3rd Low-Carb Blogiversary Prize Package #4

Did you think I was finished sharing prizes in my 3rd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest? Not by a long shot! There are so many people entering this contest that I wanted to make sure a good many of you will win SOMETHING. I really wish you could all win a prize, but you do have an excellent chance with so many up for grabs.

For those of you who haven't entered yet, you'll be pleased to know I extended the deadline for entering through May 1, 2008 at 11:59PM. The winners will be chosen at random on Friday, May 2nd and announced at my blog soon there after. CLICK HERE to find out how to enter TODAY so you'll get your name in the hat to win some truly remarkable gifts from the sponsor companies who support the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog. You can see the prizes I have already highlighted here, here, and here.

Let's take a look at the latest set of prizes:

61. $25 NETRITION.COM GIFT CERTIFICATE


Compliments of our friends at Netrition.com, we are pleased to offer a $25 gift certificate to the reader who wins this prize. Netrition has a full line of products to help you on your low-carb lifestyle, so check 'em out the next time you have a need for low-carb foods. Special thanks to Tom for his generous donation to my blogiversary contest.

62. $25 LO-CARB U GIFT CERTIFICATE
63. $25 LO-CARB U GIFT CERTIFICATE
64. $25 LO-CARB U GIFT CERTIFICATE
65. $25 LO-CARB U GIFT CERTIFICATE


Jason at LO-CARB U is another one of the fine low-carb retailers out there today. He specializes in shirataki noodles and other such niche, hard-to-find low-carb products, so be sure to see what he has to offer you for your low-carb lifestyle. THANKS for donating four $25 gift certificates to my contest, Jason!

66. $50 LOW-CARB CONNOISSEUR GIFT CERTIFICATE


Finishing up the low-carb retail giveaways is this $50 gift certificate to Low-Carb Connoisseur. My friend and fellow South Carolinian Elaine Payne has one of the longest-running online low-carb retail stores that I'm sure you will absolutely fall in love with if you try them out. Elaine will personally take care of your low-carb shopping needs and I can vouch for the excellence she brings to her job. THANK YOU for your gift to my blogiversary giveaway, Elaine!

67. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
68. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
69. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
70. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
71. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
72. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
73. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
74. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
75. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK
76. TRUE LEMON GIFT SET SAMPLE PACK


One of my newest sponsors in 2008 is True Lemon. This unique crystallized lemon, lime and orange product allows you to take citrus goodness with you wherever you go and have a need for a fresh lemon, lime, or orange flavor in your beverage or food. There are so many uses for True Lemon products as Christine and I demonstrated in this YouTube video. My favorite thing to make is this tempting True Lemon cheesecake that is yummy, slap-your-momma-silly delicious! And don't forget you can order free samples and help the troops in Operation Gratitude in the process. THANK YOU for your generous donation of ten True Lemon Gift Set Sample Packs which include a full box of True Lemon, a full box of True Lime, and a full box of the brand new, hard to find True Orange. This is an amazing product and I encourage you to go request your FREE SAMPLES right now with no obligation. :)

77. AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF THE INFLAMMATION FREE DIET PLAN


One of my most popular podcast shows this year has been an interview I conducted with nutritionist Monica Reinagel. Unlike most of her fellow colleagues in dietetics, Monica understands the role of inflammation and its connection to health and disease. Visit her Inflammation Factor web site to understand more about this phenomenon and get the full scoop on this subject in her outstanding book The Inflammation Free Diet Plan. Monica has so wonderfully donated an autographed copy of her book to one lucky reader, so good luck! THANK YOU Monica for your outstanding giveaway.

78. 5 BOTTLES OF LIPTON DIET PEACH PAYAYA WHITE TEA
79. 5 BOTTLES OF LIPTON DIET PEACH PAYAYA WHITE TEA
80. 5 BOTTLES OF LIPTON DIET PEACH PAYAYA WHITE TEA


We've all tasted tea, but have you have the new White Tea from LIPTON yet? First discovered in the Fujian province of China, this white tea product is plucked by hand from the tips of young tea buds before the leaves blossom to preserve the natural goodness of the whole leaf with a rich concentration of protective flavonoid antioxidants. No further processing takes place so it maintains its delicate flavor and a clear liquid color. The light taste of white tea blends well with the other natural flavors, like tangerine, peach or raspberry. Three of you will get to try the Peach Papaya flavor with five bottles of the LIPTON product to try for yourself. THANKS for your prize donation, LIPTON! I've tried these and they are absolutely amazing.

So, am I done sharing all the prizes NOW? Not by a long shot! I told you there would be enough for a whole lot of winners and I wasn't lying. In fact, some of the best prizes are still to come, so keep checking back at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog to see even more in the coming days. Don't wait to get in on the action, ENTER TODAY to become eligible as so many of your fellow readers have already done. We're gonna have well over 100 prizes to give away before its over, so don't miss out!

My 3rd Blogiversary That Almost Didn't Happen

Oh, it's so good to be back blogging again! :)

What a crazy nightmare these past two weeks have been with a hack attack on my forum (which I hope to have the brand new one going within the next week), a series of strange "coincidences" that happened within days of each other, and then Blogger locking my blog for nearly a week because they identified it as a "spam blog."

WHEW!

Who knew whether today, April 21, 2008, I would be able to actually celebrate my third blogiversary or not? Thankfully, I can and I will. And YOU can join in on the celebration by entering my 3rd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest. We're celebrating three years, 3 million pageviews, and more memories than this Southern boy can shake a stick at.

How do I fully express what your readership of my blog means to me? When I started this thing three years ago, I couldn't have imagined it would blossom into the success it has become today. It just goes to show you the power of having a passion for something and committing yourself 100 percent to it day in and day out. That's what I've tried to do with sharing about the healthy low-carb lifestyle and you have rewarded me with your presence here. THANK YOU!!!

Looking back at last year's blogiversary post, I can see how much the blog has grown from then and it makes me very excited about the future. We now see 200,000 pageviews a month and the trend is still going way up as brand new readers are finding out about "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" daily. Whether it is through my podcast show or my YouTube videos with Christine, the low-carb movement is still going strong if my sites are any indication of it. And the funny thing is, low-carb is supposed to be dead and gone as some passing "fad" or something. I guess none of us got that memo. :P

For now, we'll just keep on livin' la vida low-carb, doing what we know works for us to help us shed the pounds, control our blood sugars and diabetes, and becoming healthier than we ever could on that high-carb, low-fat diet. What so many people fail to realize is that we're not against a low-fat diet for anyone who wants to do it and can find success using it. Instead, we are in favor of people finding a plan of action that has been proven to work when nothing else has. That's what low-carb is for so many of us and it's why we support the use of it for others we see struggling.

If there's one thing you'll always get out of Jimmy Moore and "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb," it's this--enthusiastic, uplifting, and encouraging support for the lifestyle change of your choice. If you are being pro-active in getting your weight and health under control so you won't be a burden on your family, your community, or your country, then I have nothing but applause and admiration for you. As a former 400-pounder who was able to find his way out of morbid obesity, I know how hard it is and it takes a lot of courage to make the necessary changes. But you CAN do it!!!

As I head into my fourth year online, good things are certainly happening that I can't wait to share with you. Some of them aren't finalized yet or I'd tell you now, but let's just say they're HUGE opportunities if they actually happen. In light of my recent comedy of errors with my various platforms, I'd like to ask you to pray for me regarding these things that could help give the low-carb lifestyle a much larger platform. I know attacks against me and the work I am doing must mean I'm doing something right and I welcome the challenge to rise above adversity and come out of it stronger than I was before. Your faithful support has been a tremendous rock through these difficult circumstances. Again, THANK YOU!!!

I'm always here for you anytime you need me, so don't hesitate to e-mail me your questions and comments at livinlowcarbman@charter.net. For three years of blogging bliss, I salute you for sticking with me and allowing me to share in your struggles, celebrate in your victories, and always giving me a reason to come back each and every day to talk about low-carb living with a fresh new perspective. That's what gets me up in the morning and motivates me to keep going on. THANK YOU just doesn't seem adequate enough to tell you how much I love you all and how grateful I am for giving me a reason to blog. God bless you and keep on livin' la vida low-carb!

Two Years Of Low-Carb Blogging And Counting

The date April 21st on the calendar will always be a special day in the life of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog because that is the day back in the year 2005 when all of this low-carb, weight loss, and health talk began in earnest. I was already writing opinion columns since 2001 at a web site called CommonVoice.com when I lost 180 pounds on the Atkins diet in 2004.

But on April 21, 2005 at 11:57am, I created my blog and wrote my very first blog post not knowing exactly what was going to happen in the months and years to come. Here's an excerpt from that brief blog post to kick off what would become the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog:

This blog was literally birthed out of the tremendous outpouring of requests I have received around the world for help from people who have struggled with losing weight as I once did.

After losing 180 pounds on Atkins in 2004 and keeping it off with a continued low-carb lifestyle, I am embarking on a mission to help as many people as I can to do the same for themselves. If I can do it, then so can you!

I am happy to answer any questions you may have about low-carb. Feel free to e-mail me...or leave a post.

Now it's time for me to get back to livin' la vida low-carb!!!

And so it began! Because I already had a few readers who had been following my writings at CommonVoice.com, I also posted this column there to share with them about this new venture in my life. It brings a smile to my face when I read the title of that column: "Low-Carb Lifestyle Blog Created To Encourage And Educate." Two years later, that's still the EXACT same mission that I have for my blog.

Here's just a snippet of what I wrote in that CommonVoice.com column about why I needed a blog:

I decided that there needed to be an outlet for me to comment more often about low-carb on the Internet than I am currently able to do. Oftentimes I have wanted to respond to negative media accounts regarding the low-carb lifestyle, but I just haven't had the time to write a full CommonVoice article about it. Also, since CommonVoice tends to focus more on politics and government, I do not believe this is the forum for presenting these ideas (unless, of course, the government comes out with some ridiculous new health standard that needs to be addressed!).

For that reason and because I wanted a way to interact on the web with people trying to learn more about low-carb, I created a new blog entitled "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" where you can learn about how I was able to lose weight and read commentary from me about the latest low-carb news. This is an exciting venture for me because I have never done a blog before.

My heart literally goes out to people who struggle with losing weight. I have personally been there and know the heartache it brings to people desperate to get their weight problem under control. It's not a fun place to be and I want to help people like that overcome their struggle any way that I can.

I am always available to answer any questions from people about living the low-carb lifestyle. My personal mission is to encourage and educate people about this amazing way to lose weight and keep it off permanently. Hope to hear from you soon at my new blog!

Had I known THEN what I know NOW regarding just how popular my blog would become, then I don't think I would have ever believed what I am doing here would have made such an impact on so many lives. The amazing thing to me is that this thing just keeps growing and growing beyond anything I could have asked or imagined. It seems like just yesterday I was celebrating my first blogiversary. Oh how time flies!

Thousands of you visit daily now and I'm now averaging well over 125,000 pageviews each and every month as well as attracting tons of new people all the time. In fact, April 2007 is on track for yet another traffic record. WOW WOW WOW! That's all I can say about it. It's unbelievable!

In March 2007, I surpassed the 1 million pageview mark in less than two years and am on a pace to hit 2 million before the end of the year. I keep thinking the traffic is gonna have to slow down at some point, but it hasn't. You won't see me complaining about it, though. :) New people write to me every single day!

All those eyeballs means more and more people are being exposed to the positive message of the healthy low-carb lifestyle. Whether they've been livin' la vida low-carb for 2 days, 2 months, or even 20 years, I try to provide information that everyone can use to be educated, encouraged, and inspired to keep doing what they're doing to control their weight and health. That's really what this blog is all about--helping people help themselves become the success they so desperately desire.

So, on my two-year blogiversary today, I simply want to say to you THANK YOU! I never want to take YOU for granted with anything that I do. Sure, much of what I write about here I do tend to personalize because this blog is the story of my weight loss success and living my life ever since. But if you didn't find what I write about useful in your own life, then you wouldn't keep coming back. I must be doing something that you find valuable and I consider your presence here a compliment.

My wife Christine and I are humbled to know that so many lives are being changed for the better because of this blog. I hear it from the literally hundreds of e-mails I receive each week (my wife Christine keeps them all and is putting them in a scrapbook for me!) with all the questions, comments, praise, and concerns shared by real people looking for someone who cares. Isn't that what all of us who have struggled with our weight for most of our lives are looking for?

The fact is I do care because I've been there, done that, and yes, I've even written the book about it! LOL! Although I definitely enjoy blogging and try to have fun with it, I am dead serious about all that I do in this regard because it is not a laughing matter.

Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and worse are all very clear and present dangers to modern society and much of it is self-inflicted because of our poor dietary choices. That's why I not only need to keep doing what I am doing to spread the good news about livin' la vida low-carb, but I need many more of you to join me in this effort. I've listed many of the excellent resources for people who desire to learn more about low-carb at my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Links" blog and I'd LOVE to add your blog or web site to that list, too!

You might be wondering what's next for the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog? I really don't know what's gonna happen over the next year and beyond, but I do know my mission and reasons for blogging will NEVER change. Too many people are hurting for me to stop doing what I'm doing.

I'm just gonna keep living my low-carb life, sharing my experiences, exposing the hypocrisy of the naysayers, sharing the invaluable research that is flooding the scientific community, and always offering a hand of comfort and guidance when I'm asked. It's the least I can do for the miracle that God performed in my life through this low-carb weight loss experience.

Please feel free to e-mail me anytime at livinlowcarbman@charter.net. With the increase in traffic, my ability to respond as quickly as I have before has been diminished. But if you take the time to write to me with a question about low-carb, then I WILL write you back. That's my promise to you for having the courage to share what's on your heart and being willing to admit you don't want to stay where you are.

Be looking for some major changes to the look of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog coming VERY SOON to help you navigate through all the information I have for you. The content won't change, just how it is presented to you. I think you're gonna enjoy the changes, so be looking for that in the very near future. I can't wait!

Also, if you haven't signed up and entered your name in my 2nd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest yet, then you have just a little more than a week left to put your name in the hat for the BIG drawing next week for the GRAND PRIZE--Deluxe Vermont Castings Grill as well as tons more prizes you can see here, here, here, and here. So many have entered, but we've got room for YOU, too!

Again, I cannot fully express to you how much you mean to me personally and professionally with your presence here day in and day out. It's an honor and a privilege to be a part of your life, even in some small way, and I will never take that for granted. God bless you and be with you as you continue to make low-carb living your permanent healthy lifestyle change on your way to improved weight and health. You guys really are the greatest! SEE YA!

Think Of Me Turning 34 Today

A message from a fetus on the 34th anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Dear friend,

This week I turn 34.

It's hard to believe. How time flies. January 22, 1973 seems like so long ago. I'm the oldest in my family. It's a pretty big family, but I'll explain that later.

If you're a baby boomer, you probably don't think much of my generation--Generation X. But that's because we're a threat to you! My generation is changing the world! Just think of all that has happened in the world these past 30 years...

The end of Vietnam. Watergate. Jimmy Carter. Actually, I don't remember much from the 70s, since I was just entering elementary school when Ronald Reagan became president.

I loved the 80s. That's when I grew up, but I had no idea just how much the world was changing.

Then, the Berlin Wall fell. I'll never forget that day in November 1989. I was 16 and on top of the world. I can remember my history teacher telling me that the world would never be the same. He was right.

Then, something even more dramatic developed. The Internet. If you want to understand me and my generation, then go online--MySpace, YouTube, and blogs are where you'll see me hanging out.

When I was in college, a few of my friends saw it coming. We helped start a revolution online. And don't believe it when they say the Internet bubble has burst. The only thing that has burst is the old way of doing business.

Now there are no boundaries for people like me. The sky is truly the limit! I got married three years ago to a beautiful and loving woman, and we're expecting our first child in three months. A new generation begins...

Yes, life is good. Except for one problem.

You see, I wasn't actually born on January 22, 1973. In fact, I wasn't born at all. I never was given the chance to take even that first breath--nevermind the 432 million breaths that would have followed over these 34 years.

Not a single breath.

That's because of something else that happened on January 22, 1973.

Seven justices made a decision that would dramatically affect my life--and the lives of 40 million others who would never take a breath.

That's my family. And it's growing every day. In fact, in the next 24 hours the family of abortion victims will grow by about as many people who died when the World Trade Center buildings collapsed on September 11, 2001.

The 9-11 cleanup concluded after nearly a year, but our cleanup--the one from 1-22 continues.

And to think it was all based on a lie. Jane "Roe" of Roe v. Wade was lied to. And so were you--if you believed even for a moment that the mass of tissue wasn't a human life.

That mass of tissue was me!

My goal here isn't to make you feel guilty. Rather, think of me--or what could have been me--the next time the topic of abortion comes up.

Think of me graduating from high school and going to college. Think of me getting married and having children. Think of me celebrating my birthday on 1-22 with family and friends.

Think of me turning 34.

Signed,

An aborted fetus

This post is dedicated to those millions of precious gifts from God who were never given a chance to experience the joy of living life as you and I have. May their souls rest in the loving arms of God forever and ever.

Happy Blogiversary To Me & Prizes For You

April 21, 2006 marks the one-year anniversary of my blog

****PRIZE WINNERS ARE OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED!****

I've been excited all week about sharing with you this special day in the life of my blog. It's the one-year annivesary of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog and YOU get to be a BIG part of it today.

Special thanks to the MANY, MANY businesses and individuals that cheerfully donated these prizes for you to have a chance to win. These are all highly-respected companies and people that I have had the pleasure of working with over the past year and you would be doing yourself a favor by getting to know more about them and the products they provide to people who are livin' la vida low-carb.

The drawings for these prizes will take place on Saturday with my wife Christine pulling names out of a hat to determine the various winners. Check back to THIS BLOG POST on Saturday where the winner's first name, last initial, and state will be listed where you see question marks today. The winners will also receive an e-mail from me confirming the prize they have won and I will be forwarding the winner's contact information to the appropriate business or individual offering the prize so they can get the prizes to the winners.

If you haven't signed up to be in the drawing for these prizes, then what are you waiting for? Click here so you can learn how to sign up to be in the running for one of OVER 30 FREE GIVEAWAYS. Once you take a look at these prizes, you'll rush to do that right away! :)

Now, without further delay, here are the giveaways you've been waiting to see. Happy Blogiversary to me & prizes for YOU!

1. THREE FREE BOTTLES OF ALSOSALT (BUTTER, GARLIC, & ORIGINAL)


www.AlsoSalt.com

For those of you with sensitivity to salt, you really need to try AlsoSalt. I personally reviewed this product and found it to be an outstanding alternative to salt, unlike most salt substitutes which have a funky wang to them. Not AlsoSalt! You'll be very proud to shake this product on anything you would normally salt.

WINNER: Elizabeth K. from Illinois

2. FREE FOUR-PACK LOCA BEVERAGES MARGARITA MIX
3. FREE FOUR-PACK LOCA BEVERAGES MARGARITA MIX
4. FREE FOUR-PACK LOCA BEVERAGES MARGARITA MIX




www.LocaBeverages.com

These zero-carb, zero-calories margarita mixes are the perfect addition to add a little twist to your favorite beverages. Although I do not drink alcohol, I tried these products and found they were great with club soda or Sprite, too! There are four flavors and the winners will get a FREE bottle of each along with a special surprise from Loca Beverages just in time for Cinco de Mayo. Loca Beverages are available for purchase online at www.BevMo.com.

WINNER: Lee D. from Connecticut
WINNER: Marla K. from Missouri
WINNER: Lindsey L. from Georgia

5. FREE $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO CARBSMART


www.CarbSmart.com

You know the name CarbSmart from your favorite low-carb ice cream from Breyer's and vitamins from One-A-Day. Well, CarbSmart is also where you can get lots of great low-carb products that will fit your new lifestyle change, too! In fact, I list the top 10 bestselling products at CarbSmart on the right-hand side of my blog so you can find out what other low-carbers are buying to help themselves lose weight and get healthy on this miraculous way of eating. CarbSmart also has a monthly magazine to keep you abreast of everything that is happening with low-carb. Owner and operator Andrew DiMino stands ready to serve your low-carb needs anytime at www.CarbSmart.com.

WINNER: Esther H. from Colorado

6. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF CARB-LESS IN SEATTLE COOKBOOK BY CARYLTON COOPER


www.Carb-Less.com

Who doesn't like a good low-carb recipe book? My friend Carylton Cooper specializes in making delectable low-carb dishes using the most unique techniques and ingredients. I reviewed the book she is offering for this prize and found it to be fantastic for anyone wanting to add some variety to their low-carb lifestyle. The thing about Carylton's recipes is that she doesn't use ANY FLOUR, not even almond flour as evidenced by this brownie recipe she recently shared with my readers. Check out what Carylton Cooper is up to by visiting her web site at www.Carb-Less.com.

WINNER: Ila G. from New Jersey

7. FREE $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO VIVA LOW-CARB


www.VivaLowCarb.com

I'm so thrilled to share with you the brand new web site for my friend Rosanna who owns the low-carb store called VivaLowCarb.com. I LOVE that name, by the way! :) If you haven't checked out the very professional site yet, then you really ought to see what Rosanna has to offer low-carbers. She has everything for people who are livin' la vida low-carb at VivaLowCarb.com. Just in case you missed Rosanna's low-carb sausage zucchini recipe, you really ought to try it, too. You won't ever meet a nicer lady that she is! :)

WINNER: Kristy K. from Ohio

8. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF GEORGE STELLA'S LIVIN' LARGE AND LOSING WEIGHT DVD WITH A FREE 3-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO STELLA STYLE ON DEMAND
9. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF GEORGE STELLA'S LIVIN' LARGE AND LOSING WEIGHT DVD WITH A FREE 3-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO STELLA STYLE ON DEMAND


Livin' Large and Losing Weight DVD and Stella Style On Demand

We all know and love the affable George Stella as the phenomenal low-carb weight loss success story who tranformed television when he become an instant celebrity on The Food Network's "Low-Carb and Lovin' It." He even has a new book I recently reviewed called "Eating Stella Style," but you may not know about his new DVD called "Livin' Large and Losing Weight" featuring 90 minutes of tasty recipes that George uses for his own family as well as special home videos from the low-carb cooking wizard himself. George was nice enough to autograph these DVDs and throw in a complimentary 3-month subscription to his Stella Style On Demand service featuring personal recipes, articles and exclusive online videos with George and his family that you're sure to love. Fans of George Stella are gonna absolutely LOVE this prize package and he's offering TWO of them for winners of this drawing.

WINNER: Judith N. from Illinois
WINNER: Kay W. from Virginia

10. FREE SIX-FLAVOR PACK OF MIRACLE MUFFIN MIXES


www.MiracleMuffins.com

Have you had a chance to try Miracle Muffins yet? These high-fiber, low-carb muffins pack a tasty, filling punch for anyone looking for a healthier way to snack. I first blogged about them months ago and then again recently when they introduced some exciting new flavors. The winner of this prize will get six of the bestselling flavors from Miracle Muffins. Visit them online at www.MiracleMuffins.com.

WINNER: Marilyn W. from Oklahoma

11. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF LAURIE BELL'S LOSE THE LIES, LOSE THE WEIGHT BOOK

Laurie Bell is a woman I greatly admire. She refused to just settle for being fat even after giving birth to children and she transformed her body into a chiseled masterpiece. Her book "Lose The Lies, Lose The Weight" doesn't dance around the issue of health, weight, fitness and diet. Laurie tells it to you straight and you'll thank her for it. She's a remarkable woman with an incredible story to tell. Learn more about her and her book, which she will autograph for the winner, by visiting www.LoseTheLiesLoseTheWeight.com.

WINNER: Pamela T. from Ohio

12. TWO FREE LUSCIOUS LIVING LOW-CARB CHEESECAKES


www.LusciousLiving.com

I love cheesecake and when I conducted a taste test of the various low-carb cheesecakes out there, only one rose all the way to the top of my favorite list because of its very distinctive flavor and that was the one from Luscious Living. I don't know what they put in these cheesecakes that makes them taste so incredibly good, but I could literally eat this cheesecake every single day of the week! One lucky winner is gonna get two of them to savor and enjoy for a couple of weeks. I'm jealous! :) Visit www.LusciousLiving.com for more information about ordering your own cheesecakes.

WINNER: Beth S. from Minnesota

13. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF ROGER TROY WILSON'S LET'S DO LUNCH BOOK


www.LetsDoLunch.com

There are a handful of very special men in the world and I am convinced that Roger Troy Wilson is one of them. From the time I read his book "Let's Do Lunch" about his incredible weight loss success story until I was able to speak with him on the telephone and talk to him like I've known him for years, I knew this man of God was annointed with a calling to share with others about the change that has been made in his life. Roger has agreed to personally autograph a copy of his book to the winner of the drawing. But it would do your heart and waistline some good to get to know Roger Troy Wilson some more by visiting his web site at www.LetsDoLunch.com.

WINNER: Jay P. from California

14. FREE IMITATERS SAMPLER PACK WITH TWO OF EACH FLAVOR


www.Imitaters.com

Do you miss mashed potatoes and wished there was something reasonably close AND low-carb? Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but these Imitaters don't just come close they are BETTER than any mashed potatoes I've ever eaten! Made with cauliflower and the best flavors they could find, this alternative to mashed potatoes is a real winner. And the person selected to win this prize will get 2 each of the Chipotle, Savory Garlic, and The Works. But if you want to try these for yourself, go to www.Imitaters.com and use the coupon code "imitaters" to get $1 off your order just for reading "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb." What a deal and I promise you won't be disappointed in these faux taters!

WINNER: Missy A. from Georgia

15. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF NICK YPHANTIDES MY BIG FAT GREEK DIET


www.HealthSteward.com

How'd you like to be a family doctor who weighed over 450 pounds and giving out health advice to your patients? Hypocritical? Dr. Nick Yphantides thought so and decided to do something about it. I reviewed this book called "My Big Fat Greek Diet" about his nearly 300-pound weight loss experience. Dr. Nick, as he likes to be referred to as since NOBODY can pronounce his last name, has a wonderful web site you should check out as well called www.HealthSteward.com.

WINNER: David K. from Australia

16. FREE EAT WELL BE WELL GIFT PACKAGE


www.EatWellBeWell.com

Healthy whole grain foods that are sugar-free are hard to come by these days, but the line of products from Eat Well Be Well are an excellent choice for people watching their sugar intake. These amazing cereals, oatmeal, snack bars and even chocolate bars are all sugar-free and do not contain any of those nasty sugar alcohols either. All of their products are completely diabetic-friendly and the winner will get a nice package of the wonderful products made by Eat Well Be Well. Check 'em out on the Internet at www.EatWellBeWell.com.

WINNER: Darlene W. from Pennsylvania

17. FREE SPRING FLING SAMPLER PACK FROM SWEETRIOT


www.SweetRiot.com

I recently shared with you about one of the most peculiar and unique products I think I've ever seen: SweetRiot! Made from real cacao bean nibs and covered in chocolate, you will just fall in love with chocolate in a way you never thought possible. The winner will receive a special Spring Fling pack with one tin each of all three flavors. Click on over to www.SweetRiot.com to see what all the commotion is about!

WINNER: Pat B. from South Dakota

18. FREE COPY OF THE SCHWARZBEIN PRINCIPLE AND THE SCHWARZBEIN COOKBOOK


www.LowCarbCentral.biz

They were wonderful to me when I visited for a book signing in January and owners Michael and Marilyn Kirtley are offering the winner of this prize to win the critically acclaimed low-carb books by Diana Schwarzbein called "The Schwarzbein Principle" and "The Schwarzbein Cookbook." Both of these books will help you on your low-carb lifestyle. Be sure to visit LowCarbCentral.biz, especially if you live in or around the Milwaukee, WI area! Tell Michael and Marilyn I said hello if you visit them at their store in Hales Corner.

WINNER: Lucinda J. from Oklahoma

19. FREE COPY OF MY BOOK LIVIN' LA VIDA LOW-CARB


www.BookLocker.com

Allow me to give a BIG PLUG for the company that agreed to publish my book "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb." They are Booklocker led by Angela Hoy who runs a top-notch print on demand book publishing company. If you are even thinking about writing a book, then you need to contact Angela at angela@booklocker.com and she will answer all of your questions for you. I could not be more satisfied with my relationship with Booklocker and will be using them again for my next book! They are offering a free copy of my book to the winner of this drawing. But if you are a prospective writer looking for a way to get your book out there, then check out www.BookLocker.com.

WINNER: Kevin M. from Connecticut

20. THREE FREE CASES OF EACH FLAVOR (CHOCOLATE, COCONUT, AND RASPBERRY) OF GOLOWER BARS


www.GoLower.com

These amazing nut-based low-carb bars are on their way to America, but you can win a FREE CASE of all three flavors if your name is chosen for this drawing. GoLower is a household name in the UK and has a reputation for being very-high quality and delicious anytime. From the time I first tried them for myself, I was hooked! You will be, too, when they become available in the U.S. in just a matter of weeks! Learn more about GoLower Bars by visiting www.GoLower.com.

WINNER: Scott R. from Illinois

21. FREE $35 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO LOW-CARB CONNOISSEUR
22. FREE $50 LOW-CARB GOODIES GIFT BASKET


www.Low-Carb.com

Our friends at Low-Carb Connoisseur provide a variety of low-carb products for you to choose from and regularly shares yummy and delicious recipes with my readers that I'm sure you have enjoyed. One winner will receive a $35 gift certificate while a second winner will get the $50 gift basket. Visit Elaine at www.Low-Carb.com.

WINNER: Linda W. from Canada
WINNER: Laura V. from California

23. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF DR. FRED PESCATORE'S THE HAMPTONS DIET COOKBOOK


www.HamptonsDiet.com

Dr. Fred Pescatore is a respected nutritional doctor for applying the principles of controlled-carb living in a way that people can easily understand and do for themselves. His "Hampton's Diet" became an instant bestseller and now he's about to release a new book called "The Hamptons Diet Cookbook" to help people make delicious and healthy low-carb meals for themselves. Dr. Pescatore still believes low-carb living is viable and shares his ideas about it at his web site www.HamptonsDiet.com.

WINNER: Debra K. from California

24. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF RICHARD MORRIS' A LIFE UNBURDENED


www.BreadAndMoney.com

You met Richard Morris on Thursday at my blog in my exclusive interview with this miraculous man. I can't wait to start reading "A Life Unburdened" to see how this former 400+ pounder got his life back! We could all learn a lot from people like Richard Morris and I encourage you to check out his book and web site at www.BreadAndMoney.com.

WINNER: Robin L. from New Mexico

25. FREE BOX OF A DOZEN DARK CHOCOLATE CHOCOPERFECTION BARS
26. FREE BOX OF A DOZEN DARK CHOCOLATE CHOCOPERFECTION BARS
27. FREE BOX OF A DOZEN DARK CHOCOLATE CHOCOPERFECTION BARS


www.LowCarbSpecialities.com

If I describe something as "the best-tasting low-carb chocolate bars ever," then you KNOW it's got to be good. And if you haven't put a ChocoPerfection bar into your mouth yet, then shame on you! What are you waiting for? These are hands down the most delicious chocolate bars, with or without sugar, you will EVER eat. I don't have to make excuses for these bars because they are the real deal. Three lucky winners will get a complimentary 12-pack of my favorite flavor, dark chocolate. Seriously, if you haven't tried these yet, zip on over to LowCarbSpecialties.com and tell Mary Jo Kringas you want to get some! She will DEFINITELY hook you up!

WINNER: Robert M. from California
WINNER: Nicole K. from Michigan
WINNER: Amy D. from Illinois

28. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF DANA CARPENDER'S EVERY CALORIE COUNTS COOKBOOK


LowCarbohydrate.net

Despite my recent concerns that she is being forced to move away from the "low-carb" label, bestselling author Dana Carpender assures me and my fellow low-carbers that her new book "Every Calorie Counts Cookbook," which she will autograph for the winner of this drawing, is indeed low-carb.

"The recipes are still pretty damned low carb friendly," Dana said about her new book. "There's no way I'd write a book full of sugar and flour."

That's the Dana Carpender we know and love and I encourage you to visit her new web site which should clue you in to where her heart still lies no matter what a book publisher tells her. It's located at LowCarbohydrate.net.

WINNER: Lisa E. from Illinois

29. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF ATKINS DIABETES REVOLUTION


www.Atkins.com

Diabetes is getting out of control with seemingly no end in sight. But thanks to people like Dr. Mary Vernon, many would-be diabetics are either averting or are in the process of correcting their disease because of the low-carb nutritional approach promoted by the late Dr. Robert C. Atkins. Dr. Vernon co-wrote "Atkins Diabetes Revolution" and will send an autographed copy of the book to the winner. Learn more about the Atkins Nutritional Approach by visiting www.Atkins.com.

WINNER: Bonnie O. from Iowa

30. FREE LIFECHANGER PROGRAM WITH JULIA HAVEY AND A BONUS FREE COPY OF HER NEW BOOK COMING IN JULY ENTITLED THE VICE BUSTING DIET


www.LifeChanger.us

Julia Havey has a lot of credibility as a life coach since she was once obese herself and was able to overcome that struggle once and for all. I previously blogged about Julia's ability to inspire and motivate people who need to lose weight and get their life back. One lucky winner will get to experience Julia's LifeChanger program (a $200 value) for FREE as well as be one of the first people in America to receive their very own copy of Julia's brand new book "The Vice Busting Diet" coming out in July. To read more about Julia Havey and her LifeChanger program, please visit www.LifeChanger.us.

WINNER: Barbie R. from Wisconsin

31. FREE JARS OF HEMP PROTEIN POWDER, HEMP SHAKE MIX AND COCONUT OIL


www.Nutiva.com

Nutiva has established itself as a company that provides excellent products for people desiring a healthier life. Although they have been the subject of some controversy because of their use of hemp in their products, these protein-rich powders, oils, and shakes are perfectly fine for you to use as part of your low-carb lifestyle. And don't get me started on their coconut oil -- THE BEST STUFF I'VE EVER HAD! Go to www.Nutiva.com to learn more about these healthy products.

WINNER: Kelly S. from Minnesota

32. FREE GOATMILK LOW-CARB BODYCARE GIFT BASKET

I have to tell you I had never heard of goat milk soap until about a month ago when one of my regular readers sent me some as part of her business. But when I tried this soap, I could not believe how amazingly soft it made my skin feel. WOW! This Be Good To Your Outsides gift basket will give you sweet decadence without any guilt from eating carbs or calories! LOL! You will DEFINITELY want to check out more of what Spencers Goat Milk Soap Farm has to offer, including their Low-Carb Special especially for the readers of "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb." ENJOY!

WINNER: Shirley B. from Oregon

33. FREE $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM LO-CARB U FOODS

Jason from LO-CARB U was one of the first low-carb retailers I met when I started this blog. I was impressed by his online store and quickly wished I had a store like his closer to where I live in Spartanburg, SC! :) He stocks all the latest low-carb foods, including House Foods Tofu Shirataki noodles that are going crazy in sales right now. The winner of this prize gets a FREE $50 gift certificate to stock up on shirataki or whatever other items they want compliments of LO-CARB U. But that's not all. From now until the end of April, Jason is offering a 10% discount to readers who use the coupon code "livinlavidalowcarb" when they checkout. What a generous offer so that EVERYONE can enjoy something just for being a reader of my blog. THANKS, Jason!

WINNER: Janelle L. from Minnesota

34. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF CARLA GRAY'S LOW CARB FAST FOOD DIET

My friend Carla Gray says you don't necessarily have to give up fast food when you are livin' la vida low-carb when you make the right food choices. She helps you do that with her book "The Low Carb Fast Food Diet". Personally autographed by the author, you'll love the variety of choices you have to select from when eating out. For more information, visit LowCarbFastFoodDiet.com.

WINNER: Vicki S. from Michigan

35. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF JAN MCCRACKEN'S HEALTHY CARB COOKBOOK FOR DUMMIES
36. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF JAN MCCRACKEN'S LOW CARB CHRISTMAS COOKIN'
37. FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF JAN MCCRACKEN'S SASSY STEPPER'S CARB COUNTIN' HOLIDAY COOKBOOK


www.JanMcCracken.com

It was fantastic back in November when I had the opportunity to share a book signing with a low-carb cookbook writer named Jan McCracken. She is a neat lady that I think you would really enjoy getting to know a little better by visiting her web site at JanMcCracken.com. She's written many different low-carb cookbooks over the years, including her latest one that I reviewed called "Healthy Carb Cooking For Dummies." Jan has agreed to autograph and send out to three winners some of her top-selling low-carb cookbooks.

WINNER: Kara C. from Texas
WINNER: Kelly J. from California
WINNER: Mark E. from Texas

38. FREE COPY OF THE TOTAL WELLBEING DIET BY DR. MANNY NOAKES


The Total Wellbeing Diet

I had my reservations at first about the runaway Australian bestseller The Total Wellbeing Diet because I thought it was misleading people down a dangerous diet path. But the more I have read about this book and now that I have my very own copy of it, scheduled to release in the U.S. in May, I am beginning to understand a little better where Dr. Manny Noakes the author is coming from. My support for the book grew even more when the anti-low-carb crowd jumped all over it blindly criticizing it for no reason. This book may bring a resurgence in low-carb living yet again.

WINNER: Ashley U. from Indiana

WHEW, that's a LOT of prizes! Do you realize this is the longest post I've ever written and it took me about 6 1/2 hours to complete! AAAAACK, I need to get some sleep because it's coming up on 2am here on the East Coast! Yikes!

But, you know what? You guys are so worth it to me. I wouldn't have it any other way and I am glad that 38 of you will win prizes on Saturday. Be sure to come back to my blog tomorrow to see if your name was chosen as one of the lucky winners.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for making my one-year blogiversary an event I'll not soon forget!

Okay, one last time just in case you haven't done it yet -- SIGN UP TO WIN THE PRIZES!!!

4-22-06 UPDATE: Winners will be announced at 12:00pm EST TODAY!!! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE and THANKS SO MUCH for entering the giveaway contest for my anniversary. Your comments about my blog have been overwhelming. You all are the best!

4-22-06 UPDATE: Okay, so all the winners have been chosen now. CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS AGAIN for sending your wonderful comments about me and my blog. For those of you who didn't win, you can blame my wife Christine for not drawing your name out of the hat. But, I've got a special for EVERYONE who entered the contest. I can't tell you what it is yet, but you'll know soon enough. This blogiversary giveaway was a lot of fun and I hope to do it again next year.

Be looking for an e-mail from me sometime today if you won and then watch your mail to get the package from the company you won a prize from. Please support these businesses and individuals providing such excellent products and services for people who are livin' la vida low-carb. Now more than ever we need to refuse to settle for the idea that "low-carb is dead." Obviously it is not and we need to vote with our pocketbooks. THANKS again everyone and I appreciate you reading my blog.