The Baseline: Damon Gameau's Regular Diet
Before embarking on his now-famous sugar experiment, filmmaker Damon Gameau maintained a diet rich in whole foods, largely free of refined sugar. He consumed plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, living a clean and healthy lifestyle. This whole-food approach was his normal and stable eating pattern, which served as the crucial control for his 60-day experiment. The stark contrast between his pre-experiment and experiment diets would ultimately highlight the dramatic and rapid effects of hidden sugar consumption on the body.
His long-term diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein was the foundation of his health. He consumed minimal, if any, processed foods, opting for natural and unprocessed options instead. This lifestyle meant his body was accustomed to digesting and utilizing natural nutrients, rather than being bombarded by the fructose and glucose found in processed items. This served as a powerful baseline against which to measure the changes during the film's experiment, making the eventual physical deterioration all the more striking.
The 'That Sugar Film' Experiment Diet
For the 60-day duration of That Sugar Film, Damon Gameau's diet underwent a radical transformation. He consumed 40 teaspoons of sugar every day, but with a significant twist: none of it came from typical junk food like candy, soda, or ice cream. Instead, the sugar was exclusively sourced from seemingly 'healthy' processed foods that many people consume daily.
His daily intake included products like low-fat yogurt, breakfast cereals, muesli bars, sauces, fruit juices, and smoothies. This diet was calibrated to match his previous calorie intake and exercise regimen, isolating the sugar as the primary variable. The intention was to expose the hidden sugars lurking in everyday items, revealing how easily a person can consume an alarming amount of sugar without ever touching a chocolate bar.
Hidden Sugars in a 'Healthy' Diet
During the experiment, Gameau's meals were eye-opening. A single breakfast, for example, could consist of cereal with low-fat yogurt and a glass of apple juice, easily racking up over 20 teaspoons of sugar. A seemingly innocent smoothie or protein bar would contribute significantly more. The following is a list of foods that Gameau consumed during his experiment:
- Breakfast cereals: Many brands, even those marketed as healthy, contain high amounts of added sugar.
- Low-fat yogurt: The fat is often replaced with sugar to maintain palatability, making it a surprisingly high-sugar item.
- Muesli bars: Often perceived as a healthy snack, these can be laden with syrup and refined sugar.
- Fruit juice: Concentrated fruit juices can contain as much or more sugar than a soft drink.
- Sauces and condiments: Many pre-packaged sauces, from BBQ to pasta sauce, contain surprising amounts of hidden sugar.
- Dried fruits: Though natural, the high concentration of sugar and lack of water makes them a potent source of sugar.
The Alarming Results of the Experiment
The effects of the 60-day high-sugar, low-fat diet were swift and severe. Despite not changing his exercise levels and maintaining the same caloric intake, Gameau's health deteriorated significantly. The documentary meticulously documented his shocking decline, with medical professionals monitoring his progress.
He gained weight, particularly visceral fat around his abdomen. His liver function tests revealed he had developed fatty liver disease, a condition typically associated with heavy alcohol consumption. Additionally, blood tests showed he was on the path to pre-type 2 diabetes and had increased risk factors for heart disease. Beyond the physical, Gameau also experienced dramatic mood swings, lethargy, decreased mental focus, and an increased craving for more sugar. The experiment illustrated that not all calories are created equal and that a high-sugar diet, even from perceived 'healthy' sources, can wreak havoc on the body.
Gameau's Reversal and Lasting Legacy
Following the completion of his 60-day experiment, Gameau returned to his original, refined-sugar-free diet. The recovery was remarkably quick, with many of his adverse health effects beginning to reverse within days. His energy and mood stabilized, and his liver function improved rapidly, showcasing the body's resilience when treated with proper nutrition.
The most significant outcome of the experiment was the creation of the documentary itself and the subsequent public awareness campaign. Gameau founded the non-profit That Sugar Movement to educate people about the dangers of hidden sugars and the benefits of eating whole, unprocessed foods. The film and his work have inspired countless individuals to read food labels more carefully and reconsider their dietary habits. His experience stands as a powerful testament to the impact of processed foods on overall health, proving that what we perceive as healthy isn't always the full picture. For more on the film's impact and legacy, you can read about it on The Guardian's website.
Comparison: Damon Gameau's Diets
| Aspect | Pre-Experiment Diet | Experiment Diet | After Experiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Source | Naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables. | Hidden sugars in processed 'healthy' foods. | Naturally occurring sugars. |
| Refined Sugar | None. | 40 teaspoons daily (equivalent to 160g). | None. |
| Food Type | Whole, unprocessed foods: fruits, vegetables, protein. | Processed foods: cereals, low-fat yogurt, muesli bars, juices. | Whole, unprocessed foods. |
| Physical Health | Healthy, stable weight, normal liver function. | Weight gain, fatty liver disease, pre-diabetes. | Rapid reversal of health issues. |
| Mental State | Clear, stable mood, good energy. | Mood swings, lethargy, decreased focus, sugar cravings. | Improved mood and energy levels. |
| Caloric Intake | Standard for his weight and activity level. | Same as pre-experiment, adjusted for sugar content. | Standard for his weight and activity level. |
Conclusion
Damon Gameau's diet story is a powerful illustration of the profound effects of hidden sugar on the human body. His experiment in That Sugar Film debunked the myth that eating low-fat, supposedly 'healthy' packaged foods is a safe alternative to traditional junk food. By isolating sugar as the variable, Gameau demonstrated that even when calories and exercise levels remain constant, a high-sugar diet can lead to rapid weight gain, fatty liver disease, and mood instability. His return to a whole-food diet and subsequent rapid recovery further emphasized the importance of minimizing refined and added sugars for long-term health. The documentary serves as a stark reminder to be mindful of what is really in our food and to prioritize whole, unprocessed ingredients. Gameau's work has provided a compelling, real-world lesson on the dangers of a sugar-heavy modern diet, reinforcing the importance of informed food choices for optimal well-being. His original whole-food approach remains the foundation of his health today.
