In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab sit down with Anna Fruehling, co-founder of SUGARx Global and a powerful voice in the food addiction recovery space. Anna shares her personal journey through addiction, recovery, and her mission to help others overcome their struggles with sugar and ultra-processed food addiction. With over 35 years of recovery from drug addiction and eight years clean from food addiction, Anna brings a wealth of experience, both personal and professional, to the conversation.
Key Takeaways
Anna’s Journey to Recovery:
- Anna’s battle with addiction began in childhood, growing up in San Francisco, where she was introduced to drugs at an early age. Her journey to recovery started at 17, but it took many years for her to recognize the role of sugar addiction in her life.
- Anna’s “aha moment” came after hearing Bitten Jonsson speak about sugar as a gateway drug, sparking a realization of the connection between her sugar consumption and addictive behaviors.
Healing through Keto & Primal Eating:
- As a certified health coach and primal health advocate, Anna shares how lowering her carbohydrate intake and adopting a keto lifestyle brought peace to her mind and body.
- She credits keto for helping manage her autoimmune conditions, keeping her away from medications for years, and improving her overall mental and physical health.
The Creation of Sugar X Global:
- SUGARx Global was founded by Anna, Judy, and Dave to provide group-based support for those battling food addiction. Anna emphasizes the power of community and the effectiveness of group recovery over individual coaching.
- The platform offers structured support, including the Recovery Accelerator Program, an 18-week course designed to help individuals deeply explore their addiction and develop sustainable strategies for long-term recovery.
Philosophy of CARE:
- Anna introduces the CARE philosophy—focused on Compassion, Accountability, Recovery Protection, and Education. This philosophy guides the Sugar X approach, helping clients protect their recovery, plan for future challenges, and continue their education in addiction science.
Mindset Shift for Recovery:
- Recovery isn’t just about abstinence; it’s about changing your mindset. Anna stresses that understanding the science behind addiction, recognizing automatic negative thoughts, and creating a personalized recovery journey is key to long-lasting success.
The Power of Group Support:
- Anna prefers working with groups rather than individuals, as group dynamics create a powerful environment where honesty, shared experiences, and collective growth can flourish.
Anna’s Book – An Altered Spirit:
- Anna’s book, An Altered Spirit: The Twelve Steps of Ebenezer Scrooge, parallels the classic tale of Scrooge’s transformation and the 12-step recovery process. Proceeds from the book support children of alcoholics.
Closing Thoughts:
- If you or someone you love is struggling with food addiction, this episode is a must-listen. Anna’s compassion, experience, and dedication to helping others create a powerful message of hope and healing.
