October 1, 2010

Kicking the Sugar Habit, The Perpetual Money Machine, and Taking the Long View in Switzerland

Have you had your dessert yet? Chances are if you’ve had a meal today, you’ve already consumed a fair amount of sugar. In fact, due to the pervasive use of sugars and artificial sweeteners in processed foods, it is estimated that the average American now eats up to 22 teaspoons of sugar a day! This is having a variety of impacts on our health and our economy.

Unfortunately, maintaining a healthy diet is not always easy, and can often require incredible discipline and motivation, especially given the addictive qualities of sugar. To help us understand the realities of our highly sweetened modern diet, and it’s effect on our health and our economy, Catherine spoke with Dr. Robert Lustig. Dr. Lustig, is Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of California - San Francisco’s Benioff Children’s Hospital. Dr. Lustig is nationally recognized in the field of neuroendocrinology. He is interested in how biochemical, neural, hormonal and genetic influences contribute to obesity in children and adults.

Also, we once again turn back the clock to visit another important date in the history of Silver and Gold with precious metals expert Franklin Sanders. This time we take you to 1913 and the birth of the Perpetual Money Machine, also known as the Federal Reserve.


There’s nothing like getting away from it all to give oneself a little perspective. This month Catherine visited Switzerland, and from her room with a view shared her perspective on the Swiss and what’s required for us to move forward in the US with a new vision for the future.