The Effects of False Energy on American Culture

By Caroline Shannon-Karasik

I am a healthy person. I work out and eat my veggies, and do all of those things healthy people are supposed to do.

But I also have a pretty tight-knit relationship with sugar.

It hit me one day when I was baking and realized that I had already eaten handfuls of chocolate chips that were supposed to be making their way into my gluten-free cookie dough. Sure, everyone has their sugar crazy moments, but these were more than just “moments” in my case. In addition to the “few chocolate chips” and the “couple of bites” of cake, there were loads of times throughout the day where a simple “taste” of something(s) had added up to something big.

Somewhere along the way, I had forgotten everything I knew about sugar and the havoc it wreaks on the human body. And I found out I wasn’t alone.

“Sugar is an incredibly addictive drug that many of us … are hooked on,” says Jennifer Fugo, the founder of Gluten Free School (www.glutenfreeschool.com), an online education destination for gluten-sensitive individuals, and its Gluten-Free Sugar Cleanse Program. “No matter whether it was introduced at childhood or snuck in under the radar at one stressful point in your life, sugar has its claws in you and doesn’t plan on letting go without putting up a good fight.”

Two weeks ago I decided it was time to put up a fight. I embarked on Fugo’s Gluten-Free Sugar Cleanse and chose to eliminate the surplus of sugar that I was adding to my life. It was rough –– not only was I giving up the obvious sources of sugar, like chocolate, cupcakes, cake and cookies, but I was also looking to improve my consumption of the not so in-your-face sources of sugar like bread, cereals, crackers and even fruit.

Let me say this first: These things are not necessarily bad for you. The key is moderation, and somehow along the way I had forgotten that very important rule.

“Getting the sugar out of your diet involves more than simply passing up the dessert,” writes Anne Louise Gittleman, author of Get the Sugar Out: 501 Simple Ways to Cut Sugar Out of Any Diet. “Sugar is pervasive in our society, not only in obvious forms such as cookies, cakes, and candy, but in just about any other food you can think of. From packaged meats to soups to commercial salt, sugar is in there. It’s even hidden in such nonfood items as vitamin and mineral supplements, aspirin, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and various cosmetics. Cutting down on sugar has to involve a multifaceted approach. It requires developing a “sugar savvy” –– knowing where to watch out for sugar and how to creatively and healthfully live without it.”

In fact, learning how to keep a bird’s eye view on sugar was exactly what I began to do, and I was quickly reminded of the ignorance I had chosen to use in place of what I knew what was good for me. One of my biggest lessons throughout this entire process was realizing just how often all of those “little bites” made their way into my mouth.

It had become a habit. And I found out it was one that more than a few people had a tough time breaking. In his book, In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan writes:

“One of the most momentous changes in the American diet since 1909 (when the USDA first began keeping track) has been the increase in the percentage of calories coming from sugars, from 13 percent to 20 percent. Add to that the percentage of calories coming from carbohydrates (roughly 40 percent, or ten servings, nine of which are refined) and Americans are consuming a diet that is at least half sugars in one form or another –– calories providing virtually nothing but energy.”

And Pollan’s not talking about the good kind of energy. Instead, sugar creates a false energy that causes your body to speed –– much like it does when under the influence of a drug –– and to very quickly crash. The worst part? That crash causes your body to want the drug –– sugar –– again, creating an endless cycle.

That cycle, I realized, was the exact root of my problem  –– and it was giving my body a one-two punch.

“Healthy flora are bacteria living in and on you that do what seems like a lot of magic in your digestive system,” says Fugo. “The thing is, it’s always a balancing act of nurturing those good bacteria and keeping the bad bacteria and yeast (aka candida) at bay. The good bacteria are a critical part of our digestive and immune systems. A serious problem arises when you overeat junk food and sugar because you’re literally feeding the bad guys. Your diet helps to dictate a specific environment in your belly that is not friendly to the bacteria you really want there. Thus, the good guys begin to die off, making way for the troublemakers.”

I have spent the last two weeks kicking those nasty troublemakers out of my system and the verdict is this: Will I eat sugar again? Yes. Will I be much more conscious about the amount of sugar I am putting into my body? You bet your sweet behind.

The truth is this: Sugar is found in more things than you and I could ever care to admit. It’s the creeper that lurks in our cupcakes and the stealthy sleuth that hides in the most seemingly healthy of food choices, like fruit. Yes, it’s just fine to enjoy it in moderation. Instead, the problem is when sugar becomes a daily part of our lives, wrapping it’s sweet little arms around our food decisions and wreaking no less terror than an overtired two year old.

Want to give your sugar habit the boot? Check out Fugo’s Gluten-Free Sugar Cleanse. You might also want to consider getting your hands on one or two of these books for a wealth of knowledge about how to live a healthy life in the presence of a sugar-ridden society:

In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan
Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr
Sugar Shock by Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C.
Get the Sugar Out: 501 Simple Ways to Cut Sugar Out of Any Diet by Anne Louise Gittleman

Dr. Robert Lustig also gave a very interesting lecture called “Sugar: The Bitter Truth” that was posted on YouTube in July 2009. In the video, Lustig makes a case for why sugar is “toxic” and runs through a host of interesting facts about the American culture’s addiction to sugar.

As for me, I am definitely on a better track. During the cleanse, I learned so much about how my consumption of sugar can be curbed by the mere acknowledgement that I am leaning on it as a habit rather than something I really need in my life.

Next up? Figuring out how to make gluten and sugar-free Snickers bars. It’s bound to happen, right?

Caroline Shannon-Karasik is the founder of The G-Spot Revolution , a gluten-free, healthy living blog built upon the premise that there is not a one-size-fits-all prescription for total wellness. She is also a freelance writer for several publications, including HGTV.com, and REDBOOK and Breathe magazines. Follow her on Twitter @TheGSpotRev.

By Caroline Shannon-Karasik

South Dayton Theatre performs The Nutcracker

Tradition is a term that’s used quite a bit during the holidays. For some, a little too much. Others can’t possibly get enough of the custom tinsel, carols and holiday lights.

And then there’s the celebrators who feel tradition, like an elderly woman does her wisdom – in their bones and delivered in just the right amount.

It would be tough for one to imagine such a feeling possible when considering a holiday favorite like the annual performances of The Nutcracker.

But that’s exactly the sentiment earned when listening to South Dayton School of Dance (SDSD) Administrator and partner Julie Anderson speak about the South Dayton Dance Theater’s (SDDT) upcoming performance of their 17th annual The Nutcracker at the Dayton Convention Center, December 4 and 5.

“I love that families who are not related to SDSD or SDDT call me for tickets year after year,” Anderson said. “When they call for tickets, I ask if they are coming to see a certain performer. Many times the response is ‘No, we have been bringing our children to your Nutcracker for years and now we are bringing our grandchildren.’”

“For me personally, The Nutcracker performances begin the holiday season and trigger my holiday spirit … it is truly contagious,” Anderson said.

That infectious energy trickles right on through to the dancers and staff.

“Nutcracker was the first full-length ballet I performed as a child, just like it is for my students, so it will always have a special place in my heart,” co-Artistic Director Erin Long-Robbins said. “It’s always heart-warming to see their excitement when they see the cast list and first put on their costumes.”

“I do admit that I get a lot more nervous for my students when they perform than I ever was when I performed myself. I want the audience to see them perform the way I have seen them dance – with joy, artistry and precision,” she said.

“The SDDT dancers are challenged by their school, class and rehearsal schedules, but many are also SDSD demonstrators in the younger students’ classes and already have a ‘fan club,’” Anderson said. “The mentoring that takes place during classes, rehearsals and costume fittings always makes me proud of the SDSD and SDDT artistic faculty, parent volunteers, and the SDDT company members who are idolized by many of the younger cast members.”

But what’s most interesting, perhaps, about that admiration is that it’s reciprocated between the company members and staff to the younger children. Take, for example, Ashley Sass, who is the co-assistant artistic director with Long-Robbins. Sass started out with SDDT as a young child – her first role in The Nutcracker, in fact, was as one of the little mice, a role that is still her favorite part to help rehearse.

After years of working her way up from little mouse to Clara and Sugar Plum, Sass moved on to earn a professional dance career and graduate with a dance degree from Point Park University in Pittsburgh.

But her reverence for SDDT always kept her coming back, popping into rehearsals when she was visiting home, assisting with choreography while juggling a full-time dance career, and now, in her current role at SDDT.

“Now, being on the other side of the production and walking out to the lobby in a dress and not a tutu, I get to see all those smiling faces on the dancers as they hug their friends and family,” Sass said.

That certainly is something to be said coming from Sass, who is known for staying up into the wee hours of the night, putting the finishing touches on costumes.

“Ashley is known as the ‘Bedazzling Queen’,” Anderson laughed. “She is truly amazing and can work miracles with worn out costumes and a handful of trimmings.”

Sass said her dedication, as with every member of SDDT, stems from the timeless saying that a person is the product of his or her environment. For SDDT, that’s the very circumstance created for them by Elizabeth Karns, who established SDDT in 1986.

“This woman is one of the most selfless people I know,” Sass said of the founder they all lovingly call “Miss Liz.”

“She has such big shoes to fill and I know I could never come close,” she said. “I have been on the other side where Miss Liz has stayed up all night so I would feel beautiful in my costume, and I take pride in giving the same gift.”

“I always tell myself late at night that if Miss Liz can do it, I can do it!”

Now, certainly, that’s a “tradition” worth achieving.

The 17th annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Dayton Convention Center is December 4 and 5. For show tickets and more information, call 937-435-5052.

Contact DCP freelance writer Caroline Shannon-Karasik at contactus@daytoncitypaper.com

Those swanky dance moves.

Dancer Sheri Sparkle Williams’ arms. Abs. Energy.

Holy crap.

Anyway … where was I? Ah, yes …

I had the remarkable opportunity to see Dayton Contemporary Dance Company perform this past weekend in their season opening show, JazzArtistically.

I can’t say that I am ever surprised by the outstanding show to which the DCDC dancers set fire on stage. But I am always a bit caught off guard by the sheer quality of movement that each of the dancers bring forth to their performances.

Opening with Sets and Chasers with choreography by Kevin Ward, the dancers whipped out their various moves, in accordance to the “sets” and “chasers” (or “breaks”) by which the piece was inspired; which is a reference to how jazz musicians separate their performances. The piece was set to live music recorded in 1940 by Duke Ellington’s orchestra.

Three World Premier pieces also hit the stage: Choreographer William B. McClellan, Jr.’s The Story Unfolds which was set to classic love songs; Unfaithful and Unrested choreographed by Crystal Michelle; and A Hot Day’s Night choreographed by Marlayna Locklear.

Dancing aside, perhaps one of the most exciting elements of the show was the incorporation of live music by Dayton’s very own jazz performer, Khalid Moss, along with bassist Ed Brookshire and percussionist Fenton Sparks. The Stivers School for the Arts Jazz Orchestra was also on stage, performing with the dancers in A Hot Day’s Night.

If toes weren’t tapping by then … well, then, I can’t help ya’.

The show was also made special by several personal introductions and mentions throughout the performance, including a section at the end of Sets and Chasers where each dancer was introduced to the audience with a brief bio and, naturally, a signature dance move.

Which leads us back to Sheri “Sparkle” Williams. No, I am not obsessed.

OK, maybe a bit.

But, honestly, who wouldn’t be after hearing that this woman is embarking on her 39th season with DCDC? Yeah, you heard that right — THIRTY-NINTH SEASON. You do the math, people. We all know this fabulous dancer didn’t start bustin’ out her moves on the dance floor straight out of the womb (well, now that I think about it …).

But, seriously: The fact that she can move like that and manage to look like a woman half her age gives me reassurance for my hopes to still be looking swell when I am her age.

OK, I know she is probably sick of hearing it — “Oh, my gosh, no way! You look amazing!” — but I just have one last request:

Sheri Williams will you teach me how to be like you when I grow up?

Now you can visit DCDC on Facebook!