'Healthy foods' tested in That Sugar Film

On my way to see That Sugar Film I must admit that wasn’t that excited. I was fairly sure I knew what it would be about. But I was wrong.

Thanks to Madman Films

When I first heard the premise for this film I thought, yeah, yeah, it’d be about a guy eating a heap of sweet buns, lollies, ice cream and guess what his health is going to deteriorate. A saccharine version of Michael Moores burger fest. These thoughts were soon dispelled when Australian actor Damon Gameau explained that his quest was to understand more about the hidden sugars in our diet. Interesting …

Thanks to Madman Films

Having lived sugar free for three years, and with a baby on the way, Gameau decided to eat 40 teaspoons of sugar a day for two months without eating junk food. He would only consume foods that were deemed ‘healthy’.

Why 40? Well that’s the average amount consume by an Australian adult, we’re meant to eat 6.

‘I am thrilled to be finally sharing this film with audiences. The journey has been an extraordinary one for me and those close to me. Given the current state of health and wellbeing in the population, I think it is vital that we change the way we think about ‘healthy’ foods. My hope is that this story will help people to make a powerful change in their own lives and in the lives of their children,’ said Gameau.

I have to admit that when he placed a carton of Soya Milk, the same brand that I buy, into his shopping trolley he really got my attention. Some of the other interesting parts in the film were:

It was surprising how quickly Gameau got to 40 teaspoons in a day e.g. one day a juice and bowl of cereal equalled 20 teaspoons.
It was also interesting how the change in his diet affected his mood and mental capacity as became vague and distracted. Sure this could have been acting, after all Gameau is a fine actor, but the medical tests didn’t lie. After a month he had put on 5 kilos and had the sign of fatty liver.
It was interesting to hear that our palates have adjusted to sweet, and that the more you eat sugary food the more you want. Ah so that’s why one Tim Tam is never enough.

One of the most interesting elements of the film touched on some measures undertaken by Aboriginal elders. In one community (sorry I can’t remember where, maybe someone will remind me) they had placed free cold water fountains around the community. As a result this had reduced the commiunities reliance on fizzy drinks. Will be interesting to watch this initiative unfold.

Thanks to Madman Films

Gameau’s creative film making skills (think taking grocery packs) ensured that the movie was anything but a boring documentary. I’ve followed his career for a while now including several entries into Tropfest so I shouldn’t have been surprised. What was a surprise though was some of the cameos, I won’t spoil the surprise.

‘That Sugar Film is a definite must-see … Watching Damon’s investigation into the world of sugar will instantly get you thinking about what goes into the food you eat.’ Jamie Oliver.

So what makes this film worth seeing?

The scientific approach to the issue.
The inclusion of experts in the field.
A highly relatable presenter.
The interesting film techniques used.
But mostly the message. Watching Gameau calculate the amount of sugar in a bowl of cereal or roast chicken and show us what that actually meant was eye opening.
The film blurb boasts that it ‘will change how you think about health foods’. A bold claim but one that one this occasion was well founded. But don’t just take it from me, go see the movie and make up your own minds.

Make sure you stay to hear the musical number at the end of the movie. For more information go to That Sugar Film To watch the trailer click here.

The website contains recipes, information about sugar, resources for schools and educators and will grow to include numerous personal tools for those looking to decrease the amount of sugar in their lives.