Hi Petra,

I can relate to what you say - I too tried to just stop sugar. For years I worked hard on my diet and nutrition because of health issues. I am very low- income and felt that diet was one area where I had some control. I knew all about nutrition, protein, complex carbs, blood sugar issues, ect. But despite my motivation and knowledge, I couldn't stop my sugar binging, no matter how hard I tried. I could quit sugar for up to a month, then I'd be right back to it.

Also, my ethnic heritage is half Norwegian too. I grew up loving those Norwegian Christmas cookies. Butter, sugar, white flour and almond or vanilla extract - oh baby! They were my drugs of choice, but I didn't know it. Those cookies were a huge emotional family thing and made me feel loved and cherished. I had an epiphany not long ago when I noticed a recipe on the back of a pack of sugar I bought at the grocery store. It was a recipe for Norwegian butter cookies! It's hard to fight one's tradition. There are other aspects to one's ethnic background though - for instance, I found out that taking essential fatty acids in the form of fish oils and evening primrose oil is crucial for Norwegians and other ethnic groups that live by the sea and traditionally depended on fish as a staple.

I too am grateful for this program, and still have a long ways to go with it. I find it is a crucial element in supporting a change from a life-long problem to a better way of living. I couldn't make the changes with only my "head knowledge" and the motivation of chronic health problems and depression. (I never had a weight issue.) I needed more, but had no idea what to do until I stumbled on this program. Coupled with individualized nutritional guidance, it is unbeatable!

innersmile