Advertise on podcast: The Kick Sugar Coach Podcast

Are you stuck in yo-yo dieting, sugar cravings, or binge-restrict cycles—and blaming yourself for it?  If food feels like it’s calling you, if one meal can spiral into weeks or months off track, this episode may change how you see your struggle forever. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Tro Kalayjian, board-certified physician in internal medicine and obesity medicine, breaks down the 3 clinical signs of food addiction—and why willpower, discipline, and “trying harder” often make things worse, not better. You’ll learn how compulsion, loss of control, and continuing despite consequences show up in real life, why so many people feel out of control around sugar and processed foods, and why shame and self-blame are not the solution. This episode is for you if you’ve ever: Tried everything to lose weight but can’t keep it offFelt addicted to sugar, bread, chocolate, or ultra-processed foodsWondered why you have discipline in other areas of life—but not with foodExperienced binge eating, emotional eating, or constant cravingsBeen told to “just eat less” or “have more willpower” and felt defeatedDr. Tro also explains: The 3 C’s of food addiction (used clinically)Why one “off-plan” meal can trigger relapse for monthsThe difference between obesity and food addictionWhy some people need support, not restrictionHow metabolic health, insulin resistance, and blood sugar play a roleWhat actually helps people achieve long-term weight loss without shameIf you’re a health professional, coach, or caregiver, this episode will also help you recognize food addiction in patients and loved ones—and respond with compassion instead of blame. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

What if the real challenge isn’t losing weight… but keeping it off? In this powerful interview, Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD—adjunct associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences, bestselling author, and founder of Bright Line Eating—breaks down the surprising psychology of weight loss maintenance and why so many people regain weight even after making progress. Most programs focus on short-term weight loss. But lasting success comes from learning how to maintain your results without living in constant food obsession, diet mentality, or the exhausting cycle of starting over. In this episode, we explore the three deep identity shifts that make long-term weight maintenance possible. We also discuss the psychology behind food addiction, why ultra-processed foods hijack the brain, and what it takes to build a sustainable eating plan in today’s modern food environment. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the dieting merry-go-round, struggled with food noise, or wondered why weight loss doesn’t last—this conversation will change how you see the journey. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why weight loss maintenance is the missing piece of the conversation • The psychology of keeping weight off long-term • How to stop the constant mental battle with food • Why willpower isn’t reliable (and what works instead) • The identity framework behind lasting transformation • How to move from dieting → to a sustainable lifestyle • Practical strategies to maintain weight without obsession Whether you're still trying to lose weight or you’ve already lost weight and want to keep it off, this episode is about creating a life where you feel free, peaceful, and stable—not constantly gaining and losing. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why can’t I stop craving sugar?” or “Why do I feel out of control around carbs?”—this interview will change how you see your body, your brain, and your sugar cravings. In this powerful conversation, Eric Edmeades (founder of WildFit, author of Post Diabetic and The Evolution Gap) explains why sugar cravings are not a character flaw, a lack of discipline, or “just emotional eating.” They’re often ancient survival wiring—a deeply human instinct designed to keep us alive when sweet foods were rare and seasonal. But today, sugar isn’t seasonal. It’s constant. And when your environment changes faster than your biology can adapt, the result is cravings, overeating, metabolic dysfunction, weight gain, and blood sugar instability. In this interview, Eric breaks down the difference between natural sugar in whole foods (fruit, honey, root vegetables) versus refined sugar and ultra-processed foods—and why modern “food-like substances” keep your appetite switched on. You’ll also learn how ancestral food rhythms, metabolism, and food psychology can help you reduce cravings and rebuild trust with your hunger signals—without obsessing over meal plans, calorie counting, or extreme restriction. You’ll Learn: Why sugar cravings feel irresistible (and why it’s not about willpower)The truth about sugar: it’s not evil—it’s too availableWhy refined sugar and corn syrup behave differently in the body than real foodThe seasonal way humans evolved to eat (and why it matters today)How “always-available” carbs impact insulin, appetite, and cravingsWhy meal plans often backfire (and what to do instead)The 3 metabolic states humans evolved to run:Sugar burningFat burningAutophagy (cellular cleanup through fasting)How to retrain your intuition around food when your appetite has been “hijacked”A food-first approach to improving blood sugar, energy, and long-term healthIf you have ever felt powerless against sugar cravings, or wondered why you can’t maintain weight loss despite "trying everything," this conversation will change your biological perspective forever. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

If willpower, meal plans, and “just quit” advice actually worked, sugar addiction wouldn’t keep coming back. In this deeply honest conversation, Florence sits down with Dr. Ann Weiser Cornell, a pioneer in trauma-informed healing and Inner Relationship Focusing, to explore the real reason so many people relapse with sugar and ultra-processed foods — and why it has far less to do with food than we’ve been taught to believe. This episode unpacks how trauma, emotional shutdown, and inner conflict drive compulsive eating, why control and restriction often make cravings worse, and how learning to relate differently to our emotions can dissolve the inner war that keeps us stuck. You’ll learn: Why sugar is often used to avoid overwhelming emotionsHow trauma disconnects us from body wisdom and choiceWhy “shoulds,” discipline, and control backfire with addictionWhat it actually means to heal the root of cravingsHow self-led decisions create peace — not inner rebellionThis is not a conversation about dieting. It’s about safety, presence, and learning how to meet what comes up when the sugar goes down. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep going back to sugar — even when you don’t want to — this episode will change how you see addiction, healing, and yourself. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Most of us know what it feels like to “fall off track” with food — that sting of disappointment, the self-talk that spirals, the quiet panic of “Why did I do that? And why can’t I stop?” But what if those moments aren’t failures at all? What if they’re signals — invitations — pointing to something deeper happening inside us? That’s the conversation I had with Connie Bennett, a former sugar and carb addict turned journalist, bestselling author, and coach who has spent years digging into the real reasons we relapse… and the surprisingly simple tools that can pull us back. This is one of those interviews where you feel both understood and empowered — at the same time. Connie has written three books on sugar, relapse, and recovery, including her newest, I Blew My Diet… Now What? After losing her mother, she herself fell into a months-long spiral of popcorn, chips, crackers, grief, PTSD, and what she calls “carbage.” That experience changed the trajectory of her work — and led her to uncover 21 core reasons people relapse, along with practical tools that actually work in the moment when cravings hit. This episode is part storytelling and part strategy. It shares practical techniques you can use today. Episode Highlights: Why Connie relapsed after a decade of eating clean — and what it taught herHow “carbage” (processed carbs) can trigger 30+ old symptomsThe 21 reasons people blow their diets — and why willpower failsThe FAST method for navigating cravings in real timeWhy self-compassion works better than self-criticism (and the study that proves it)A simple tapping sequence you can use at a party when cravings hitWhat to do immediately after a relapse — and what not to doIf you’ve ever slid back into old habits and need a little help getting some traction, this is the episode for you. And Connie’s new book is the book for you! It took her 7 years to research and write it. It is fabulous! Really, really fabulous. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

If there were a way to get steadier energy, fewer cravings, and a little more calm from a handful of tiny green tablets… would you be curious? In this week’s episode of the Kick Sugar Coach Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Catharine Arnston, founder and CEO of EnergyBits, to talk about algae—specifically spirulina and chlorella—and why she believes they’re some of the most powerful, overlooked superfoods for sugar-sensitive people. Catharine shares how her sister’s cancer diagnosis sent her deep into the research, eventually leading her to become of the world’s authorities on algae’s remarkable ability to: Supply the body with clean, steady fuel at the cellular (mitochondria) levelQuiet sugar cravings by deeply nourishing the bodySupport focus and mental clarity without stimulation or jittersDetox toxins and support gut and immune health with chlorellaWe also talk about the differences between spirulina and chlorella, why quality matters, and how people are using them to repair, rejuvenate, and replenish the body.  It’s a grounded, hopeful conversation that offers a very simple tool you can experiment with to see which of the 20+ benefits you experience. (And if you decide to try EnergyBits, there is a 10% off code below.) One of algae’s great features is that you can grab it when you’re on the go or travelling. No cooking, slicing, dicing, or refrigeration needed. Chlorella is so powerful at detoxifying the body that it is used to sober someone up when they have consumed too much alcohol. It also helps with hangovers. Crazy but true. A final amazing feature is that algae contains over 40 essential minerals and vitamins in easy-to-digest form, making it ideal for those who don’t love or don’t eat enough veggies. (You rascals!)  Here’s to magical green pellets, clean fuel, and your well-being! Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Every so often, I have a conversation that stays with me long after the recording ends — not because it’s dramatic, but because it quietly shifts how I understand the body and the brain. This episode is one of those conversations. Today on the Kick Sugar Coach Podcast, I’m talking with Dallin Hardy, a biochemist from Hardy Nutritionals, about something most of us were never taught: how deeply the brain and our mitochondria depend on micronutrients to function well, and what happens when those nutrients get depleted. (And best of all, how 60 peer-reviewed studies show we CAN replenish them. This interview will tell you how.) Dallin has a gift for translating complex biochemistry into everyday language. He shares the story behind their well-known formula, Daily Essential Nutrients, why researchers keep studying it, and what he sees every day working with people who are rebuilding their mental health from the inside out. Episode Highlights What happens to energy (ATP) production when micronutrients are lowHow to dramatically improve mitochondrial function Why sugar depletes the body of needed nutrients and how to replenish themHow micronutrients can improve ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, and sleepThe unexpected findings in pregnancy and infant developmentIf you’ve ever felt like your energy, focus, or emotional resilience wasn’t matching the effort you’re putting into your health… this episode offers a different way to look at it.  Sometimes the body isn’t malfunctioning. It’s just missing what it needs. I think one graphic in particular, where Dallin details all the micronutrients needed to produce clean, efficient energy in our cells, will take your breath away. It did mine. *Click here to watch the slides https://youtu.be/5547H6I4WYQ?si=ojtSyd4JHBOcx6dD Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

I recently sat down with Martha Carlin, founder of BiotiQuest — one of the most trusted names in microbiome science. Her company is breaking new ground in understanding how gut bacteria influence nearly every system in the body. In this episode, Martha shares how her husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis sparked two decades of research into the microbiome, including what she discovered about how gut bacteria produce key hormones, vitamins, and neurotransmitters, and how damage to the microbiome impacts our metabolism. We talk about the biggest disruptors of gut health — sugar, antibiotics, stress, and chemicals — and how they tip the microbial balance toward pathogenic strains, leading to inflammation, cravings, mood swings, hormone issues, blood sugar swings and more. Most importantly, Martha explains how to repair your microbiome and assures us it is possible. (This is where the interview really shines.) She walks us through the research behind Sugar Shift® (including its impact on A1C and insulin) and why her new formula, Perfect Peace, is helping people feel calmer and more regulated. If you want a clearer understanding of gut health and how to experience the profound benefits of targeted probiotics — clearer skin, fewer cravings, better digestion, deeper sleep, and more — this episode is for you. In addition to her expertise, Martha is also offering an exclusive deal: Buy 2 bottles of Sugar Shift®, Get 1 FREE + an extra 10% off with code 2025KSS10  👉 Claim your special offer here Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Molly Rucker's path to health wasn't straightforward. After struggling with obesity as a teenager and disordered eating in her twenties, she found herself "skinny" but far from healthy. This disconnect sparked a deep curiosity about what true wellness actually means beyond appearances. Working at a health food store became the unexpected turning point in Molly's journey, introducing her to traditional foods and the beginning of her exploration into how genetics, neurochemistry, and physiology influence our well-being. Unlike many health approaches that focus on treating symptoms, Molly advocates for making the body "inhospitable to disease" by understanding our unique biological needs. Molly's fascination with neurochemistry eventually led her to co-found Keto Brains, a nutraceutical company offering a nootropic formulation that enhances cognitive function without the jitters or crashes associated with caffeine. The product combines alpha-GPC to boost acetylcholine (essential for focus), lion's mane mushroom to promote neuronal health, and L-theanine to create calm alertness—all delivered in a creamy MCT oil base that simultaneously supports ketone production. Beyond supplements, Molly shares profound insights about emotional regulation, explaining how emotions are essentially chemical reactions that typically run their course within 60 seconds. By creating space to observe these reactions rather than feeding them, we can develop resilience that supports our health goals instead of sabotaging them when challenges arise. Whether you're struggling with caffeine dependence, looking to optimize your cognitive performance, or simply wanting to understand the connection between your emotional responses and your brain chemistry, this conversation offers practical wisdom from someone who's personally walked the path from illness to vibrant health. Molly's science-based yet deeply personal approach reminds us that the journey toward optimal health starts with understanding our individual biology and honoring what our unique systems need to thrive. Molly shared a discount code for first-time customers of KetoBrainz during the interview. If you're curious about trying her 4-ingredient nootropic blend, use code KICKSUGAR for 20% off your first order.  Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Dr. Stephen Hussey was 34 when he had a heart attack. As a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner who already lived a healthy lifestyle, he was stunned. But what shocked him even more was what doctors found during his angiogram: zero atherosclerosis. No plaque. Just a massive spontaneous clot. That discovery sent him down a research rabbit hole that completely changed how he thinks about heart disease—and how the human body actually works. In this mind-bending conversation, Dr. Hussey shares discoveries that flip conventional cardiology on its head. Like why your heart doesn't actually pump blood. Why cholesterol has nothing to do with heart attacks. And why your body is essentially a walking battery powered by something called "structured water." Sounds crazy? The science is there. Dr. Hussey breaks down research showing how water in your body can hold an electrical charge, how trauma literally gets stored in your tissues as damaged water crystals, and why people with chronic fatigue can't seem to "hold a charge." He also explains why the sun might be the most powerful medicine on the planet, how grounding your feet to the earth can improve blood flow, and why that constant fatigue you feel might have more to do with damaged water than damaged mitochondria. This isn't your typical heart health interview. Dr. Hussey challenges everything from the cholesterol theory to why we're told the sun causes cancer. He makes a compelling case that most of what we think we know about cardiovascular disease is not just wrong—it's keeping us sick. Whether you're dealing with heart issues, chronic fatigue, or just curious about how your body really works, this conversation will change how you think about health. Dr. Stephen Hussey is the author of "Understanding the Heart" and "The Health Evolution." He offers functional medicine consultations and speaks internationally on metabolic health. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

When Jan Ellison Baszucki's 19-year-old son Matt had a manic episode at UC Berkeley, it started five years of hell. Psychiatric hospitals. Twenty-nine different medications. Therapy after therapy. Nothing worked. "I thought we'd lost him," Jan says. Matt wasn't the energetic, intellectual kid they knew. He was barely functioning, even when he wasn't manic or depressed. Then they tried something radical: a ketogenic diet. Within four months, Matt was in remission from bipolar disorder. Jan, who runs the Baszucki Group and founded Metabolic Mind, has spent the last few years diving deep into the science of metabolic psychiatry. Her message is simple but revolutionary: your brain needs the right fuel to function properly. In this conversation, Jan gets real about what it's like to watch your child disappear into mental illness—and what it feels like to get them back. She talks about the emerging research showing ketones can stabilize mood in ways medications often can't. And she shares practical advice for families who feel stuck in the traditional treatment system. This isn't about ditching medication or therapy. It's about understanding that sometimes the brain just isn't getting what it needs to heal. For some people, changing how they eat changes everything. If you're dealing with mental health issues in your family, or you're curious about this growing field of metabolic psychiatry, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. Jan Ellison Baszucki is a Silicon Valley executive turned mental health advocate whose family's story is helping pioneer new approaches to treating serious mental illness. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Have you ever wondered why some people exercise religiously and follow all the right diets but still struggle with weight and metabolic health? Dr. Brian Lenzkes, ten-time recipient of San Diego's "Best Doctor" award, reveals the missing pieces in our understanding of metabolic health that might be sabotaging your efforts. Dr. Lenzkes opens up about his personal journey through metabolic dysfunction despite being a practicing physician with all the "right" knowledge. When his blood sugar reached pre-diabetic levels despite regular exercise and following conventional dietary guidance, he knew something fundamental was missing from mainstream medicine's approach. The breakthrough came from an unexpected source—an elderly patient who lost 40 pounds through intermittent fasting. This led Dr. Lenzkes down a path that transformed his medical practice, helping patients come off diabetes medications completely and reverse conditions he once believed were permanent. In this conversation, Dr. Lenzkes delivers several shocking revelations. First, the blood sugar tests your doctor runs might be missing the most important marker of metabolic health—insulin levels. He explains how high insulin can silently damage your body for years before blood sugar numbers ever change. Second, he explains why muscle mass might be the single most important factor for longevity, even more significant than avoiding smoking or drinking. Finally, he demonstrates through patient stories how stress, poor sleep, and even arguments with loved ones can spike blood sugar more dramatically than eating cookies. Whether you're struggling with weight loss plateaus, puzzling blood sugar readings, or just want to understand why conventional medical wisdom keeps failing so many people, Dr. Lenzkes offers practical insights that bridge traditional medicine with cutting-edge lifestyle approaches. His message is ultimately one of hope—that with the right understanding of how our bodies actually work, many of the metabolic conditions considered "chronic" might actually be reversible. Ready to discover what might be missing in your health journey? Listen now to understand the surprising connections between stress, muscle, insulin resistance, and lasting health. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Bitten Johnson has been sober from alcohol for 39 years, but quitting sugar? That was the real battle. As Sweden's leading sugar addiction expert and registered nurse, Bitten discovered her food addiction while already in recovery from alcoholism. What started as a personal struggle became her life's work—training coaches and medical professionals to treat what she calls "the strongest psychoactive substance on earth." In this candid conversation, Bitten shares her own relapse story during menopause, reveals why traditional recovery methods often fail, and explains why she believes ketogenic eating is crucial for lasting freedom. She doesn't sugarcoat the reality: recovery rates are low, relapse is common, and our toxic food environment makes healing harder than ever. But there's hope. After decades of working with thousands of clients, Bitten has developed methods that work. She explains why treating addiction must come first, before trauma work or therapy, and shares the daily practices that have kept her free for decades. Whether you're struggling with food cravings yourself or trying to understand why willpower isn't enough, this interview offers rare insights from someone who's walked the path and dedicated her life to lighting the way for others. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Think you understand insulin resistance? Think again. Dr. Annette Bosworth (Dr. Boz) takes you inside the cellular battlefield where metabolic disease really begins—and shows you exactly how to win the war. In this eye-opening interview, Dr. Boz reveals why so many people get stuck in "metabolic purgatory"—feeling better initially on keto, then hitting a wall where progress stops and weight loss stalls. Using powerful visual analogies, she explains what's actually happening inside your cells when insulin resistance develops, why your mitochondria are dying, and how your beta cells hold the key to your metabolic future. You'll discover: The "Russian doll effect" of cellular damage and how to reverse itWhy it takes weeks (not days) for some people to feel better on ketoThe hidden reason one cheat meal can undo weeks of progressHow continuous glucose monitors reveal what your doctor can't seeWhy your body fights to keep blood sugar normal—even when it's killing youThe real difference between insulin sensitivity and insulin resistanceDr. Boz also tackles the controversial debate around high-fat vs. low-fat diets for reversing diabetes, explaining why context matters more than ideology when it comes to your metabolism. Whether you're struggling with diabetes, weight loss plateaus, or simply want to understand how your body really works, this conversation will change how you think about food, insulin, and metabolic health forever. Dr. Annette Bosworth is an internal medicine physician, bestselling author of "Anyway You Can" and "Keto Continuum," and a leading voice in metabolic medicine. Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

What if the fatigue that's been dragging you down for months (or years) isn't just "stress" or "getting older" - but actually a fixable energy delivery problem that most doctors completely miss? Meet Dr. Sarah Myhill, a traditionally-trained medical doctor who broke away from conventional medicine when she realized it only treats symptoms, not root causes. After decades of research and treating thousands of chronic fatigue patients, she's developed a revolutionary 5-step protocol that addresses the real reasons your energy is failing. In this eye-opening interview, Dr. Myhill reveals how to diagnose and fix the energy crisis in your body - without expensive tests, endless doctor visits, or prescription drugs that mask the problem. After listening to Dr. Myhill's approach, you might find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew about chronic fatigue. Her message is both empowering and controversial: you don't need more doctors, more tests, or more medications. You need to understand what's actually broken in your energy delivery mechanisms - and fix it yourself. The tools are all there. The question is: are you ready to take back control of your energy? Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here! Support the show Florence's courses & coaching programs can be found at: www.FlorenceChristophers.com Connect with Florence on: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE