Various Mentions And Nods Around The Internet

Thanks to the devoted readers of "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb," this platform I have for talking about my positive experiences on the incredibly healthy low-carb lifestyle has risen to the top of health and weight loss category online. I am grateful for your faithfulness to my mission to educate, encourage, and inspire more than you will ever know.

One fun aspect about having a blog that a whole lotta people read is the exposure it receives from other people all around the Internet. Because I write lots of columns that appear in so many different places, it seems there's a link to something I've written or discussed everywhere. To me, it's a testimony to the quality of what we are attempting to do and I appreciate the vote of confidence that everyone has given me.

I'd like to share with you some of the various mentions and nods around the Internet about how me and my blog are penetrating the culture and reaching those who need to hear the uplifting message of livin' la vida low-carb. Check 'em out! :D

1. THE MIGRAINEUR BUSTS LOW-CARB WATER WEIGHT LOSS MYTH

I recently shared with you about a new blog I found called The Migraineur. The blog's author--psipsina--is a low-carber and absolutely made my day when she railed against the American Diabetes Association recently. Now psipsina has begun a new series of posts designed to examine the "dumb things people say about the low-carb lifestyle." This oughta be REALLY good!

Her first post is about the myth that all you lose on a low-carb diet is "water weight" and she uses me as an example of how absurd that is. Here's what she wrote:

"Jimmy Moore, at Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb, has lost 180 pounds. I grant that it’s possible that someone who has only 5 or 10 pounds to lose could be shedding nothing but water, or mostly water. But losing 180 pounds of water? That’s 22.5 gallons of water! That’s equal to 4 and a half of those gigantic bottles of water they put in water coolers. If Jimmy Moore lost 22.5 gallons of water, all I can say is that he must be very glad to be rid of it."

Glrble, glrble...indeed I am happy to be done with all that water weighing me down! LOL! I've had some fun with this issue in previous posts here and here. This is the most redonkulous (or as psipsina calls "dumb") excuse people give for avoiding the low-carb life. Keep setting them straight with the truth, psipsina!

2. 'SEROTONIN POWER' AUTHORS LEND CREDENCE TO LOW-CARB?

In January, I highlighted a news story that featured the two author of a book called The Serotonin Power Diet where they encourage eating carbohydrates so that serotonin levels remain high enough to control appetite. I basically blew that idea off as quackery and advised people against following such a dietary routine if they truly want to lose weight the healthy way.

Well, maybe the authors of that book--Dr. Judith Wurtman and Dr. Nina Marquis--have changed their minds about livin' la vida low-carb since that story about their book came out because they wrote a post called "Low-Carb? Seriously?" on their blog this week talking about yours truly and my success on this way of eating.

"There are indeed plenty of low carb success stories. Take Jimmy Moore author of Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blog. In 2004, as his New Year's resolution, he went from 410 pounds down to 230 and has kept it off since. His blog is gently irreverent, full of low carb news, and very supportive of others on his path. Like any diet, his blog is not for everyone, and certainly not for someone like our forum writer above who emotionally knows lowcarbing is not for her."

I'm sure that forum writer probably just didn't give her body enough time to overcome her withdrawal symptoms to rid herself of the toxic buildup from all the sugar and carbohydrates still in her system. But I'm happy they at least acknowledged livin' la vida low-carb and shared my story. They also gave a link to my South Beach recipe blogging buddy Kalyn Denny's outstanding blog called "Kalyn's Kitchen."

One of the authors is one of my fellow writers at DietDetective.com and the other author e-mailed me about sending a copy of their book for review. I've got a big stack of books to catch up on first, but I'll be getting to it as soon as I can to let you know about it. I appreciate their mention of low-carb and wholeheartedly agree with their philosophy about which diet plan people should choose.

"I think the key here is a reminder that every body is different and it's important to make your diet work for you and not against you. For that you have to pay attention to how what you eat affects your body, your mind, and the scale. Find what works for you and follow it."

ABSOLUTELY! Find what works for you, follow that plan exactly and then keep doing it forever and ever. Works every time it's tried!

3. MR. NICE GUY LOVES OUR LOW-CARB YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Ever since my wife Christine and I started our foray into the wonderful world of YouTube a couple of months ago, we have encountered lots of brand new fans of "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb." It's a different venue with a rather peculiar brand of humanity unlike anywhere else you go on the World Wide Web. But you gotta love 'em!

One such character (and he's a REAL character indeed!) is a man who goes by the username mrniceguy28431. This guy is a trip and is about as country as you could possibly get. People think I talk Southern, but this guy takes the cake.

He is a 32-year old movie theater manager named Shannon and he hails from just up the road from me in Whiteville, North Carolina. Learn more about him at his Stickam page and check out this video he posted to YouTube where he shows off his adorable little baby boy and talks about somebody you've probably heard of somewhere before.



You can't help but love a guy like Shannon because he's sincere and is making an effort to do something about his weight and health--the low-carb way! You can leave him some positive comments at YouTube (which he LOVES, by the way!) and even help him out financially by making a purchase at his eBay store (especially if you like South Park or The Simpsons).

4. DISC OF LIGHT NOW OFFERING PODCAST PRODUCTION SERVICES

The producer of my hit podcast "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" is now extending his services to others who would like to have a high-quality audio or video podcast. The amazing Kevin Kennedy-Spaien has been the secret agent behind making my podcast show pop for the past year. I have been very grateful for the outstanding job he has done to propel my podcast to the top of its genre and I certainly could not have done it without Kevin's remarkable talents.

He also produces the cooking show "Healthy Helpings TV" with Michelle Koen who creates some delicious low-carb dishes in a delightful video format as well as the cleverly-titled "Yoga: It's a Gas!" videos that will have you laughing as much as you will be informed. Kevin is the one who works his magic touch to make these shows the best they can possibly be!

If you own a small or large business and are not already taking advantage of the podcasting format, then let Kevin Kennedy-Spaien help you easily enter this advantageous new media format so you can expand the reach of your company's message to the consumer. It's something you've been meaning to do, but you keep putting it off. Now DO SOMETHING about it and give Kevin a call--(815) 642-8104.

5. LOWCARBDUDE IS LOVING HIS CHOCOPERFECTION BARS

One of my biggest supporters online is a Canadian writer named Brian Cormier, aka "The Low-Carb Dude." I recently blogged about a column he wrote about being fat and he has a real knack for mixing in a healthy dose of humor along with riveting storytelling to keep you glued. Gotta love that!

When Brian saw me giving glowing comments about ChocoPerfection bars (read my review of these incredible sugar-free, low-carb chocolate bars!), he just had to get his hands on some to try for himself. I think he's pretty happy he did that!

"Whoa! I received them today and they are DELICIOUS. I tell ya, I can't tell the difference! And only two net carbs per bar! Amazing. These will definitely be a staple in my home for whenever I want a treat."

See, you CAN have your chocolate on a low-carb diet and eat it, too! :D By the way, for fans of ChocoPerfection bars, you'll be pleased to know they are in the process of creating a BRAND NEW BAR that will knock your socks off. I've been working with them to create this unbelievable bar and I know you're gonna love it as much as I do. More details will be coming soon, but I can tell you what it's called--"The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Bar." Stay tuned! :D

And FINALLY...

6. DISEASE PROOF DESCRIBES ME AS A "NOBODY," REFUSES INTERVIEW

In a rather interesting response to my ongoing request for an interview with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of the anti-low-carb and low-fat, vegetarian loving Eat To Live diet book, the gatekeeper of his "Disease Proof" web site has resorted to sophomoric name calling rather than a civilized discussion.

Gerald Pugliese runs Dr. Fuhrman's web site and enjoys antagonizing low-carb supporters by regularly blasting away at livin' la vida low-carb. Interestingly, he likes to bring my name and/or my blog up quite often at "Disease Proof" to make his points. See for yourself in these posts questioning how the late great Dr. Robert C. Atkins died, describing low-carbers as meat-eating savages, creating mass hysteria over salt consumption, and characterizing people who support low-carb as "fanatical."

Nice fella, huh? NOT!

Well, after seeing all these opinions that both he and Dr. Fuhrman have about the healthy low-carb lifestyle, I thought it would be beneficial to you my readers to host an interview with him as a truce of sorts so that I could question him about why Dr. Fuhrman believes what he does about nutrition. After all, the most famous low-fat diet supporter in the entire world--the highly-touted Dr. Dean Ornish--even agreed to an interview with me, so surely someone like Dr. Joel Furhman would too, right?

Nope!

After blogging about Dr. Fuhrman's reaction to the new Gary Taubes book Good Calories, Bad Calories earlier this week, I repeated my interview challenge to him.

"Will Dr. Fuhrman be a real leader by toning down the sensationalism so that people could actually be helped for a change? And why is Dr. Fuhrman still refusing my request for an interview? The invitation is still wide open and I don't have any idea why he wouldn't do it like Dr. Ornish did last year."

You'll never believe the explanation Pugliese gave for why it won't happen in an e-mail he sent to me entitled "Why there will be no interview." Brace yourself!

"I'm not sure why you keep wondering why Dr. Fuhrman doesn't want an interview with you. I personally advised him against it. After all, you're a nobody--just a lowly blogger like me. Stop fishing for conspiracy theory. Its beneath you."

Um, huh? What would be the harm in having someone like me, one of the most ardent supporters of low-carb, interviewing a second- or third-tier low-fat supporter like Dr. Joel Fuhrman for my blog, Gerald? You and I both know your description of me and my blog is inaccurate. This blog receives some of the highest traffic in the health and fitness category and has been recognized as one of the best of the best (read about these accolades here, here, and here, just to name a few). I have conducted over 40 interviews with some of the biggest names in diet and nutrition, including Dr. Ornish, Dr. Richard Bernstein, Dr. Brian Wansink, Dr. Eric Westman, Drs. Mike and Mary Dan Eades, Dana Carpender, Dr. Jonny Bowden, Charles Stuart Platkin, Dr. Mary C. Vernon, Bob Harper...the list goes on and on!

Nobody is looking for a "conspiracy theory," Gerald. We simply want the chance to ask Dr. Fuhrman questions about why he believes what he believes just as I have all these other fine leaders in the health discussion. What makes you and Dr. Fuhrman think he is better than all of these previous interview candidates, hmmm? That to me sounds like you've got something to hide, but it's your loss in the end because I gave you a golden opportunity to have a platform for sharing your message.

Contrary to what some people think, the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog is not about forcing people to follow a low-carb diet. GASP! Shocking to some, but true. I've always been about helping people find the plan that works for them, following that plan exactly as prescribed by the author, and then doing that plan for the rest of their life. If Eat To Live is the way someone chooses, then who am I to stop them? The point is I wouldn't and neither should anyone stop those who want to do the Atkins or any other low-carb diet to lose weight and get healthy.

All of us "nobody" bloggers and voices in the health debate should at least agree with this philosophy and tone down the rhetoric that comes from people like Gerald Pugliese and Dr. Joel Fuhrman. After all, there's a whole world full of people who are eager to find a way to shed the pounds and keep it off for the first time in their entire lives. If I can help make that happen, then I will.

Let me say THANK YOU to everyone who supports the work I am doing here to bring healthy living to a world that sometimes doesn't know what to think about their diet. Little by little, we can continue to help people better understand what is right for them so they can live the happy, healthy and fit life they've always dreamed about. Keep spreading the word and keep on livin' la vida low-carb!

You're Looking Mighty 'Fluffy' There Big Guy!

Brian Cormier has grown tired of the subtle fat man niceties

Have you noticed that it's against the law to make fun of just about every group of people in the United States these days--EXCEPT FOR THE OBESE?! When it comes to people carrying around a few more extra pounds than they need, all too often people are more than willing to offer "advice" (unsolicited, mind you!) and "suggestions" (which are usually so far off base we won't even go there!) about how to deal with the, um, er, you know.

Leave it to a friend and fan of this blog named Brian Cormier to address this issue directly in his humorous and quirky "Hump Day" weekly feature story in the Moncton, New Brunswick Canada-based Moncton Times & Transcript yesterday. The column is entitled "Those who are 'fluffy' don't need reminding" and should be a real eye-opener to those who engage in such discriminatory behavior towards fat people. It kinda reminded me of this heavy, but revealing thoughts straight from an obese woman.

Although he is currently working on his weight by implementing the principles of livin' la vida low-carb into his lifestyle, Brian shares about the pain he has felt over his many years of being "fluffy" (as he calls it)--a light-sounding euphemism for being fat. The humiliation he shares in this column is a painful reminder of some bygone days in my own life.

The public ridicule and scorn that comes from being obese can make you numb to it. I don't know what purpose people have when they hurl such insults towards those who are 100+ pounds overweight other than to make themselves feel superior in some sick and perverted way. I've never been able to fully grasp this in all my years of observing it.

Oh sure, some will say that fat people need to be reminded early and often about their "problem" so they'll do something about it. You know, that's about the stupidest way to get somebody to change their ways about anything, especially when there will be work involved in getting there. It's the "extreme" opposite position held by the "fat acceptance" movement.

Weight loss and getting healthy is difficult enough without the added pressure of society wagging their finger emphatically at you for doing it all wrong while gazing down their pointy noses scoffing at your attempts that they say are just gonna fail anyway. Why even bother fatso?!

Brian NAILS this point in his column and I'm so glad he addressed this issue. He knows it's too important to ignore anymore which is why he wrote about it. But he's also LIVING it himself and admits it hurts. And it HURTS A LOT more than you'll ever know if you've never dealt with being fat yourself.

There was one issue he discussed in this column that hit home with me: Why do people always have to refer to you as "big guy" when you're fat? GREAT QUESTION, Brian! I would also like to add another question: Why do people want to playfully punch me in the gut when I'm fat? Have you noticed these in your life as a fat person?

What's funny is that despite my nearly 200-pound weight loss, I STILL have people who insist on calling me "big guy." Now, I am 6'3" tall, so I suppose they could be referring to my height. But the painful reality of that phrase as Brian so wonderfully points out is that it comes across as derogatory and demeaning. I'm sorry, but it does.

My response to the "big guy" comment is usually something like--"Watch it now, who are you calling 'big'?" LOL! Usually shuts 'em up or makes 'em stammer for the right words to backtrack what they just said. Yes, it's personal when you say "big guy" so don't pretend you didn't know it was gonna hurt me. Like I said, IT DOES!

The same goes with touching my stomach. Sometimes my wife Christine's grandmother will grab at my tummy in a loving manner joking around with me, but I still feel so self-conscious about my "loose skin" from my humongous weight loss that it's very uncomfortable when she does that. And to those people who feel compelled to punch me in the kisser--STOP IT! I didn't like it when I was fat and I DEFINITELY don't like it now. Got it?!

Like I said, this column by Brian Cormier has conjured up some feelings I haven't thought about in great detail in a long time. It's a reminder that no matter how much weight you lose off your body, your mind will always think, feel, and respond exactly the same way it did when you were overweight.

For that, I will always be thankful because I'll NEVER forget from whence I came. It's why I keep old "fat boy" photos of myself around to look at so I'll never go back there again. By the grace of God, I've been able to keep the weight off ever since 2004!

At the end of his column, Brian shared his rather revealing, innermost thoughts about a kid who gawked at him about his weight at the grocery store recently and it reminded me of my own experience with a little punk...er, I mean, kid just months before I started livin' la vida low-carb.

In late 2003, I was a substitute teacher in an middle-school English class writing the instructions for the lesson that day on the chalkboard when a pudgy little sixth-grade boy yelled out, "Mr. Moore is fffffffaat!" Two seconds of silence and then the loudest roar of laughter you've ever heard ensued.

Ever so slowly I turned around in the direction of the boy who said it and nervously joined in the utter pleasure of ridiculing the substitute teacher's rotund figure (that would be ME!) by laughing too--mostly to keep from crying! Needless to say, that was the beginning of what led me to seriously find a way to get my weight under control for good.

Some would argue that experience proves people should keep talking about fat people so they'll get their butt in gear. I disagree. A negative, shame-inflicting response mechanism is not nearly as reinforcing and effective as a positive, reinforcing one. Give people a reason to WANT to lose weight in a way that's fun, engaging, and likely to work and you've empowered them to succeed. That's what livin' la vida low-carb did for me and I'm STILL doing it to this day!

As for Brian, he's getting there. I am confident that he'll not soon forget that little boy from the grocery store who incidentally was made to apologize to Brian by his parents for his cruel and insensitive remarks. Use that experience, Brian, to propel you to reach your goal and make it happen in your life.

It's NOT impossible and I can only encourage you to follow the example that people like me and Kent Altena have shown with the Atkins diet. YOU CAN DO IT!!! As for the snide comments, let them simply remind you of the amazing journey you are embarking upon to take care of your health and weight sooner rather than later. You're getting there--despite the naysayers!

Send encouragement for Brian Cormier via e-mail at brian@briancormier.com.