Potatoes Not Prozac

1. Sugar sensitivity: A biochemical condition affecting mood and behavior

"If this description fits you, you may be sugar sensitive. Your body chemistry may respond to sugars and certain carbohydrates (such as bread, crackers, cereal, and pasta) differently than other people's bodies do."

Inherited condition: Sugar sensitivity is an inherited biochemical condition that causes individuals to react differently to sugars and certain carbohydrates. This sensitivity can lead to:

• Mood swings
• Energy fluctuations
• Cravings for sweets and carbohydrates
• Difficulty controlling impulses
• Low self-esteem
• Depression and anxiety

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde syndrome: Many sugar-sensitive individuals experience dramatic shifts in mood and behavior, feeling confident and capable one moment and desperate or depressed the next. This inconsistency can be confusing and frustrating for both the individual and those around them.

Not a character flaw: Understanding sugar sensitivity as a biochemical condition rather than a personal failing is crucial. This perspective shift allows individuals to approach their symptoms with compassion and seek effective solutions rather than engaging in self-blame.

2. The impact of blood sugar, serotonin, and beta-endorphin on well-being

"An imbalance in the level of any single one of these can bring about striking changes in the way you feel or act. When all three are out of balance, it is almost impossible to isolate which one is making you feel so bad."

Blood sugar: Unstable blood sugar levels can cause:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings

Serotonin: This neurotransmitter affects:

• Mood regulation
• Impulse control
• Cravings for carbohydrates

Beta-endorphin: This brain chemical influences:

• Self-esteem
• Pain tolerance
• Emotional stability
• Cravings for sugar

The interplay of these three factors creates a complex biochemical environment that significantly impacts mood, behavior, and overall well-being. Understanding this interplay is key to addressing sugar sensitivity effectively.

3. Seven steps to heal sugar sensitivity and achieve radiant recovery

"The seven-step program I will teach you is a gentle, simple process that respects your style and your needs. You will learn how to read your body and design a food plan that works for you."

The Seven Steps:

1. Eat breakfast with protein
2. Keep a food journal
3. Eat three meals a day with protein
4. Take vitamins and have a potato before bed
5. Shift from "white" to "brown" foods
6. Reduce or eliminate sugars
7. Come alive

Gradual implementation: The program emphasizes taking one step at a time, allowing individuals to adapt and integrate changes slowly. This approach increases the likelihood of long-term success and sustainable lifestyle changes.

Personalization: The steps provide a framework, but individuals are encouraged to adapt the program to their specific needs and preferences. This personalization ensures that the recovery process is both effective and enjoyable.

4. The power of breakfast: Stabilizing blood sugar and mood

"Step 1 is the foundation of your entire program. It starts the process of stabilizing your blood sugar."

Protein requirement: Calculate your protein needs by dividing your weight in pounds by 2, then having about a third of that at each meal. For example, a 180-pound person would need 30 grams of protein at breakfast.

Timing matters: Eat breakfast within an hour of waking to prevent blood sugar crashes and beta-endorphin spikes that can trigger cravings.

Complex carbohydrates: Include a serving of "brown" carbohydrates with your protein, such as:

• Oatmeal
• Whole grain toast
• Brown rice
• Whole grain crackers

By starting the day with a balanced breakfast, you set the foundation for stable blood sugar and mood throughout the day, reducing cravings and improving overall well-being.

5. Journaling: A key tool for understanding your body's responses

"Your food journal gives you a way to look at yourself over time."

Four-column format:

1. Date and time
2. What you ate or drank
3. How you feel physically
4. How you feel emotionally

Benefits of journaling:

• Identifies patterns between food intake and mood/energy levels
• Increases awareness of eating habits
• Provides a record of progress over time
• Helps in making informed decisions about food choices

Emotional awareness: Use the provided list of emotional words to expand your vocabulary for describing feelings. This practice enhances emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Consistent journaling is a powerful tool for developing a deeper understanding of your body's unique responses to different foods and eating patterns, facilitating more effective decision-making in your recovery journey.

6. Transitioning from "white" to "brown" foods for better health

"In Step 5 of your food plan, you will start to shift your carbohydrate intake away from the quickly digested simple carbohydrates to the slower, more complex ones."

Carbohydrate continuum:

• Left side (simple): Alcohol, simple sugars, "white things"
• Right side (complex): "Brown things," "green things," fiber

"White things" to avoid:

• White bread
• Pasta
• White rice
• Crackers
• Cereals made with refined flour

"Brown things" to embrace:

• Whole grain bread
• Brown rice
• Oatmeal
• Quinoa
• Beans and lentils

Benefits of complex carbohydrates:

• Slower digestion
• More stable blood sugar levels
• Higher nutrient content
• Increased fiber intake

Gradually replacing simple carbohydrates with complex ones helps stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, and provide more sustained energy throughout the day.

7. Detoxing from sugar: Breaking the addiction cycle

"Remember that your body was designed for the release of beta-endorphin to support 'the good life.'"

Preparation:

• Plan your detox for a low-stress time
• Inform supportive friends and family
• Stock up on protein-rich foods and complex carbohydrates

Withdrawal symptoms:

• Headaches
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Cravings

Coping strategies:

• Drink plenty of water
• Eat more soluble-fiber foods
• Limit fruit intake during detox
• Use the "one choice at a time" approach

Alternative beta-endorphin boosters:

• Exercise
• Meditation
• Music
• Spending time with loved ones

Understanding sugar addiction as a biochemical process helps remove shame and increase motivation for change. By preparing for detox and having strategies in place, you can successfully break the sugar addiction cycle and pave the way for lasting recovery.

8. Living a radiant recovery: Embracing a new way of life

"As you heal your food, you are healing the deepest part of who you are. Changing your relationship to food means changing your relationship to yourself, to your ways of nourishment, and your connection to your birthright."

Ongoing process: Radiant recovery is not a destination but a continual journey of self-discovery and growth. It involves:

• Maintaining awareness of food choices and their impacts
• Cultivating new habits and coping mechanisms
• Exploring personal passions and goals

Balancing brain chemicals naturally:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Engaging in creative pursuits
• Nurturing relationships

Embracing sugar sensitivity's positive aspects:

• Heightened intuition
• Deep capacity for joy
• Increased creativity
• Strong empathy and compassion

As you progress in your recovery, you'll discover that the journey extends far beyond food. It becomes a transformative process that touches all aspects of your life, leading to greater self-awareness, emotional stability, and overall well-being.

Last updated: April 23, 2025