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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

A Good Old-Fashioned Low-Carb Roundup

What a week for conglomerated low-carb blogging with this and this post wrapping up some of the latest news and headlines in the world of low-carb living. Well, I'm still in busy mode and have so much to share with you, I barely know where to begin. So let's just have ourselves a good old-fashioned low-carb roundup! YEE HAW!

INSPIRED BY DIABETES WANTS YOUR CREATIVE SUBMISSIONS

There's a really neat contest sponsored by the diabetes awareness web site located at InspiredbyDiabetes.com. What they are looking for are submissions by people who have been touched by diabetes that shares their story through some form of artistic talent, including essays, poems, photographs, drawings, and musical composition. It's called the Creative Expression Competition and they are awarding a Grand Prize of a $5,000 contribution to the diabetes-related charity "Life of a Child" and a trip to the Inspired by Diabetes art exhibition. The deadline for entering is January 31, 2008, but don't delay in sharing YOUR diabetes story in this most unique way! You could even share how livin' la vida low-carb is keeping your disease in check--that'll wake 'em up, don't ya think? :D Winners will be announced in the Spring 2008.

DANA CARPENDER DISCUSSES EXERCISE WHILE ON A LOW-CARB DIET

If you exercise, then you need to eat your carbs right? Well, not so fast says low-carb expert Dana Carpender in her latest nationally syndicated column entitled "Keeping up your stamina while lowering your carbs". The bottom line is unless you are training for athletic competition (like this Olympic athlete who recently e-mailed me), then you DON'T need to "carb up" prior to exercise. Read what Dana has to say about people who are wanting to get in a little physical activity while on their low-carb lifestyle.

IS WONDER BREAD GOING OUT OF BUSINESS BECAUSE OF LOW-CARB DIETS?

Interstate Bakeries, the maker of such high-carb foods like Wonder Bread and Twinkies, is in trouble again after deciding to close up shop in Southern California because of "the low-carb diet craze" (YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!). I've blogged about how livin' la vida low-carb is making Interstate bite the dust (confirmed by this market analysis of their bankruptcy last year) just as it has for Krispy Kreme doughnuts in recent years, too! It's just another sign that the late great Dr. Robert C. Atkins has left an indelible mark on our culture that will continue to be felt for generations to come.

THE MIGRAINEUR RAILS AGAINST THE ADA'S POOR ADVICE FOR DIABETICS

I think I've found a new favorite blog for you to check out: The Migraineur. I only recently discovered this AMAZING blog because of an awesome post chastising the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for being "no friend of the diabetic." WHOA! Why have I never heard of this blogger before?! WOW!!! I think the following quote from the blog post says it all:

"If you wanted to deliberately devise a diet that would cause a diabetic to die a slow, painful death, you couldn’t do better than the diet currently recommended by the ADA. The organization’s insistence on a high-carbohydrate diet, in the face of mounting evidence that diabetes is better managed by limiting carbohydrate consumption, would be laughable if it was not endangering the health and the very lives of the people it claims to advocate for."

This is something I've recently blogged about and even highlighted comments made by low-carb researcher Dr. Richard Feinman along the same lines. The Migraineur blogger says it was that New York Times article by Gary Taubes that led him to start livin' la vida low-carb! Yet ANOTHER reason to Celebrate Gary Taubes Week!

IS THE FDA FORCING CHOCOLATE MAKERS TO USE VEGETABLE OIL, NOT COCOA BUTTER?

In one of the most bizarre food stories I've seen in a while, it appears the geniuses at the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have put out a call to the major chocolate companies letting them know they need to replace the cocoa butter in their chocolate with vegetable oil. Have you heard about this? It's in response to some industry groups who are afraid of the saturated fat content in cocoa butter causing health problems as well as making it cheaper for the consumer. But THANK GOD at least ONE company has told the FDA where they can shove it: Mars, makers of Snickers and M&M's. This isn't about making better products, it's about reducing quality just to make things cheaper. That doesn't make it better and they had better not mess with my favorite sugar-free, low-carb chocolate bar made with cocoa butter!

900-POUND MAN NEEDS FORKLIFT, FIREFIGHTERS TO BE RESCUED FROM HOME

Have you seen the opening scene of the Adam Sandler movie I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry? There's a burning building and a frantic woman cries for someone to help save her baby who's still trapped in the apartment. When they reach the kid, it turns out this "baby" is a morbidly obese 700-pound man who is bedridden. The scene is pretty hilarious with the firefighters, played by Sandler and Kevin James, getting crushed under the weight of the man while trying to save him.

That scene flashed across my mind as I read this story about a group of firefighters in Lansing, Michigan who had to chop a hole in the side of a 900-pound man's house to rescue him after a nurse said he needed medical help as soon as possible. They even had to implore the use of a forklift to get the 33-year old man out. It turns out he has a rare condition called Prader-Willi Syndrome like the infamous obese 8-year old named Connor McCreadie does.

This story reminded me of the 500-pound truck driver who also had difficulty getting rescued by emergency workers because of his weight in July. It's so sad to hear the helplessness of people like this and it makes you wonder if these traumatic experiences make ANYTHING click inside their mind to finally get their weight and health under control. You have to wonder.

BARILLA PASTA COMPANY NO FRIEND OF THE LOW-CARB LIFESTYLE

Some people in the low-carb community have hailed the Barilla brand of whole wheat pasta as an excellent alternative to regular pasta for people on a low-carb diet. But have you seen this diatribe on the dangers of low-carb dieting posted right there on their web site? It's obvious to anyone with half a brain that their "concerns" are nothing more than the same old tired excuses that have been proven to be myths time and time again. For that reason alone, I would say AVOID Barilla and just stick with the good stuff--DREAMFIELDS!

Well, that's about it for now, but I still have lots more to share with you as I continue catching up to so much stuff to blog about this week. THANK YOU for your devoted readership of my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog and I look forward to your feedback on these stories. Come talk about them at my forum, too!

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Thursday, April 26, 2007

'Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show' Episode 46: Low-Carb Witnessing To Weight Watchers

Although I'm in favor of people finding what works for them as it relates to weight loss and improved health, it's interesting how many former Weight Watchers dieters have now started livin' la vida low-carb as their long-term solution to weight and health issues. In Episode 46 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore," we hear stories about how Weight Watchers followers have been convinced of the low-carb solution. Listen in now:

icon for podpress  "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" Episode 46 [12:17m]: Play in Popup | Download

Let me be very frank about something up front: I support the concept of Weight Watchers that encourages people who desire weight loss to come together for the common purpose of providing each other with a strong support system where it may be lacking. But there's only one problem--Weight Watchers does not condone the low-carb lifestyle as the nutritional approach for getting there.

In Episode 46, we learn from a former Weight Watchers devotee who struggled with the portion contol depite losing over 100 pounds that she rebelled and started gaining her weight back before finding Atkins. Now she's found a way to not only lose weight, but enjoy the process much more so than counting "points."

Check out "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" 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

Have you been on Weight Watchers in the past or even now? What did you like the best about the program? Was the support system what attracted you to that plan? If you are now livin' la vida low-carb, then what caused you to switch from Weight Watchers to the low-carb lifestyle? Leave your comments and share what has happened to you.

I'd like to say a special THANKS to Dreamfields pasta for sponsoring "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" during the month of April. If you haven't tried this amazing low-carb product yet, then you are missing out on one of the absolute BEST low-carb products on the market today. Visit the LLVLC Show Dreamfields link to access a $1 off coupon, recipes, and more about this delicious pasta alternative. You WON'T be disappointed.

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Monday, April 23, 2007

Golden Low-Carb Baked Macaroni & Cheese


This popular side dish is back on the menu for low-carbers again!

I am a bona fide fanatic when it comes to homemade macaroni & cheese. When I was growing up and my dad owned some buffet-style restaurants, I got so excited on the days he put this delectable side dish on the menu and usually piled my plate high with the stuff. Of course, that could explain how I got to be so fat for most of my life until I started livin' la vida low-carb.

So it was a major thing for me to give up my mac & cheese habit when I started the Atkins diet in 2004, but I did it despite all the kicking and screaming I was doing inside my head. If you read my book, then you know how much I absolutely LOOOOOOVVVVE it.

But wouldn't you know it, I've been able to find a low-carb recipe for macaroni & cheese that tastes just like the real thing. Better yet, it is for a baked mac & cheese (no cheap-o box version here, baby!). Compliments of our friends at Low-Carb Connoisseur, I'm pleased to present you with this easy-to-make recipe for Low-Carb Baked Macaroni & Cheese. ENJOY!

LOW-CARB BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE

3 eggs
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 lb grated sharp Cheddar
1 lb grated Mozzarella
1 box Dreamfields brand low carb elbow macaroni


Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 2 quart baking dish with spray oil. Cook Dreamfields pasta as directed on box, drain and set aside to cool slightly.

In a blender, combine eggs, cream cheese, butter and heavy cream until smooth. Fold this mixture into the cooked macaroni until well coated.

Place 1/2 cooked macaroni noodles evenly in baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Add remaining macaroni and top with cheddar. Bake for 1 hour. The top layer of cheese should be browned slightly.

Total Net Carbohydrates = 66.72
Net Carbs For 1/8 Serving = 8.34

Makes 8 servings

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Friday, April 06, 2007

Low-Carb Blogiversary Contest Prize Bundle #2

Excitement about my 2nd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest has been overwhelming to say the least and I'm so happy to see so many of you signing up for your chance to win some really FANTASTIC prizes. It's a rare opportunity to be able to give you the chance to actually win some VALUABLE prizes, but I'm happy to do it.

Why the giveaways for MY two-year anniversary of my blog? Because I wouldn't still be doing this blogging gig if I didn't have you around to read what I've written and become educated, encouraged, and inspired about livin' la vida low-carb. So consider this my small way of giving back to you for all the faithful support you have shown me over these past two years.

You already know about that amazing Vermont Castings grill you can win as well as this first bundle of prizes that I announced the other day. Now I want to share a few more of the prizes (and we've got PLENTY more!) that are up for grabs in the contest.

If you haven't entered yet, then DON'T DELAY...ENTER TODAY!!!

Here is the second giveaway prize bundle (remember, if it's listed more than once, then that means I am giving away multiple prizes of that item!):

SUGAR SHOCK! Gift Package
SUGAR SHOCK! Gift Package
SUGAR SHOCK! Gift Package


Anti-sugar advocate Connie Bennett donates SUGAR SHOCK! prizes

If you purchase a copy of Connie Bennett's amazing new book entitled SUGAR SHOCK! in the bookstore or on Amazon.com, then you will be getting a paperback version of this outstanding resource guide to the dangers of sugar. But how would you like to win a limited edition HARDBACK copy of that book signed by the author, receive a complimentary invitation to participate in the upcoming 21-Day Stop SUGAR SHOCK! Diet™ teleseminar series beginning June 5, 2007, and a FREE half-hour private coaching sessions with Connie herself? She's given me THREE of these SUGAR SHOCK! gift packages to provide to my readers, so good luck! Learn more about Connie Bennett's coaching sessions by visiting CoachingWithConnie.com and order her book from Amazon by clicking here.

AN ENTIRE CASE OF DREAMFIELDS LOW-CARB SPAGHETTI


Pull out your favorite sauce recipe, spaghetti is BACK!

Fans of my blog know how much I rave about Dreamfields low-carb pasta. This stuff is absolutely incredible and I highly recommend it for people who are watching their carbs and want to include pasta in their healthy lifestyle. Now you'll have the chance to win an entire case of 20 boxes of Dreamfields spaghetti during my giveaway contest. In fact, you can even access a special Dreamfields page just for readers of "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" by clicking here.

$50 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO VIVA LOW-CARB
FREE ZERO CARB BREAD FOR A MONTH


Viva Low-Carb has some remarkable bread without carbs

Our friends over at Viva Low-Carb are back for the second year in a row with a prize for my blogiversary contest and the owner Rosanna has offered two prizes--a gift certificate and a rather unique offer for one fortunate reader. The gift certificate is for $50 and lets you shop their great low-carb superstore at VivaLowCarb.com. But it's the FREE zero carb bread for a month that caught my eye. The offer is for them to ship to you 2 loaves of bread or package of the bagels of your choice every Monday for 4 weeks. I have tried these zero carb bagels and they are fabulous!

STEVIVA BRAND STEVIA GIFT PACK


Steviva brand stevia lets you sweeten food and drinks naturally

While the Food & Drug Administration dances around the semantics of calling it a supplement versus a sweetener, the fact remains that many diabetics and people who are livin' la vida low-carb are using stevia in their favorite recipes as an all-natural way to replace the sugar in their diet. That's what the company Steviva is providing consumers and they want you to have a chance to win their special stevia gift pack: an 8 ounce bottle of Steviva Brand 95% Stevia Powder and a 1-pound bag of Steviva Brand Stevia Blend for cooking and baking. Visit Steviva.com to learn more about this product.

OUR LADY OF WEIGHT LOSS BOOK AND GREETING CARDS


That wild and wacky Janice Taylor has some neat gifts for you

Finally, we have a special prize from that hilarious author Janice Taylor whose book is entitled Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal. In addition to that truly funny book about the subject of weight loss, Janice is gonna throw in six of her equally jovial Glorious Greeting cards for the person who wins this prize. Learn more about Janice and her unique weight loss products at OurLadyOfWeightLoss.com.

Whew! Aren't these some outstanding prizes?! And I'm just getting revved up sharing them with you, so keep checking back in the coming days to learn more about what you can win in the 2nd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest. Don't forget to ENTER THE CONTEST so you can become eligible to win! THANKS to everyone who has participated in my contest so far. Now, let me hear from YOU!

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Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Low-Carb Stuffing And More For Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving doesn't have to be a high-carb feast

Can you believe we are only TWO WEEKS away from Thanksgiving? WOW, that's coming fast and I personally can't wait. Christine and I will be traveling down to Florida for the extended holiday weekend to surprise my brother Kevin since we don't know how much longer he may be with us (THANK YOU for your continued prayers!). We are so excited about getting away for a few days to be with family (although that'll mean NO BLOGGING for a few days--EEEEEK!).

Thanksgiving is an odd day for low-carbers. The centerpiece dish--THE TURKEY--is indeed low-carb, but just about everything else is whacked out on carbs! Wussup with that?! Sadly, most people fill up their Thanksgiving dinner table with carb-loaded foods like stuffing, mashed potatoes, biscuits, cranberry sauce, gravy and so much more, but let me tell you about a few of my favorite low-carb versions of these same foods that will keep you livin' la vida low-carb even through Thanksgiving! :)

LOW-CARB STUFFING

Dixie Carb Counters Oven Stuffin' Mix

LOW-CARB CRANBERRY SAUCE

Steel's Gourmet Spiced Cranberry Sauce

LOW-CARB MASHED POTATOES

Dixie Carb Counter Instant Mashers

LOW-CARB MACARONI & CHEESE

Dreamfields Pasta

LOW-CARB BISCUITS

Dixie Carb Counters Country Biscuit Mix

LOW-CARB GRAVY

Road's End Organics Low Carb & Gluten Free Gravy Mixes

LOW-CARB BROWNIES

Dixie Carb Counters One Carb Brownie Mix

LOW-CARB HOT CHOCOLATE

Dixie Carb Counters Holy Cow Sugar Free Cocoa Mix

LOW-CARB SPICE CAKES

Dixie Carb Counters Snackin' Cake Mixes

LOW-CARB LEMON MERINGUE PIE

Dixie Carb Counters Lemon Merinue Pie Kit

LOW-CARB CHEESECAKE

Expert Foods Wise CHOice Easy Cheesecake Mix

Need some more suggestions for YOUR Thanksgiving feast? Click here for more great low-carb products to help you make that day a low-carb extravoganza! ENJOY!

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Sunday, August 27, 2006

Mix It Up With Tomato Lemon Feta Pasta


Fresh uncooked tomatoes make this unique pasta recipe memorable

Tomatoes are an interesting food for people who are livin' la vida low-carb. While they are not real low in carbs, they are certainly chock full of healthy vitamins and goodness as a refreshing way to add something new to your low-carb lifestyle.

While the debate over whether a tomato is a vegetable or a fruit will never end (and who really cares anyway?!), one thing there isn't any argument over is how much fun it is to cook a new recipe featuring this tasty food that the good Lord has provided for us to eat and savor.

This recipe compliments of our friends at Low-Carb Connoisseur contains a unique uncooked tomato sauce that provides a twist to the usual cooked traditional tomato sauce dishes. Plus, this pasta dish is made with the awesome Dreamfields pasta that is perfect for people who are eating a lower-carb diet (which is most of you who are reading this blog!).

So, go ahead and mix it up with this delightful recipe featuring your favorite tomatoes along with fresh lemon, feta cheese and, of course, low-carb pasta, baby! ENJOY!!!

TOMATO LEMON FETA PASTA

3 medium tomatoes (about 18 ounces), cut into 1/2" dice
1 small red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8 ounces Dreamfields Fettuccine or Penne
1 cup crumbled feta cheese


1. In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onions, zest, salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with feta. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake/Cook time: 7 minutes

Carbohydrates: 24.5g
Fiber: 11g
Net Carbs: 13.5g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 11.5g
Calories: 367

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