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.

What a Day

Well, I agreed to help out an elderly lady, who is the mother of a friend of a friend, with drywall damage to the ceiling in one of her bedrooms.  As I removed the first chunk, I was greeted with a faceful of blown insulation, which I didn't expect.  I immediately stopped and put on my mask and gloves.  Safety first.  As I dug deeper, I found that the damage itself wasn't too bad but the construction of the framing was questionable, so I had to fix that before replacing the drywall.  It went pretty well after that, but took longer than I wanted, but, you know what they say.  All's well that ends well.
I had my typical breakfast this morning, which is Philadelphia Cream Cheese on Healthy Life Low Carb Whole Wheat toast, a small glass of 8th Continent Lite Soy Milk, and a LARGE cup of very strong coffee which I make in a 50's percolator.  I take my coffee black.
We didn't take a lunch today since the job turned out to be more than we thought, so I was getting pretty hungry by the time I got home.  I have been craving a big ol' messy burger lately so I decided to make myself three.  I fried up some Black Angus Cheddar Bacon burgers that I bought at Walmart and while they were cooking I chopped up a little red onion and scattered it on my plate.  I then got out the condiments I needed to make this thing messy and yummy (at least to me).  After I flipped the burgers, I put a thick slice of super sharp cheddar on each.  When they were done, well done, I put them on the plate on top of the red onions, squirted on some yellow mustard and low carb ketchup, a tsp of mayo, a bit of dill pickle relish, sea salt and black pepper, and then threw on some green olives.  OMG, they really hit the spot.  No bread, but this concoction didn't need it.  I thinnk it was the mustard that said to me, "bread?  We don't need no stinking bread".  Now, I know this probably doesn't sound good to most of the women reading this, but guys, you've got to try this.  Wash it down with a low carb Michelob Ultra and you've got a man's meal.
Well, that's enough of my macho ramblings.  Be sure to check out Lisa's new blog, In the Low Carb Kitchen with Lisa.  She has real recipes.  Thanks for stopping by.  See ya.