132,613
edits
Changes
no edit summary
Nicole Avena says that sugar 'can be' addictive. This has been established in the lab - it's not just anecdotal evidence. In many ways, it's not surprising when you consider the stresses of modern life. Just when you're convinced that it's a vicious circle with no way out, the book looks at ways of breaking our dependence. This is probably what is going to take the most time and effort simply because we're looking at long-term advantage rather than short-term (and probably unsustainable) gain. There's sensible, realistic advice on dealing with cravings, triggers and the withdrawal from sugar. Most useful to me was advice on managing stressors, setbacks and social pressures - particularly the social pressures. It's amazing how many people think they're doing you a favour by 'giving you permission' to have a cake or a sugar-laden drink. ''Sugarless'' is reassuring and empowering.
There are 30 recipes to help you get to grips with the new way of eating and there's something for everyone . I loved the granola and the oatmeal breakfast cookies. The chickpea avocado sandwich is a revelation and I liked the idea of a BLT without bread. I've one niggle and that's that the recipes use cups and I don't get on with them. It's a book by an American author and it's aimed primarily at the American market but it travels well and there's a lot to take away from the book even on this side of the pond.
The book is easy to read - the science is there but the jargon is minimal and comprehensible. I came away with a feeling that I could do this.