For Your Consideration

I just heard today that there is a bill before Congress that requires doctors to report the BMI of our children to the Federal government.  Really?  The government is going to monitor the BMI of our children?  They say it's to allow children to get help in losing weight, but what else could this information be used for.  And what kind of foods or diet plan will they promote?  Low fat?  I'm sure it won't be low carb, considering how far behind the times most dieticians are.  I think it is outrageous.
And have you heard the latest weight loss commercials that tout a high carb diet.  They say that carbs are the best source of energy.  Come on.  Get with it.  What did our ancestors eat for energy?  Before sugar became so prevalent in our diets, man got energy from fat.
And, again, another new medicine is being advertised on television that raises blood sugar levels, tryglicerides, and cholesterol levels to a dangerous level.  Look out for Seroquel.  It's a medicine for bi-polar depression.  It reaises the aforementioned levels to a deadly rate.
I just think that if people would realize the health benefits of low carb living, we wouldn't have a lot of the health issues we have today.  If health care professionals would get up to date with all the new studies that have, and are, coming out, and give their patients the right information, we wouldn't need the government getting involved. 
I've lost around 70 pounds and have been off all diabetes related meds for over 3 years thanks to low carb living.  I haven't lost brain function or muscle mass.  As a matter of fact, my focus is better and my body has never looked better.  If I had listened to the dieticians my doctor sent me to when I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I would still be overweight and on meds.
Okay, I've said enough.  This is just for your consideration.  See ya!

I'm Baaaaccckkk!!!

Hello, everyone.  I hope you're doing well.  I have been so busy, I just can't keep up.  My daughter is going off to college soon and we've been getting ready for that.  She is graduating from high school in a few weeks and we've been busy putting together a little get-together for her and her friends in our backyard.  We decided that since our patio and deck weren't big enough for a party, we would quadruple the size of the deck.  Phase 1 was a 16' x 8' extension of the existing deck, one step higher.  Phase 2 is a same size extension in the other direction, again, one step higher.  Phase 3 is a same size extension joining the previous 2, only 2 steps higher.  Since our house sits lower than the backyard, a lot of digging is involved and my poor back is killing me.  In addition to the additions, I have been creating paths, using rock and stepping stones.  I have moved almost a ton and a half of rock, almost a ton of old bricks, and a bunch of concrete pavers for stepping stones.  This is all on top of the painting and gutter modifications I did for a friend, the drywall repairs and painting I'm doing for another friend, and the landscaping I did for another friend who is unable to walk due to an injury.  Top all of this with band rehearsals, playing music, and giving drum lessons and you'd think I'd have enough on my plate.
Speaking of 'enough on my plate', how are ya'll doing with your low carb living?  I've been doing pretty good, though I must admit, I went a little crazy on Mother's Day.  I had a slice of cheesecake and a cookie.  As soon as it hit my mouth, I wished I had just stuck with the strawberries and kiwi.  But the great thing about this being a lifestyle is, if you screw up you can just get right back to it.  And I did.  I feel so much better living low carb.  I have more energy, my mind is sharper, and I just feel good.
I hope all of you will bear with me when I neglect to blog.  I feel like I'm letting you down, but sometimes life gets in the way of living, doesn't it?
I'm still putting together more blogs on diabetic misinformation, so look for that coming soon.  Well, I gotta go.  See ya soon!

More Recipes for Diabetics Misinformation

I am appalled at some of the misinformation that is out here on the Internet when it comes to so-called diabetic websites.  I have subscribed to some of them just for fodder for my blog.  While some are good and provide useful information for diabetics, many are just downright horrible.  I know some of them mean well, but they are just so far behind the times when it comes to what really works for diabetics and what diabetics really need to know.  One such 'diabetic living' site lists some of it's favorite 'diabetic' breakfast recipes.  Out of 33 suggested recipes, 22 of them had from 15 carbs up to a whopping 47!  Out of the 22, only 2 had less than 20!  I was flabbergasted at some of the suggested ingredients.  Sugar, brown sugar, coconut, honey, all-purpose flour, and one recipe called for 6 cups of sourdough bread!  It seemed the only thing they were concerned about was fat.  Most of the recipes called for low fat this and low fat that, while at the same time telling you to use 1/2 cup of sugar!  Let me give you the list of the 22 I spoke about and how many carbs per serving in each.

Spiced Breakfast Popovers. One serving is 1 popover. Each popover contains over 30 carbs.

Southwestern Breakfast Tostadas. One serving has 24 carbs.

Cheesy Grits and Sausage. 30 carbs per serving.  Try cheesy eggs and sausage instead.

Fruit Filled Puff Pancakes. 26 carbs per serving.  Lisa uses almond flour and cuts the carbs tremendously.

Toasted Walnut Waffles. 33 carbs per serving

Low Fat Spinach Quiche. 15 carbs per serving. A little better but, again, fat is the concern here.

Oat Bran Pancakes. 32 carbs per serving.  Again, why all-purpose flour?

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits. 30 carbs per serving.  Low carb yogurt is out there and if they had chosen the fruit a little better, the carb count would have been cut so much it would truly be good for a diabetic.

Ginger Pear Muffins. 19 carbs and brown sugar?

Toasted Oat Muesli. 27 carbs.

Cranberry Whole Wheat Scones. 26 carbs.  Whole wheat does not mean low carb.  Try some of the low carb flours and Healthy Life Low Carb Whole Wheat Bread.

Pick Me Up Bars. 20 carbs.

Best of Bran Muffins. 23 carbs.

Diabetic Mango Coffee Cake. 35 carbs and they call it “Diabetic”? ½ cup of sugar? Really?

Tropical Coffee Cake. 28 carbs.  Same ol', same ol'.

Honey Apple Pancakes. 22

Baked Cheese and Egg Dish. 24 carbs. 6 cups of sourdough bread?  Why not use Healthy Life Low Carb Sourdough?  Do these folks even know that low carb breads are available?

Cranberry Almond Cereal Mix. 32 carbs.

Oatmeal Brunch Casserole. 47 carbs!!!  Whaaaattt?  I'm not going to say anything else about this one.

Double Oat Granola. 27 carbs.

Stuffed French Toast. 29 carbs.

Spiced Irish Oatmeal. 27 carbs.

I just can't understand why these sites even call themselves 'Diabetic' sites.  I will say that some of their recipes, 5 or so out of 33 were actually low carb, but give me a break.  And I have to say that a lot of this misinformation is out there because we diabetics don't always do our homework and we tolerate this.  Stand up and let the truth set you free.  Leave comments letting not only the site know they are misguiding folks, but letting the readers of these sites know they are being misled.
Enough for now.  I have fish frying in olive oil and it needs my attention.  Yeah, I'm frying.  I like my fat.  See ya!

More 'Healthy' Snack and Diet Food Misinformation?

Hello, guys.  How are you?  Well, I hope.  I'm doing better now that most of my dental work has been done.  I got a temporary crown yesterday.  One more visit and I'm finished for a while.  Yea!
I wrote in a previous blog about some snack suggestions coming from what I know are well meaning folks, but well meaning folks I just don't happen to agree with completely.  I know that not everyone is a diabetic and so some of the suggestions aren't particularly for diabetics, but with the whole new push to help Americans eat healthier, you'd think they'd look at how much sugar we ingest, not just fat.  Most lists of 'healthy' snacks and diet foods I've seen lately just don't make sense to me, low carber or not.  I'll give you some examples from the latest list I read.

Calorie-Controlled Snacks. 100-calorie snack packs come in everything from chips to cupcakes, but how much sugar to they contain?  Carolyn O'Neil, RD, author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous, says, "Foods packaged in 100-calorie packs do the work and calorie math for you so you can enjoy snacking on foods that need to be enjoyed in limited amounts."  Here-in lies one of my problems with this kind of thinking.  It's mindless, it doesn't take into consideration sugar or anything other than calories, and I know several people that don't stop at one pack.  And, while they may satisfy a sweet tooth, they don't fill you up for long, and have little or no nutritional value.  The article went on to suggest that snacks should contain 15 grams of carbs or less.  15 grams is a lot for a snack.

Low-Fat and Fat-Free Dairy Products. I keep reading about cheese, milk, yogurt, sour cream, and cream cheese only being good if it is low fat.  Here again, they say it's okay if it's low fat and then they say mix it with things like cereal and crackers.  So, add more carbs? 

Diet-Friendly Desserts. I saw the following in an article about desserts on a diet.  "Lower-calorie and portion-controlled sweets mean that desserts can be part of any weight loss diet."  They went on to suggest low calorie ice cream, fudgsicles, cookies (Fig Newtons and Vanilla Wafers?), and hard candy.  Lower calorie foods usually lower the calories but add more sugar.  Just be sure to always look at the Nutrition Facts label and check for yourself.

Graham Crackers.  This was suggested on a site for Diabetic friendly snacks.  They suggested 3 or 4 crackers.  Graham crackers contain anywhere from 5 to 7 grams of carbs.  Thats 15 to 28 grams!  And they also suggested a snack of 15 to 20 between every meal or 2 to 3 times a day.  Add up just the snacks and you've taken in 45 to 60 carbs or more.  Thats almost twice the amount I take in in one day, total!

I'm going to make this a series, so be sure to check back.  Well, I have to go do a little drywall repair work at my church.  See ya!

Hey, Hey, Hey

While I meant to write every day, lately I have had so much going on, I just haven't had the chance.  We went to Cincinatti over the weekend to visit Northern KY University for an honors luncheon and to register my daughter, Lori, for classes this fall.  I've been spending hours and hours learning new songs for a concert this Saturday night, just learned yesterday that I have 5 more new songs to learn, and had to learn 3 new songs for a friend's mother's funeral that I sang at this morning.  I got an email from a person at my church, asking me to paint a ceiling in a large classroom, but when I showed up to paint, I found a very large area in the ceiling that had been damaged, cut out and repaired, but not finished.  So, I turned around and went home to get my drywall tools and worked on that instead of painting.  I went back today to sand and put on another coat of joint compound.  I'll probably paint Thursday.  While I was there, I was asked to paint the Associate Pastor's office, too.  Plus, I have waltz classes 2 nights a week with my daughter for prom and band rehearsal 3 nights this week.
I have, however, been doing more research and reading about the blog series I spoke about in my last blog, so it's coming soon.  I've also been getting very nice emails from new fans of our Facebook page.  Thank you to all of you who have been writing.
Well, I need to get going.  I have a 30 minute drive to tonight's rehearsal.  Oh, yeah, I just remembered, I'm singing for a Volunteers Banquet tomorrow morning at one of the hospitals in Evansville, IN.  Guess I better get ready for that when I get home from rehearsal.  Hope you all have a great evening.  See ya!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Hello, everyone.  I hope you are all doing as well as I am.  I've been helping a friend paint his house and what should have taken 6 days only took four, thanks to my sons and buddy Greg.  We've been going in early and working late every day this week, plus, I have been doing Waltz classes two nights a week with my daughter, Lori, so we can dance together at her Prom.  And, I sang at my grandmother's church today at noon for a luncheon. AND, I have been preparing for a rehearsal for another concert in Owensboro, having to learn 20 new songs.  You'd think at my age I'd slow down, wouldn't you?
So, now you know why I haven't blogged in a few days.  I am working on a new series of blogs concerning some of the crazy things I've been reading lately for diabetics and dieters.  I will begin posting those tomorrow, but tonight I just wanted to touch base and let you know I did not fall off the face of the planet.  And, since Jimmy Moore from Livin' La Vida Low Carb listed my blog as one of his favorites and suggested you read it, I thought I'd better get my rear in gear and write something.
I will say, before I go (it's bedtime), that even though we were painting all day this week, we were still able to eat low carb.  Lisa, my lovely wife, who has a wonderful blog called in the low carb kitchen with Lisa, made us all a tasty low carb lunch and supper every day this week.  Please be sure to check out her blog and her delicious recipes.
Well, I'm going to bed now, so, be sure to check back tomorrow.  See ya!

I'm Home!

Oh, my, what a week and weekend.  We started home from Daytona Beach at 6:00am on Friday and didn't get home until after midnight.  The traffic was so bad that it took us 4 1/2 hours to go from Macon to Atlanta, Georgia.  Construction, Spring Break travelers, and accidents on the road caused traffic to just stop several times and other times we would move a few feet, stop, move a few feet and stop, for hours.  I'm so glad to be home.
Saturday was spent setting up our Praise Band's equipment and massive PA at the Henderson Fine Arts Center for our church's Easter Service.  We began having the service at the Center several years ago as a service to the community at large.  The Center seats about 900 and it was about 95 percent full.  Our sanctuary only seats about 350, so having the service at the FAC just makes sense.  It was a wonderful, Spirit filled service, with great music, inspirational video, a wonderful message, and our Youth performed one of the most powerful drama skits I think I have ever seen.  I sang a song entitled, "By His Wounds We are Healed".  It's an awesome song originally done by Mac Powell from Third Day.
After the service, Lisa, Lori, and I had lunch at our local Tumbleweed.  I like to eat there as they have several low carb choices.  I had a Filet Mignon, a house salad with Bleu Cheese dressing (minus croutons), and a vegetable medley.  It was really good.
Have you heard about the proposed tax on junk food?  I read a little about it, and I am concerned about the fact that the main focus is on fat and not sugar.  Another concern is, who decides what is considered "junk"?  The so called main stream thinking is still behind the times when it comes to high fat/moderate protein/low carb eating.  What many of us know to be healthy eating may be considered unhealthy to whoever makes the decisions.  I don't know what we can do about it just yet, but I'll keep you informed.
Well, I have to go now.  I'm putting a new starter on my truck today and my buddy Greg, who is helping me, just got here.  Wish me luck.  I already replaced the solenoid and had my battery checked, so I'm hoping the new starter fixes my problem.  I hope you all have a good day and I'll see you later.

Spring Break

Hi, everybody.  Hope you're doing well.  I think I told you in my last post that we were going to be out of town this week so I might not get to blog.  We've been in Daytona Beach, Florida since early Saturday morning and this is my first chance to write something.  We left our house Friday afternoon and drove all the way through, with just an hour nap at a rest area in Georgia.  When we got here, our room wasn't ready so we changed into our swim suits and hung out around the pool for several hours until our room became available.  Unfortunately, I decided not to use sun block and now I look like a lobster.  I have been putting aloe vera on my skin several times a day and so far I'm not in any pain.
We have been having a blast with our daughter, Lori, and her friend Kylie.  It's just so great to be able to spend this time with Lori, as she will be leaving for college soon.  Too soon for me.  She's my baby girl.
Anyway, on to the low carb stuff.  We packed low carb foods and snacks for the drive and stopped at an IHOP for breakfast, so we didn't have any issues with staying on track on the way down.
As soon as we got in our room and unpacked, we headed to the local Super WalMart to get groceries for the week.  We stocked up on fish, cheese, cream cheese, low carb wheat bread, low carb lite soy milk, pork rinds, nuts, lots of green, leafy veggies, and other things that we could prepare ourselves in the room.  We took the girls out to a local eatery called Down the Hatch for fresh fish and crab legs a couple of nights ago and we all loved it.  Down the Hatch is a place we have gone to several times over the years and we have never been disappointed.  We usually bring the whole family down to Daytona just about every summer, but with the older ones having so much going on in their lives, we don't get to as often as we would like.  I love seeing the kids grow into such great adults, but at the same time it's a little sad.  When I look at them, I still see my little ones.
Well, I guess I had better get back to the family.  Lisa and I may walk the beach again tonight.  We've been walking at least a couple of miles in the morning and some in the evening, every day.  We like to collect shells and this year we found a sand dollar and a starfish as well as some beautiful shells.  I hope you all have a great day.  I may not get to write again until I get home, but I will try.  See ya!

Crazy Little Thing Called Food

Oh, my, have I been busy lately.  My truck broke down and I've been trying to fix it, but I have to rely on the availability of my friend Greg to get around for parts and such.  Plus, Lisa's car was in the body shop for 2 weeks so she's been sharing my daughter's car, and my son is out of town with his car, so, it's just been a logistical nightmare.  We've been getting ready for a little Spring Break trip to Daytona and since I'm the only one home during the day, I get to do all the laundry and cleaning and vacation prep.  Plus, I had more dental work done this week.  Anyway, enough of that.  I'm back.
I have been reading a lot of articles lately that are supposed to be information for diabetics.  I am appalled at some of the crazy things I'm reading.  I don't understand why some of this info is still out there when so many studies have proven it wrong.  I'll give you some examples.
I found an article about the healthiest snacks for diabetics.  I thought, cool, this ought to be good.  Then, as I read it, I actually got angry.  To begin with, they suggested that diabetics should have snacks that contain 15-20 grams of carbs.  Really?  For a snack?  Some of the suggested snacks were; oranges, graham crackers, low-fat milk, popcorn, English muffins, grapes, peanut butter crackers, bananas, and Cheerios.  As I read why these were good snacks for diabetics, it seemed the writer was more interested in fat and sodium content and not carbs. 
I also found a list of foods that diabetics should avoid, and while I agreed with most of the foods on the list, I didn't agree with some of the 'whys'.  One of the foods was fried chicken, and the reason they gave was that the action of 'frying' added carbs.  What?  Frying does not add carbs.  It's the flour used in the breading that adds the carbs.  Again, frying does NOT add carbs.  Check out Lisa's fried chicken recipes.  She 'breads' with something you may not have thought of using and it's low carb.
Lastly, this bit of advise really got me.  Someone wrote in on what is touted as a diabetic's website, and asked, how many grams of carbs should a diabetic have per day.  The answer floored me.  For women, they suggested 45-60 grams,,,,,,per meal!!!!  3 to 4 meals a day plus snacks with 15 to 20 grams!!!  For men, 60 to 75 grams,,,,again, per meal!!!  Are you kidding me?  When are people going to get off the 'let 'em eat what they want as long as they take the pills or shots' rollercoaster?  None of the medications CURE diabetes.  They just mask the symptoms.  Almost all diabetics get worse and have to increase their meds over the years.  I have said it before and I'll say it again, if your body can't handle sugar, DON'T EAT SUGAR!!
I apologize for the rant, but I just get so frustrated with this.  Please bear with me.  The evidence is out there, and it keeps mounting, so why can't the so-called diabetes experts see it.
I'm going to leave you with that.  We are travelling to Florida tomorrow, but Lisa and I both will do our best to blog.  I'll be thinking of you as I lounge around the pool and walk the beach.  See ya!

Rainy Days and Mondays

Hello, everyone.  I'm finally getting back to the blog and I'm so glad.  I've been working some long hours the last several days, painting a friends rental house with my sons.  She inherited the house and wanted the entire interior painted before she rents it out.  It's an old farm house but in great shape except the paint.  It really turned out clean and crisp looking, so it was worth spending so much time on it.
I went to the dentist this morning to finish up a root canal, so I'm a little numb and in a little pain, but it wasn't so bad.  But, I'm just going to chill out today, anyway.
Lisa really went all out last week creating new recipes for St. Patrick's Day.  I was the grateful recipient of those awesome dishes.  Lisa is such a good cook, or cooker person, as my son, Bradley called her when he was little.  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.  You should try all of her recipes.
Did you hear about the incident with The Vegeterian Myth author, Lierre Keith?  Ms. Keith was once a vegan until the diet had a very negative impact on her health.  She now promotes a low carb lifestyle and it has enraged radical vegan groups.  She was speaking at a book fair in San Francisco last week when she was attacked by some of them with a cayenne pepper laced pie in the face. This is the same stuff they use in pepper sprays and it burns the eyes terribly.  How dispicable.
I've been getting a lot of emails lately from some of you readers who have decided to adopt the low carb lifestyle.  I've answered a lot of questions and offered my support.  I am so excited for you.  I've also had several people come up to me around town, telling me that they have started the lifestyle and telling me how much weight they have lost so far and about how much better they feel.  I just love it!  If any of you have any questions or comments or want to share your story, please let me know.  I'm here to help if I can.
Well, that's all I have today.  The pain meds are starting to wear off so, see ya!

Diabetes Meds and Health Risks

Hi, everybody.  I am running a little late today so I don't have a lot of time to blog, but I just had to share something that I saw on the news today.  It just makes me fuming mad.
The Headline reads,

FDA Approved Diabetes Drug Despite Hints at Cancer Risk

Rat studies suggest Victoza could spur rare thyroid tumor, but experts say effects in humans are unclear

Yes, you read it correctly.  The new diabetes medication, Victoza, could possibly cause cancer.  And the FDA approves it anyway.  Victoza, is among a class of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which is meant to be used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin after a person eats.  Did you get that?  Take it after you eat.  Here we go again. Let 'em eat what they want, just make sure they take their pills.
In defending the FDA's stance, FDA spokeswoman Karen Mahoney said, "The relevance of the animal findings to people is unknown.  The type of tumor of concern in people is medullary thyroid cancer, which is a very rare tumor that one cannot expect to be detected in a clinical trial."  So, basically, how it will effect you is unknown and they are okay with that.  Now, I realize that most medications have risks, but what makes me mad is that most mainstream physicians won't even give the low carb diet a chance before they give you a pill or a shot to take every day for the rest of your life.  And, there's more.
Another side effect of this drug is an increased risk of pancreatitis, which is not uncommon in diabetics. Another common side effect is nausea and vomiting, which can also be a sign of pancreatitis, and people taking the drug should be evaluated for that possibility, according to the FDA.  And, the agency is requiring that a medication guide be provided with every prescription filled for Victoza.
Another strange thing about this drug is that it is not meant to replace your diabetes meds, it's meant to be taken WITH your current meds.  I hope your current medication is not Avandia.  I just saw commercial on television that asked if you or a loved one has taken Avandia and had a heart attack or developed cardiac disease, you could be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.  I hadn't heard about this so I Googled 'Avandia lawsuit' and got 166,000 results.  When I searched on 'Avandia side effects, I got 1,110,000 results.  I won't go into all the side effects of these and other diabetes medications, as I said initially, I just don't have the time today, but I hope you get the point.  Why risk it with these meds when controlling your Type 2 Diabetes could, and I stress, could be as simple as changing your lifestyle?  I stress 'could' because I am not a doctor, I am only speaking from my own experience and the research I have done over the last 3 years. 
Well, I'm going to go now, but I'll be back.  See ya!


http://www.usnews.com/health/diet-fitness/diabetes/articles/2010/02/18/fda-approved-diabetes-drug-despite-hints-at-cancer-risk.html

GI Blues Part Three

Hello everybody.  I hope you are having a good day today.  My sons and I are painting the entire interior of a friends house out in the countryside this week.  I love spending so much time with my boys, although at 30 and 25 years of age, I guess I shouldn't call them that.  In my heart, though, they will always be 'my boys'.
Well, let's continue with the GI Blues.  I've been talking about the problems and confusion with the Glycemic Index, especially when used as what some call a low carb diet plan.  It is not, and I repeat, not, a low carb diet.  So, how useful is the GI?  Let's look at it together and you make up your own mind.
First, let's look at the classifications.  A GI of 70 or more is classified as high, 56 to 69 is considered as medium, while 55 and below is classifed as low.  That really doesn't tell us much, and I'll tell you why. 
According to the index, one grain of sugar has a GI of 64, but so does a pound of sugar. Crazy, huh?  So how much sugar can you eat?  There is no way of telling. And, at 64 sugar is classified as medium.  Sugar is medium?  What?
Another confusing thing to me is the GI of breads.  White bread is considered high.  Okay, I can see that.  Whole grain bread is considered low on many GI based diets, but it's GI is actually 69, which should make it medium.  And the difference between white bread and whole grain on the index is only 2 points.  White is 71 and whole grain is 69.  Another confusing thing about breads and grains is that the GI number given to them fluctuates depending on what country you're in.  Whole grain bread in the UK is listed at 74, which is higher than white bread.  And then there's the issue of the exact same foods, made by the exact same manufacturer, but in a different plant having widely differing GIs.  For example, Kellogg's All-Bran, has a GI of 30 in Australia, 38 in America, and 51 in Canada.  It makes my brain hurt.
So, what about whole grain flour?  Anywhere between 52 and 72 in Canada, as high as 78 in Australia, and in Kenya it's 87.  The exact same thing, only made in different countries with differences of 35 GI points.
And here is an example of something even crazier.  You might think that foods containing sugar would have a higher GI than the same food made without sugar, right?  Well, think again.  Banana cake made with sugar is 47,,,,,Banana cake made without sugar is 55!
Had enough?  Hang in there.  I'm almost finished.  Not only does where a food is made effect it's GI, the way a food is cooked or processed makes a difference.  This was recently found to be true in a study by the Department of Dietetics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong.
Lastly, let me address a problem as it relates to diabetics, with one example.  Fructose, or fruit sugar has a GI of 22, which is very much lower than suctrose, or table sugar, which is 64.  Got that?  Fructose has a much lower GI than regular table sugar, yet fructose is much more damaging to a diabetic's health than sugar.  Please, if you are diabetic, do not go on any diet plan based on the Glycemic Index.  It is not low carb, no matter what they tell you.
The Glycemic Index is weak, it has been over simplified, over hyped, and over sold.  It was not developed to be used as a weight loss plan and in my opinion, it should not be.  It may have some use in a clinical setting, but it is certainly of very limited use to the general population.
As far as I'm concerned, what matters to your body is not the GI of a carbohydrate, but the amount of carbohydrate.  50 grams of carbs is 50 grams of carbs not matter what the GI is.  And while most of the GI plans that I've seen advertised (advertised as in it'll cost you), bill themselves as low carb, if you look at the meal plans, it's the same old 'healthy' low calorie, low fat, high carb diet that has been failing dieters and ruining their health for decades.
So, I'm finished rambling about GI today.  And probably for a while.  I hope this information helps you and if you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to write.  See ya!

GI Blues Part Two

Hello, everybody. I hope you are all doing well. I had a great night Saturday night playing drums for Country singer, Natasha Neely's concert. It was a blast. The band sounded great and Natasha put on a really awesome show. We had a packed house and the audience was very receptive. So, now, on to the GI Blues.
I left off in my last blog talking about problems with the Glycemic Index, or GI, and the confusion and issues with the index. Let's continue with that.  In a recent popular woman's magazine, a whole ten pages was devoted to the GI diet. It even stated on the cover that the GI diet was 'the healthiest low-carb plan around'. And it got it completely wrong!
While the authors correctly stated that the Glycemic Index is a measure of how much carbs raise blood glucose levels, in their lists of high-GI, medium-GI and low-GI foods they listed fatty foods as high-GI. Wrong! Their GI is actually zero! They also listed 'omega-3 eggs' as low-GI and 'eggs' as medium-GI, when neither type has a GI at all; and low-fat cottage cheese was listed as low-GI, light cream cheese as medium-GI and full-fat cheese as high-GI when, again, none has a GI. In fact, because fats, meat, fish, cheese and eggs have little effect on blood glucose, they don't have a GI! And lastly, diet fizzy drinks were listed as both low-GI and high-GI depending on whether or not they contained caffeine – yet caffeine is not even mentioned in the GI tables, as published in the July 2002 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Looks to me like ignorance trying to cash in on the latest diet fad.
The article goes on to recommend six recently-published GI diet books. Well, if the article was based on info from these books, then those authors must have gotten it wrong as well. Confused? Me, too. So I wanted to know how the GI was created, and here's what I found.
Scientists fed 50 grams of glucose to their test subjects and measured how much this raised the subjects' blood glucose. That became their reference point and they labeled it 100. Then they tested their subjects with other foods and measured blood glucose response and how it related to the initial reference. If, for example, one of those foods raised their test subjects' blood glucose level to 50% percent of the reference, then it had a glycemic index of 50. This went on as they tested other foods. Then they ran into a problem.
Glucose is very sweet; a bit too sweet for many people. The testers didn't like drinking 50 grams of the sweet stuff so, later, white bread was substituted. Another problem. White bread has a GI of about 70 compared to glucose. And while the people doing the eating preferred this, unfortunately it generated another index in which bread was rated at 100. First it's 70, and then it's 100. What?
So, now there were two GIs: one based on glucose equaling 100; the other based on white bread equaling 100. This started the confusion as both indexes came into general use – and most publications fail to state which one they are using (including the article I mentioned above).
Even more confused? Really, I'm not trying to confuse you guys. I am trying to educate. And in so, I am educating myself. This research that I do is very revealing to me. The more I learn, the more confirmation I get that the low carb lifestyle is the only lifestyle for me. It is not a fad. It has been and is continually being proven to be the healthiest lifestyle one can lead.
There is so much more to this and I don't want to inundate you with it all at once, so, I will continue again tomorrow. Until then, I hope you have a great day and a great life. See ya!

GI Blues, Part One

Sorry, I haven't been on in a couple of days.  We have been having issues with our cable service and wireless router.  If you've ever had to call a technician for help and been put on hold forever, you surely understand.  I've also been spending a lot of time preparing and rehearsing for tomorrow night's Natasha Neely concert, in which I am playing drums.  I am so looking forward to the show.  Natasha is very good and I'm happy to have been asked to play.
As we discussed in my last blog, I'm researching the Glycemic Index, or GI, what it is, what it means, does it really matter, and should you even consider it.  Here's the first part of what will be a series. 
The glycemic index is a scale that measures how quickly carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. The original purpose of the glycemic index was to help diabetics keep their blood glucose under control.  It is a measure of how quickly carbohydrates raise blood glucose and, thus, insulin levels.
But, lately it has attracted so much attention, you can't turn on the TV or pick up a magazine without seeing a weight loss plan that bases it's entire diet on it.  Diet books such as "The Zone," and "Sugarbusters" worship the index like some kind of idol.
While the glycemic index may be useful in some applications, the problem in basing your entire weight loss plan on the glycemic index to dictate all your carb choices is that the index is based on carbohydrates being eaten by themselves in a fasted state.  What I'm saying is, the index numbers change if you're not fasting or when carbs are eaten with fats and proteins.  Overall nutrient value of a food also affects the GI.  How you cook a food, the degree of processing, the ripeness and variety of a fruit, are some other examples of things that affect the GI.  And since the index only identifys the effect different foods have on blood sugar levels when those foods are eaten alone, many nutritionists believe this is one of the main problems with the GI.  When you mix different foods as for a meal, the GI value of the whole meal changes, so it is extremely difficult to correctly calculate the GI for a meal.  Many nutritionists consider this a limitation.
Another problem I find with the GI plans, is that it discourages fats.  And you all know how I feel about that.  And one GI plan even suggested that since it was so complicated, maybe it would be easier to just become a GI vegetarian.  Outrageous! 
I'm going to make this a multi-part blog as it is a complicated issue and I don't want to overwhelm you with a bunch of facts and figures.  I'll write more later.  Have a good day.  See ya!

Glycemic Index; Does it really mean anything?

Good morning to all my favorite people, my readers.  I hope you are all doing well.  I was so sorry to see that another young actor, Corey Haim, was found dead at 38.  Corey admitted to decades of drug abuse, which ranged from pot, to cocaine, crack, speed, sedatives, and more.  How sad.  I really liked this young actor.  Remember his role in The Lost Boys?
I don't have much to say at the moment as I am doing some research on the Glycemic Index; what it is, what it means to you, why it is so confusing, and does it really matter.  I want to fully research the topic and new studies before I write about my findings because what I write here must be the truth.  I owe that to you.
I cooked up one of Lisa's new St. Patrick's Day recipes last night and found it so simple to make.  If I can so it, so can you.  I made a traditional Irish Sausage and Cabbage Stew.  It was fantastic.  You've got to try it.
Lisa is adding new recipes every day so be sure to check them out often.
I'll write more later, but right now, I just want to say thank you to all my readers and to readers who have signed up to 'Follow' my blog.  If you haven't signed up as a 'Follower' please do so.  Thanks again and I'll see ya!

Medications and Low Carb Diet

Good morning, readers.  I hope you're having a great day today.  I wanted to go into a little more detail about one of the things I've told you about my low carb experience.  I've said before that I've been off all diabetes related medications for three years, but I don't think I ever told you how quickly I HAD to stop them.  When I started eating low carb, I was on meds for blood sugar, triglycerides, and blood pressure.  Although they weren't controlling any of these things, I was still taking them.  Within less than two weeks, I absolutely HAD to stop taking them all.  The diet was controlling all of my symptoms so well, that the meds were making my blood sugar levels drop too much.  As soon as I stopped taking the meds, everything just leveled off to ideal levels.  The one thing I should have done is worked with my doctor so he knew I was changing my lifestyle and he could help me by giving me advice on the meds thing.  So, I found some information on About.com and thought it was responsibility to share it with you.  I keep promoting the low carb lifestyle but with all the questions we've been getting lately, I feel I should warn you about how your dependence on medications will be affected.  I call it a warning, but it should be called a blessing.  A blessing because a lifestyle change can get you off the meds.  A warning because it happens so quickly.  Anyway, here's the information I read on About.com.  I am writing most of this in my own words but quoting some of it.  The quotes will be in quotations.
We are always told to consult our doctor before starting any new diet, but few of us follow that advise.  If you are on any medications, consulting your doctor before starting a low carb diet is important.
"It is important for your healthcare providers to be aware of your diet change because dosages of medication might have to be adjusted or eliminated, or a change of medication might be in order. This is particularly true if you are being treated for diabetes or high blood pressure.
If you're taking insulin, you are already aware of the relationship between the carbs you eat and the amount of insulin you need to take.  If you greatly change the amount of carbs in your diet, you should coordinate this closely with your doctor, because a low carb dieter will require less insulin.  You need to be very careful that your blood glucose level doesn't get too high or too low.
"If you have been eating a high carb diet and switch to low-carb one, you will likely need to adjust your medications. Many people find that over time they can control their blood glucose with diet and exercise alone and can stop taking the medication. Continuing to take the same dosage could result in hypoglycemic episodes".
This includes blood pressure medications.  New studies show that a low carb diet often at least partly corrects high blood pressure.  "The problem is that if a person is already taking medication to lower blood pressure, it can go too low.
Dr. Mary Vernon tells this story: Someone she knew from work, who she knew had high blood pressure, asked her one day if lowcarb diets are safe. She said, "Yes, but do it with my supervision." Unfortunately, the man did not follow her instructions. Some time later, he called her -- from the floor of his living room. He couldn't stand up without passing out. He was taken to the emergency room, where she met him. His blood pressure was alarmingly low. It turned out he was taking quite a lot of medication to lower his blood pressure, much of which was no longer needed".
Diabetes and high blood pressure meds are the main ones that may need to be adjusted or discontinued on a low carb diet, but others may be affected.
Me, again.  So, there you have it.  This lifestyle change is so powerful, it comes with a warning.  As I said before, it's also a blessing.  In addition to the many health benefits, imagine how much money you'll save when you no longer have to buy all those pills!
I hope this helps you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.  My life has most certainly changed for the better.  Yours can, too.  See ya!

High Carb Diet Linked to Breast Cancer

I found this information this morning and thought it was very important to share with you.  Breast cancer runs rampant in my wife's family.  Her mother and both sisters have been stricken with this awful disease.  The article follows.

High-carb diets may increase more than just waistlines. New research suggests they might raise the risk of breast cancer.


Women in Mexico who ate a lot of carbohydrates were more than twice as likely to get breast cancer than those who ate less starch and sugar, scientists found.

The study took place at Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica in Cuernavaca, Mexico. It was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ministry of Health of Mexico, and the American Institute for Cancer Research. Results were published Friday in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Fats, fiber and specific foods have long been studied for their effects on various types of cancer, but few firm links have emerged. Being overweight is known to raise risk, but the new study took that into account and still found greater risk from high carbohydrate consumption.

Scientists think carbs may increase cancer risk by rapidly raising sugar in the blood, which prompts a surge of insulin to be secreted. This causes cells to divide and leads to higher levels of estrogen in the blood, both of which can encourage cancer.

A study earlier this year suggested that high-carb diets modestly raised the risk of colon cancer. Little research has been done on their effect on breast cancer, and results have been mixed. One study last year found greater risk among young women who ate a lot of sweets, especially sodas and desserts.

For this study, researchers enrolled 475 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and a comparison group of 1,391 healthy women in Mexico City who were matched for age, weight, childbirth trends and other factors that affect the odds of getting the disease.

Women filled out a lengthy food questionnaire widely used in nutrition studies, and were divided into four categories based on how much of their total calories came from carbohydrates.

Those in the top category -- who got 62 percent or more of their calories from carbs -- were 2.22 times more likely to have breast cancer than those in the lowest category, whose carb intake was 52 percent or less of their diet.

"The findings do raise concern about the possible adverse effects of eating lots of carbohydrates," especially for people who have diabetes, insulin resistance or are overweight, Willett said.

"It adds to the information that diet's important" with respect to cancer risk, said John Milner, the National Cancer Institute's chief of nutrition.

"It leads me to believe that healthier carb sources, or at least diets containing fiber, would be less strongly associated with breast cancer," said Marji McCullough, a senior epidemiologist and nutrition expert at the American Cancer Society.

This is me again.  Please don't think I'm trying to scare you into a low carb lifestyle.  I just feel that part of my job here is to provide information coming from new studies that relate to the low carb lifestyle.  I hope that this information is useful and helpful to you.

St. Patrick's Day

Oh, my goodness!  Lisa has done it again.  She has decided to create low carb versions of traditional Irish dishes and I am the humble recipient of her glorious creations.  Tonight she made a meal so loved in Ireland, it has it's own song to honor it.  It is called St. Patrick's Colcannon.  It calls for potatoes, but Lisa substituted mashed cauliflower, which we love.  The dish combines mashed cauliflower, cabbage, shallots, garlic and corned beef.  It was so good that Lisa, Bradley, and I each had two helpings.  The recipe is posted on the website, so look for it there and try it for a special St. Patty's day treat.
We have been receiving so many e-mails lately that I'm having a hard time keeping up with them.  But, be assured, we answer all of them as soon as we can.  Folks are asking questions about low carb living, telling us their success stories, and just telling us how inspired and motivated they are by the information they are getting from the site.  They are also telling us about the recipes they have tried and how delicious they are.  We are humbled by all the positive comments and I am happy for the opportunity to help others on this road to healthy living.
I am also having people stop me on the street, in stores, and at church, telling me that they are going to start the lifestyle, or their spouse is, or they both are.  How exciting.
Greg weighed in the other day and has lost almost 30 pounds!  I am so proud of him.  Way to go, Greg!
If you have questions or comments about the low carb life, please don't hesitate to contact me.  That's what I'm here for. 
Well, I'm going to watch the Oscars so I'll get back to you tomorrow.  Have a wonderful evening.  See ya.

Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo

I'm baaack.  Hello, everyone.  In my last blog I mentioned playing with Country singer, Natasha Neely this week.  While I love Country music (I actually like most every kind of music, or at least have a musician's respect for all kinds), I love to play some good old Rock and Roll.  And last night I did.  Some of the more seasoned players I know have put together a little jam band we call Whiskers (we all have a little chin hair) and we play the first Thursday of every month at a place called Cricket's in Newburgh, Indiana.  I call it a jam band because we have never rehearsed.  But, as I said, we are all seasoned, so it still sounds good.  We do everything from Johnny Cash to Toto, John Cougar to Michael Jackson, ZZ Top to Huey Lewis.  Well, you get the picture.  We just do whatever we like.  Anyway, last night we played better than ever and I had a tremendous night.  I'm playing tomorrow night with a little R & B group called the Brown Sisters.  That is always fun as the two black ladies that front the band are two of the best singers and entertainers in the Tri-state, and they are a hoot.  I love them both.  Okay, enough about music.
I didn't get around to blogging yesterday as I was so busy  responding to the flood of emails we have received since the article about the site came out in the newspaper.  I am having such a great time answering your questions and kind of getting to know some of you.  I just love the inspiring stories and the courage some of you have trying to make a lifestyle change.  I know it can be hard, especially if you're the only one in the house doing it.  I received so many emails from couples who are going to do it together, too, and that is so romantic in a way.  We all need support in life and lifestyle, and it's such a huge motivating factor when that support comes from your best friend (mine is my wife).  I even had an elderly lady of 76 tell me she was inspired by our story and she's going to give it a try!  You people are just only awesome!
The most asked question I got was, "how many carbs should I have a day and still lose weight?".  Here is the answer I gave from my experience. 
I, myself, limit my carbs to less than 30 a day. That is a good number for me to maintain my weight loss and still keep my diabetes under control. Most experts say 20 - 30 is considered low carb. There are people who do what is called Very Low Carb, or VLC, and they might only have 5 or so. I recommend for the first two weeks, try to do what is called induction, which is nothing but eggs, meat, and cheese (as much as you want). This will give your body a little 'kick start'. Then, you may need to experiment a little to see how many you need to keep the diabetes monster in it's cage (if you are diabetic) and still lose weight. Remember, we're all a little different, but I would suggest the induction and then start off with no more than 20 for a while to lose weight and then down the road try adding 5 and see how that works for you. I would never, ever go over 40 or 50.
I answered that question from my own experience, but tomorrow, I will give you some hard facts and figures from the experts.  Well, I gotta go, Ghost Whisperer is coming on!

Country Music Night

I'm so glad to be home and writing my blog.  I had a great rehearsal with the Natasha Neely band tonight, but it went from 4:00 until almost 11.  I had a lot of fun, but I'm a drummer, and sitting for that long is hard on the old bottom.  I spent most of the morning going over my music and learning 3 new songs.  Then, we learned 2 more new ones at the rehearsal.  That's more than 30 I've had to learn in just over a week.  For this band.  I'm playing with The Whiskers band tomorrow night and have 12 new songs to learn tomorrow.  I'm not complaining, mind you, I'm just rambling.  Sorry.
We did take a little break for dinner, and I was able to stay low carb at a place called Cheddar's.  I had a side salad with very little blue cheese dressing and a bacon cheeseburger without the bun.  It was very good.
You may be tired of hearing about the feature story our local newspaper, The Gleaner, ran about us, but we got more good news today.  Greg called me this morning and told me he was in Evansville with his dad at the doctor's office, when he picked up the Courier and Press, which owns The Gleaner, and they ran the same story today.  Very cool.  Hits on the website have gone through the roof.  More than tripled!  We are so happy about that, as we are reaching so many more people with the low carb truth.  We've been getting e-mails and comments like never before.  People telling us their low carb stories and asking questions and just giving us positive reinforcement.  It is so cool.
Before I go, I want to tell you about the March 2, 2010 release of New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight Fast and Feeling Great Forever.  Duke University low carb researcher and practitioner, Dr. Eric Westman, said they wanted to bring back the high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb nutritional approach that Dr. Atkins promoted as his life’s work. The new book brings living the Atkins lifestyle into modern society with a few important strategies that have been missing in previous versions of the Atkins diet.  I can't wait to read it and I think you should, too.
Okay, I'm going to bed now, so that's all for tonight.  Sorry I was so late getting this out.  See ya!

I'm Famous

So, I go into the bank this morning, and the teller tells me that she saw the article about our low carb life in Sunday's newspaper.  She said she thought it was a very good story and it prompted her to check out the website and try some of the recipes.  She had been insulin dependent diabetic until she had gastric bypass surgery and lost almost 200 pounds.  After the surgery, she started eating better and now she no longer needs any diabetes meds.  Good for her!
Then, I went into a local newstand, and the girl behind the counter recognized me and said she saved the article so she could show her brother, who is almost 100 pounds overweight and is pre- diabetic, as she put it.  She also checked out the website and said she can't wait to try the recipes.  I wish her luck in helping her brother.
I went home after the newstand, and my youngest son, Bradley, told me that when he went into the Post Office, several people were discussing the article and when one of the ladies saw him, she recognized him as my son and asked him questions about our lifestyle.  He said they all told him what a motivational story his parents told in the article.  How cool.
When Lisa came home from work, she said several people she works with told her how much they liked the article and were now interested in trying the low carb life.  Awesome.
It just feels so good to know that something that has made such a difference in your life might somehow help others make a difference in theirs.  That something as simple as watching what you put in your mouth, can drastically improve so many aspects of your health and make you feel so much better, that others can see it and want it, too.
My wish for you, whether you're overweight or not, whether you're diabetic or not, whether you're healthy or not, is that you will at least give this lifestyle a chance.  It has been proven that this lifestyle helps to resolve so many health issues, like Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, and it's heart healthy.  They even have success treating pediatric seizure patients.
So, I've preached enough.  My sons' band is going on a mini tour in a few weeks and they needed more seating in their van, so I helped them build a bench seat tonight.  Lisa decided to cook for us all, so she made chicken breast covered in bacon and cheddar cheese, Angus burgers, and my oldest son's cream spinach recipe.  It was awesome. 
Well, I guess I'd better get off now.  Lisa wants me to watch an old Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her.  Other than American Idol, I didn't see much else on.  Speaking of American Idol, who do you like?  Who needs to go home?  See ya!

Oh, No. Not Again!

Well, we had an interesting night last night.  We were still celebrating how well our feature story was received, when, about 10:00, we heard tires squeal and a crash.  I looked out the window to see a car speeding away after it hit Lisa's new Nissan Cube.  She just bought that car a few months ago and now it gets hit by a hit and run driver.  We ran outside but the car was already out of sight.  We called the police and then another car pulls up with two ladies in it.  They said they saw the whole thing and waited around to tell the police what they saw.  The officer didn't seem very confident that they would find the person, but we got a call from them at 1:00 this morning saying they found the car but not the driver.  The car is registered to someone in a neighboring city, so they are getting an arrest warrant today.  I haven't heard from them yet.  I called the insurance company this morning and my body shop.  My friend, Mark, who owns the body shop came and towed the car to his place so he could give us a true estimate.  Now, we're just waiting to hear from him and the police.
As if that wasn't enough, the same thing happened to my truck about 6 months ago.  They found the guy, drunk, driving on a suspended license, with no insurance.  That was a mess to finally get resolved.
And, after all the excitement last night, I had to go in for a root canal at 11:30 this morning.  It went well, but I have to go back a couple of more times to finish everything up.
So, with all that said, we are still excited about the overwhelming response we have had about our story in the paper.  Visits to the site went through the roof and we are getting several e-mails from folks interested in adopting the low carb lifestyle.  I really love helping others get healthy.  My experience has been so positive.  I'm off all diabetic related meds, lost 65 pounds and all my blood work is ideal.  If I can do it, so can you.
I had low carb, flax seed peanut butter on low carb whole wheat toast this morning for breakfast, but after the root canal, I don't know what I'll feel like eating the rest of the day.  I'm still a little numb and it feels like I'm continuously drooling but Greg tells me I'm not.
Speaking of Greg, he's at the house right now.  He'll be blogging in a minute so be sure to read his ramblings. 
That's all I have for now.  Hope you all have a great day.  See ya.

Gleaner Feature Story

Hello, everyone.  I hope you are all doing well.  We, here at ourlowcarblife, couldn't be more excited.  The feature story about our website and our low carb experience, ran in our local newspaper, The Gleaner, today.  It took up almost an entire page!  We have had nothing but positive responses, via both e-mail and Facebook Fan comments, all day.  The story ran in the paper as well as on their website.  The web version included not only pictures, but video, too.  I'm already getting e-mail from folks asking questions about how to begin adopting this healthy lifestyle change.  I am so happy to be able to help.  We started the site for that purpose.  When you find something that does so much for you and your health, you just want to share it.  If I can be of any assistance to any of you, please don't hesitate to ask.  That's what I'm here for. 
It was so funny at church this morning, as people were asking Lisa and I for our autographs and wanting to "shake the hand of a famous person" as our friend Sarah joked.  Our preacher, Brother Ted, pulled me aside and told me how positive, uplifting, and motivational he thought the article was and congratulated us for our attempts to help others.
After church, Lisa and I stopped in a local buffett and got breakfast food to go.  We loaded up on scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage.  While we were going through the line, I noticed several people pointing and talking about us around their tables.  Too funny.  We went home and fed our little brood, while we (well, I) watched a couple of old Bing Crosby/Bob Hope movies and relaxed.  Lisa has spent most of the day working on the website, even though I'm trying to get her to take the day off.  It is her birthday today and she deserves a little R&R.  I love that woman more every day!  Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea!
Well, I have to go now but please check back for more exciting news in the works.  I'll keep you posted.
One more thing, here's the link to our story posted in the local newspaper today & the video:

the article and the video

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow, what a busy few days I've had.  I've been doing some painting at a friends house this week during the day.  Wednesday was my birthday, so my lovely wife had the kids over for supper.  My oldest son, Matt, made me a low carb meat loaf, Lisa made spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, and mock hash brown casserole made with cauliflower.  Oh, and I can't forget the low carb cheesecake with sugar free strawberry preserves mixed with fresh strawberries.  Oh, meo Deos, as my Brazilian friend would say.
Thursday, I painted again, and then drove a half an hour to the first band rehearsal for country singer, Natasha Neely.  I think I told you that I'm playing drums for her big show in Owensboro, KY on March 13th.  I met the band for the first time, and was amazed at just how well we sounded, having only just met.
Lisa's birthday is Sunday, and since we can't get everyone together then, we're having the kids over tonight for a birthday supper.  Matt is cooking steak, homemade crab cakes, and fresh, creamed spinach.  All low carb, including the crab cakes.  He's using pork rinds instead of crackers or bread crumbs.  I'm in the living room now and the smell from the kitchen is amazing.
As you can tell, even though we celebrate, we can still lead a low carb lifestyle.  A little planning and imagination, and it's really no problem.  It's actually very easy.
I get a message from the reporter who interviewed us last week, telling me that our feature story will definitely be in this Sunday's newspaper, the Gleaner.  It will also be on the paper's website.  I'll post the link as soon as it comes out so be on the lookout for that.  If you are a fan of Our Low Carb Life Facebook page, it'll be on there as well.  If you are not a fan, please consider becoming one. 
Thanks for reading and I'll see ya later.

Pork Chops and Apple Sauce

Hey, y'all.  Hope you're all doing well.  I'm doing fine considering the news I got from my dentist today.  I've been suffering from a toothache for several days now, so I finally made the call.  After reviewing the x-rays, I was told I need a root canal, which will happen on Monday and then a crown the next Monday.  It'll be a little painful, but I can take it.
Speaking of pain, did you see the heartbreaking story about the Dutch speedskater, Sven Kramer, and the bad signal he got from his coach?  It cost him the Gold Medal in the Men's 10,000 meter race.  Kramer had it all wrapped up and then he was signaled to move into the wrong lane and he was disqualified.  What a shame.
Well, enough about pain.  How about pleasure?  That's exactly what I felt when Lisa served up her newest recipe tonight.  Pork chops with cabbage and bacon.  It was the bomb.  She'll be posting the recipe soon.  You've got to try it.  For lunch, I fried some of the homemade, pure pork sausage I got from a friend a while back, put a thick slice of super sharp white Vermont cheddar on top, and made a sandwich with low carb whole wheat and  mayo.  That sausage is so good.  Thanks, Venetta.
I'm still working on the 26 songs I need to learn for Natasha Neely's big show next month.  I really like the original music she does.  I can't wait for our first rehearsal Thursday.  I get to meet a whole new group of musicians which is always interesting.  I've made a lot of friends through music and I don't expect this to be any different.
Just so you know, tomorrow is my birthday and we are having the kids over for dinner and a night of board games so I may not get a chance to blog.  I'll make it up to you later.  Keep it low.  See ya!

Crazy Weekend

Hello, guys.  So sorry I didn't blog this weekend.  I got a call from the music director for an up and coming country artist, named Natasha Neely, asking me to play drums for her upcoming concert in Owensboro, KY.  I just got the music yesterday and I have until Thursday to learn 26 new songs.  A lot of which are originals, so I am just hearing them for the first time.  Natasha is a very good singer and I appreciate the opportunity to back her up.  Seems, the Nashville drummer that they originally had, can't do it now, so I got the call.  I'm so excited.
Then, I get a call from a guitar player friend asking me if I could back up another up and coming country singer, named Linda Smith.  I haven't received the details about this one yet, but I'm really excited about this, too.  I love playing drums and have been playing for 35 plus years.  I play with 6 bands already, but a few more couldn't hurt, could it?
My buddy Greg finally took his dad home from the hospital, but is spending a lot of time taking care of him.  He'll be back at his blog real soon, so look for his return.  He came over this morning to do his weigh in and found that he has lost 23 pounds so far.  How cool is that?
Another friend has been living the low carb life for a while now and has lost 60 pounds so far.  Way to go Larry Courtney.  We will be posting his success story very soon.
And, my sister, Missy, recently began low carb living and has lost 3 pounds in less than a week! 
We continue to hear story after story from friends, relatives and readers about their low carb success and hope to post their stories as well.
As far as we know now, the feature story in our local paper, the Gleaner, will come out Sunday.  It'll also be on their website.  I'll post the link as soon as it's out there.  I talked with Jimmy Moore from Living La Vida Low Carb about it  and he's gonna send it out to all "his peeps" as he put it.  Brian Cormier, the Low Carb Dude, has also said he will put it on his site and send it to his Twitter people.  Both Jimmy and Brian have been so nice to us.  I suggest you check out their sites.
Lisa has been posting a lot of new recipes lately, so I have been getting to eat some really good stuff lately.  She made low carb peanut butter cookies the other night that were to die for (the kids agreed) and only 0.6 carbs per cookie!  I love it when she comes up with something new.  Last night it was Green Chili Stew with cubed pork sirloin.  Tasty and just the right amount of spicyness.  Is that a word?  Well, you know what I mean.  Gooooood!
Well, that's all I have for today.  I have a birthday coming up in a few days and Lisa's is a few days after that, so we are having the family over and my oldest son, Matt is going to cook.  He's a great low carb cook, so I'm really looking forward to see what he has in mind.  Anyway, hope you all are well and I'll see you tomorrow.

Newspaper Interview

Wow, I am so excited about our interview with the local newspaper, The Gleaner.  The reporter, Donna Stinnett, and the photographer, Mike Lawrence, put us so at ease, it was like sitting around talking to old friends.  Donna interviewed us while Mike took pictures and video of Lisa and I preparing her recipes of Crispy Parmesan Chicken, fried cabbage with green pepper and onion, and black soy beans with diced tomato and chilis.  I loved having the opportunity to tell of my experience with diabetes and how I came to find my "cure for diabetes" through High Fat/Moderate Protein/Low Carb living.  I told about my early symptoms, diagnosis, finding the Dr. Mary Vernon article, doing my own research, our decision to adopt the lifestyle, how we lost weight, and most importantly, how I took control of my diabetes and got off all my medications related to diabetes.  I did my homework prior to the interview, so I was able to site and provide the reporter with study after study showing the health benefits of the low carb lifestyle.  At several points, even the photographer was asking questions and said he found the subject very interesting.  If this helps just one more person come to grips with their diabetes and/or weight issues, then it was completely worth it.  Donna thinks the story will run next Sunday, which is cool because that's Lisa's birthday, but she wasn't sure.  She'll let me know as soon as she knows and I'll let you know as soon as I know.  Thanks for all the well wishes and moral support.  God bless you all.

Snacking

Good evening, everyone.  I hope you are doing well.  We still have snow on the ground and it's cold but at least the sun was shining today and it was glorious.  I am so ready for spring.  How about you?
So many of my close friends, relatives, and aquaintances (and Facebook buddies) have decided to try the low carb life lately, I have been inundated with questions.  How many carbs can I have a day?  What kind of fruits can I have?  What kind of vegetables?  What, you mean I can't have bananas?  I am happy so many are giving this a try, but I just hope they all realize, in my mind, it can't just be looked at like some fad diet.  In order to get the health benefits so many of us really need, it has to be a lifestyle change.  Diets usually have a beginning and an end.  People lose weight and then gradually drift back to their old ways and put the weight back on, only each time, studies show they put even more weight on.  It can be a vicious cycle, one that can ultimately cause more problems over time.  Why can't we just realize that fad diets and pills and the latest contraption may work in the short term but don't work in the long term.  People are living longer and longer.  Don't you want to be healthy for the rest of your life?  And remember, there is a difference in fit and healthy.  How many times have we read about athletes who are the ultimate example of fitness dropping dead because they weren't healthy?  Studies are showing again and again that the low carb lifestyle not only helps you lose weight, it is heart healthy, it lowers blood pressure, controls blood sugar, etc., etc.  The list of the health benefits of a low carb life continues to grow.  One study shows that it helps to control seizures!  Well, enough of that.  I want to share some of my snack ideas.
One of my favorite snacks has got to be cheese.  I like all kinds but my favorite has to be super sharp cheddar.  Lisa loves the prepackaged cheese sticks.  I prefer slicing it off a block.  During the summer, sometimes Lisa and I will even have two or three different kinds of cheese slices with strawberries and celery for a light supper.  Speaking of celery, I love to cut stalks into about four inch lengths and fill them with cream cheese and sometimes low carb peanut butter.  We also like pork rinds.  A lot.  Sometimes I'll fill a plate with pork rinds, cover them with shredded cheese and jalapenos, and throw them in the microwave until the cheese is melted and it's like nachos.    I also like to put shredded cheese on a plate and cover with pepperoni slices, put it in the microwave until the cheese is melted and crispy around the edge for a little mock pizza.  Take some salami slices and roll them around cream cheese.  Or, make a salami/cream cheese stack, alternating salami slices and cream cheese.  Make it about a half an inch tall and cut it into pie shapes.  Try pepperoni "chips".  Put pepperoni on a plate, cover with a paper towel, and microwave until bubbly.  Let them sit until they cool and you've got crispy pepperoni chips.  This works with parmesan as well, only use the oven for this one.  Make little piles of shredded parmesan on a baking sheet, stick it in the oven until it melts, let it cool until they are crispy.  These are so good.  Just remember, the snacks I've talked about above are not recipes.  I leave that to Lisa.  Most of these ideas are on the website.  Those that aren't, will be soon, so be sure to check back often.
Oh, and I have an update on Greg's dad.  He is out of the hospital and resting and recuperating at home.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
Thanks, again, for supporting my blog by stopping by occasionally, or even daily, to read my low carb ramblings.  Our newspaper interview is tomorrow, and while we are excited, we are a little nervous.  Be thinking about us at about 3:00 tomorrow afternoon.  See ya

Myths and Legends

Hello, all.  I hope you are staying warm.  It is very cold here.  I think the older I get the less I like the cold.  I don't know about you but I am ready for spring.
I thought I'd address a few myths or misconceptions that always come up in the conversation about the low carb lifestyle.
One is that so many people think that low carb means no carbs.  Low carb simply means carb restriction.  How much varies.  I try to keep mine under 30 a day, but some days I go a little over.  There are good carbs, which brings me to the next one.
You can't eat vegetables on a low carb diet.  That's so untrue.  Study after study shows that people who eat low carb eat more vegetables than the general population.  In one of my previous blogs, I provided a list of low carb vegetables.  There are many.
Next, is the myth that low carbers don't get enough fiber.  Poppycock.  Fibrous vegetables and fruits are aplenty and since the fiber is undigested it helps lessen the impact of whatever carbs your getting on blood sugar.
What about the one about low carb increases the risk of heart disease.  Recent studies have disproven this over and over.  In fact, they prove that a low carb diet DECREASES the risk.
Low carb diets can damage your kidneys.  There has never, I repeat, never been a study that shows this to be true.
Here's the one I find the most amusing.  The myth that low carb "sucks the calcium from your bones".  Most low carbers eat a lot of protein and protein has been shown to protect the bones.
And now, the one that won't go away.  Dr. Atkins died from his own diet.  Crazy.  He died from head injuries sustained from a fall.  Pictures that show him bigger at the end are actually pictures of him bloated from the fluids and medications given to him after the fall.
Anyway, I hope this helps expose the naysayers.  One more thing.  Have you noticed all of the warnings that they have to give in commercials for medicines lately.  I timed one the other day and the warnings took longer than the actual time they took to tell of the benefits.  I saw one today that was for controlling cholesterol and triglycerides.  If people would only watch what they put in their mouth, most wouldn't even need medications.  In my experience, this has been true.  I'm off all diabetic, triglyceride, and related meds and have been for 3 years. 
Well, that's all I have for today.  Stay well and I hope to see you again tomorrow.  Peace!

Low Carb Food Pyramid

Well, we got a lot of snow last night and this morning, although not as much as much of the country, it was enough for us to get a snow day.  Lisa and I took the day off and my daughter was out of school.  My son, Bradley, only had to work until noon, so we had most of the family home today.  I spent most of the day cleaning in the kitchen, getting ready for our newspaper feature story interview and pictures, which will be taken in the kitchen as Lisa and I prepare a few of our favorite recipes.  I cleaned out the pots and pans cabinet and hand washed every single thing I pulled out.  I also cleaned out and organized our spice cabinet.  I couldn't believe how many things had expired.  After I finished cleaning, the kids and I watched the first two episodes of the old TV series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  How fun.
So, now to get to the low carb ramble.  I've been talking to several people lately about their ideas of what a low carb pyramid should look like, so I did a little research.  I was very suprised to see "low carb" pyramids that still have grains and sugar in the pyramid.  Granted they were at the top, but come on.  So, I kept looking and finally found a true, low carb pyramid.  I'm not going to put the actual picture in my blog but I will tell you about it.  Lisa is creating her own graphic that we will post on the site soon so be on the look out for that.
At the bottom (what you should eat the most) is Protein.  This is meat, which includes red meat, pork, poultry, and fish.  While I do eat o lot of meat, I eat mostly fish.  Why?  Because that's just what I prefer.
Next up is Eggs and Cheese.  I probably eat more eggs than a lot of people, but not what I would consider a bunch.  I do, however, eat a lot of cheese.  Every day.  I eat it for breakfast in the form of cream cheese, for lunch in the form of Cheddar, Colby, or Swiss, which I slice from a big block that we always have in the fridge.  I also have a few slices throughout the day as part of a snack.  I just love cheese.
Up one more level is Nuts and Fibrous Vegetables.  I have a few small handfuls of nuts (usually peanuts or almonds) almost everyday.  They make a great snack.  And I love fibrous veggies and eat them every day.  I recently gave you a list of low carb veggies so refer to my previous blogs for that info.
Going up!  Next is Fats and Oils.  I get most of my fats from the meats and cheese that I eat.  And we fry everything we fry in olive oil.
Last, and least, is Fibrous Fruits.  I eat mostly berries when it comes to fruit, but I can't pass up a good, crisp, green apple.
That's my pyramid.  I'm not saying that this pyramid is for every body (pun intended), but it is what works for me and according to my research, it works for many others.  Again, I am not a doctor.  I am just one man who has done a lot of research on the low carb life and how it can help make you healthier, help you lose weight, and mostly for me, help you control diabetes.
Lisa will also be talking about the pyramid over the next few days and tomorrow I will continue to speak on it by addressing several myths concerning the low carb lifestyle and the things we eat.
Anyway, I hope this helps and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Valentine's Day

Well, it's the day before Valentine's Day and I'm looking forward to just spending some good, quality time with my sweetie, Lisa.  I had a dozen red roses delivered Friday and believe it or not, I have a card ready as well.  I didn't wait until the last minute this year and I feel so much better for getting it done ahead of time.  I have another sweetie, too.  My 17 year old daughter, Lori, who is the apple of my eye.  She will be leaving for college next year and I don't know how I'm going to handle that.  I got her a card too so I'm gonna be golden with my girls tomorrow.  Are you guys ready?  I hope you treat your loved ones with something special, even if it's just a card.  Just let them know that you love them.
Speaking of that, I want to thank everyone for your prayers for my buddy Greg's father.  He went in the hospital after he fainted and broke his arm, which required surgery.  While he was there, tests found problems with his heart and lung, so he is facing possibly more surgery and other procedures.  Greg has been spending every day at the hospital since Monday.
With all the good news we have received lately concerning interviews and feature stories, and podcasts, I have decided to look into doing my own podcasts.  I'm in research mode right now, but I hope to get going on it very soon.  I'll keep you posted.
I was reading other low carb bloggers blogs, just to get an idea of what others were doing, as I am so new to this and I came across one that listed his five most popular blogs.  The guy is a low carb blogger but his top two most popular ones were about the actress, Joey Heatherton turning 63 last year and another one talking about things you can make with duct tape.  I found that oddly interesting and began asking myself, why would a low carb blogger even be talking about those things?  Should I expand my subject material?  As I pondered this, I decided that my passion is helping people who decide to adopt a low carb lifestyle and also, provide information about the health benefits of the life, especially for folks like me who are diabetic and want to take control of the disease instead of letting the disease control them.  So, while I might occasionally ramble about other things, my main focus will always be my experience living this life.
That said, I want to tell you about the great meal Lisa made for us tonight.  She broiled a wild Alaskan salmon with a marinade made from sugar free honey and soy sauce (and other stuff), scallops fried with bacon and onion, and creamy mock mashed potatoes made with cauliflower.  My gosh, was it good.  She'll be posting the recipes soon, so be sure to look for them.
Well, I've rambled on enough for today.  I helped a buddy move into his new house this morning and my back is aching, so I'm going to have a scotch and water and just chill out with my baby.  I hope you all have a Happy Valentine's Day and as James Taylor says, "Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel, things will be a whole lot better if you only will".  See ya!

Life is Good

I told you we were contacted by our local hometown newspaper, the Gleaner, about doing a feature story on our low carb experience, our website, and blogs.  It has been confirmed that the interview will take place in our home next Friday.  Along with the interview, they want to take pictures and maybe video of Lisa and I preparing a few of our favorite recipes.  We are so excited for this opportunity to share our story with so many more people.
Then, we got more good news yesterday.  Jimmy Moore, who has, quite possibly the biggest, most popular low carb website on the Internet asked me if I would be interested in doing a podcast for his online show!  Jimmy is such a great guy and a warrior in getting the truth about this lifestyle out to as many folks as he can.  He attends Bariatric Conferences and regularly interviews the movers and shakers, the researchers and scientists, the doctors and patients, just about everyone who can give him the latest and greatest information concerning the low carb lifestyle.  Thanks, Jimmy, for all you do.
I was also contacted by lowcarbdude, another fellow blogger, saying he wanted to post a link to the article when it comes out on his website and Twitter.
So, it's been a crazy but glorious week so far.  Check back often as I will keep you posted on any and all news as I get it.  Again, thanks to all our readers and supporters.  God bless you all.

Great "News"

Sorry I'm so late getting to the blog, but I have been working on some exciting stuff today.  I was asked by a reporter for our local, hometown newspaper, The Gleaner, if we would be interested in them doing a feature story about our low carb experience, our website, and our blogs!  How cool is that?
The reporter, Donna Stinnett, contacted me via Facebook Messaging, today, as she is a fan of our Facebook Fan Page.  Apparently, she thinks this is news worthy, as do I.  I relayed to her how passionate we are about our low carb life and how excited I am to have this vehicle to spread the low carb news.  She wants to interview Lisa and I about our low carb experience, and the website/blogs, and take pictures of us in the kitchen preparing some of our favorite low carb recipes.  She said they may even want to do a video of us as we cook!  This is so huge for us and I want to publically thank her for giving us this opportunity.
The plan is to do the initial interview, pictures, and video next Thursday or Friday, not sure which day yet.  I will keep you posted.  It is my understanding that the story will be in the paper itself and on the publication's website. 
Lisa and I want to thank all of you for your visits to the site and all of your support for what we are trying to do.  What we are trying to do is spread the word about living a low carb life, provide you with factual information concerning the latest studies which confirm our healthy lifestyle, and provide tips, recipes, and support for those of you who make the leap into the low carb lifestyle.
Keep checking back for updates on the story and new recipes almost daily, and to see what I am rambling about on my blog.
One last thing, but not leastly, please continue to pray for my buddy and fellow blogger, Greg and his dad, as they go through these trying times in dealing with more surgery and treatments.  Get well soon, Mr.K.

Another Snow Day

First things first.  My buddy and fellow blogger, Greg, has been with his father at the hospital the last few days.  He's having surgery today so please say a prayer for him.
I've been reading other low carb blogs today just to kind of see what others are talking about.  There are so many folks out there trying to spread the good word about living a low carb lifestyle that it makes me thankful to all of my readers and supporters for taking time out of their day to read mine.  So, thanks guys.  I really appreciate you.
I have this time to read and research due to another snow day here in my little corner of the world.  I was going to paint at a friends house but she lives on some questionable country roads when snow covered.  My daughter stayed home with me today so I made her a cheddar cheese, 3 egg omelette and a couple strips of bacon for breakfast, while I just had eggs and bacon.  Had turkey and white cheddar and pork rinds for lunch and too much coffee throughout the day.  I fried tilapia and cabbage ( with green pepper and onion) for dinner last night but haven't decided what I want tonight.  I'm leaning towards leftover Matt's Hot and Spicy Chili. 
While checking out other blogs, I see several folks sometimes get off the diet for a day or two (or more) for some reason or another, like when they have a problem they reach for old habit comfort foods, or when they travel they don't make the effort to find low carb alternatives, etc.  I just want to say, don't beat yourself up so much when this happens.  The great thing about this lifestyle is just that.  It's a lifestyle, not a diet.  Mess up?  Just get right back on.  Sooner or later those old habits will be replaced with new habits. 
So, just remember, sometimes life gets in the way of living, and things happen, but if it doesn't kill you it should make you stronger.  Keep up the good fight.  God bless.

Turbo Atkins

So, Lisa picked up this publication called Woman's World, which I have always enjoyed reading as well, (did I just admit that?), and the main story in huge print on the cover says, "Lose as much as 16 pounds a week on the breakthrough new Spanish University Turbo Atkins".  I was to say the least, intrigued.  As I'm reading the article, I'm thinking a few things.  One, man, they are really praising the low carb Atkins approach, and two, this actually looks pretty good.
The main thing that is different from the traditional Atkins approach is that they combine it with the best, healthy low carb foods from the Mediterranean Diet.  Mainly, a lot of fish, olive oil, nutrient packed vegetables, and red wine.  According to the article, it's basically the Atkins Diet packed with Mediterranean superfoods.  And, they don't limit eggs, chicken, beef, etc.  It's unrestricted and unlimited!  I must say I am not suprised.  This is basically the same approach Lisa and I have been doing for years. 
The article goes on to say that the average weight loss in the lab test volunteers was 30 pounds in 12 weeks!  Some of the participants lost 12 to 16 pounds in a week!  Amazing, huh?
This study just confirms for me that the Atkins way is the way and the fact that they are combining it with other ways is again confirming.  The study again confirmed that when you restrict carbs and boost protein, a flip switches in the body that dials down hunger, increases metabolism and speeds up fat burning.  And olive oil is not only good for your heart, but the study shows that it also dampens appetite, curbs cravings and helps speed metabolism.  And by getting your carbs from veggies, you load up on fat fighting supernutrients.  This study also says that if you opt to drink red wine while using this combo approach, you get an antioxidant called resveratrol, which is the most studied nutrient in the world.  It's been found to lower blood sugar!
The main thing they say to do differently from the traditional approach is to make fish your main protein choice every other day, but you can still add additional protein from sources like eggs, poultry, and lean meat if you are still hungry.  Thats about it.
So, I'm excited to see that more and more studies are confirming the Atkins way, whether traditional or in combination with other healthy approaches, is still the best way to lose weight, lower blood sugar and blood pressure, improve lipid and other measurements, and get heart healthy.
That''s all I have for today.  I have homemade pure pork sausage cooking on the stove and the smell is calling me, so I gotta go.  See ya soon!

Working for the Weekend?

Wow, it's been a busy few days.  I played music Thursday night with one of my bands, got home after midnight, got to bed close to 1:00am, up at 7 Friday morning, painted at a friends house till late afternoon and then chilled out at home.  Saturday morning, I played at church with the praise band and spoke at the Methodist Men's District Conference.  Then, I hurried to set up my drums for a Saturday night gig with another of my bands for a Black Tie fundraiser.  Got to bed after 1:00am and up at 7 again to lead 2 services at church.  Rushed home to get ready for my mother's birthday party at my sister's house.  Spent some time with mom and the family and then came home about 4:00 and watched an old black and white movie with my sweetie.
Speaking of my sweetie, she made Matt's spicey chili today for the family gathering.  It was so good.  Everyone there went crazy over it.  She also made her Company Cheesecake and it was pretty much devoured by the time we left.  Look for the recipes on the site. 
Well, looks like the Saints pulled it off.  I'm not really a big football fan but I like to keep up with the news.  Well, that's all I have for today.  I'm kind of brain dead after the weekend.  I'll get back to my low carb ramblings tomorrow.  I have several things I want to talk about.  Until then, be happy.  See ya.

Heart Healthy?

With all the information coming from new studies and old, you'd think the medical industry would begin to recognize the health benefits of a high fat/moderate protein/low carb lifestyle, wouldn't you?  Folks are losing weight, blood sugar levels are better than ever, lipid panels are improved, people are getting off their diabetes and related medicines, and feeling better than they have in years.  But, noooo.  Most in the medical field still will not budge on their out-dated way of thinking.  Fat is bad.  Carbs are good.  Are you kidding me?!
I recently read on Jimmy Moore's Living La Vida Low Carb blog about a man who worked in a hospital that decided to make the entire food line in the cafeteria "heart healthy".  He tells how he was outraged to find that they pulled everything they thought was bad, like bacon, mayo, butter and such but kept things like hash browns, bagels, honey mustard, barbecue sauce and ketchup.  Their idea was pull the fat, but keep the sugar.  How crazy.  This guy even went to the cafeteria manager and explained how he had lost over 30 pounds, improved all his lipid panels, and was healthier than he had been in years.  The response was that they didn't want to promote such a "radical diet".  Come on, get with it.  Even the medical profession can't get on board with the latest proof.  They want to hold on to what they "know" to be true even when the science proves them wrong.  In a hospital.  The real villain in heart disease is inflammation brought on by too many carbs.  Eating high carb breads and bagels and fat free condiments will only perpetuate obesity and heart disease.
Duke University studies, as well as many others, have proven time and time again the heart healthy benefits of the high fat/moderate protein/low carb lifestyle.  Recent studies have even shown improvement in blood pressure.  Do your own research.  Be personally responsible for your own health and lifestyle.
Thanks for reading my rant.  See ya.

New Atkins Book

I just read Jimmy Moore's blog and I'm really excited to hear that a new Atkins book is coming out in March. It is written by the top 3 low carb researchers in the field. It takes in all the new studies and makes the plan simpler to understand. Everything is backed by the latest studies showing the high fat, moderate protein, low carb lifestyle is something to get excited about. It's entitled, New Atkins for a New You: the Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight Fast and Feeling Great Forever. The book comes out March 2, 2010.


It talks about why it works, what you need to do to make it work, how to adapt it to your particular lifestyle and the scientific evidence that proves why it is valid. This lifestyle is not a fad and if you think it is you should read the book and research the latest evidence. I'll keep you posted on anything more I find about this book so check back.

I've been very busy lately so I didn't get around to blogging yesterday. I'm playing a little music in a local tavern with some friends tonight so I only have a few more minutes. I had low carb peanut butter on toast for breakfast, and egg sandwich on low carb wheat for lunch and two burgers smothered in onion and mustard (no bread) for dinner. I hope you guys are all doing well and continue to stay healthy in body, mind, and spirit. See ya!

Good News

I am so excited.  I got an email from Jimmy Moore, the founder of the Internet's most popular low carb website, congratulating me on my low carb success story, which I shared with him yesterday.  I mentioned to him how much Dr. Mary Vernon had influenced me and he said he waould forward that information to her.  The cool thing is that he offered to check out our website and my blog and mention the site in one of his upcoming blogs which is viewed by probably thousands.  What a great guy.  I found his site, LivingLaVidaLowCarb, or LLVLC for short, several years ago and his story inspired me.  The man lost almost 200 pounds and is very passionate in spreading the low carb lifestyle with blogs, interviews, videos and more.  Keep up the good work, Jimmy. 
Well, I just had the best bacon and cheddar cheese sandwich.  I cooked the bacon in the microwave (put a paper towel on a plate, lay on the bacon and cover with another paper towel) while I toasted two slices of low carb wheat bread and sliced 3 slices of super sharp cheddar.  When the bacon finished, I just put it and the cheese on the toast, added some mayo and voila.  It was so good.  I just love this low carb life.  I told you about my messy bufgers last night but forgot to mention the cornish hens, shrimp, and cocktail sauce that Lisa made for herself and my daughter, Lori.  I tried it and it was so good.  The sauce Lisa concocted was better than any I've ever had.  Recipes will be on the recipes section soon.
I know we were going to talk about special occasion meals and recipes for those meals but since then Lisa has started her own blog so I'm going to let her talk about that.  I'll get back to my ramblings about fruits and veggies soon and I'm gathering more important scientific information concerning studies showing how low carb is found to help your health in so many new found ways, so stay tuned for that.  In the meantime, stay strong and enjoy life.  See ya tomorrow.