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Friday, July 27, 2007

From The Bottom Of My Heart, I'm Sorry

With time away in Missouri to rest, relax, and reflect on everything that's happened over the past few months, I've now come to realize that my blog has changed in many ways and is headed in a direction that I feel isn't in the best interests of the larger audience of readers who come here. Because of that, I think today is a good day to share some of my sincere regrets, what I have learned from those, and where I recognize I need to be refocusing on from this day forward.

In the last few months I have made some very real mistakes which have caused many people to question my intentions and motivations here at my blog. Admittedly, I was unwilling to listen to the criticism from those who were only trying to help me and I began growing frustrated to the point that my frustrations got the better of me.

Before I continue, I first owe everyone--whether you are friend or foe--a very big apology for taking liberties with a highly critical comment of me at my sister web site LowCarbNewsline.com earlier this month. I didn't simply ignore the comment or even delete the comment in question. I admit that I modified it to be positive and replied in kind. When called on it, I replied it was a joke and did not show the remorse I should have for something I should not have done in the first place.

Not only was this an abuse of my editorial powers at that site, but it was highly unethical and wrong. For that I am truly sorry, and promise that in the future when I find myself frustrated, I will simply leave comments as they are, step away and remember that not everyone will agree with me. If you go to that forum, then you will see I have apologized in like manner there making it clear to everyone that I was wrong and am truly sorry.

Over the last few months there has been a growing concern from those in the low-carb community about my promotion of Kimkins. I had failed to openly disclose my affiliate relationship with that diet plan and I now realize I should have. Additionally, my insistence that Kimkins was just another low-carb diet similar to Atkins, Protein Power or South Beach as well as my posts encouraging readers to join me when I started what I believed to be the K/E option was overzealous to say the least. I apologize for not being more upfront about that.

More importantly, my refusal to properly review and then hold Kimkins to the same standard as other plans and approaches I've praised and criticized was a glaring mistake of omission for which I regret. My intentions were good, but now I can see why there were questions arising about me and my business relationship to Kimkins.

Call me stubborn, but for the life of me I could not see what the problem was; I truly believed I was indeed following K/E and honestly had not reviewed the other plans on the site. Now I know I should have.

While I've been on vacation in Missouri this past week, I've now taken the time with some gentle nudges from those that implored me to review all the plans, review the content that is publicly available (present and archived), and then review the historical content found on the Low- Carb Friends forum.

After doing that, I can now see why this issue with Kimkins has stirred up such a fiery controversy because most of the plans are a controversial approach to losing weight by encouraging fast weight loss without mention of the very real risks involved with doing so. I regret that I allowed my excitement about my renewed commitment to losing those last few pounds I wanted to overwhelm me to the point I lost my good sense.

I hope sharing this with you today will help us all avoid making similar missteps in the future. To be very honest, the thing that held my emotions so well was the strong sense of community I felt from those on the forums at Kimkins. It's something that I missed terribly since I was banned from Low-Carb Friends and I didn't recognize that until recently.

With the Kimkins forum, I felt a sense of belonging that often lacks when you're writing day-to-day on a blog. There's such a sense of community that I now recognize I can be part of if I join any number of online support forums by taking the initiative to do so. There are some truly GREAT people providing support out there.

In the past I did join Low-Carb Friends in part to be a part of a community and in part to promote my blog. In doing that, joining with an underlying agenda to serve my own needs, I missed the opportunity to really be part of a community and found myself quickly banished by the admins there. In my enthusiasm to promote my blog in the early days, I violated the terms of service and was rightfully banned.

Instead of doing what I should have done by apologizing to the admins and ask to be reinstated with the agreement I would not promote my blog within the forums anymore, I walked away disappointed and slowly allowed resentment to build. The January post I wrote at my blog about Low-Carb Friends earlier this year was inappropriate and uncalled for because it deeply offended many at that board. For this I am truly sorry and can only hope that, in time, those who make Low-Carb Friends their community for online support will find it in their hearts to forgive me.

I now realize that without Low-Carb Friends I would not have been able to review the historical posts that led to the creation of the controversial Kimkins web site. It is an eye-opening look at how many people were ill-advised and mistreated over months and years prior to the launch of the Kimkins web site that I started promoting last year. It is something I should have taken the time to read much sooner, something that should have been part of the necessary due diligence on my part before agreeing to support and promote what I believed was just another low-carb diet.

So first I must thank the admins and owner at Low-Carb Friends for maintaining the sticky thread "Ask Kimmer" because it has helped me begin to see many of the errors I've made in my assumptions about most of the Kimkins diet plans these past few months.

I also find myself once again in need of giving an apology to my readers here at "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb." I allowed the strong sense of community I felt with Kimkins to cloud my judgment and subsequent action to continue promoting Kimkins even in the face of numerous people pointing out problems that are clear as day even after my podcast interview with Kimmer.

Had I only stepped back and looked objectively at the criticism for what it was--again a way to help, not harm me--then the entire last year may have taken a different path. While I cannot change what I have done in the past, I can change what I do starting today and moving forward.

Today begins a refocusing back to the original purpose and mission of my blog--to educate, encourage, and inspire people about the healthy low-carb lifestyle!

I have always maintained that each person must find the diet that works for them, whether that's low-carb, low-fat, or whatever. If it works for you and you can do it over the long-term with your health improving because of it, then go for it and rejoice as you take control of your health! I very clearly do not agree with low-fat and low-calorie options as I lost most of my weight on the Atkins diet, but that does not mean they do not work, nor serve some well even in the short-term.

Because I do not agree with those dietary approaches, I focus on carbohydrate restriction and proper fat intake since research supports that as a healthy way to lose weight and find optimal health over the long-term.

In the past I have taken many others to task over their diets and I now regret I did not critically evaluate the full context of the various dietary plans for Kimkins.

I should have because, as many have repeatedly said, the plans are very low-calorie diets despite any specific requirement to count calories (in some plans like K/E), thus by design they are low-fat and low-carb because they are very-low-calorie in nature.

One of the most objective reviews I recently read was from my friend Carol Bardelli at the "Kudos for Low-Carb" blog. She provided a wealth of information about very low-calorie diets in that post that I encourage my readers to review to gain more understanding of why it's important to nourish our bodies as we lose weight. Also, Sherrie from the "Pinch Of..." blog made some very valuable points on this same issue as well.

As one poster on Low-Carb Friends has integrated into her signature, "It shouldn't be a RACE to get thin. It should be a Journey to good health." I couldn't agree more!

Therefore, you will notice I have made some necessary changes to my blog that reflect that sentiment to remind myself that part of finding what works for me and you finding what works for you means encouraging each other to also make good decisions that optimize our long-term health in the process. Livin' la vida low-carb is as much about improving health as it is weight loss.

You will notice that I have removed the banners promoting the Kimkins diet today as a matter of conscience. In the last week I have realized that I cannot try to "educate, encourage and inspire" my readers if I am associated with Kimkins, a web site promoting some plans which may indeed be unhealthy if followed over the long-term.

My focus has been on the best of the five plans (K/E) and I cannot say they're all sound and healthy ways to lose weight on your own. Because of this, I cannot encourage my readers to join the site knowing they may wind up following a plan that may do more harm than good in the long-term. Be smart about any diet plan you go on.

Let me also state clearly that I believe it is extremely important for people to research any diet before they begin and even talk with your doctor about not just the short-term impact, but also the long-term effects and potential health risks you may face.

While many believed I was making great big bundles of money from my affiliate relationship with Kimkins, let me just say that no amount of money is worth losing sight of the bigger picture to educate my readers with quality information, encourage them to find a way of eating to help them regain their health while losing weight, and inspire them to be their best while going through this process.

While I still believe it is possible to tweak things within some plans promoted by Kimkins, I also realize that this is strongly discouraged on the plan. If something is not working, then it's easy to say you're not working the plan. But, then again, as many of us know it's in the little bit of tweaking that we find our strength and confidence to make the diet our own over the long-term. That's what I did after Atkins, although I am sure the late great Dr. Robert C. Atkins would not object.

With that understanding now, I'm left questioning what I am really doing here and why I felt compelled to start making changes in my diet in the first place. I now realize I find myself exactly where many other low-carbers land when they lose weight with a low-carb diet--a place where I am comfortable making modifications that make low-carb work for me over the long-term!

I could label it and say it's Atkins, or Kimkins, or South Beach, or any number of plans as recommended for maintenance, but that wouldn't be honest! The truth is, I'm doing what works for Jimmy Moore right now and it is simply a low-carb diet where I've started to also look at my fat intake to control calories naturally. That's all! I don't need to place a label on it to make it mine and I certainly don't need to convince my readers what they already know--finding the plan that's right for you and then DOING IT!

By opening up my mind to better understand what I am doing, what I can tell my readers is that I now truly understand that I have not been following K/E as recommended, nor could I. What I have done is merely modify and play with what I'm eating to find what will work for me now and that's simply been lowering carbohydrate, reducing fat slightly and paying more attention to carefully choose the treats I still do include to make the plan work for me.

For me, life without a small indulgences like bread and chocolate here and there is not what I want. So, I'm still playing around with what will work for me and wish others well with what works for them. If that includes low-carb products, then great; but if not, that's cool, too.

Over the last few months, my promotion of and subsequent insistence that I am following the Kimkins K/E plan has caused a polarization within the various low-carb forums. I am deeply sorry for bringing much of this on myself, by both words and actions, by fueling the debate and ignoring many of the red flags and warnings people had for me.

We low-carbers are an ever-growing by leaps and bounds community online with brand new people looking for hope for their obesity and I am becoming more and more aware of that fact. With Kimkins, I saw an easy quick-fix and ran with it, unwittingly undermining my mission here to educate, encourage, and inspire others.

This too is something I hope my readers will forgive me for doing. As I go, I grow. I learn sometimes slowly along the way and can only hope that those who have spent time and effort to educate me, encourage me to take the time to really scrutinize what I'm doing, and inspire me to hold myself accountable, will understand that I am now listening, I am hearing you, and I am trying to make right what many have pointed out were errors on my part. I too am human, imperfect, and do make mistakes.

Where I've erred, I hope you can forgive me for that, too.

Along with the criticisms sent my way about Kimkins also came criticism for not clearly disclosing sponsor and affiliate relationships that allow me to maintain this blog freely to all who wish to read it. I strongly believe that those of us who write about low-carb need to be free to publish information that is lacking in the mainstream media, or even worse, manipulated or twisted in ways that cause confusion.

I've said it before, my purpose is to educate, encourage, and inspire.

I hope my readers understand that to write every single day like I do takes many hours of my time to do--time to research, review, read, gather information and then write my articles.

Over the last two years, the time invested in writing for my blog has grown from a few hours when I first began in April 2005 to now as much as 12 hours a day. It really has become more of a full-time job now and is something I cannot continue to do without a means to pay my bills and support my family.

I so passionately feel it's important to continue on with my blog that I sought out a way to support my family so I can continue to write. But I failed to disclose those changes along the way with my readers. I had a responsibility to do so, and am now making changes to insure you understand how I choose sponsors and how they're included here.

I do take seriously my real responsibility to choose wisely those whom are offering me opportunities to make my blog possible. Plus, I am keenly aware that not only are my readers a quality audience to many companies, but that my readers expect I will choose products and services from companies that are of the highest quality.

You'll now notice in my sidebar, I have placed a conflict-of-interest disclosure that fully informs my readers that this blog is, in part, sponsored by companies who recognize the value of low-carbohydrate diets and respect my readers dietary choice. They want to do business with us and it is my policy that I will only accept sponsors and affiliates whom I believe offer quality products or services, along with good customer service and responsiveness to needs of my readers. While we won't always agree about whom I've included, it should now be clear that banners on my sidebar are from sponsors and affiliates I have chosen to include after I've researched their offerings and am comfortable to offer something of value to many of my readers.

I've also clearly stated that when I am including a post that does mention a sponsors product or service, that is my opinion about the product or service and I have not been compelled by contractual obligation to promote the product or service to my readers within the text content of my blog. I want to assure my readers that none of the sponsors or affiliates they see on my sidebar have contracted with me to specifically mention or promote their products within the text content of my blog, nor will I enter into such contracts in the future. So, yes, when I am enthusiastic about a product or service, it is because I really am, not because I have to be because I'm being paid to say something I do not believe.

There is one small exception to this that I believe is a win-win for all of us. When a company that meets the standards to be included here offers a giveaway or contest to my readers with no obligation, and I write about it, then it is the writing about it that brings it to your attention. You are never under any obligation to participate or enter, but I feel including it meets my goal to educate, encourage and inspire. In posts such as this, I will clearly state the nature of my relationship in the promotion.

Right now I can only hope my readers will forgive my past sins and understand that I didn't fully appreciate how important such disclosures are. I've taken many researchers to task because they did not adequately disclose potential conflicts of interest in studies, but I failed to hold myself to that same standard. I believe I am now correcting my own error of omission and hope you will continue to point out things if I fail to live up to my words in the future.

The last thing I feel it's necessary to address is the fact I've allowed my emotions to get the better of me at times when I should have "taken my medicine" like a man. Instead, I acted out and sometimes aggressively responded to criticism in ways I wish I could take back. Calling those who were critical of my words and decisions various names, including "haters and crybabies," was not only wrong, but failing to live up to the spirit of open-and-lively discussion and debate.

I closed the door to listen to some of my readers and realize how damaging that is to all of us, no matter what your view is on the controversy around Kimkins. I hope today to reopen the door to those who have been turned off and welcome you back with open arms so we can work together to help each other on this low-carb journey.

In the future, I will be ever-mindful that we're all in this together. Some will agree with me, others will disagree. But all views are important and should be heard whether everyone agrees or not.

I will do my best to honor this commitment I am making today to temper my immediate reaction and try to give more thought to my replies in an effort to be a better writer and fulfill my desire to make the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog a place where facts are at the forefront and opinions, while still critically important in the big picture, are provided by me in the light of solid, reputable evidence and data that must be part of any substantive debate of ideas in the health arena.

I realize now that I focused heavily on the positive feedback, largely ignoring the negative. While it's important to stay positive, it's also very important to be open to hearing the negative to really understand the issues. It's constructive either way and that's how I will view it from now on.

Without that acknowledgment and respect for the fact we don't all agree about everything, we cannot make progress to educate others about the benefits of low-carb diets, encourage each other to be our best each day, nor can we effectively inspire those who want to know more to seek out and find more information, even with our faults.

So I am hoping today to begin anew on a path that will enable me to serve my readers and their best interests, to be cognizant of a standard of excellence I must hold myself to each and every day as I write about livin' la vida low-carb, and remember the all-important bigger picture--YOU, my readers, our common goals and desires, our interconnectedness that makes us an online community on the same path, finding what works for each of us along the way and our mutual agreement and understanding that for the long-term, good health is attainable with healthy low-carb living.

Each of us must be able to freely share what is working for us as well as the pitfalls and obstacles we may face along the way. When we share these things--both the good and the bad--with each other, we all grow in our understanding and help each other in the long-term.

And that, my friends, really is where my heart is--to help, both myself and my readers, learn how livin' la vida low-carb truly can benefit health over the long haul. It is a position I feel is strongly supported not just by the latest research, but also through my own experiences.

These experiences are ones I want to continue sharing with all the thousands of people who come to read here each day. Through that, I am sure there will be plenty of education, encouragement, and inspiration along the way. Even if someone decides low-carb isn't for them, then at least they will realize it is something that works for many who do make the choice to follow it as their permanent way of eating for life.

I ask nothing more from you than to please allow me to try to be the best that I can be by continuing to support my mission here to educate, encourage and inspire. I cannot change who I am as a person. I'm not suddenly going to be different or less outspoken than I have been, but I will be much more aware of the fact that we are all in this together, and without you my readers, I cannot fulfill my hopes and dreams to help others find their way to health like I did.

Working together, we can do that and more! So I hope you know from the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry. Please forgive me for my mistakes and help me as I continue to learn and write about a subject we all are enthusiastically passionate about--that's Livin' La Vida Low-Carb, baby!

***Don't miss MY FULL LIST OF KIMKINS LINKS to stay up-to-date on this diet fraud.

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74 Comments:

Blogger Morgan MacLeoid said...

I hope I'm the first comment.. hehe.

THANK YOU Mr. Moore!!!

Wonderfully written and definitely heartfelt. I for one am THRILLED to bits and glad I didn't follow along on the boycotts or other hard-line approaches.

You totally ROCK! :)

I know it was hard and you took a LOT of lumps recently, some from me even, though I tried very hard to be fair and logical.

But! My favourite LC blogger is BACK and I'm so excited!!

Morgan

7/27/2007 4:34 PM  
Blogger Lisa C. said...

I am so very proud of you, Jimmy. You have gained a new reader from this (me). I was awaiting this post from you to decide whether or not to ever come here again. I will now. I forgive you, and I am glad you listened to the good advice and support of people who have been following your blog writings for a long time.

I just wanted to tell you I feel you have really done the right thing. Bravo! And blessings to you and yours.

7/27/2007 4:36 PM  
Blogger Kimmer said...

Jimmy, I support you 100% and I thank you for giving me a heads up.

Of course I don't agree with your opinion of Kimkins, but your comments will be a step in the right direction for the hordes who have harassed you so brutally. I'm used to it, but you're a neophyte.

You've always got a home at Kimkins and you've got hundreds of loyal blog readers there.

Gee, if I'm not being attacked I seem to be a person of few words in blog land. ;)

Wishing you and Christine all the best!

7/27/2007 4:39 PM  
Blogger Cutie said...

(darn, morgan got the first comment!)

jimmy...well done, my friend. welcome back!

7/27/2007 4:39 PM  
Blogger . said...

BRAVO JIMMY!

I am so proud of you today!!!!

Welcome back!

7/27/2007 4:41 PM  
Blogger Lonely Street Cafe said...

Jimmy, you impressed me greatly with your honesty, forthrightness and insight in today's post. I know you must have spent a lot of time reflecting to make this decision to post what you did, and your vulnerability and candor are very much appreciated. I look forward to reading your column for many years to come!

All the best to you and your family, present and future!

7/27/2007 4:44 PM  
Blogger Lowcarb_dave said...

Great Post Jimmy!

Wow, it shows strength of character to do this.

I can imagine you have learnt a lot both personally and professionally from this.

Good one mate!

Dave

7/27/2007 4:45 PM  
Blogger Morgan MacLeoid said...

Jimmy!! As per the conversation on the podcast comment line.. How about making a new forum linked through your blog!? A community where there is no dramatic past.. a new place to reflect the new beginning where we can all get together and share :)

PHPBB forums are free, aren't they? I dunno about these things.. but I'd be the FIRST to register!

7/27/2007 4:50 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

(applause)
Welcome back!

7/27/2007 4:56 PM  
Blogger AnOldHouse said...

A STANDING OVATION to you Jimmy!!!

-David

7/27/2007 5:00 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

THANK YOU so much, Jimmy for this heartfelt apology. I was one of the people who wrote a letter to your sponsors, and in very short order I have become one of your loyal FANS! I truly appreciate your effort to mend these bridges. If you wish me to write another letter to your sponsors- this time one of SUPPORT, please let me know.

Best wishes to you and your family.

7/27/2007 5:11 PM  
Blogger Tom Bunnell said...

Were with you all the way Jimmy, we all make mistakes. You have a lot of courage. Thank you for being you and please do, keep being you!

7/27/2007 5:12 PM  
Blogger Laser Rocket Arm said...

Jimmy, thank you for this post. I'll admit to being one of the people who thought that you were being motivated by the palm of your hand rather than by your zest to spread the low-carb word, but I'm glad that you came clean and wish you continued and honest success in "livin' la vida lo-carb".

7/27/2007 5:18 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Welcome home, Jimmy! We still love you!

Go Jimmy! It’s ya Birthday! Go Jimmy!

Here, share my bacon while we sit and watch the Kimpire go down in flames!!!!

(I was SO wishing you would say something about her obvious lies to you in the podcast you worked so hard on, but that’s okay, I’m still happy! We all KNOW what was unspoken!)

Also, happy Anniversary, Kevin! You are WAY cool!

7/27/2007 5:21 PM  
Blogger SL said...

That was an extremely heartfelt and well thought out post. Thanks Jimmy!

I've been lurking for awhile and following the current controversy, and am so glad that your focus will now be on healthy living through low-carb as opposed to quick and potentially dangerous weightloss.

Keep up the great work!

7/27/2007 5:23 PM  
Blogger Kat said...

Jimmy, until the controversy, I never knew you existed. Nice post. I'm sure it made many people happy to realize you have seen the light. I understand the importance of your work in the past and am glad that you will be continuing it to educate people about LC Eating, etc. You have a new fan and I will be reading your stuff more often.

7/27/2007 5:36 PM  
Blogger Julie said...

Jimmy,

You deserve so much credit for your honesty and openness.

I understand the sense of community that you speak of on the kimkins site. There are a lot of truly wonderful, encouraging, and supportive people. It's been the one thing that has held me back from cutting my ties even though I have come to the conclusion that kimkins is not healthy and is not safe if you have any history of or predisposition for eating disorders.

I applaud you for taking the time to reflect and acknowledge your mistakes. You have won me over today! I look forward to your future educational, inspirational, and encouraging posts.

7/27/2007 5:49 PM  
Blogger Sweet Tart said...

Bravo Jimmy! LC is a journey to health, not a quick fix. I'm really glad that you've learned something from all of this and you're back showing people how to change their lives for the better.

7/27/2007 6:00 PM  
Blogger Carolyn said...

Hi,

I am so delighted that you are going to focus on the healthy way to lowcarb.

It IS all about health. If you are thin, but have lost muscle from low calorie dieting, then what have you gained?

Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

I'm sure Dr. A. is very proud of you for vindicating all his years of research.

God Bless..Carolyn

7/27/2007 6:05 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thank you for your post Jimmy. I am glad you decided to delete the bashing post you posted in January. I know it must of been hurtful to the admins of LCF being called that horrible name. And you admitting that it was your fault for your problems there was a responsible thing to do. I know I was hard on you in my two posts and though you didn't post a response, I got bashed by others because of my comments so I am sorry if I was too harsh. As you personally know emotions run high when you have a difference of opinion.

I think that this apology is sincere and appreciate you coming forward like that.

7/27/2007 6:06 PM  
Blogger Cutie said...

message to the kimkins site members:

i know many of you will read these comments today, so i just want to take the opportunity to encourage you all to seriously take a look at what you're doing. as jimmy has pointed out, not all the plans are safe and any of them can be taken too far. i've heard from many of you now who have left/are leaving the site...many with serious medical concerns and serious repercussions from laxative abuse and going too low in calories. so many of you are people i called my friends when i was there and i am genuinely concerned for your well being. please be smart....please be safe...and please think for yourself . know that there are "other" ways to achieve your goals and even other "communities" you can call home, should you find yourself in need of a different support system. i've missed many of you and still care deeply as i did while i was there.

all the best to you,
amy

7/27/2007 6:17 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

Wow Jimmy,

I am glad you were able to step back and be objective about the situation. It is always hard to say you are sorry, but this feels really sincere to me.

I only learned about you through lowcarbfriends, so I had a problem with the rift.

I am one of the people who learned about Kimkins through the Women's World article. But then when I researched it, I became very alarmed. I eventually concluded she was a fraud.

I am glad you have broken commercial ties with Kimkins since there appears to be a lot of funny business going on.

I wish you the best and you can be sure I will be coming back to check your blog for information and inspiration.

7/27/2007 6:31 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Never felt a problem or conflict of interest with you or your blog, Jimmy. I only experience the positive.

Still losing, though my scale is increasingly difficult to read. It's always a range of readings. Now it's 219-223-227. (As opposed to 222-224-229.) I promise, I'll buy a new scale soon.

7/27/2007 6:35 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

bravo, jimmy, bravo!

7/27/2007 6:58 PM  
Blogger girliefriend said...

Thank You! Now we can get back to the business of educating, encouraging, and inspiring.

7/27/2007 7:04 PM  
Blogger . said...

Wow Jimmy

As Carol would say Kudo's to Livin'La Vida Low Carb. :)

Cheers

Sherrie

7/27/2007 7:06 PM  
Blogger OnlineChristian said...

Keep on Keeping on! The great work you do inspires, educates, and encourages so many of us!!

Don't get dragged down. Stay positive and focused and committed to all that you do so well!!!

A GIANT FAN!

7/27/2007 7:12 PM  
Blogger Sue said...

Hooray - the Jimmy we love so much is back!
This post was truly warranted, especially because I hope it will be read by a lot of the kimkins members so that they can have a look at the diet at face value and truly make an informed decision about whether or not it is healthy. A lot of the kimkin members are new to low carbing and kimkins was a very poor introduction to low carbing. Diets like kimkins will always be a draw-card because people want quick results.
Anyway, the best thing we can all do is to read and education ourselves that way we take responsibility for our own health.

7/27/2007 7:18 PM  
Blogger Robin Bayne said...

Happy and Healthy life, Jimmy!

7/27/2007 7:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for this blog!

7/27/2007 7:27 PM  
Blogger Calianna said...

This is truly good news. :D

7/27/2007 7:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very impressive new direction, and thoughtful, heartfelt looking back at the last few weeks, Mr. Moore. Props to you!

Thank you for continuing to uphold health in choosing plans, as well as fat loss. I'm happy to recommend your blog again.

7/27/2007 8:06 PM  
Blogger Joseph C. Harris said...

Great post, Jimmy.
I believe your words to be heartfelt and must say it takes a big man to admit when he has made an error in judgement. Keep up the good work.

7/27/2007 8:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Agreed with Gary J. Your critics can stick it for all I care. I saw no need to cave in to the enemy. Oh well. We all have our leftist moments in life I suppose.

7/27/2007 8:38 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

ohh damnn think i can get a damn refund now? F@!#@@#!!!

7/27/2007 9:55 PM  
Blogger Amy Dungan said...

Great post Jimmy! Thanks for talking from the heart!

7/27/2007 10:28 PM  
Blogger Science4u1959 said...

I must admit that I have not been following the recent controversy as I have been travelling like crazy lately and, on top of it all, have been quite ill for two weeks. But from what I read the waves indeed have been high.

Most of the time, you tickle the mind -in the best sense of the word- Jimmy, but sometimes you really touch the heart and that's what you did this time too. That's why I'm going to write something from my heart.

It takes a great man, in heart and mind, to admit mistakes, and let me tell you one thing, Jimmy, I have the highest respect for your courage, openness and candor in general and in this matter specifically.

In the past few years we've all seen you grow from a well-written, nice blog about low-carb dietary regimens to -almost- an (inter)national authority on health, diet, and weight loss. And it is my personal conviction that this process will continue and expand further. One day soon you will be such a full-blown authority. Why? Because you've shown to be worthy. People sense that, you see.

But high trees also catch a lot of wind, as they say in Europe. There always will be critics. Like the saying goes: "I cannot give you the formula to success, but I can give you the formula to failure: try to please everybody".

I think, however, that you nonetheless found that formula to success. And it's powerful indeed: honesty, truth, and knowledge. A very effective and attractive combination. That, together with the fact that you are capable of admitting mistakes will only speed up this unstoppable growth and maturity process.

I have not "analyzed" exactly what has been going on, but it did not escape me that there was quite some controversy going on with regard to Kimkins. Let there be no mistake about it: controversy or no controversy, the very fact that you do possess the (extremely rare, these days) qualities to objectively perform a self-analyzis AND, if needed, admit mistakes, that very fact alone shows your intellectual and emotional maturity and, hence, proves you worthy of such a position of authority.

One can only hope that others -especially in the medical community and within Government- take example and admit their own enormous, and far more serious mistakes. The world would be a so much better place if we had only a few people like you in positions of authority.

For many, but especially for this reason, I'll always support you and the absolutely fantastic job you do.

7/27/2007 11:39 PM  
Blogger Christopher said...

No apology necessary, Jimmy... You remain one of the brightest stars in the healthful/joyful/la-vida-low-carb-livin' sky!

7/28/2007 12:09 AM  
Blogger Paul said...

I'm probably one of the few people that are going to leave a critical comment, but you said you wanted criticism as well as praise.

First one minor technicality: You state that K/E is the "best of the five plans" if by best you mean "safest" then in fact the regular Kimkins which includes vegetables is the "best".

While what you wrote may or may not be heartfelt I have to say I'm a skeptic and I can't help but wonder if the real reason you've written this is motivated by money. People were critical of you, and started calling for sponsor boycotts and the only way to keep from losing them or to win them back (and hence bring back the money or keep it rolling in) was to do what you did.

7/28/2007 12:23 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I'm so relieved to see this, and glad you've stepped back from all that.

I've done similar things myself - tried some unusual plan in the hopes that I could blast the last of my weight off. But, I could never sustain those kinds of plans.

Finally, I started paying attention to Regina and others on the ALC forums, and began upping my vegetables and really working the plan - and I'm dropping weight like mad. No need for weird high fructose syrup 'spray' dressings or being chintzy with things like salad greens. In fact, when I make an effort to ensure that most of my carbs are coming from vegetables, I'm actually having a tough time even getting to the 20 carbs suggested for induction.

Getting back on track CAN be done, and it doesn't require extreme measures at all. Like I said, I've tried some of those things myself, and it's just never really worked out in the end. Meanwhile, if I just get really good at the plan I wanted to follow in the first place (Atkins) - it works rather well. It wasn't the plan that stalled me, it was the way I handily chose to interpret certain things.

Anyway - I'm sure this whole thing hasn't been all that fun. I did read some of the threads on various forums, and was wondering how all this was going to end up. I'm very glad you decided to back off on some of that.

That was a nicely worded, sincere apology. Well done. :)

Sara

7/28/2007 1:59 AM  
Blogger TESS said...

Well said Jimmy. It is very easy to lose site of what is important and takes a very big heart to admit when you are wrong. Am looking forward to reading you again.

7/28/2007 6:39 AM  
Blogger Vesna VK said...

Oh, Jimmy! I've been thinking about you and this post since yesterday when I first starting stealing glances of it at my computer at work. We were so busy at work all afternoon, but all I wanted to do was read, read, read your brave and heartfelt words!

It's so, so hard, after digging in and taking a stand, to be able to come to a different point of view. Many people never do that in their lives. And then to review one's past actions in light of the new way of seeing -- another rarity. And THEN to come forward with a fully thought out, detailed set of apologies, and a statement of intentions -- amazing!

You've turned your life around with your weight loss and maintenance. That's a massive, difficult, hard-earned accomplishment that can't be done with dedication and introspection. It requires a painful look at one's own unhealthy, unhelpful life patterns. And it's something that we all wish was a lot more common.

You've done it again with this apology and refocusing of your intention. Not easy. Rare.

Bravo, Jimmy. Thank you for sharing.

7/28/2007 8:05 AM  
Blogger Vegan.Bohemian said...

((((Jimmy))))

7/28/2007 9:44 AM  
Blogger leaveme alone said...

I guess you leave me rather confused. There should not be "sides" involved in this, yet there is.

I have read the plans, and the KK plan is not unhealthy. If you follow the lists of foods you are allowed, it is not that much different from how I was originally doing Atkins. The only difference is that you eliminate the high fat, but some people will not lose with the high fat, me being one of them.

The K/E that you speak of is nothing but an Atkins meat fast.

The bootcamp, I am less familiar with.

I see 3 plans. Where are you seeing 5 of them? Maybe I missed something.

The people that I have been following who have done the diet are doing well on maintenance after using these plans. These plans were not meant for long term eating.

I am anything but starving. I am eating healthy, and I am losing about 1 1/2 lbs each week. That is a little faster than I did on high fat, low carb. It is certainly not too fast.

I think that outside of all the questions that linger which are causing people some discomfort, there is a place to be that is middle ground about this entire situation.

It looks to me like you are oscillating back and forth between the money, and befriending the "old crowd" who was recently against you. They are not totally right. Kimkins is not totally right. Unless you really look at the truth of the situation, and they look at themselves as closely as you say you have looked at yourself, you have not come into any kind of light at all, just more contradictions about what is your real inner truth.

7/28/2007 9:57 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It's about time!!!

Jimmy, I was so glad to see this. All this broke my heart. When I first looked into low carb---your blog was one of the first I found. I love doing online research so I took your links and ran with them.
So I was disappointed that you had taken such a stand. But it will sure be good to return to "normal" around here.
Thanks for such an amazing apology.

7/28/2007 11:13 AM  
Blogger Tom Bunnell said...

If it was up to me I would like to see you throw all of these sponsors away.

Then you could flagship this whole armada the whole way.

Your books and speaking engagements would eventually provide a nice income for you.

You would be unadulterated that way!

7/28/2007 11:14 AM  
Blogger Kevin M. said...

"...it's the one who won't be taken who cannot seem to give..."

I'm still not sure whom to believe, since realizing that licensed doctors are extremely untrustworthy, the latest research is still so biased and manipulative, and the government is looking to force us all to comply with their gas chambers. And I certainly don't follow lynch mobs, as some of this group have been.

But she has been extremely personally evasive, perhaps duplicitous (still not proven yet), and her advice is not based in reasonable (not government mandated) nutritional sense. The smarter low carbers are at least trying to use their brains, but Heidi is a loner, shooting very blindly from the hip. But some people still do better on it, and escape stalls, so, as you say, "whatever works for you", in the end.

In the spirit of "true confessions", I have often found your responses to criticism to be disappointingly immature. I have stayed because the positive of this has been that you have the self-confidence to be fighting this very uphill battle of Truth against Power. Clearly none of the rest of us here share this personal quality, and therefore you are both the spear-tip and the lightning rod. The rest of us are guilty of vicarious cheerleading from places of safety.

I too have gotten caught in forums where I could not win an argument, right or wrong, and finally realized I had to simply walk away and even quit the forum. It just wasn't worth the aggravation, it's a nasty trap, though perfectly human. Like all drugs, lusts and desires, they are part of our nature, they can't be reasoned with, you just have to walk away from them.

May we all reach the truth and peace someday.

7/28/2007 11:37 AM  
Blogger mornstar63 said...

Hi Jimmy, I'm new to your site- I came specifically for the Kimmer interview. I agree with what Oceans said- except for the reasons why- I'm not sure, and I'm not sure it matters. I have tried other diet plans- and with varying degrees of success. I've been very happy with my success on Kimkins, (22 lbs in 4 weeks) and look forward to being on maintenance. In your interview Kimmer describes her personal maintenance regieme. Sounds like something my doctor would be happy with... and she identifies who the diet is not appropriate for. She also indicates that Kimkins is not the only diet with which one might find success- sounds very straightforward to me. I'm not sure why there is a need by so many to know the intimate details of her life- maybe because weightloss has been such a huge personal struggle for so many, and her diets' success make her feel like a personal friend to so many. I don't know- truthfully I don't care. She is entitled to her privacy- as we all are. Her business is not built on her personality- as Ive read here- but on a personal experience- weightloss success, which she is nobally sharing with others. We're not "entitled" to a peek into her personal life- she gives us what we pay for- a fabulous plan that works with loads of support. I enjoy listening to your podcasts- and look forward to getting to know your site better. You strike me as an honest man with integrity, and will use your website as a resource for my journey (not race!) to onderland! Thanks!

7/28/2007 11:41 AM  
Blogger Vesna VK said...

Oops! I accidentally wrote "with" instead of "without" in the following passage!!!

"You've turned your life around with your weight loss and maintenance. That's a massive, difficult, hard-earned accomplishment that can't be done without dedication and introspection."

7/28/2007 6:21 PM  
Blogger Vesna VK said...

Hey, folks, that "Moore Gone Bad" or whatever it was called blog at http://duckyopines.wordpress.com/ is gone. There was a new post this morning, but now there's just a message that says the blog was deleted by the authors.

Some of the information about Jimmy's past writing and stuff was interesting. But I could never figure out what that guy's point was. And since s/he wouldn't say who he was or why s/he was writing, everything s/he said was in question anyway.

7/28/2007 6:27 PM  
Blogger ~kp said...

WoW! I have to admit Jimmy, that at first read, I was pretty miffed. Having been a Kimkins member for almost a year (and having lost 64 lbs) after trying Atkins and stalling (probably wasn't doing it right) and Weight
Watchers and losing SLOWLY and gaining it bad--hungry all the way, I was insulted by your about face from what you've posted at the Kimkins forum. I now agree that you have done the best thing for your blog, and understand
completely your decision. I do not have anything to lose if Kimmer is a fraud--you on the other hand, have a certain reputation you must uphold, and there ARE too many questions left unanswered and too many ambiguous answers out there for you to continue where you were in your blog. I hope that you continue
your quest for onederland, in whatever manner you see fit, and I hope that you will continue to visit your friends on the board. No matter WHO Kimmer is--the forum and the people there are why I am still active. I joined when it
was a LOT less, so it has been invaluable to me. Not sure if I'd feel the same way having paid $60 for it. That is something I am glad I don't have to reflect upon. Keep the faith Jimmy--I will continue to support you and your blog as will many Kimkins members, I am sure!

7/28/2007 9:55 PM  
Blogger Daron said...

Thanks Jimmy for making this post. It sounds like you have been doing some serious soul searching. And because this is how you support your family, you are taking a great risk by sticking your neck out this way. For this, I applaud you.

7/28/2007 11:46 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Honesty is always appreciated, Jimmy. Now it's time to look at the mounting evidence that artificial sweeteners affect blood sugar and reexamine your advertisers. Maybe you could get the beef, chicken, fish and cheese industries to support you instead of the low carb (but are they really?) candy makers.

7/29/2007 9:19 AM  
Blogger Darleen said...

Thank you so much. I was not happy with all the drama and conflict. I'm glad we can move on and concentrate on health.
You're the best!

7/29/2007 10:39 AM  
Blogger Pat said...

I'm disappointed to see such groveling in response to the successful sponsorship boycott you received last week. Losing your integrity in the process certainly seems like a high price to pay.

I agree with the previous poster who commented on your immature responses to critism. It's sad to see this blog still sliding down that slope.

Rather than step back and take another look at the Kimkins plan and offer up the pros and cons, you chose to to do a complete "about face" to gain back the support of old friends you had alienated. In the process you left many people who followed you to Kimkins scratching their heads, saying "huh?" and feeling completely betrayed.

I'll be looking for new sources of low carb information rather than visiting ones that offer up tabloid journalizm.

7/29/2007 11:47 AM  
Blogger kathyj333 said...

I takes a big heart and a very big man--and I mean that in the most positive way--to say I'm sorry. Not many of us have the courage to do it. You aplogies are most graciously accepted. All my best to you and Christine.

7/29/2007 1:44 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Great Job, Jimmy! Welcome back!

7/30/2007 11:57 AM  
Blogger Dixie said...

Jimmy- As you well know, this lifestyle can be challenging at times, and each of us have to find our own path.

Kudos to you for regcongizing that, as a well-known member of the low-carb world, your thoughts do influence others, and with that influence comes an additional level of responsibilty.

Best wishes to you in finding your own path to success.

7/30/2007 12:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry "Pat", but you're a liar and taking a very foolish position to boot.

7/30/2007 1:48 PM  
Blogger Lisa said...

Jimmy! Thank you as always for reclaiming your objectivity. This is what I have come to expect from your writings. I understand your position somewhat, as I have often blogged about restaurant chains when I could find a tasty dish that was low-carb. You just have to stay true to yourself and your own ideals.

You still have all of my support!

7/30/2007 2:15 PM  
Blogger Debi said...

Wow Jimmy! That must have been an incredibly difficult post to write. I must say that I have gained even more respect for you as a result of it. :) Kudos, my friend!!

7/30/2007 8:46 PM  
Blogger Lisa E said...

Yeah, Jimmy!!! You have my support, as always!

7/30/2007 9:44 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Like some who posted here, I'm a little confused. You were pretty gung-ho about Kimkins (and were losing pretty good on it) until people started talking about sponsor boycotts a week or two ago. I'm still not sure what people find so unhealthy about eggs/eggbeaters, chicken, fish, and veggies (all the foods I ate while losing my weight on Kimkins and actually pretty similar to what I ate when I did Atkins in the past too), but to each his own. I am happy I got to goal and will be forever grateful to Kimkins for helping me lose the 54 lbs that I hadn't been able to lose any other way (including Atkins) for the past 10 years. To me, Kimmer could be a talking Chocoperfection bar (ha!) and I wouldn't care because the diet helped me lose weight. I have tried to stay out of the "sides" because to me - there are no "sides" - we are all just trying to lose weight. I haven't been happy with all the negativity floating around so I have kept to myself. It makes me sad that everyone seems to switch "allegiences" depending on which diet plan you are on (as evidenced by the amount of positive comments now that you are back on "their" plan) instead of supporting each other in whatever plan people choose. We all believe in low carb...unfortunately people seem to want to create "good" and "bad" sides. It strikes me as a little too coincidental that you are severing ties with Kimkins right around the same time that people started boycotting your sponsors. I hope that you had an honest change of heart and weren't motivated by what you saw as dwindling $$$, but unfortunately I can't really tell anymore so I'm just going to go back into own little piece of the web and stay out of this whole mess. Glad to see you got your old fans back - sadly you just lost one - me.

7/31/2007 12:49 PM  
Blogger Orvette said...

Jimmy,

I'm sorry for all of the controversy. With Kimkins I simply found a renewed motivation to be AWARE of how much protein & fat I was getting every day, and a commitment to reduce (not totally eliminate) low-carb products. I completely disregarded what I considered to be the ludicrous notion that limiting fiber in favor of laxatives was a good idea, but I kept the reasonable things like smaller portions and avoiding fat fests. Much of the philosophy behind Kimkins matched things that Dr. Atkins wrote about -- for example, he warned against loading up on protein and fat.

Some people interpret Kimkins in such a way that they do unhealthy things, like eat 400 calories a day and expect that their metabolism won't make any adjustments. However, many others will follow it in a healthy way. I have appreciated your ability to recognize the value in different low-carb approaches. While your apology for your behavior with some posts and forums is commendable, I am very saddened that you felt you had to apologize for supporting and trying Kimkins. You confessed to making some changes to fit your style, and that was great. I hate that everyone made your support of Kimkins into something they needed to punish you for. I am ashamed for those people. They have all kinds of bravado when it's not their paychecks they're messing with.

I hope from the bottom of MY heart that you never succumb to this kind of browbeating again. Your blog is a wonderful resource that seems now to have been touched by the very politics you left behind.

I will absolutely stay with your blog and continue to believe in your integrity, competence, and commitment. Don't let anyone hold you back or strong-arm you into taking sides you don't believe in.

Keep fighting the GOOD fight, Jimmy! I for one am very glad to have you on the side of livin la vida low carb!

8/02/2007 3:16 PM  
Blogger knitwit said...

Hey Jimmy,

I'm a bit late picking this one up, but just wanted to add my two cents to the pot.

Despite your attempts to quell the controversy, it would appear from several posts that it won't die so easily...I for one am reassured that you have ditched Kimkins, as I blindly jumped on the bandwagon only to feel duped out of my $60 - but the less said about that the better!

The support, encouragement, wealth of information and inspiration you have provided has been invaluable and it's great to read about your renewed commitment to your original mission.

Thanks for all your hard work.

8/09/2007 11:21 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I'm finding this just now, but thanks for your honesty. :)

8/15/2007 10:10 PM  
Blogger Lise said...

Jimmy, I'm so glad to read this! I've followed this controversy behind the scenes, so to speak, and I'm thrilled to see you take a step back and come forward with this blog and share with the public. "Kim" is shady at best, IMO. I'm happy you have cut ties. Her excuses for not being public are laughable at best, and her starvation diet is a joke. I feel sorry for the people who fall for the starvation program, thinking it will work long term. I did the starvation thing for most of my life, yo yo-ing up and down, never maintaining my weight loss until I finally CHANGED my lifestyle and began eaing adequate calories- protein, fat, etc. on Atkins (my choice for a lifestyle eating plan) and lost 100 pounds and have kept if off for 4 years now. I actually can be seen in public and can provide photographc proof of it, unlike Ms. Kimmer, or whatever her name is.

Again, bravo for you, Jimmy!!!!

8/15/2007 10:46 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Well Jimmy, I missed most of the fire works, just got in on the tail end of things, but we were all duped by that woman in one way or another although some people have yet to realize that. The only thing we can do is be responsible for ourselves and our actions, just as she is responsible for herself and her actions. I am glad that I finally found your blog and your forum. I look forward to Livin La Vida Low Carb, baby!

9/30/2007 9:29 PM  
Blogger Kat said...

Friends don't let friends do Kimkins! Remember that cover girl on the WW Mag? Well, she learned the hard way about Kimkins and it's dangers!! Read her blog and decide for yourself.

http://the-journey-on.blogspot.com/

12/27/2007 12:12 PM  
Blogger Kat said...

Boycot Kimkins in 2008!! Wanna know why? Go here to start and then read all the blogs:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/Diets/Diet_Articles/Kimkins:_Anatomy_of_a_Diet_Scam/

12/28/2007 6:05 PM  
Blogger Kat said...

This is one of the key players in the fight against Kimkins and I think you should read her blog...don't foget to search the webring too and see the other great info about this SCAM!

http://honeybeesblog.wordpress.com/

12/30/2007 2:09 PM  
Blogger Kat said...

The "Time Worstall Tabloid Edition" says:

November 12, 2007
Kimkins
Kimkins, or the Kimkins diet has been shown up to be just another scam on the unsuspecting.

Heidi "Kimmer" Diaz, the founder of the Kimkin's diet - a low carb, low calorie diet - is schedule to appear in a Southern California court on Monday, November 12th, 2007. 11 former users of her Kimkins diet program filed a complaint against her one week ago, claiming fraud, false advertising, and unjust enrichment.
The Kimkin's scandal began when Woman's World, a popular women's magazine featured an article on the Kimkin's diet.

Ms Diaz, who was claiming to have lost 198 pounds in 11 months using her diet plan, refused to meet with the magazine in person, instead corresponding through email. She went so far as to send the magazine before and after pictures that looked nothing alike, which makes sense when people found out that the before pictures were Ms. Diaz, however the after pictures were taken from a Russian 'mail-order' bride web site.

The kimkins diet advised eating just 500 calories a day. That less than concentration camp victims were getting:

Kimkins diet followers reported hair loss, menstrual cessation, irregualr heartbeat, fainting spells, and liver damage from the starvation diet scam.

No damn wonder! Let's hope she's jailed where she can get a decent diet!

12/31/2007 1:38 PM  
Blogger Kat said...

Happy 2008 All...Don't become a stastic of the Kimkins Diet Scam in 2008. I have faith in people and I know that there are a lot of people out there that will do the research and find the horrors of the Kimkins diet, the bannings of "lifetime" members for no reason other than to take their money from them, the no feedback from Kimmer herself on the site as promised and the dangers of the starvation diet that Kimmer (Heidi K. Diaz), who never even lost the weight herself, promotes. Ban Kimkins in 2008 and find a free and safe diet site to support your weight loss efforts in 2008. The year you will succeed WITHOUT Kimkins starvation diet!

1/01/2008 5:13 AM  
Blogger Kat said...

New Year’s Resolutions….
When the New Year comes upon us, those of us with excess weight, start to think of a way to try to get off our excess weight, one more time. If you are computer savvy, you start searching for a fast and easy weight loss plan. Recently, the Kimkins.comdiet has come into the lime light as being a fast and easy diet. Don’t be fooled. Do your research! Kimkins.con is nothing more than a low fat, low carb, low calorie, unhealthy starvation diet that is causing Eating Disorders (EDs) in many. This diet was started by a lady who calls herself "Kimmer" and never even lost the weight herself on her own diet. Kimmer even charges $59.95 for her unhealthy starvation diet and offers a “lifetime” membership that gets you banned from her website with no recourse if you question her about her diet or after pictures. There are a lot of good Low Carb diets on the market that are a healthy way of eating that you can get for free on different websites along with the community support you need. Try them first and see how much better you feel losing your weight in 2008!!

1/02/2008 10:13 AM  

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