By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
IT’S no revelation that sugar can be dangerous – a cause for guilt with every bite of ice-cream, cake and chocolate.
But Olinda resident Damon Gameau’s new film suggests that it may be the sugar found in “healthy” foods that’s causing issues for the increasingly overweight and sick population of Australia.
‘That Sugar Film’ will change the way you look at the sweet stuff.
The film follows Damon’s quest to discover the truth about sugar.
Offering himself as the subject of an experiment, Damon spent 60 days eating foods that are perceived and marketed as ‘healthy’ but, in reality, are riddled with sugar. Such foods include low-fat yoghurt, muesli bars, juices and cereals.
The results were astounding.
“I wasn’t eating junk food. I had cut out soft drink, ice cream and chocolate. It was the hidden sugars that people aren’t even aware of that were making all the difference,” Damon said.
“Often when something is labelled as ‘diet’ the fat has been removed and sugar added in its place. So we’re seeing low-fat products that are full of sugar.”
The film highlights food packaging and marketing as a contributor to the problem.
“Foods are marketed as natural or healthy but quite often they have more sugar in them than Kit-Kats and those kinds of sweets,” Damon said.
“It’s an accountability issue and an integrity issue.”
He says misconceptions about sugar and certain foods motivated him to start the project.
“Basically what inspired me was the massive level of confusion in the public space around sugar – it’s very confusing to people and consumers are sent very mixed messages,” Damon said.
“For three years before I did the film, I cut back on refined sugar. I began to notice an effect on my moods and even weight loss, and thought there was definitely something in this.”
While the film is already being hailed as innovative, Damon’s mission goes further than that. He hopes to spread the message of how damaging a high sugar diet can be on a healthy body, particularly to the younger generation.
Through a grant from the government, Damon was able to develop a school study program and curriculum guide.
“Targeted at educating students about the effects of sugar, it provides them with the information necessary to make healthier eating choices.
“This certainly isn’t a dry, academic film. It’s fun, playful and accessible for kids and families,” Damon said.
“They can watch it together and get something out of it together, and hopefully change what they eat at home. It’s an important film in educating families.”
It would seem that the public agrees. The trailer has been viewed by over one million people and Gameau has been inundated with people asking for special screenings.
The film is touring the country for a series of screenings and Q&A sessions with Damon, as well as a group of guest hosts.
“I just hope it raises awareness. People don’t have to cut out sugar altogether but 30 or 40 teaspoons a day is far too high and is causing the dangerous symptoms that we’re seeing so often.”
The film will screen around the country during March and the accompanying book ‘That Sugar Book’ has recently been released.
The book further details the story of Damon’s experiment, the post-sugar cleanse he used to restore his heath and healthy recipes, and is now available from retailers including Big W and Dymocks.
That Sugar Film’s screening and Q&A session will be at the Cameo Cinema in Belgrave on Saturday 28 February, and will then tour various Victorian cinemas.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.thatsugarfilm.com.
