Say Goodbye Carbs, Hello Protein With Italy's Own Low-Carb CiaoCarb Cookies

CiaoCarb High-Protein Cookies now available at CarbSmart

Some of the very best high-quality low-carb products aren't made and manufactured in the United States. Unfortunately, the big low-carb "craze" that swept across America in the early part of this decade with all their low-carb impostor products ruined the reputation of some truly great companies who made some remarkable foods for your healthy low-carb lifestyle. Meanwhile, low-carb companies are thriving with some rather amazing products overseas.

You'll recall the UK-based GoLower nut bars thriving when they were imported into the U.S. for the first time in 2006 and they went on to become the fastest-selling new product in the history of low-carb retail giant CarbSmart. Now the folks at CarbSmart are ready to launch an equally exciting product in 2008 imported directly from Italy to the American low-carb consumer for the first time.

The product is called CiaoCarb Cookies and they are very low-carb, protein-packed morsels of healthy goodness that taste absolutely fabulous! I don't know if you've ever tried any other "low-carb" cookies before, but most are absolutely disgusting, fall apart and crumble when you try to hold them, and leave you wondering if you'll ever get to enjoy this sweet treat again. After trying these CiaoCarb Cookies for myself, I can tell you cookies are back and I'm hooked!

With a full 10g of protein in each cookie packaged in pairs, you can use these as a perfect pre-workout power-up snack, breakfast replacement, or anytime you want a little something healthy and delicious to eat. Best of all, the net carbs are so negligible (less than a third of a net carbohydrate in each cookie!) that it's virtually ZERO carbs!

Of course, these CiaoCarb Cookies are sugar-free which makes them PERFECT for diabetics and look and taste like a crunchy gourmet cookie you would purchase in Italy. Available in Almond, Chocolate, Coconut, Coffee, Lemon, and Orange (my personal favorite!) flavors, these cookies have just 95 calories each and are sweetened with a blend of maltitol, Splenda, and ACE-K. Although I'm not usually a fan of maltitol in low-carb products, I was pleasantly surprised that these did not bother me like some other products do. With less maltitol, there was little to no reaction. AWESOME!!!

This is very likely gonna be CarbSmart's 2008 breakout product of the year, so order your own stash of CiaoCarb Cookies today. They are available EXCLUSIVELY at CarbSmart right now, so go ahead and give them a try. You will no doubt LOVE these cookies as much as I do and CarbSmart will stand behind their quality 100%. If you don't like 'em, then CarbSmart will take care of you. But you WILL eat these up!

I'd love to hear your feedback about these innovative low-carb cookies directly from Italy, so try 'em and lemme know what you think! ENJOY! :D

New And Improved Low-Carb NexGen Muffins Are Repackaged And Ready-To-Eat

NexGen transforms high-carb muffins into low-carb delights!

Sometimes it takes a little trial and error to make a good thing even better. And that is most certainly the case with a product called NexGen Muffins.

Earlier this year I first blogged about these amazing low-carb muffins and was blown away by how truly wonderful they were. Since muffins had been off limits for me on my low-carb lifestyle over the past four years, it was incredible being able to finally have a low-carb muffin again that didn't taste absolutely disgusting (can you say soy anyone?).

Well, my elation soon turned to disappointment when several of my readers informed me they couldn't order these muffins anymore. One of the co-owners of NexGen Foods is Dr. Keith Berkowitz (who I will be interviewing soon here at my blog), so I contacted him to find out what was happening. He assured me the company is still in business and that they decided to reduce the size of the muffins since customers were having trouble eating the gargantuan 4-ounce size in one sitting.

Also, they slightly changed two of the muffin flavors--Cran-Orange Pineapple from Orange Pineapple and Almond Lemon Poppy from Lemon Poppy Seed--as well as added an additional flavor--Wild Blueberry--to add to their original flavor favorite Banana Walnut. The muffins are now 2-ounce sized and packaged three per container.

Dr. Berkowitz still wanted to keep the muffins preservative-free to uphold the integrity of the product being made from real food (primarily EGGS!), so these muffins will still be made when an order is placed and then shipped to customers frozen to ensure freshness. The NexGen Muffins can be kept in the freezer for months and in the refrigerator for up to fourteen days because of the new packaging.

After many months in the making, the new and improved ready-to-eat NexGen Muffins are now ready for purchase exclusively from CarbSmart.com. Because of the delicate nature of these muffins, they will only be shipped out on Mondays so you will be guaranteed a quality product. They are sold by the case of 12 muffins and will be shipped directly from the bakery in Brooklyn, New York.

You have your choice of one of four flavors or an assortment of all four. NexGen Muffins are sugar-free, gluten-free, flour-free, and kosher. And with just 100 calories or less and a whopping 12 grams of fiber per muffin, these low-carb muffins (only 1-2g net carbs each!) are a delicious way to start your day or snack on as a healthy dessert alternative.

ORDER NOW to be one of the first to sink your teeth into these outstanding NexGen Muffins that are setting the bar very high for other low-carb food products. I'd love to know what you think about them, so please don't hesitate to share your experience with them. Be sure to warm them up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, put some butter on top, and a little heavy whipping cream. Oh...my...gosh! Too good to even imagine!!! ENJOY!!!

CarbSmart's Exclusive Sugar Free, Low-Carb Chocolate Chips, Recipes

CarbSmart is the only sugar-free, low-carb chocolate chips on the market

Chocolate chips!!! Who doesn't like these itty bitty morsels of delicious chocolate goodness especially heading into the holiday baking season? Well, if you're livin' la vida low-carb, it can be quite a challenge trying to keep the carbs down since you can't find any good semi-sweet chocolate chips that don't have sugar in them.

But what if I told you I found some sugar-free, low-carb chocolate chips that do not contain any nasty sugar alcohols and are PERFECT for diabetics? Would you be interested? Sure you would, which is why I'm proud to tell you about CarbSmart Sugar Free Chocolate Chips.

Each 8-ounce bag of these delicious chocolate chips gives you the EXCLUSIVE source for a product of this kind on the market today. Even better is the fact that there are absolutely ZERO sugar alcohols in these CarbSmart Sugar Free Chocolate Chips, including NO maltitol, NO lactitol, NO sugar alcohols at all. WOO HOO!

So what is it sweetened with? Just like my favorite diet sodas (Diet Rite, Cheerwine, and Diet Coke with Splenda), these chocolate chips contain a yummy blend of Splenda and ACE-K. Plus, each two tablespoon serving has 7g fiber and just 1g net carb. Made with essential chocolate-making ingredients like chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder, these CarbSmart Sugar Free Chocolate Chips are the real deal!

This product should make you a happy camper on your healthy low-carb lifestyle. And bestselling author and low-carb cooking goddess Dana Carpender provides yummy recipes for making low-carb chocolate chip cookies (I'll share two of them for you below). Mmmmmm! I can smell those Toll House cookies now! :D

Find out how to order your own stash of the CarbSmart Sugar Free Chocolate Chips by clicking here.



CLASSIC LOW-CARB CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

1 cup almond meal
1 cup vanilla whey protein powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter -- softened (2 sticks)
1/2 cup Splenda granular
3/4 cup Steel's Gourmet Sugar Substitute (Maltitol)
2 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups CarbSmart Sugar Free Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Measure the almond meal, vanilla whey protein, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, and stir together. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter till creamy and fluffy. Add the Splenda and maltitol, and beat till very well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat well.

Now add the dry ingredients, in three additions, beating each addition till well incorporated before adding the next.

Beat in the chocolate chips and pecans, and mix just until well-distributed.

Turn off mixer, and scrape the dough off the beaters back into the bowl.

Preheat oven to 375.

Scoop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets you've sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, or covered with pan liners or baking parchment.

Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Makes 44 cookies

125 Calories
9g Fat
6g Protein
6g Total Carbohydrates
3g Dietary Fiber
3g Net Carbs per cookie



DARK & FUDGY LOW-CARB CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
2 1/2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1/2 cup butter
1 cup almond meal
1 cup vanilla whey protein powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups Splenda granular
2 eggs
2/3 cup sour cream
2 cups CarbSmart Sugar Free Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375.

Melt chocolate and butter together over very low heat or in microwave. Stir together.

While the chocolate and butter are melting, measure the almond meal, vanilla whey protein, baking soda, and salt, and stir together.

In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and chocolate mixture with the Splenda, eggs, and vanilla extract, till very well blended.

Add the dry ingredients and sour cream, about 1/3 at a time, alternating between the two.

Now add the chocolate chips, and mix to blend.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. Store in a container with a tight lid.

Makes 36 cookies
127 Calories
9g Fat
6g Protein
6g Total Carbohydrates
4g Dietary Fiber
2g Net Carbs per cookie

Alternative recipe suggestion: Add a half cup of chopped walnuts to make brownie-like cookies.

Ten Outstanding New Low-Carb Products, Two Really Hot Deals

The smart place to shop for your low-carb life is at CarbSmart.com

When you are ready to add a little variety to your low-carb lifestyle, then it can be exciting to try some brand new products to help you along in this journey to better health. With all the high-carb garbage that pervades our society nowadays, it's good to know there are alternatives available to keep you on the straight and narrow while enjoying livin' la vida low-carb as much as your old diet.

I'm pleased to present to you TEN BRAND NEW LOW-CARB PRODUCTS as well as TWO REALLY HOT DEALS on some bestselling brands that you will want to stock up on from the good folks over at CarbSmart.com. These are some truly incredible products to try as part of your low-carb life. ENJOY!


1. Naturally Supreme Erythritol Sweetener

One of the best sugar alcohols that doesn't cause the gastric distress is erythritol. It looks and acts just like sugar without unnecessarily spiking your blood sugar levels. Use it just like you would sugar in your coffee, tea, and in your favorite recipes. The taste is pleasantly sweet and contains 95 percent less calories and carbs than sugar! This all-natural sweetener is about 70 percent as sweet as sugar without any funky wang inside the mouth. For those of you paying attention to the glycemic index, you'll be pleased to know erythritol ranks ZERO. WOO HOO!


2. Dixie Carb Counters Sweet Cinnamon Pita Chips

These crunchy sweet cinnamon pita chips are as yummy as they sound. With only 1g net carb for three pita chips, these fit well in your healthy low-carb lifestyle. Additionally, they contain 6g protein, 6g fiber, and NOTHING artificial in them at all. Another great addition to the Dixie Diner Carb Counters lineup!


3. Dixie Carb Counters Texas Cornitas

Do you miss having "scoop" Fritos on your low-carb lifestyle? If so, then you will like these "corn" chips that are twice baked with no artificial ingredients at all. Each 8-piece serving size comes packed with 7g protein, 4g fiber, and just 3g net carbs. So break out the salsa or Ranch dressing and get snacking!


4. Foods Alive Flax Crackers

Flax seeds are LOADED with healthy fiber and omega-3 fatty acids--both are important parts of a solid nutritional approach. That's why these crackers are an excellent way to get more flax into your body in the most delightful way. Most of these are virtually carb-free after you subtract the WHOPPING 11g dietary fiber they contain along with the 6g protein in each five-cracker serving size. It's certified organic, too! Comes in Plain, Onion Garlic, Italian Zest, Mexican Harvest, Maple & Cinnamon, BBQ, and Hemp.


5. Glenn's Gourmet Goodies White BBQ Sauces

You've tried regular BBQ sauce, but have you tried a White BBQ sauce before? It's unlike anything you've ever tasted and goes great with just about any low-carb food you could imagine. I've put this stuff on my green beans, cauliflower, chicken, and even in eggs. Mmm mmm! There are four distinct flavors: Original White BBQ Sauce, Chipotle White BBQ Sauce, Wasabi White BBQ Sauce, and Blue Cheese White BBQ Sauce. Use this stuff like ketchup and you'll make everyone happy...as long as you don't run out!


6. Dixie Carb Counters Everyday Gourmet Fudge

Finding a delicious low-carb fudge can be a challenge, but this one is pretty darn close to perfect! What I like best about it is there are NO sugar alcohols and it's all-natural as well as gluten-free. If you put this in your refrigerator, then it firms up so well you can't eat but a tiny bit it is so rich. Each one-ounce serving delivers just 3g net carbs, 6g fiber, and 4g protein. Includes healthy fats from coconut and palm oils, too! Available in original fudge, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, and chocolate mint.


7. Sweet Fiber All Natural Sweetener

Fiber-based sweeteners are cool because you get twice the bang for your buck, but this one takes it even one step further. You get the sweetness not only from inulin, a natural fiber, but you also have the added bonus of Lo Han low-glycemic fruit extract. You can use this just like sugar in your favorite beverages and recipes. You get zero calories, zero sugar alcohols, no bad aftertaste, and it ranks close to ZERO on the glycemic index.


8. Dixie Carb Counters Muffin Mixes

Who doesn't like muffins? Now you can have them without worry about the excess sugar and carbs that come from traditional ones. These all-natural muffin mixes come in a wide variety of flavors, including Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Classic Carrot, Honey Bran, Corn, Blueberry, Cranberry Orange, Banana Nut, and Apple Cinnamon.

9.
Carl's Gourmet All Natural Seasonings and Meat Rubs

We low-carbers love our meat, so why make the most of them by using some delicious seasonings to spice them up a bit? The flavors include Prime Rib & Roast Seasoning, Lemon Seasoning, Lemon Garlic Seasoning, and Old Western Barbecue Spice. These can be used on just about anything you want to cook up on the grill. These all are salted with sea salt and come with a variety of scrumptious spices.


10. Nature's Hollow "Tastes Like Honey" Sugar Free Honey Substitute

Who doesn't like a little honey in their life, right? Well, when you're livin' la vida low-carb, you're not allowed to have this traditionally sugary treat. But now you can have this sugar-free, low-carb version that is sweetened with the excellent sugar alcohol called Xylitol. This is an ideal product for diabetics and low-carbers alike because Xylitol ranks low on the glycemic index and is even good for your teeth! Use this "honey" product in the same way you would the real stuff. Bee sure not to run out! :P

As promised, here are those two BONUS SPECIALS:


GoLower 30g Creme Bars BOX OF 24 BARS

GoLower is a name that has become synonymous with quality in the low-carb industry. And now you can get an ENTIRE BOX OF 24 GOLOWER CREME BARS FOR ONLY $8.99! With 7g protein and 7g fiber, these chocolate-covered morsels of nougat are the perfect indulgence when you have a sweet tooth that just won't leave you alone. It's all the taste of a candy bar with all the health benefits of a protein bar. Available in chocolate and raspberry.


DaVinci Gourmet Sugar Free Syrups

We all love our DaVinci syrups and it would be a shame if you went all winter long without having any on hand. That's why there's a big Pre-Winter Stock-Up Sale going on right now so you'll be ready when the cold winds are blowing in just a few weeks. Because of the extreme temperature changes during the winter months, this liquid product does not ship very well due to the DaVinci syrup bottles freezing and breaking. As a result, you need to STOCK UP NOW with what you want and you have until November 1, 2007 to get your order placed or you'll have to wait until the Spring 2008 to order. These zero calorie, zero carb syrups are an amazing part of my low-carb life with so many varieties to choose from.

Check out this comprehensive list of some rather exotic flavors available to you: Almond, Amaretto, B52 (A mix of Kahlua, Grand Marnier, Irish Cream), Banana, Blueberry, Butter Rum, Butterscotch, Caramel, Cherry, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Coconut, Cola, Cookie Dough, Creme de Menthe, Dulce de Leche (An intense caramel), Egg Nog (especially good during the holidays), English Toffee, French Vanilla, German Chocolate Cake, Gingerbread, Grape, Original Hazelnut, Huckleberry, Irish Cream, Kahlua, Lemon, Lemon Lime, Lime, Macadamia Nut, Malibu Rum, Orange, Pancake (Maple flavor), Peach, Peanut Butter, Peppermint, Peppermint Patty, Pineapple, Praline, Pumpkin Pie (another holiday favorite!), Raspberry, Root Beer, Simple Syrup (No Flavor - Just Sweet), Spice Blend, Star Fruit, Strawberry, Hazelnut (Formerly Toasted Hazelnut), Toasted Marshmallow, Vanilla, Watermelon, and White Chocolate.

Order these new products, specials, and anything else you need for your low-carb shopping needs anytime 24/7 from our friends at CarbSmart.com.

My Accidental Low-Carb 'Magic Shell' Topping Recipe

Looky what I was able to make with just two simple ingredients

The thing I like about being an experimental kitchen wizard is coming across an exciting new low-carb twist on an old favorite. For all you recipe nuts out there, you know what I'm talking about. Try, try as you may, you work hard to find some low-carb alternatives to your favorite high-carb foods (my friend Judy Barnes Baker who wrote the CARB WARS: Sugar Is The New Fat cookbook is an absolute WHIZ at this!).

Well, lightning struck at the Moore household last night when I came up with one heckuva ice cream topping that quite frankly I have missed since I started livin' la vida low-carb four years ago. I enjoy eating my CarbSmart ice cream, but have wished I could have that "Magic Shell" stuff from Dairy Queen on top for a chocolaty coating.

Thanks to my accidental discovery, NOW I CAN!!!



By PURE LUCK I was melting a ChocoPerfection bar in the microwave and usually put a little bit of water in the bowl to prevent the chocolate from burning. Well, I opened up my refrigerator to pull out a chilled ChocoPerfection bar when I looked over and saw my Nutiva brand organic extra virgin coconut oil. Hmmmm, I wonder what THAT would taste like mixed with the chocolate?

So, I pulled it out and scooped a tablespoon of coconut oil into the bowl with the broken up pieces of ChocoPerfection. I microwaved it for about 30-45 seconds, pulled it out and stirred it up a bit (with the coconut oil already melting), and then put it back in for another 30-45 seconds, stirring again and repeating until a smooth mixture.



At first, I was kinda miffed that the chocolate was so runny. But I wasn't gonna waste the chocolate and not use it, so I decided to pour it on top of my CarbSmart ice cream. Christine wanted some, too, so I poured some on top of hers. I handed the bowl to her and walked back into the kitchen to finish mine when I heard a screech come out of her mouth.

"Where did you get the 'Magic Shell' and is this low-carb?" Christine inquired. Not knowing what she was talking about, I said, "Huh?" She said the chocolate coating on the ice cream was hard like the stuff you get from Dairy Queen. So I pushed my finger against the "shell" on my ice cream and she was RIGHT!

COOL!



Unbeknownst to me, I had created a low-carb version of "Magic Shell." I can't tell you how many times I wish I had this stuff since my low-carb lifestyle began in 2004. But now I can have it again with my ice cream when I decide to have a nice low-carb treat every now and then. Sweeeeeeeet!

And all you need is two ingredients: ChocoPerfection bars and coconut oil! ENJOY!

'Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show' Episode 53: Low-Fat Activist Is All Talk And No Substance

In Episode 53 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore," I have an exciting giveaway contest to share with you that you'll want to take advantage of as well as a stern chastisement of a smug low-fat diet zealot who claims all of human existence has been predicated on carbohydrate consumption. This is can't miss podcasting at its best! Listen NOW:

 "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" Episode 53 [21:45m]: Play in Popup | Download

Are you ready to enter my contest for a chance to win 24 FREE GOLOWER CHOCOLATE CREME BARS in the flavor of your choice? If so, then simply be one of the first ten listeners to leave a comment about this episode AND send an e-mail to me with your name, address, city, state, and zip code (No P.O. Boxes please!). GOOD LUCK!!!

What about this whacked out, PETA-loving low-fattie who e-mailed me about how a high-carb, low-fat diet is the "staff of life" for all civilization? HA! What a crock and I was all too happy to expose this guy for the fraud he is. While he attempted to portray himself as an innocent and none-the-wiser average Joe, but instead he's another member of the ever-dwindling army of low-fatties who know their days are numbered.

Get more of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show" by:

1. Listening at the official web site
2. Going to iTunes
3. Calling (818) 688-2763 to listen via Podlinez
4. Subscribing to the RSS feed

What is your reaction to what this linguini-spined low-fat lover had to share? Does he have any credibility with his historical journey of our "low-fat diet" past? What do you think? Leave your comments about Episode 53 to give your personal message to this misguided and severely undereducated man. Is it any wonder I never heard back from him about his long-term progress eating that low-fat diet of his? I think not.

You'll definitely want to listen to the podcast on Thursday for another interview from the obesity conference I attended in early May sponsored by the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP). The feedback from these has been phenomenal so far and I'm thrilled to be able to share these incredible physicians dedicated to helping people overcome their obesity and related diseases. See ya then!

Stock Up On GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars

Have you tasted the low-carb GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars yet?

Remember the GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars I told you about last summer? This British low-carb sensation finally made its way to the United States earlier this year and is a delightful all-natural sweet treat to add to your low-carb lifestyle.

In fact, the exclusive American retailer of the GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars is CarbSmart.com and they are so confident you'll just LOVE these that they are willing to offer them to you at an unprecedented 40 PERCENT OFF right now. That's right, you can even stock up on them and save as much as 60 PERCENT OFF depending on how many you get.

CLICK HERE for the details and to take advantage of this exclusive offer. I LOVE these high-protein, high-fiber low-carb bars and I know you will, too! While you're there, be sure to stock up on some of the delicious and nutritious GoLower Nut Bars, too!

Yep, I Still Enjoy Eating Low-Carb Ice Cream

Columnist James Lileks moans over Kemps removing their low-carb line

I have a confession to make that shouldn't surprise anyone who knows me--I LOVE MY LOW-CARB ICE CREAM!!! I know the anti-chemical, all-natural-foods-only low-carb crowd is reading this rolling their eyes at me as if I'm some sort of freak or something.

But the reality is I'm probably more normal than they are since I still find low-carb living to be a day to day battle. I can never let my guard down if I am going to successfully keep the nearly 200 pounds I lost over three years ago off of my body for good. So far, so good.

If low-carb ice cream can keep me away from the regular sugary ice cream and other such high-carb desserts, then I'm gonna do it. Would NO ice cream be better for me? Obviously. But I can't (or choose not to) do that any more than I could give up my diet sodas. I seriously tried that and I couldn't sustain it as part of my life without adversely impacting my weight control.

What's the real harm in it if it helps me keep my weight off which it has for over three years and counting? With so many people trying to lose weight and then reaching a point in their diet when they don't feel like a success (even despite enormous weight loss success), shouldn't we be promoting the use of products like low-carb ice cream to help them transition from the things that tempt them the most?

Absolutely, we should and I'll tell you why. I've been livin' la vida low-carb since January 2004 and my diet has undergone a major shift since that time. Many of the foods I once considered staples of my diet--a case and a half of Coca-Cola daily, an entire box of Little Debbie snack cakes, a SuperSize order order of McDonald's French fries, a plateful of regular pasta--are now a thing of the past. I don't even remotely want them in my life ever again.

My friend the "Diet Detective" Charles Stuart Platkin describes these alternatives I have chosen instead like diet sodas and low-carb ice cream as "Carb Bargains," which means you substitute a lower-carb food for a higher-carb one you previously consumed to cut calories and start the lifestyle change in earnest.

This makes total sense which is why I have defended the use of certain low-carb products before and feature many of the good ones here at my blog. Granted, not everything that purports to be "low-carb" is, but that's where reading your labels and being smart go a long way in your low-carb lifestyle.

If it comes down to a choice between eating low-carb ice cream and sticking with my low-carb plan versus not eating it and falling prey to the temptation to have a slice of chocolate cake, then I'll choose the former over the latter every day of the week. While there are some who can just suddenly stop eating those foods forever cold turkey, low-carb or not, I'm not one of them. Give me my low-carb substitutes thank you very much.

With that said, many of the really good low-carb products are prone to just suddenly disappear as this Star Tribune column by columnist James Lileks so hilariously details. If you have been livin' la vida low-carb for ANY length of time, then this little ditty will make your day. What a character this guy is as he's low-carbing it for himself.

His beef is with the Kemps Ice Cream manufacturers for removing their low-carb option called "Carb Promise" from their lineup of products. As so many of us have grown accustomed to seeing in recent years, they took away his favorite low-carb indulgence and now he's upset about it (hmmm, add Kemps to the list with Subway's low-carb wraps, low-carb offerings from Eat Well Be Well (formerly CarbSense), KETO's low-carb product line, Ruby Tuesday's low-carb menu...I could go on and on, but I won't. You get the point.

Lilaks encapsulates the very essence of how cruel this is to low-carbers.

"You give us something and you make us love it and you snatch it away...I always knew you'd yank Carb Promise when the Atkins diet died, and last week I learned that you'd discontinued the brand. Do you know what this means? I don't eat sugar. So you've taken away ice cream from my life. Entirely. And don't tell me 'it's the cows.' I've met cows. They lack the intellectual capacity to make such decisions."

Caught ya laughing out loud, didn't I? This guy's a real hoot! While I don't believe "the Atkins diet died" as he claims, I know what he meant. But it's not the end of the world.

If he's looking for low-carb ice cream, then he needs to look no further than the very best brand that has been available for years and is STILL available on supermarket shelves these days (it's all over the place in Super Wal-Mart, too!)--BREYER'S CARBSMART ICE CREAM!


CarbSmart ice cream has been a lifesaver for my low-carb diet

I've been eating this brand of low-carb ice cream since 2004 and wouldn't think of eating anything else. The product contains just 4g net carbs and tastes exactly like sugar-loaded ice cream. Unlike those pretender "low-carb" ice creams, this one has no gritty taste, no funky wang, and satisfies my sweet tooth with a dollop of whipped cream and some blueberries on top every time!

So, James, if you think "dessert is ruined ...FOREVER," then you REALLY need to try CarbSmart ice cream. It comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, Butter Pecan, and (my favorite!) Rocky Road and is absolutely delicious.

You can e-mail encouragement to James Lileks about his livin' la vida low-carb journey at lileks@startribune.com.

Low-Carb Blogiversary Contest Prize Bundle #4

Have you joined the hundreds of people who have entered my 2nd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest yet? If not, then you are definitely missing out on a golden opportunity to rack up on some of the nicest prizes you'll ever be able to win from a blog I can assure you of that! I sought out the best of the best because YOU DESERVE IT!

Our generous Grand Prize donation--that Vermont Castings deluxe grill--could not have been made possible without the fine folks over at CFM Corporation. Do me a favor and send a THANK YOU e-mail to the Grills Category Manager Tim Kuhn for being willing to provide such an amazing prize for my contest celebrating my second anniversary at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog.

But as nice as that grill is, only one person is going to win it! Never fear, though, there are tons more prizes that await you if your name is drawn for them at the end of the month. You can see some of these outstanding giveaways by clicking here, here, and here. There ain't no chintzy prizes in this contest and I'm so happy to give you a real chance to win!

Yo, I'm not done sharing all the prizes with you yet! Here's some more:

TWO-NIGHT CABIN STAY IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS


Catch a "Glimpse Of Heaven" on vacation in the mountains

Special thanks to one of my readers named Cheryl who owns a Smoky Mountain cabin rental company, you and your family may be going on vacation in a luxurious cabin located near Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN called "Glimpse Of Heaven." This cozy two-night stay with an absolutely gorgeous view of the Great Smoky Mountains will be going to one of you just for entering my contest. Keep in mind this cabin is very popular and may be booked up for 2007, but you can discuss the dates you are available with Cheryl. In the meantime, go visit HeavenlyCabins.com to learn more about these incredible cabins and contact Cheryl directly by e-mail if you have any questions or would like to place a reservation to stay in their amazing facilities.

"THE ULTIMATE CHEF" PRIZE PACK FROM DEL MONTE

What an incredible prize I have for you compliments of our friends at Del Monte Foods! This "Ultimate Chef" prize features the brand new cookbook by Oprah Winfrey's personal chef Art Smith, a bunch of Del Monte canned foods, cooking equipment, and so much more! Check it out:


Back To The Family cookbook by Chef Art Smith


Tons of Del Monte canned goods


A Todd English MIXXO


Hard Anodized Cookware for healthier cooking


Kids apron and chef hat


A gorgeous canvas tote from The Company Store

Yep, all of those prizes will be going to ONE LUCKY WINNER!!! Be sure to visit DelMonte.com for more information about our generous sponsor.

DIABETESMINE.COM T-SHIRT/KNOW YOUR NUMBERS BOOK
DIABETESMINE.COM T-SHIRT/KNOW YOUR NUMBERS BOOK


Amy Tenderich provides a diabetes two-fer prize

Fellow blogger and diabetes extraordinaire Amy Tenderich has donated prizes for two winners: a complimentary DiabetesMine.com T-shirt and an autographed copy of her brand new book Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes. If you've never visited Amy's blog, then you'll want to drop by DiabetesMine.com for an engaging and fun blog about living with diabetes.

2 COPIES WEEKNIGHT GRILLING BOOK BY THE BBQ QUEENS
2 COPIES WEEKNIGHT GRILLING BOOK BY THE BBQ QUEENS
2 COPIES WEEKNIGHT GRILLING BOOK BY THE BBQ QUEENS
2 COPIES WEEKNIGHT GRILLING BOOK BY THE BBQ QUEENS
2 COPIES WEEKNIGHT GRILLING BOOK BY THE BBQ QUEENS


Two copies of "Weeknight Grilling"--one for you, one for a friend!

Do you remember my interview with BBQ Queen Karen Adler on my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" podcast last week? When I asked her which of her grilling cookbooks was the best for people who are livin' la vida low-carb, she immediately said Weeknight Grilling With The BBQ Queens. So here we are giving 5 of you the chance to win not just one, but TWO copies of this fantastic book so you can keep one yourself and give the other away to someone else. Be sure to visit BBQQueens.com to learn more about them and check out PigOutPublications.com for a full selection of BBQ books to choose from.

$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO CARBSMART.COM


Low-carb retailer CarbSmart.com is a popular online store

Finally, we have an very lucrative prize from our friends at CarbSmart.com--a $100 gift certificate! You can spend it just like cash in one of the best online low-carb retail stores around. Look around and find some excellent products to help you along in your low-carb lifestyle. And if you missed my exclusive podcast interview with the founder and president of CarbSmart.com, Andrew DiMino, it's worth checking out!

Do you think I'm done sharing prizes in the 2nd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest? Nope, not yet! I have at least one more post with a few more goodies to share that you could win! But you gotta get your entry to me to become eligible for a prize. Don't miss out on your chance!

'Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show' Episode 38: One-On-One With CarbSmart's Andrew DiMino

You asked for it and now you've got it for the very first time in Episode 38 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore." It's my first-ever podcast interview and I invite you to listen to it RIGHT NOW:

 "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" Episode 38 [21:41m]: Play in Popup | Download

Allow me to introduce you to a man named Andrew DiMino in Episode 38. He is the President and Founder of one of the most successful online low-carb retailers and brands called CarbSmart and he was gracious enough to sit down for a one-on-one chat with me during my recent visit to Reno, Nevada.

Can't get enough of the podcast? Check it out in a variety of ways by:

1. Listening at the official web site
2. Going to iTunes
3. Calling (818) 688-2763 to listen via Podlinez
4. Subscribing to the RSS feed

I asked Andrew the hard questions and he responded like a champ in a very articulate and professional manner. See what he has to say to the critics who think the low-carb products that are on the market today are just more junk food. He also talks about the history of the name CarbSmart and how it has become a household name. Also, if you lament the disappearance of some of your favorite low-carb products in recent years, then you'll be pleased by something CarbSmart is doing.

Listen and share your feedback about the show. Agree? Disagree? Either way, please tell us what you think!

Tune in on Monday as I share my interview with Leslie Wheeler from the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association about the current state of the BBQ industry and how low-carbers are leading a comeback of sorts for the fine art of grilling.

Saying A Final Farewell To Eat Well Be Well

Low-carb manufacturer Eat Well Be Well has closed its doors for good

I'm gonna report on a news story about low-carb pretending I am a member of the traditional media for just a moment.

HEADLINE: The Low-Carb Fad Is Fading Fast
In a move that puts the final nail in the coffin of the dangerous Atkins diet, struggling no-carb business Eat Well Be Well couldn't find anyone who is still on this harmful and risky diet plan anymore so they were forced to permanently shut down their operations. This comes as no surprise considering all the controversial health problems that this ridiculous high-fat diet is believed to cause. Frankly, it's surprising that there are any low-carb business still in existence today!

You might be laughing at my little mock news story, but you know that's EXACTLY how they would report a low-carb business that has decided to shut down. It's gotta be a sign that low-carb the diet is dead, something that we often heard about right after Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 2005 (they have since survived the bankruptcy and back prospering again as Collette Heimowitz said in my interview with her last year thanks to some of the bestselling high-protein bars on the market today).

But the sad part about this mock story is that the manufacturer Eat Well Be Well really has been forced to go out of business. If you go to EatWellBeWell.com right now, then you will see the following two-sentence announcement from the company:

"We regret to announce that as of January 31, 2007 Eat Well Be Well Foods, Inc. is no longer in business. No products are available for sale from us."

I heard about this today from someone who did a Google search on "Eat Well Be Well" looking for information about the company and their low-carb products and she was concerned about what happened to them.

"Did you know they have gone out of business? I am so disappointed. I loved their products. I went to the website today after reading about getting coupons on the box and learned their fate. I am going to my grocery store tonight and cleaning the shelves!"

Yeah, I noticed my local grocery store a few weeks ago had the entire Eat Well Be Well product line discounted like they were getting rid of it. Now I know why these products are going away and it's really kinda sad to think about because they really were superb for people who are livin' la vida low-carb.

Last March, I blogged about the Eat Well Be Well sugar-free whole grain products and just a few months back I told you about their sugar-free chocolate chips. But now they're gonna be gone forever. BOO HOO!

An industry insider said the reason Eat Well Be Well has gone out of business didn't have as much to do with the popularity of their products (which was at an all-time high), but rather the financiers who pulled their funding from the company altogether. They are currently discussing selling the recipes for their products to another company, but no word yet on who will purchase them and when that will happen.

You know, the more I think about this, though, this story really doesn't surprise me at all. A few years ago, the company used to be called CarbSense back when livin' la vida low-carb was all the rage by every opportunistic food company in the world. They were VERY successful and rode that tidal wave just like everyone else did whether their products were truly low-carb or a part of the garbage that flooded supermarket shelves.

Sadly, most of those products were not really low-carb the wave quickly came crashing down on anything labeled "low-carb." As a result, many of the legitimate independent companies providing low-carb products were pushed out of business--like KETO, for example--and the people at CarbSense thought they saw the handwriting on the wall. That's why they changed their name to Eat Well Be Well.

This was a contentious topic I blogged about last year with all these companies and individuals in the low-carb community jumping ship on the term "low-carb" trying to be accepted by people ignorant about what low-carb was really all about. This was something I just couldn't let pass by without comment and here's what I wrote at the time:

While others have purposely backed away from using "low-carb," I have actively embraced it with every ounce of resolve within me because it is the plan that made me skinny for the first time in my life and it is what will keep me fit and trim for the rest of my life. Why would I call it something different now? Perhaps I am being naive about my decision to use the term "low-carb," but I don't think so. If it weren't for "low-carb" being a part of my life, had I not learned more about what "low-carb" living is all about, and if the principles of "low-carb" could not be communicated to the masses of overweight and obese people who need to understand what it is, then where would I be today? 400+ pounds, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, breathing problems, or quite possibly, six feet under!

So what happens when you capitulate and give in to the temptation to dance around telling people you are all about "low-carb." You merely water down your message until it becomes so irrelevant that people stop paying attention to what you have to say because there's nothing unique about you. I think that's exactly what happened to Eat Well Be Well. While they were a fantastic company with amazing sugar-free, low-carb products, they caved pure and simple and paid the price.

In hindsight, I bet they wish they had kept the name CarbSense because it only made "sense" (all pun intended!) for the kind of products they were creating. Look on store shelves today and you still see products like Breyer's CarbSmart ice cream selling very well nationwide, so there's no reason why CarbSense could not have experienced similar branding and marketing success had they stuck to their guns with their original name. I guess we'll never know now, will we?

Speaking of CarbSmart, my newfound reader wanted to know where she could find some good high-fiber healthy sugar-free whole grain products to help her build on her nearly 100-pound low-carb weight loss. That online low-carb retail store is a great place to start and there are many other excellent low-carb stores ready to serve you with those kinds of products. Visit my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Links" blog to find a complete listing of low-carb retail stores.

With this post, I'd like to say a final farewell to Eat Well Be Well and wish everyone who helped make that company the success that it was all the best in their future careers. Maybe the lessons learned from this experience will serve the interests of other low-carb companies who may be contemplating a name change or product modification. If Eat Well Be Well is any indication of what happens when you do that, then perhaps you might want to rethink that strategy and keep doing what got you where you are today. Something to think about.

Get A Low-Carb Valentine's Day Gift Basket

It's almost February and you know what that means, don't you? It's the day of love that happens each year on February 14th--Valentine's Day is only a couple of weeks away!

So, wouldn't you like to get that Valentine in your life who is livin' la vida low-carb a very special present that fits within their healthy lifestyle? SURE YOU WOULD, which is why I am pleased to share with you some absolutely FANTASTIC low-carb Valentine's Day gift baskets from CarbSmart packed full of your favorite low-carb goodies that can be delivered just in time for the loved one in your life.

Whether you have a low-carber or a diabetic who you want to surprise with these Valentine's Day baskets, these will surely deliver big smiles and loving adoration from the one who receives it. Packed in a tailor-made Sweetheart Gift Box, you won't be disappointed in giving or getting this as a gift for Valentine's Day.

There are the two special gift packages available:

LOW-CARB SWEETHEART GIFT BOX

Includes the following products:
Judy's 1.5 oz. Sugar Free English Toffee
Ross Chocolate Dark Chocolate Bar
Ross Chocolate Milk Chocolate with Cherry Bar
Ross Chocolate Dark Chocolate with Green Tea Bar
Eat Well Be Well Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Bar
Eat Well Be Well Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Almond Bar
Sorbee Strawberry Creme Filled 3.5 oz. Chocolate Bar
Sorbee Peanut Butter Creme Filled 3.5 oz. Chocolate Bar
Sorbee Solid 2.8 oz. Dark Chocolate Bar
Sorbee Solid 2.8 oz. Milk Chocolate Bar
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans 3.1 oz. bag
Ashers Liquid Caramel Chocolate Bar
Assorted Sugar Free Hard Candies

DELUXE LOW-CARB SWEETHEART GIFT BOX

Includes the following products:
Judy's 1.5 oz. Sugar Free English Toffee
Judy's 1.5 oz. Sugar Free Almond Cluster
Atkins Chocolate Covered Coconut Bar
Ross Chocolate Dark Chocolate Bar
Ross Chocolate Milk Chocolate Bar
Ross Chocolate Milk Chocolate with Almond Bar
Ross Chocolate Milk Chocolate with Cherry Bar
Ross Chocolate Milk Chocolate with Peanuts Bar
Ross Chocolate Milk Chocolate with Green Tea Bar
Eat Well Be Well Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Bar
Eat Well Be Well Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Almond Bar
Maine Cottage Foods Sugar Free Dark Chocolate
Maine Cottage Foods Sugar Free Milk Chocolate
Maine Cottage Foods Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Mint
Sorbee Mint Creme Filled 3.5 oz. Chocolate Bar
Sorbee Strawberry Creme Filled 3.5 oz. Chocolate Bar
Sorbee Peanut Butter Creme Filled 3.5 oz. Chocolate Bar
Sorbee Solid 2.8 oz. Dark Chocolate Bar
Sorbee Solid 2.8 oz. Milk Chocolate Bar
Sorbee Solid 2.8 oz. Milk Chocolate with Peanuts Bar
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans 3.1 oz. bag
3 Peerless Sugar Free Hard Candies 3.5 oz. bags
Brown & Haley 3.5 oz. Almond Roca
Brown & Haley 3.5 oz. Cashew Roca
2 Assorted Blitz PowerMintz
Assorted Sugar Free Hard Candies
Russell Stover or Asher's 8 oz. Sugar Free Chocolate Assorted Box

If neither of those baskets tickle your fancy, then you can choose from the full list of low-carb gift baskets to give your Valentine instead. Hurry to place your order by February 5th to insure delivery by February 14, 2007.

Show him or her that you love them and their commitment to livin' la vida low-carb with one of these gift boxes or baskets. I KNOW they'll LOVE IT! :)

GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars Now In The US

GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars have arrived at CarbSmart

The wait is finally over.

After first blogging about them last July, the grand United States debut of the British smash sensation GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars has come and available exclusively from our friends at CarbSmart.

Following in the footsteps of the bestselling GoLower Nut Bars, these new chocolate creme bars are a nice change of pace for people who enjoy a great-tasting nougat bar. In fact, the Chocolate flavor actually tastes like a 3 Musketeers bar! WOO HOO!

While the GoLower company originally wanted to release their Chocolate Creme Bars in Chocolate, Raspberry, and Coconut just like the nut bars, they decided not to produce the coconut flavor after several tests in the UK found customers did not like them. I was one of the people who tested all three flavors and I actually LIKED the coconut creme bars even though I do not like the coconut nut bars. Go figure!

Anyway, these GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars have 7g protein, 7g fiber, and just under 6g net carbs per serving. There are NO artificial flavors, NO preservatives or artificial sweeteners, NO Trans-fats, and made from only the finest Belgian dark chocolate available.

You may notice there are 5g sugar listed in the ingredients in each bar. When I asked Hannah Sutter, founder and CEO of GoLower, about this, she said the the British government requires any food that calls itself chocolate to be made with sugar. Hmmm, that's interesting. So, if she tried to make it with maltitol (EEEK!) or a Splenda/ACE-K blend, they would have to call it chocolate FLAVORED. Not good!

With that said, the thin layer of chocolate that is in this bar is not enough to bother you if you are in the pre-maintenance or maintenance phases of livin' la vida low-carb. It's still MUCH lower in carbohydrates than a typical candy bar which can be as high as 60-70g carbs a piece. GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars are so much better!

Just like the GoLower Nut Bars, these creme bars use oligofructose and the natural flavors of the ingredients to WOW your tastebuds with a delicious and nutritious snack. Grab yourself a box or two of the GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars and let me know what you think of them!

Fans of GoLower Nut Bars will be pleased to hear that CarbSmart has an exciting special going on with them right now--they are 40% off!!! This is a good time to stock up on these superb bars when you place your order for the GoLower Chocolate Creme Bars. Don't forget, you get FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING when you purchase $100 or more. Enter the word "induction" (without the quotes) when you checkout to receive the FREE SHIPPING.

Get Your Sporty CarbSmart Water Bottle

When you are on the low-carb lifestyle, one thing you need to do just as much as counting your carbs is drink lots and lots of water. That's why CarbSmart.com is now stocking a convenient new CarbSmart 28 oz. Water Bottle for your use as part of your active low-carb life.

This easy-to-carry high-density polyethylene bottle slips inside of your favorite workout bag, backpack or on your bicycle cage as well as in most car cup holders. And if you are an exercise nut like I am, you'll be glad to know this water bottle also fits rather easily in the water bottle holders for the treadmill, stairmaster, stationary bike, and elliptical machines.

One of the downsides of most refillable water bottles is the fact that they are heavy and make the water taste like liquid plastic. EWWW! But not the CarbSmart Water Bottle. It super lightweight, safe to use, is dishwasher safe, and can even be put in the freezer.

Show everyone around you that you aren't just smart--you're CarbSmart--with this sporty new water bottle. Fill it up just twice a day and you'll consume about a half gallon of water per day. But if you are as thirsty as I am, you'll fill it up at least four times for a full gallon of water to enjoy all the healthy benefits of drinking water.

Go ahead and get your own CarbSmart Water Bottle--you'll be glad you did!

Right now there's a special offer from our friends at CarbSmart.com who want to put these water bottles in your hands as soon as possible. While you can order individual quantities of these water bottles for only $4.99 each or get 6+ for $3.99 each, you can receive one for FREE with every $100 purchase now through January 14, 2007.

Place a minimum order for $100 at CarbSmart.com choosing any of the thousands of delicious low-carb products available from one of America's favorite low-carb retailers and you will get one of these water bottles absolutely FREE! Order $200 and you'll get 2 water bottles for FREE!

It's CarbSmart's way of saying THANK YOU for your business and here's to a happy and healthy new you thanks to livin' la vida low-carb in 2007.

Get your CarbSmart Water Bottle TODAY!