106: Sugar Addiction with Mike Collins

Simple, Healthy Choices for Weight Loss

In this episode, Dr. Steve and his wife Theresa interview Mike to share his personal journey of quitting sugar, raising sugar-free children, and advocating for a healthier lifestyle. They explore the science behind sugar addiction, its withdrawal challenges, and practical strategies for breaking free.

Mike Collins believes sugar addiction is very real and not to be taken lightly. As a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder for over thirty- nine years, he took a keen interest in what sugar was doing to him and his friends in early recovery. After much research and experimentation - he quit sugar with the help of amazing mentors. He then raised two children sugar-free from the womb to six years old, and as they grew, he rewrote the rules for sugar and kids in childhood. He takes his stewardship of Sugaraddiction.com and Quitsugarsummit.com very seriously and aims to provide information and community for anyone wanting to curb or quit sugar.

Hundreds of thousands have read his book The Last Resort Sugar Detox, and tens of thousands have completed his online 30-Day Sugar Freedom Challenge.

[00:01 - 21:12] The Truth About Sugar Addiction

Sugar addiction starts early and mimics substance addiction.

Mike quit sugar, raised sugar-free kids, and became a detox advocate.

Sugar creates dopamine-driven cravings, not just taste preferences.

Society and industries normalize sugar and promote unhealthy habits.

[21:13 - 38:37] Breaking Free from Sugar Addiction

A 100% abstinence period from sugar, flour, and caffeine rewires cravings and brain chemistry.

Expect symptoms like lethargy, irritability, and depression as your body adjusts.

Commit to 90 days of zero sugar, flour, and caffeine to break the cycle.

Removing all sugar from the house is a critical first step toward long-term success.

[38:38 - 01:06:00] Raising Sugar-Free Kids and Managing Cravings

Starting kids sugar-free early is key to preventing dependency.

Triggers like holidays and social gatherings require careful planning.

Clearing the house of sugar helps both kids and adults stay on track.

Sugar addiction impacts health, emotions, and motivation deeply.

[01:06:01 - 01:16:40] Why Sugar Abstinence Works

Sugar impacts the brain like drugs, creating dependency and withdrawal.

Expect lethargy, depression, and intense hunger during the detox process.

Fructose in sugar and ultra-processed foods keeps cravings alive.

Full abstinence is the most effective way to break the addiction.

[01:16:44 - 01:36:25] Closing Segment

Sugar impacts the brain's pleasure center similarly to addictive drugs.

Withdrawal symptoms include depression, fatigue, and cravings.

Eliminating sugar and processed foods is crucial for lasting success.

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Tweetable Quotes:

“Identifying yourself as a sugar addict is pretty easy. The most stories that I get are people hiding stuff, hiding wrappers from their family.” - Mike Collins

“Once they're eating sugar, they've set themselves up for cravings for more.” - Mike Collins

“You're not craving a sweet taste on your tongue. You're craving a dopamine hit.” - Mike Collins

“When they begin to heal from sugar, the fructose starts to bother them.” - Mike Collins

“Aging, in my opinion, in almost every malady you can think of is just sugar abuse.” - Mike Collins

“They didn't go to sugar. They went back to sugar. They went back to their original drug of choice when they were kids.” - Mike Collins