Feb. 18, 2026

Sugar Was Turning Me Into A Monster. Here's How I Broke Free | Ep 21

Sugar Was Turning Me Into A Monster. Here's How I Broke Free | Ep 21
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The average American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day. It’s in candy and soda, sure… but also pasta sauce, ketchup, and nearly everything processed. At a time when over 70% of adults are overweight or obese—and rates of depression and metabolic disfunction are climbing—it’s worth asking:

Is sugar at the root of the problem?

In this episode of Unconditional with Norbie Schickel, I share my personal story of how sugar—despite being lean and in shape—was destabilizing my mood, affecting my marriage, and turning me into someone I didn’t like.

We discuss:

  • Metabolic dysfunction, obesity, and insulin resistance
  • The emerging world of metabolic psychiatry
  • Sugar, cancer, and why artificial sweeteners may not be the answer
  • Why willpower is a bad bet
  • Why most substitution strategies fail
  • The two practical shifts that finally helped me break the habit

And for the parents out there… how I approach sugar with my own kids.

No shame. No moralizing. Just effective vs. ineffective—and how to reclaim your health in a world where sugar is everywhere.

If sugar has its hooks in you… there’s a way out.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Sugar Epidemic

10:24  Stakes in Context: The Why Behind Sugar's Impact 

10:47 The Link Between Sugar, Obesity & Metabolic Health

13:41 Metabolic Psychiatry - The Link Between Sugar & Mental Health

18:32 Sugar, Cancer, and Artificial Sweeteners

23:02 How I Realized Sugar Was Destroying My Life

25:42 Sugar Was Hurting My Brain

26:52 Breaking Free: The How of Cutting Sugar

27:30 #1 Break The Habit - Substitution With A Twist

29:00 Why Substitution Typically Fails 

35:31 #2 - Eat More Food - Real Protein, Fats & Fiber

35:50 Are Sugar Cravings A Signal For Protein

40:15 Navigating Sugar in Daily Life

44:05 Teaching Kids About Sugar and Self-Control

AI OVERVIEW

In this episode, Norbie Schickel discusses the pervasive presence of sugar in the American diet, its health implications, and its connection to mental health. He shares personal experiences with sugar addiction and offers strategies for breaking the habit. The conversation also touches on the importance of educating future generations about sugar consumption and making healthier choices.

#sugarfree #metabolichealth #mentalhealth