Kelly Damron talked with Christine and me about our infertility
Mother's Day is coming up again this Sunday and it's gonna be hard on me and Christine. Why when we both still have our mothers with us? Well, let's blame it on dashed hopes and dreams for parenthood...for now.
As many of you know who read about our failed IVF (in vitro fertilization) in December 2007, our quest to have a baby of our own was a difficult time in our life. In fact, we asked for your input about what we should do and what an incredible response you gave us! If I never said THANK YOU for all of the care and concern that so many of you offered, then please know how much we appreciated the many e-mails and cards. God bless you guys!
Fast forward a little more than four months. It's May and that's the month when we celebrate motherhood followed quickly in June with a similar dedication to fatherhood. While I am all for rejoicing those who have been blessed and privileged to be parents, it can be a difficult time for people like us and others who have not been able to have children and want them. And church is the worst!
I will never forget last Father's Day when the pastor of the church asked all the dads in the church to come to the altar for prayer and recognition. Christine and I sing in the choir and when the pastor made this announcement the entire male section of the choir evacuated the middle seats leaving me and a young unmarried guy. In the middle of the pastor's prayer, I could hear the unmistakable sound of my wife sobbing uncontrollably. When I heard this, I immediately went over to her and held Christine tightly. It's not something I ever want her to go through again.
So, with that said, we won't be going to church on Mother's Day on Sunday or on Father's Day next month. The pain is just too much to bear despite being in church. I wish there was a way churches could still honor mothers while simultaneously giving respect and prayer for those who WANT to be a mother (I've suggested this to my pastor and he said he would consider such changes). Unfortunately, that doesn't exist in a lot of churches right now, so it's just better to avoid those particular days altogether. We'll spend time with each other on Sunday and get back to church next week.
They were fortunate enough to have twin baby girls from their IVF cycle, but their marriage almost didn't make it. Today, they are a strong-knit family raising their gorgeous girls thankful for the blessings they have received knowing there are people like us out there who didn't have a happy ending to our story. And yet Kelly was impressed by how well we were doing so soon after our news when we met with her that she wanted to have us on her podcast show this week. We happily obliged!
You can listen to our appearance on the "Twin Peas Podcast" airing today as we share about all we went through with our IVF cycle that didn't work. We are very open and honest about how we feel, what we endured (especially Christine), how we feel today, and what role children may play in our future during this podcast show. I hope you give it a listen to hear our heart about this sensitive subject. It's as much a part of who I am now as livin' la vida low-carb.
Listen to Episode 5 of the "Tiny Toes Podcast" to hear Kelly's interview with us:
You may notice that Kelly's podcast show is produced by the same person who produces my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" podcast show. She recently joined the Disc of Light family of shows from producer extraordinaire Kevin Kennedy-Spaien. If you have a passion and zeal for something and feel like your voice should be heard on that subject, then let Kevin consult you on creating a podcast or blog. He's the best in the business of the new media (IMHO!), so let him help take you to that next level.
Let me know what you thought about our interview with Kelly Damron. :) Special thanks to her for allowing us to talk about our experiences and encourage others who are going through similar circumstances. Although it's not a happy subject, we realize that God has a greater purpose for our lives right now...without a child. That may change someday, but we have come to grips with our reality right now.
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
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!
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!
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).
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.
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
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.
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!
Everything you have enjoyed about my blog and book will now be encompassed in this engaging new commentary show that will feature 10-15 minute segments on various aspects of the low-carb lifestyle, including the latest research, tips and advice on low-carb living, and setting those in the media and health "experts" straight about what this amazing way of eating is REALLY all about. Click here to read more about the show as well as this welcoming message from me about what the show will be about.
"The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" is being brought to you by Grasshopper New Media and their up-and-coming GNMHealth brand, producers of the flagship health-related show called The Health Hacks Podcast (HHX) which I have been privileged to be a part of for the past few months since its inception.
Now that I have been given the green light to go out on my own and take on the podcasting world with "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show," I will be leaving HHX except for a few cameo appearances from time to time. I encourage you to keep listening to The Health Hacks Podcast on Wednesdays to continue being educated and encouraged by Reinhard Engels, Eve the OT, and the rest of the posse sharing their thoughts and opinions about healthy living. It's been fun working with them!
For a sneak peek at what this new show will be like, check out this introduction to my new show as well as a very primitive prototype of the show that my producer Kevin Kennedy-Spaien pulled from Episode 5 of the Health Hacks Podcast to send to iTunes for approval of the show (by the way, they LIKED it immensely and have quickly added it to their list of "Health" shows for download--WOO HOO!).
The show itself will be fast-paced and informational, but also entertaining and fun! Think of it as my blog put into audio format with all the bells and whistles that come with doing that. I'm excited about the chance to offer a new format to share the message of livin' la vida low-carb to the world. In the end, helping people lose weight and get healthy is my top priority and this show will help me do that even more.
What do I need from the readers of my blog who already support what I am doing? LISTEN TO THE SHOW! That's easy enough, isn't it?! If you listen to the show which will NEVER be more than 15 minutes long, then you will prove to the powers that be that a show like this deserves to be heard.
Perhaps the success of my show could lead to other similar kinds of shows being launched as well. The potential of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" is endless and I can't wait for you to hear the inaugural episode this Monday, October 23, 2006 and every Monday thereafter. It will be available for you to listen to it at the official web site for the show, www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com.
Tell others you know who are interested in low-carb or may be intrigued by a show like this to listen. In fact, you can either add it to your iTunes account or subscribe to the RSS feed (find your preferred method for subscribing to the feed by clicking here). At the very least, I hope you and those in your sphere of influence will listen and share your honest feedback with me about what you think of the show. A lot of time and energy will be spent making this the BEST show it can possibly be, so your constructive criticism will only make it better as experience improves it over time.
Does all of this get you fired up and ready to do more than just listen to the show? If so, then I would like to invite you to show your support for my new show by becoming an official sponsor. Your financial support will not only help the show offset some of the expenses of producing a show like this, but it will also help your company reach a target audience of people who are interested in weight loss, health, diet, and, of course, low-carb. Also, if you have a question or comment about the show, you can always send your feedback to us by using our convenient contact page.
10-22-06 UPDATE: There are two very nice features about my new podcast show at The Health Hacks Podcast and GNMHealth today. THANKS guys! I'm looking forward to sharing with the whole world what livin' la vida low-carb is all about. :D
Grasshopper New Media expanding into more new shows on health
The show formerly known as the Health Hacks Podcast will now be referred to as HHX (it seems the folks over at Apple don't like people using the term "podcast" to describe this format, although I'm sure Kleenex, Kool-Aid, Coke, Q-Tip, Band-Aid, and Windex don't have any problem with people using their brand name in a generic way!).
Plus, most people seem to be under the impression that you need an iPod to listen to a podcast. Not so! In fact, you can listen to it over your computer RIGHT NOW--in fact, here's Epidode 8 of HHX for your listening pleasure!
Please share your feedback about HHX Episode 8 by clicking here. In fact, check out what this listener had to say about my segment on HHX from last week...I get the feeling she's not very fond of livin' la vida low-carb. HA!
Exciting things are happening at Grasshopper New Media behind the scenes right now that I'd like to share with you and invite you to become a part of. Have you ever wanted to host your own show about health that would reach an audience of hundreds, thousands, maybe even tens or hundreds of thousands? Hey, it could happen if you have something to say! That's why GNMHealth.com was created.
They are actively looking for fresh voices to start hosting new shows similar to HHX, except with various themes. For example, they have offered to pick up the show I was going to do on the radio locally here in Greenville/Spartanburg, SC area since it did not work out and begin airing "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" coming soon (I'll let you know more when it happens)! I'm so excited about flying solo with a show focused exclusively on the low-carb lifestyle.
Another show that GNMHealth is wanting to do is one that features people who have lost over 100 pounds that would be geared to people who NEED to lose over 100 pounds. Know anyone like that?! I can think of a few! :D
Or perhaps you have the most unique show idea on the planet as it relates to health. Feel free to share it with the team at GNMHealth by clicking here. This could be YOUR opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions on health to a larger audience. Let me know what you idea is and I'll put in a good word for you with the people at Grasshopper New Media! THANKS for listening and more exciting things are in store coming soon!
Okay, ladies, the Health Hacks Podcast has its first woman, Eve the OT
When you listen to Episode 7 of The Health Hacks Podcast this week, then you may hear the voice of a new member of the Health Hacks Podcast Posse. Her name is Eve the OT (Occupational Therapist) who brings her professional and personal insights on healthy living to the program. I think you'll enjoy her and the rest of us in Episode 7!
Eve talks about setting appropriate goals in your fitness to be the success you need to be when improving your life in some way. The always interesting Reinhard Engels talks his "glass ceiling” concept for preventing overindulgence with alcoholic beverages. My segment is on why me and my fellow Health Hacks posse team members have a right to talk about health despite not having any formal health education or training. Finally, Executive Producer Kevin Kennedy-Spaien continues his discussion with Occupational Therapist and Yoga instructor Rick Frank, this week about the subject of yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Click here to post your comments at the Health Hacks Podcast web site. Do you like Eve the OT? Tell us, tell us!
This week Reinhard Engels talks about a concept called “Weekend Luddite” where you conduct an experiment on the weekends to forgo reading e-mails and surfing the Internet for a time to rediscover what real life is like again. I'm not so sure I'm ready to do this yet, but I found the concept extremely fascinating.
In my segment of this week's Heath Hacks Podcast I discuss using photos and videos of the old you to encourage you when you feel like you haven't accomplished anything in your weight loss. Looking back helps keep you focused as you move forward.
Finally, Executive Producer Kevin Kennedy-Spaien talks to Occupational Therapist and Yoga instructor Rick Frank, this week about the subject of yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Got any feedback on the show? Click here to post your comments at the Health Hacks Podcast web site.
Kevin-Kennedy Spaien discusses health, podcasting and the new media
I recently told you about a brand new project I joined called the Health Hacks Podcast. The Executive Producer of the show is my blogging friend Kevin Kennedy-Spaien (remember when we referred to him as Mister Tut?) asked me to join the Health Hacks Posse to talk about health, diet and fitness in a weekly show. Oh what fun this has been so far!
If you have missed these incredible podcasts, then go listen to them:
Kevin was kind enough to give me a few moments of his very busy schedule to talk about the hottest health podcast show on the Internet today (of course, I'm a bit biased!):
1. I'm pleased to welcome to the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog today a friend and fellow podcaster, Kevin Kennedy-Spaien. I met Kevin in 2005 through his Health-Hacks web site and he recently asked me to join him in a new project called the Health Hacks Podcast. As the Executive Producer of this up-and-coming new podcast, what did you expect from starting such a unique and entertaining way to talk about health?
Thanks, Jimmy. I expected to bring a certain much needed resource to the people. In a word, Motivation. There's so much information available on fitness, diet and health...almost an embarrassment of riches. So why are people still not with the program? Why is America currently on a trajectory toward universal obesity by the year 2058?
My answer is motivation. Look at people who are successful--they've got it. Something piqued their interest and they discovered their entree to the world of fitness and health. Maybe it was an ad for Tae Bo, Maybe it was Sweatin' With The Oldies, or square dancing at the YMCA as a kid. Perhaps it was even reading about the Atkins metabolic advantage on web sites like the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog.
But you know what? Something sparked that interest in those people and they learned that healthy habits make you feel even more enthused and motivated. My goal is for us to be one of those enabling paths. We use smart words, humor, original ideas from real people and energetic music to create a 20-30 minute blast of thoughtful inspiration each week.
2. The Health Hacks Podcast includes a wide variety of voices in the field of health, diet, fitness and nutrition. Tell my readers a little more about the featured contributors and why they were chosen to be the inaugural "posse" for the Health Hacks Podcast.
The first group of contributors to join the Podcast Posse were people I've interacted with in the past. Of course you and I have been pals since we both started our sites at around the same time. How could I not invite one of the most outspoken and enthusiastic writers on any kind of diet to participate?
Reinhard Engels, I came to know through the No S diet forums while I was working on a story about that plan. I was impressed by all the systems he developed to help him in his own life, and I wanted to help get that message out to the world.
I've been very lucky that you and he shared my vision for using the power of the spoken word to spread the message of health, fitness and motivation. Where did I get that vision? Chris Brogan.
Chris has catapulted to pretty major status in the Web2.0/New Media industry during 2006. I became aware of him through his writing at Lifehack.org, a Technorati 100 blog. One day he signed a post with "Add me as a myspace friend." So, I did.
I mentioned to him that I often quote his work at my blog Health-Hack.com and asked him if he "wanted to cross-pollinate." He went and checked out HHDC and then asked me to team up with him and two other Executive Producers in building a podcast network around his show "Fat Guy Gets Fit" and the other properties Career Mom Radio (careermomradio.com) and The Great Big Small Business Show (GBSBS.com). After he showed me this world, I fell in love with the idea.
3. Are you open to having more voices join the conversation? If so, how can interested individuals go about sharing their insights and experiences regarding health with the Health Hacks Podcast?
Always. Always, always, always. The easiest way to send us a quick idea is to call our comment line at 978-416-BE-OK (that's 978-416-2365) which is free if you call from someone else's phone! The other way is to send an MP3 to kevinks@grasshoppernewmedia.com. If we can use it, we will.
Don't feel that you need to conform to a diet or fitness perspective we've already discussed. We are looking for new and different ideas based on empirical knowledge. All we ask is that you be respectful of the dietary paths of others. Oh yes, and iTunes has us listed as a G-rated show, so don't be a potty mouth (I struggle with that one, myself!).
Try to give a tip or some kind of immediately actionable item in your submission, so people have something tangible to take away from your story. Also, make sure to put your passion in your voice!
4. You said on a recent Health Hacks Podcast that you are still searching for the right way of eating for you and that you are attempting to put the best parts of all the diets you have been on to create your own "Frankendiet." How's that going for you? Share what you are doing and what kind of success you have seen so far.
Well, it's not so much about finding the perfect diet for me, it's more just a pure experiment to see what could be done about bringing a "concordance" to the different things we'd been discussing. I've now lost about 8 pounds, and a pants size. I need to get a new belt as well, as I'm still loose on the last notch.
5. As a former low-carber, why did you feel the need to quit livin' la vida low-carb? What was it about the low-carb lifestyle that made you stop doing it altogether?
I'm not certain that I'd call myself a former low carber. Former Atkins, perhaps. I still firmly believe that useless carbs are the worst kind of sabotage we can inflict on ourselves. However I and many others no longer believe that BDK is the only way... I think even Dr. Atkins towards the end softened his stance on BDK being necessary to low carb weight loss.
And, of course, the very, very smart Dana Carpender is still my idol.
6. Are there any lessons you learned from your low-carb experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life?
I'm old enough to remember when the low-fat craze began. I vividly remember people going around saying "Did you know that popcorn and potatoes aren't really fattening? It's all the butter people use that's the real problem."
Fast forward to the point where I became obese a few years later, and then the point a decade after that when I discovered Atkins. I very quickly learned a few things at that point.
1. Don't blindly trust conventional wisdom. 2. Don't trust the FDA to be completely impartial and devoid of political influence. 3. Different things work for different people, mostly (but not entirely) due to their own personal psychology.
7. A central theme of your segments on the Health Hacks Podcast has been getting more exercise into your life. You have done it by parking two blocks from your workplace and walking as well as taking the stairs to your desk. Are you doing any other kind of organized exercise? How much time daily do you think you have invested in your fitness routine since you first began this renewed commitment to physical activity?
It's hard to say. In real terms, about 20 minutes a day, but it has carry-over effects into the rest of my life. As I am getting fitter, I do more incidental walking and movement than I used to. Also, my improved metabolism is helping me burn more calories even when I'm sitting still.
My biggest prior weight loss, was associated with riding a bike for 20-30 minutes a day, but that isn't an option for me at this time.
8. Although the Health Hacks Podcast is still on a few weeks old, what has the response been like? What do you hope to see happen with the show by the time 2007 rolls around? In other words, define your idea of success for the Health Hacks Podcast.
Well, the show has been looked at by people from "real radio" with an eye toward syndication, but we were told that while the show is excellent overall, and the audio quality is OK by podcast standards, it isn't quite up to "broadcast" level. We're a new company (Grasshopper New Media) and we don't have the moolah (yet) to buy all of our people professional recording rigs and hire engineers. Personally I'm the under-the-hood guy for our show right now and I spend over 20 hours a week putting everyone's raw audio together into a finished package.
But really, I don't much care if we are listened to on the web, the radio, or even tin cans and string...What I do care about is just getting the message out and especially getting regular people like your readers and mine, to share their personal stories of struggles and triumphs toward fitness.
By next year, I want to see us with sufficient sponsorship to ensure this can be sustainable in the long run. I want to see people think of the Health Hacks Podcast as a sort of "This American Life" of health reportage. Further, expect to see more shows added to the GNM health channel, especially video- the wave of the future. Anyone who wants their own health show is free to pitch it to me because we're actively looking to have seven different shows for seven days. On down the line why not 24/7 programming, if it is sustainable?
9. You have an interesting job for someone who is so interested in health. Tell my readers what you do for a living and how that impacts your weight and health.
My day job is working for a major educational company. You'd know the name. It is a two hour commute each way from my home and back. This has cut a huge amount of time out of my life for fitness, as well as forcing a more sedentary lifestyle on me. This also lead to dietary "compromises" and "shortcuts". After a few years the weight started to creep back on, then a major depression and boom! All my weight loss I had worked so hard for was gone.
I realized I had to do a few things. First, stop BSing myself that I wasn't really depressed and get some help. For me, that meant medicine. Next was to find both dietary and fitness systems that I could shoehorn into my life, since my life couldn't be changed. That is still evolving even now, and as people tune in to our show, they will get an opportunity to learn with me as I explore ways of overlaying a healthy mindset over a chaotic and increasingly UNhealthy world.
10. THANK YOU again, Kevin, for sharing just a smidge of what's going on in your life and with your amazing new Health Hacks Podcast show right now. Do you have any parting words of wisdom and encouragement to share with the faithful "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog readers?
Share what you learn with others. Do it by yourself, or with others, just help spread the word that improved health is something anyone can earn. All it really means is taking simple deliberate steps towards an improved quality of life, not that you need to end up living in a gym and looking like a challa stuffed into a Speedo.
Be sure to tune in to brand new episodes of the Health Hacks Podcast on Wednesdays by clicking here.
9-28-06 UPDATE: Kevin blogged about his interview with me at his Health-Hacks.com web site today. He said he is getting a HUGE response from people interested in being a part of the Health Hacks Podcast. COOL!
Today is the BIG DAY that the "Health Hacks Podcast" debuted to a world in dire need of reliable news, information, and commentary about healthy living in a fun and unique format.
While I gave you two small samplings of what you could expect from this brand new health-oriented show featuring contributions from Chris Brogan, Reinhard Engels, Kevin Kennedy-Spaien, and yours truly with this and this, the "Health Hacks Podcast" is a well-produced show that will keep you captivated from start to finish. You'll laugh, you'll learn, and hopefully you'll be motivated to start living a much healthier and fit lifestyle after listening to the "Health Hacks Podcast."
Have you heard the highly-anticipated debut episode yet? If not, then you are in for a real treat. Just push play on the online podcast player below to listen to Episode #1 of the "Health Hacks Podcast." I promise you will LOVE it (yes, I'm a little biased because I'm a part of it, but listen anyway!):
Health, Fitness, And Inspiration - In Your Ear!
So, what did you think? Did it live up to the hype I gave it? Wasn't it GREAT?! I am so proud to be associated with such an incredible new project like this and look forward to sharing much more information about livin' la vida low-carb to an audience who may or may not be exposed to what this way of eating is all about. Don't ya know I'll tell 'em all about it! :D
Wanna keep up with the latest "Health Hacks Podcast" shows? Then CLICK HERE for the RSS feed or you can even download the show directly from iTunes for your iPod. Cool huh? You WON'T want to miss a single episode of this engaging, exciting and entertaining new show!
Share your thoughts and reactions to the show by using the Contact Page or by calling our Comment Line at 978-416-BE-OK (978-416-2365). If you do, then you might even have the opportunity to HEAR YOURSELF on a future "Health Hacks Podcast!" WOO HOO! Be sure to tell 'em how much you LOVE that "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" guy Jimmy Moore. HA! Just kidding! LOL!
What I DO want you to do, though, is express your comments about the first show by clicking here. Good, bad, or ugly, tell us what you HONESTLY think of the show so we can make it better and better. Executive producer Kevin Kennedy-Spaien has put a lot of long hours of hard work and creative effort into making the "Health Hacks Podcast" a top-notch program with content for people at every level of health and fitness.
And don't miss the exciting second episode coming up next Wednesday at HealthHacksPodcast.com!
Last week I told you about an exciting new project I am proud to be a part of called the Health Hacks Podcast which will feature a weekly audio broadcast of tips and commentary about diet, nutrition and fitness. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear many different voices in the discussion of health and I am pleased to help motivate others to begin a weight loss plan for themselves using this new format.
The first official Health Hacks Podcast is set to debut this Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at the HHP web site, but here's another taste of what the show will sound like courtesy of Chris Brogan and his "Fat Guy Gets Fit" blog:
Let me know what you think! Executive producer Kevin Kennedy-Spaien is still interested in speaking with anyone who would like to join the Health Hacks Podcast Posse. Click here to inquire about joining the crew.
I cannot wait for people to start hearing these podcasts. They are very professionally done and will feature a lot of great information for people desiring better health for themselves and the people they love.
