Many Aussies are constantly watching with their fat intake, yet the number of overweight Australians has continued to swell. Could sugar be the answer?

Sugar blamed for 35m deaths in US

Back in 2001, we took a deeper look at the sugar hidden in everyday foods, the threat to our health and how we can escape the addiction that has trapped so many of us.

MONDAY: The sweet poison
TUESDAY: Why sugar is bad for you
WEDNESDAY: Breaking the addiction
THURSDAY: What you CAN eat

FRIDAY: Sugar-free recipes

The amount of sugar Australians now consume per day is around 30 teaspoons. Large amounts of sugar is concealed in everything from fruit juice to yoghurt to breakfast cereal and the amount is increasing. One popular breakfast cereal has increased its amount of added sugar by 50% in just the last decade.

Do you know how much sugar you are consuming? Do you know how to control it?

MONDAY: David Gillespie is the author of two books - The Sweet Poison Quit Plan – How to kick the sugar habit and lose weight, and Sweet Poison – Why sugar makes us fat

David lost 40kgs simply by cutting sugar out of his diet (over 12-18 months). He said he tried a range of diets but couldn’t stick to them.

Since then he’s done extensive research and has become a leading campaigner about dangers of sugars in our diets.

David's simple tips for breaking the addiction
– Have the right attitude.
- Eliminate habits associated with eating sugar.
- Eliminate sugar from your food supply.
- Go through the sugar 'withdrawal'

- Re-stock and get ready for the rest of your life.

David's website

TUESDAY: David Gillespie says sugar withdrawal is juts like nicotine withdrawal. Tell yourself, "This will end", he says.

According to statistics, American Health Guidelines recommend no more than 9 teaspoons a day, Australian Guidelines say 23 teaspoons. We actually consume 30-35 teaspoons a day.

Sugar related health issues
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Dental problems
- Diabetes

- Some forms of cancer

Kick your sugar addiction
1. Have the right attitude
2. Eliminate habits
3. Eliminate sugar
4. Withdraw

5. Restock

WEDNESDAY
Foods to avoid:

Cereals, muesli bars, juices, sauces.

Child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg explains the negative effects on kids including anxiety, attention problems and obesity.

THURSDAY

How can you start your day without sugar? Nutritionist Susie Burrell joined author David Gillespie to show us a range of sugar-free brekky options.

Try these for starters
- Cheese
- popcorn
- natural yoghurt (with no added flavours/sweeteners)

- some cereals (e.g. Weet Bix)

Shopping Tips
- Buy wholefoods
- Shop the perimeter of the supermarket

- Don't buy 'lite' foods