Registration is now open!

Program begins April 9, 2015

Are you ready to live the sweetest life possible free from the negative physical and emotional impacts of sugar?

I’ve been off sugar since February 2014. I’m finally free from my digestive issues, those insidious cravings and the constant thoughts about my next sweet fix. My energy is back. My brain fog has lifted. My tastebuds have changed. I now enjoy coffee black instead of sweetened with syrups and refined sugars. I’m thoroughly satisfied with the way I eat and am able to have a healthy sweet treat every now and then. I truly believe I’ve altered the trajectory of my health which was headed straight for diabetes.

I’m Michelle Maclean. I’m a certified Wellness Coach and Nutrition Consultant on a mission to help you shift your relationship with sugar so you can change the course of your health and live the sweetest life possible.

The Sugar Shift is for you if:

• You’re generally healthy but your sugar and carb cravings are relentless and starting to cause a variety of symptoms.
• You’re out of balance, eating with mindless excess and unable to get traction on making some changes.
• Physically, this path you’re on is causing bloating, joint pain, headaches, lack of energy, mind fog, fatigue and weight gain.
• Emotionally, you’re feeling frustrated, moody and worried about what might happen if you keep going down this road.

During The Sugar Shift you’ll get space and support to:

• Focus on your physical and emotional well-being so you truly understand why and how to transform your mindset and habits around food.
• Learn more about self-acceptance and overall health, rather than simply focussing on weight loss and how you look
• Eliminate processed, sugary and gluten-laden products and nourish yourself with real whole foods and fluids to flush toxins and renew your system
• Connect to a caring community of like-minded women who are open to sharing this journey with you
• Release some of your sabotaging habits and behaviours and develop new loving ways to accept your body and let go of fear
• Get re-acquainted with your body, start to listen in to its wisdom, and hear what it truly needs to thrive

After The 8 Week Sugar Shift you will:

• Experience fewer cravings and unhealthy eating habits
• Eat nutritious foods that energize, fuel, restore and heal you
• Feel good from the inside out
• Find freedom from the temptation to go to extremes
• Feel energetic and positive about your body image
• Be free of illness and feel energized to live life to the fullest
• Have the awareness and resolve to sustain change moving forward

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, praise, love, and thanks to you Michelle for the most amazing health program I’ve ever been on. I was diagnosed two years ago with pre-diabetes and was put on the lowest dose of metformin. At that time, I didn’t realize sugar was my addiction. My sugar cravings would often take over so strongly that, even though I didn’t keep sweets in the house, I’d overindulge in carbs or other high sugar content foods to get my sugar fix.

After the Sugar Shift I no longer crave sugars or sweets. My appetite is in control and I’m feeling stronger and healthier day by day. I haven’t needed any metformin since, nor have I needed my blood pressure pill! I am medication free! Amen! Also, as an added bonus or side effect of this amazing program, I have lost around seven pounds and I am only one pound away from my goal weight.

~ Edith Snow, St. John’s, NL

Like many people, I grew up in a family where love was demonstrated with food. And for most of my adulthood, I suffered through digestive issues and sensitivities, bloating, yeast infections, headaches, frequent flu and colds, low energy, and a slow and steady weight gain. I tried many diets, detoxes and supplements – none of them got rid of my symptoms for good; none of them kept the pounds off. These false starts kicked off a very productive 25 years of interest, learning and experimenting with nutrition, health and wellness and spiritual growth.

Through my own life experience I’ve found the courage to follow my heart, take risks and make significant transformations so I can lead a life with purpose, meaning, health and inner peace. My own experiences, combined with the warmth, compassion and honesty I was born with, has made me a passionate healer and now a certified nutrition coach and consultant dedicated to those who need help removing sugar and all its ills from their lives.

Michelle is gentle and persuasive, kind and encouraging, friendly, funny and caring. I felt, every step of the way, that she wanted me to succeed as badly as I wanted it myself. There is a level of support throughout this program that I can’t imagine finding anywhere else.

The Sugar Shift totally runs on Michelle’s own pure, unrefined sweetness! Beyond all the health benefits, the education, the emotional support and the new connections, Michelle’s Sugar Shift unlocked my will power: I proved to myself that I can change the things in my life that aren’t serving me well. I came away with a sense of achievement, confidence, and control (and a newfound love for brussel sprouts).

Kate Bonnycastle, Freelance Writer and Marketing Strategist, Halifax NS

This is how your Sugar Shift takes place:

• Weekly live informational and Q&A calls with Michelle
• Access to a private “Participants Only” site where all the program materials are located
• A one-day-without-sugar exercise to show it can be done, and celebrate success right away
• A 21-Day Sugar Shift whole foods detox, complete with 21 days of delicious recipes, daily protocols, meal planning and shopping list templates
• Informational Resources – Handouts, fact & tip sheets
• Experiential Learning – Worksheets & activities
• A closed private Facebook group for motivation, inspiration, support and community
• Weekly action checklists for tracking and organization
• Guest expert interviews, articles and blogs

All this, over 8 weeks, will Shift you from Sugar and:

• Stop your food cravings
• Balance your blood sugar levels
• Rebuild your intestinal health
• Reset your metabolism
• Renew appetite control
• Release guilt, failure and frustration
• Reconnect you with your hunger and satiety cues
• Feel your feelings without using food
• Discover the satisfaction in eating

The Sugar Shift was more than I imagined. I’m blown away by my success and progress. I’ve learned so much about food and my body. There has been so much sensible info and soul searching. Michelle is a breath of fresh air. So positive and genuine, I felt very safe under her guidance. I feel very lucky to have found this program.

~ Judy Oliver, Halifax, Nova Scotia

You are here right now because you are ready for a Sugar Shift. Feeling the best you’ve felt in years is within reach. Join me and give yourself the gift of this personal health and wellness transformation. You deserve it. You are already sweet enough.Still not sure? Let me tell you more:

Sugar Shift 8-Week Intensive Program Overview

The Sugar Shift is an entirely virtual program that uses conference calls, email, online forums, tools and resources so you can participate from anywhere in the world.

I love, love, love this program. The Sugar Shift is so much more than I imagined it would be. It works so beautifully with other mindfulness work that I am doing right now. It has been a much more introspective, eye-opening and emotional process than I thought…and it is wonderful. I’ve had so many a-ha moments! I really like the materials you’ve provided. The members only page is great and the calls and Facebook page were so important for motivation and support. I can’t say enough about the program you have designed and your approach. So nurturing, and for the first time ever, I have taken a clear-eyed look at my relationship with food, and more deeply, myself. Thank you!

~ Rachelle Boudreau, Toronto, Ontario

My 8-Week Sugar Shift intensive is unlike other sugar detox programs for a few reasons:

First, the Sugar Shift combines both a physical and emotional detoxification process. This means your physical symptoms will start to subside, plus you’ll start to understand why you have been using sugar for comfort, reward and distraction. This combination of physical and emotional elements is the key to ending the battle with dieting and your chronic health complaints.

Second, my programs are more personable, flexible, and adaptable than some of the mass marketed programs out there. You’ll have direct access to me throughout the program. I’ll personally answer your emails and your questions. I’ll get to know you by name. If something isn’t working we can quickly make changes together to suit your needs.

Third, I intentionally keep the group size small which means more time on the calls for Q&As and more access for personalized coaching and consultation for you!

I’m 67 and in 2014 was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, degenerative arthritis and possible heart problems. After reading articles about Michelle, I registered for The 8 Week Sugar Shift.

My cholesterol came down 62 points, my blood glucose dropped 14 points and my weight dropped 13 pounds. I have no sugar cravings, but I know if I want to eat something sweet I have the freedom to do so. I am healthier than ever and excited about the future. I love you Michelle!

~ Patti Bielik, Wellness Advocate at doTERRA International, Jacksonville, FL

The Sugar Shift Guest Expert Interviews

The following guests will share their expertise with program participants.

Dr. Michael Arloski, Ph.D., PCC, CWP

Dr. Michael was my wellness coach teacher and is CEO of Real Balance Global Wellness Services, Inc., (www.realbalance.com) and dean of The Wellness Coach Training Institute. Dr. Arloski’s perspective on wellness coaching comes from his pioneering work training thousands of wellness and health coaches worldwide, authoring the field’s foundational book Wellness Coaching For Lasting Lifestyle Change and serving as an Executive Committee member of The National Consortium for Credentialing Health & Wellness Coaches. A member of the Board of Directors of The National Wellness Institute he has also served as President of The Ohio Society For Behavioral Health. Licensed psychologist, keynote speaker, consultant, and author, Michael’s mission is to build allies for a healthy world across the globe. Michael and his wife, Deborah, work, live and play together in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Michael will bring his knowledge, experience and expertise of behavioural change principles for lifestyle improvement to The Sugar Shift. In Module 2, during our interview, Michael will discuss readiness for change, why motivation is key, the need for connectedness and support and seven steps for lasting lifestyle improvement.

Dr. Laura Nurse, ND

Dr. Laura is a naturopathic physician specializing in natural approaches to women’s health concerns. With 10 years of education in business and naturopathic medicine, Dr. Laura Nurse believes in loving your life and living like you mean it. Her mission is to help women understand and care for their bodies, so they can get on with loving their lives! She practices in St. John’s, Newfoundland. When not consulting with patients, she educates audiences about natural health via facebook, blogging and speaking. You can reach her at: www.DrLauraNurse.ca.

Dr. Laura has held her own 30 Day ZERO Sugar Challenge. In Module 3 of the Sugar Shift, as we prepare for our 21 day detox, Dr. Laura will discuss your body on sugar, what happens in your body when you detox, supplementation, blood work and withdrawal symptoms.

Jan Buhrman, M.S. Ed.

Jan has been cooking delicious, locally sourced meals on Martha’s Vineyard for over 30 years. Raised with conciseness toward nature and all that is good and natural, Jan has always been driven to question trends and looks for basic solutions as she was raised by a large family with a father who has always composted the kitchen scraps and fought against DDT spraying and a mother who was a founder of the Le Leche League.

Jan combines her passion for food with a love of teaching to enhance people’s understanding of their food through farm tours, cooking classes, and nutritional workshops. All her programs are designed to connect people with local food systems. You can read more about her offerings at www.kitchenporch.com.

Jan was the coordinator and one of the hosts of the wellness retreat I did last year in Costa Rica. Her food was incredible, her cooking tips and recipes were easy, delicious and all locally sourced. It was after the retreat, I decided to finally give up refined processed sugar for good. In Module seven Jan will share some healthy sugar alternatives and recipes for us to try as we slowly start to integrate some sweet treats back into our lives after the detox.

John Bagnulo MPH, PhD

John has worked as a nutritionist and assistant professor for the past 12 years. He has taught courses in human metabolism, food and ecology, food and culture, nutrition and disease, and nutrition and cooking, among others. He has helped hundreds of patients reverse chronic disease through whole foods. John currently teaches nutrition courses at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Wellness (Lenox, MA) and is a faculty member for the Center for Mind-Body Medicine’s Food as Medicine courses (Washington, DC). He has a Masters of Public Health from the University of North Carolina and a Doctorate from the University of Maine.

One of the foremost experts on food and health, John’s lectures and discussions place food at the center of a web that stretches from our physiology to our fields and from our ancestors to our kitchens. His talks are sure to enlighten and entertain even the most well read and informed health practitioner or culinary professional.

John has been a mentor and teacher of mine for the past four years and I’m so thrilled to finally interview him for The Sugar Shift. In Module seven he’ll talk about rebuilding your health, the importance of gut health and whole foods nutrition.

Miriam Linderman, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC, ACC)

Since 2002, Miriam Linderman has been teaching successful professionals to challenge the status quo, reconnect with their soul longings and have the courage to create the life they truly desire. She spent 32 years climbing the corporate ladder only to discover that it was in too many ways a soul-draining experience with no room for play, fun or creativity. Using her own journey and extensive education, Miriam now teaches her clients how to redefine their personal vision for success, access their inner creativity and embrace no apology living.

When she’s not working, you can find Miriam pursuing one of her many passions in her quest to live a juicy, joyful and soulful life including dancing, taking long walks and writing. Check out her best tips on creating a full-permission-no-apology life, to learn how to be yourself, connect easily with others and live the life you desire at MiriamLinderman.com

Even more FAQ’s here!

Not sure now is the right time? Nervous about tackling this once and for all? Worried that it’ll be too restrictive, that you’ll be hungry all the time, and you’ll have to give up sweets forever?

There is no perfect time to make a change like this in your life. There will always be something else that gets in the way. Isn’t your health and wellness the most important thing? What will happen if you keep this up for another six months or a year?

By the end of the 8 weeks your taste buds will have changed, your cravings will have subsided and you won’t want sweets as much. And you’ll be able to have the occasional sweet treat. They just won’t be part of your every day. When you do have them, you’ll have the tools, resources and knowledge to make healthier choices and get back on track.

Michelle you are a wonderful facilitator and have put together quite a gem of a program. Over this past year I found that I was ‘off the rails’ with regard to nutrition and couldn’t get myself back on track. I knew I needed to do something that would work with my busy schedule and life style so was thrilled to receive your invitation to the Sugar Shift. You have changed my life Michelle. I’ve had such a huge shift in my thinking and eating habits. We just came through Christmas and I’m so proud of myself. I set a plan prior to the holidays and stuck to it. I treated myself to a few nice desserts, but didn’t eat cookies, sweets and candy every day like I normally would. I had nuts to munch on, the occasional soda water, my freezer was stocked with soups and morning glory muffins, and I felt in control. What I did notice when I ate those dessert was I felt lethargic and a strange sensation running through my veins. I don’t feel deprived in the least. I feel so good about eating well. I’m excited to learn more and wanted you to know how grateful I am for helping me to shift.

~ Pam O’Brien, Bedford, Nova Scotia

Ready to make the sugar shift?

Registration is now open!