call me at 972-948-9976. Text and leave a message if I don't answer. And you can sign up as well with Taming Diabetes, tamingdiabetes@yahoo.com. Although sometimes I don't get that email too well, that's why I give you my phone number. I can help you lower your A1c, help you achieve your ideal body weight and get you off of your diabetes medications or at least get them lower. 

I'm just thrilled to be able to be of assistance to you so I want to thank you for listening to today's episode. I'm sure you enjoyed it and learned something new. I would appreciate it if you leave a kind review, share this with a friend and subscribe. I'll see you next time with another insightful episode of Common Sense Living because most people don't have common sense, and I'm full of it. I can hardly wait. Brought to you by Avini Health www.avinihealth.com/annlemaster8084, and Taming Diabetes Differently 60 day course or monthly coaching calls. That's at tamingdiabetes@yahoo.com or 972 948 9976 for Ann LeMaster. 

See you next time. Bye.