True Lemon products catching on with busy health enthusiasts
On a recent trip down to Atlanta, Georgia to visit with some friends there, they took us to the gym where they workout. When we walked in and started to sign our names as guests, I couldn't help but notice the counter display for True Lemon sitting right there with lots of little packets for the members to try this amazing product in their bottled water during their workouts. It made me proud to have them as a sponsor at my blog because they really do have an incredible product for anyone living a healthy and busy lifestyle!
In fact, True Lemon is looking for some enthusiastic stay-at-home moms and housewives primarily to join their True Crew--a group of wonderful people just like YOU who spread the True Lemon word by contacting select businesses and non-profit groups to talk about this amazing product. If you already love True Lemon (and who doesn't?), are excited and don't mind talking with people, know how to use Excel and aren't afraid to pick up the phone and tell somebody about the True Lemon products, then simply e-mail True Lemon at customercare@truelemon.com for more information about joining the True Crew team.
Oh Canada! You've asked about how to find True Lemon in your country and now you've got it! CLICK HERE for a store locater listing of the provinces where you can purchase True Lemon products. If you're still having trouble finding True Lemon products in stores there, then please visit this online store in Canada to order.
In my 2005 book entitled Livin' La Vida Low-Carb: My Journey From Flabby Fat To Sensationally Skinny In One Year, I dedicated an entire chapter to the subject of water. Water consumption is vital when you are livin' la vida low-carb because it "keeps things moving" so to speak. Anyone who complains about constipation on low-carb clearly is not drinking very much water. And the complaint about water is that it tastes disgusting. Two ways to improve that is to get filtered or bottled water and to flavor your water with True Lemon, True Lime, or True Orange. Read more about "The Benefits Of Drinking Water."
Christine and I have been traveling a lot this year taking many plane rides across the country. On a recent trip back from Phoenix, Arizona, my lovely bride thought of a neat new way to use her True Orange packets. When you're stuck on a plane for hours, there's not much you can do about the choices you are given for beverages. So when she decided on a Sprite Zero to drink, I watched her pull out some True Orange and mix it with her drink. Just one sip and she was raving about it! I tried it and agreed--pretty good stuff! Just last night we were watching television and Fresca now has an "orange-flavored" version of their product. Were they on that plane listening to Christine? :P
Don't forget about Operation Gratitude in support of the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. Every time you sign up for FREE SAMPLES of True Lemon products through the end of May, True Lemon will be donating 10 packets to send overseas to the troops to help flavor their water in the arid conditions there. Their goal is to send 1,000,000 packets and they're getting very close. If you haven't already, won't you go get your samples and help out the soldiers who are defending our nation? THANK YOU!
Brand new stores are adding the True Lemon products to their inventory every week, so check out the Store Locater to see where you can purchase it in your area. It's usually on the same aisle you will find Splenda and other artificial sweeteners (although True Lemon doesn't have any artificial sweeteners in it--just crystallized lemons, limes, and oranges!), in the powdered drink mix section, or next to the bottled lemon juice, usually in the juice aisle. But if you're still having trouble finding it in a store, then you can always get some from any of these online vendors. Get a special $1 off coupon by signing up here and it will be mailed to your home.
Wanna know why True Lemon products taste so incredible? Here's the secret behind the process that goes into making True Lemon. It's one of the reasons I was so impressed with them and support their products for use on the healthy low-carb lifestyle. With such concerns over artificial sweeteners along with the ever-increasing busy schedules that most of us have, True Lemon is such a convenience to have around. I LOVE IT!
Finally, would you like to be considered an official True Lemon Super Fan by expressing your love and devotion for this amazing carbohydrate-free, calorie-free product? True Lemon wants to hear from you if you do. Send your True Lemon love letter to Heidi Carney at customercare@truelemon.com. Tell her you heard about True Lemon here at "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" and how much you enjoy using it as part of your healthy low-carb lifestyle. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
Remember to sign up for FREE SAMPLES (after all, they're FREE!) and let me know what you think about them. I appreciate the support you have given this outstanding sponsor who helps me continue to bring quality low-carb diet and health information to you on a daily basis. They're a company I KNOW you can trust and feel good about. THANK YOU! :)
"Slow Burn" trainer Fred Hahn offers up 20 fat-burning ideas!
After reading and reviewing his fantastic book entitled The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution in January, I was not just enamored by the overall fitness philosophy of personal trainer Fred Hahn who advocates lifting weights slowly as the safest, most effective way to build muscle. But after interviewing him at my blog and realizing he promotes a solid controlled-carbohydrate nutritional approach to work in tandem with the "Slow Burn" program, I knew Fred was somebody I wanted to hear more from in the future.
In fact, my favorite quote from that interview is what Fred Hahn recommends as the perfect post-workout meal:
A juicy bacon cheeseburger (no bun) with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and avocado, or steak and eggs with sliced tomatoes.
YEAH BABY!!! Now that's what I'm talking about! :D If you like that kind of honest opinions and information about what to do regarding your own health and fitness routine, then you'll want to bookmark Fred Hahn's blog and visit often. He is always posting some interesting thoughts, so visit early and visit often. There's never a dull moment with Fred in the blogosphere! ;)
Today I have a very special surprise from our friend Fred Hahn. As part of his Slow Burn Fitness System--a special combination of insulin-controlled diet and strength training exercise--he has graciously provided me a list of 20 of his most effective fat loss tips to impart to the wonderful readers of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog. This program has been proven to be highly efficient at helping its participants begin burning fat, gaining strength, improving their health, and becoming more energetic and youthful than they have ever been in their entire lives.
To complement what you are already doing as part of your healthy low-carb lifestyle, Fred recommends the following 20 tips to boost your fat loss results. ENJOY!
1. DRINK A GALLON OF REFRIGERATED WATER A DAY
A gallon of cold water will burn around 150 calories of energy to heat the cold water to body temperature for voiding! (And it's good for your skin and hair too!)
Note from Jimmy: I would only caution you to watch your body temperature if you decide to do this tip because I used to drink my water cold until a doctor told me I was freezing my insides. I was drinking upwards of 1-2 gallons a day and was ALWAYS cold. Even now, when I drink large amounts of TAP water, my hands get as cold as ice.
2. BEFORE YOU CHEAT, DRINK WATER AND BRUSH YOUR TEETH
If you get hungry and feel you're going to cheat, quickly drink a big glass of cool water and brush and floss your teeth. While doing so, think this thought: "There is no food that tastes as good as being lean and strong feels!"
Note from Jimmy: This REALLY works and you'll be surprised how well it does, too. If you aren't in a position to brush your teeth when the craving comes on, then pop a sugar-free mint or piece of mint-flavored sugar-free gum. In those very rare occasions when you don't have access to those things (always keep them handy!), eat something high-fat to ward off the sugar/carb cravings. Works every time!
3. TAKE A CASUAL STROLL 30 MINUTES AFTER DINNER
A half hour after dinner, take a casual stroll for 15-20 minutes whenever possible. Do not walk fast or jog. Just take a pleasant, easy stroll and enjoy your time outdoors. This keeps from from snacking after dinner.
Note from Jimmy: If you make this stroll a regular part of your dinnertime routine, then it will also keep you from stuffing yourself too full because you'll be too uncomfortable even for a casual stroll around the block. What a perfect opportunity to get in some quality time with your family in the process, too.
4. AVOID SUGAR/STARCHY CARBS BEFORE BEDTIME
Avoid eating sugar or starches a few hours before bedtime. This can decrease growth hormone release at night and store unwanted calories as fat.
Note from Jimmy: Better yet, why not avoid sugar and starches ALL THE TIME? Sounds like a plan to me! :D
5. GET A SOLID EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT
Get a full 8 hours of sleep as often as possible. Avoid TV and other distractions as much as you can at night. Deep sleep is when your body is regulating and upgrading your hormonal tone. So get some rest!
Note from Jimmy: And just laying in bed doesn't count as sleep. I know there are some nights it can take me 2-3 hours to get to sleep because I'm thinking about things in my life, worrying about upcoming events, or just so exhausted and tired that sleep evades me. Try to leave all that stuff outside your bedroom and use every moment for tremendous restful sleep. A good workout a few hours before bedtime can help!
6. DRESS AND SLEEP AS COOL AS YOU CAN
Dress and sleep cool. The cooler you stay, the more heat your body must produce to keep you warm and this means more calories burned. Feeling a bit on the chilly side means you are a fat burning dynamo! Always keep as cool as you can when you are exercising. Sweating is overheating and staying cool is much better for exercise performance as well as for fat loss.
Note from Jimmy: I showed this tip to my wife Christine as a reason for running the fan at night in our bedroom. But when she started shivering and her teeth were chattering, I had to stop. Instead of wallowing in the blankets now, I try to sleep with as little cover as possible to stay cool. Working out, though, is another matter. I still sweat quite a bit during exercise, especially when working with my trainer. Every time I feel the sweat dripping down my face, I tell my trainer I'm overheating (as per what Fred said in this tip). My complaints are usually ignored as I'm instructed to continue the workout. Isn't it ironic that you can burn more fat staying cool rather than dripping soaking wet with sweat?
7. EAT SLOWLY AND STOP WHEN HUNGER CEASES
Eat slowly and stop when you are no longer hungry before you feel full.
Note from Jimmy: This is an important tip because most of us eat all the way until we are full. But try going through a day where your purpose in eating is to simply take away your hunger. For some people, this could be as little as just a few bites. Savor each bite and you'll probably feel more satisfied than if you "hork" (thanks for sharing this GREAT word, Christin!) it all down in just a few minutes. You may end up eating every 2-3 hours as the hunger bug returns, but that's okay, too. Let your body tell you when to eat, not the time on the clock.
8. DON'T EAT OUT AT RESTAURANTS
Make and take your meals with you. Refrain from eating out. There are tons of hidden calories in most restaurant foods. (You'll save lots of money too!)
Note from Jimmy: Boy, is Fred ever right about this one! When you go out to a restaurant to eat, you can never really know what they're putting in the food. From IHOP putting pancake batter in their omelets to hidden sugars injected into the steaks at Applebee's, you're just better off making the food yourself at home. It'll save you a lot of heartache on the scale later on if you just make all of your own food.
9. POST MEANINGFUL REMINDERS AND INSPIRATIONAL SAYINGS
Pin notes on your refrigerator, front door, bedroom mirror, etc. with phrases such as "Take your lunch!" "Drink your water!" and "I will succeed!" Anything that will remind you of what to do and why you are doing it is a very potent motivational tool.
Note from Jimmy: Most of us who have allowed our weight to get out of control have issues with self-esteem and feeling worthy. So writing things like "You are AWESOME!" "I'm so proud of what you are accomplishing!" and "NEVER GIVE UP!!!" are an essential part of keeping yourself uplifted and inspired in your daily struggle to lose the weight and get healthy. Don't underestimate the power of such a simple act because it can reap BIG DIVIDENDS for you with constant positive reinforcement on a daily basis.
10. NEVER SKIP A MAJOR MEAL
Never skip breakfast or any main meal. Thinking you will lose fat faster by skipping meals is a huge step in the wrong direction. Huge! Your body need to feel "satisfied" and requires adequate nutrition to shed body fat and build muscle.
Note from Jimmy: There was a 10-year study published in the September 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association that concluded eating breakfast leads to lower body mass index compared to those who skip breakfast. And it's true! You need to fuel up for your day with a hearty high-fat, moderate protein meal to give your body the energy it needs to get through the day. That's why I like to begin my day with some delicious eggs cooked in butter along with a side of bacon or sausage. Mmm mmm--a nutritious way to start your day!
11. PURCHASE A GOAL OUTFIT AND TRY IT ON WEEKLY
Select a piece of clothing that you want to fit into again and try it on once a week.
Note from Jimmy: Actually, I did this when I weighed 410 pounds. My wife Christine and I went to JCPenney's in January 2004 and at the time I was wearing size 62-inch waist pants. So, imagine the surprise on Christine's face when I picked up a pair of 42-inch waist khaki pants! Yep, she was shocked to say the least. But I put those "goal pants" up on the wall and dreamed of being able to fit into them by the end of that year. In early November 2004 after losing around 165 pounds, I tried them on and they FINALLY fit me (albeit, they were tight, but they got around me!). It was such a thrilling moment in my weight loss journey and those pants went on to become very loose on me by the end of the year. WOO HOO!
12. READ ONE HEALTH-RELATED BOOK A WEEK
Read a book a week that is health related or motivational in nature.
Note from Jimmy: Because I run a diet and health-focused blog that gets a fair share of daily traffic, access to the latest health and motivational books is easy for me. The ones I think are the best get featured at my blog, so be on the lookout for my posts featuring books that may help you in your healthy lifestyle. Some blog posts where I have featured new books on nutrition and fitness can be found here, here, here, here, and here.
13. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITH EMPTY CALORIES
Limit or avoid alcohol. Drinks can be very high in calories so beware!
Find a hobby that keeps you occupied in the evening. You're less likely to snack if your hands are busy and you may be surprised what you can accomplish!
Note from Jimmy: I can think of a few things to do...at night! ;)
15. EAT HIGH-FIBER VEGGIES, LOW-SUGAR FRUITS
Eat fruits and veggies instead of cakes and sweets and when you think fruit think berries. The higher the fiber content in the food, the better.
Note from Jimmy: I happen to think the generic recommendation to "eat more fruits and vegetables" is a big fat copout by those who claim to care about the weight and health of overweight and obese people. As I stated repeatedly to Dr. Dean Ornish during my recent interview with him, the KIND of fruits and vegetables is extremely important when you are talking to people about what's good for them and what is not. Fried potatoes, which dominates the "veggie" intake of nearly half of kids and one-fourth of adults, is very clearly NOT the kind of vegetable people should be eating. Non-starchy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, spinach, and kale are excellent choices. And Fred is so right about fruit--stick with the berries!
16. AVOID THE BREAD, EAT A SALAD, DRINK LOTS OF WATER
If you must eat out, send the bread basket back once it arrives. Order a salad as your appetizer and an appetizer as your main course. Keep that ice water coming!
Note from Jimmy: Whenever I eat out somewhere often enough, the servers KNOW not to bring me crackers or bread with my meal. If they forget and bring it to me anyway, I simply look at it and state, "I won't be needing that, thank you!" It's better not to even have it on the table with you so you'll never be tempted. If you do decide to order a meal from one of the main courses, keep in mind the portion size may be much bigger than your body actually needs to get rid of your hunger. Don't be afraid to take some food home in a carryout box.
17. COMPLETELY AVOID ALL FOODS TOUTING "LOW-FAT"
Avoid purchasing and eating foods that are labeled as "low fat" or "no fat."
Note from Jimmy: Wanna hear a dirty little secret about these so-called "healthy" low-fat or fat-free foods you see in the stores these days? When they remove the fat from them, guess what they have to ADD to them to make them taste at least halfway close to the original (yeah right!)? SUGAR!!! And many times it is in the form of high-fructose corn syrup which is even worse. Why do that to yourself? Just eat the full-fat foods with confidence and let the low-fatties suffer eating fat-free cheese that tastes like cardboard and the watery skim milk!
18. PRACTICE DAILY VISUALIZATION OF THE NEW YOU TO COME
Try to visualize your leaner, stronger, healthier self a few times each day. See yourself as you wish to be. Imagine that new you and think everyday you are one step closer to achieving your goal. Care about yourself. You're worth it!
Note from Jimmy: You just don't realize how powerful this is! As I previously stated, most of us have a self-worth that is next to nothing when we began our low-carb weight loss journey. It's difficult enough trying to lose weight, but then we pile on all this extra baggage from the circumstances in our life that it's almost impossible to ever imagine life as a thin and happy person. But that's exactly what you must do to prepare yourself mentally for the BIG CHANGES that are to come. Believe me, getting your mind to believe in what is to come makes it that much easier to accept the new physical you when it gets here. Start thinking you look good NOW!
19. RESIST THE URGE TO OVER-EXERCISE
Avoid excessive amounts of exercise. Too much exercise makes cortisol levels rise which in turn causes muscle wasting and can aid in fat storage. You do not receive benefits from exercise when you are exercising. You receive the benefits when you are resting and recovering from the exercise. If your eating habits are proper, you do not need to try and burn off additional fat via exercise. You'll save yourself from orthopedic problems as well.
Note from Jimmy: It seems logical--the more you exercise, the more calories you can burn off and weight loss will happen. And yet there is the risk of inflammation from doing too much exercise and the cortisol issue as Fred explained. This is a controversial recommendation since most people don't get nearly ENOUGH exercise. But I've seen the workaholics in the gym who spend hours upon hours beating their bodies to a pulp trying to salvage every last bit of energy out of themselves thinking that's gonna make them a lean, mean fighting machine. In a word, NOPE! Get in a solid workout, eat healthy low-carb meals with plenty of fat and protein, and let your body do the rest. It's no more difficult than that!
20. GET REAL WITH YOURSELF
BE REALISTIC. This is perhaps the most important tip of all. Do not try to avoid every bad food in the whole world everyday. Do not expect your program to transform your physique into a Greek god or goddess. We can't all look like movie start--but we can all dramatically change our bodies for the better and live long, healthy lives following the very simple and extremely efficient Slow Burn Program.
Note from Jimmy: Fred is right! Livin' la vida low-carb isn't about what you CAN'T have as much as it is what you CAN. I challenge anyone to tell me that this way of eating isn't the most luxurious, delicious "diet" plan you could possibly go on and still lose body fat while vastly improving your health. It truly is a miracle and I'm thrilled to be eating this way for the rest of my life. Combining low-carb living with the "Slow Burn" resistance training developed by Fred Hahn will have you looking better than you ever thought possible. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Water should be on tap for your healthy low-carb lifestyle
Livin' la vida low-carb has so many facets to it that sometimes even the most basic things get overlooked. We all know about the importance of carbohydrate restriction to help manage our blood sugars and prevent the release of too much insulin into our bodies which can lead to weight gain and a whole host of health problems. But what else is there to be concerned with on a low-carb lifestyle?
I've discussed many of these things before here at my blog and in my book, including supplements, exercise, and motivation, among many other things. But one area that many people tend to brush aside as irrelevant is proper hydration. Drinking water is as important as exercise when you are on low-carb and I speak from personal experience. You just feel AWESOME when you get H2O in your body and there's nothing else like it!
That's what Christine and I talk about in Episode 20 of "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb On YouTube." Actually, Christine does most of the talking this time because I am busy trying to drink a total of eight glasses of water during our 10-minute video. Sound impossible? Well, you're just gonna have to watch to see if I was able to do it! It certainly proves the point that you CAN drink enough water throughout the day to give your low-carb plan a much-needed boost.
Watch me nearly drown myself with all that water in today's video:
It was a bit strange having all those glasses of water around me in the video since I carry around this CarbSmart water bottle with me everywhere I go. I keep it filled up with triple-filtered water that tastes absolutely FABULOUS and I'd never think of drinking any tap water ever again. I can taste the difference now and I miss MY water when I'm away from home.
There are many reasons why I drink water and they all center around my weight loss and my health. When I first started livin' la vida low-carb, water worked with the fiber I was eating to get my bowel to shake, rattle, and roll. It still serves that purpose today when I drink it in large quantities like I did for this video.
Some people can't stand the taste of water which is why I was pleased to talk about True Lemon during the video. They are my newest sponsor at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog and I'll be telling you more about them real soon. Suffice it say if you like lemon, lime, or orange flavors, then you're gonna LOVE True Lemon products in your water. Get a FREE SAMPLE mailed to you and try it for yourself or use this store locater to find out where you can pick up a box of True Lemon in your area (including Canada!).
The videos are up to 20 episodes now and you can see them all in this listing of YouTube videos at my links blog. Of course, you can subscribe to our videos and be one of the first ones to see them when they come out. Life's been crazy busy lately or we would be doing more of them, but we're committed to pumping these out regularly in 2008--so SIGN UP TODAY! As always, e-mail us your feedback at livinlowcarbman@charter.net.
By the way, for fans of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" podcast show, my producer Kevin Kennedy-Spaeien has almost recovered fully from the injuries he sustained in that car accident a few months back that has had the show in hiatus ever since our historic 100th show! Well, we're set to return for Episode 101 and beyond beginning on Monday, January 7, 2008 and resume our normal schedule on Mondays and Thursdays. THANKS to everyone who has e-mailed about the show and we're happy to be coming back.
NANO H2O promises years worth of high-quality water
Water is one of those key ingredients in an effective weight loss plan, especially livin' la vida low-carb, that people like to moan and complain about. Why? Because most of them think water is disgusting primarily because they are drinking tap water. Why else would the bottled water industry experience such an explosion in popularity over the past decade?
But you know what? I've got some secrets to tell you about that supposedly "better" bottled water. Shhhhh! The manufacturers don't want you to know this, but most bottled water sold in the United States is NOT even filtered or better for you than tap water because it comes directly from the public municipalities. GASP! What makes this really bad is the fact that you pay so much more for bottled water than tap. Dangit!
So what choice do we have about getting safe, great-tasting water from the convenience of our own home at an affordable price? I think I've found the answer for you: the NANO H2O water purification system.
Your tap water has to go through all these filters first
From the makers of the fantastic air purifier system NANO O2 I told you about a few months back, this water filtration contraption is one of the most incredible water purifiers I have ever seen in my life (and those measly little Brita filters don't even come close to matching this!).
The NANO H2O goes through a 5-stage process that thoroughly scrubs the impurities out of your tap water:
Stage 1: Pre filter: 5 micron. Sediment filter Stage 2: Pre filter: KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) Carbon Filter Stage 3: RO Membrane: 35 GPD TFC (Thin Film Composite) Stage 4: Post Filter: Coconut Carbon Inline Filter Stage 5: Post Filter: GAC Carbon Filter
Once your water has been through the NANO H2O purifier and you put it up to your lips to drink, you'll notice several qualities about the water--it's a little bit bubbly from the oxidation and there isn't that unpleasant smell you get from regular tap water. But the real proof is when you take your first drink...AHHHHH! Now THAT is what water is supposed to taste like.
I love the polished designer spigot with my NANO H2O
I had the NANO H2O installed by a plumber a few months ago and have been using it on a daily basis ever since. The 3.5-gallon storage tank is constantly being replenished as you use it throughout the day. That's a good thing since I drink upwards of 1-2 gallons of water a day! Plus, my four cats Muffin, Ginger, Smoky and Peaches get to drink the freshest water their cute little tongues will ever lap up into their mouths.
But the NANO H2O is not just for drinking water.
You can and should use your NANO H2O filtered water for cooking, too. Whether you realize it or not, that tap water you use can change the taste of your food. EWWW! Whenever I cook up some Dreamfields low-carb pasta, I fill up a saucepan with my NANO H2O water. The food absolutely tastes better because it doesn't have the funky wang from your tap water. The same goes for beverages like tea and coffee which you'll notice a marked improvement. Sweet!
It's a big holding 3.5-gallon tank that fits beneath your sink
The neat thing about the NANO H2O system is you don't have to worry about it one bit for two years before you change the first filter. These replacement filters even come with your unit, so you get four full years of delicious and healthy water before you need to get replacements. This really is a hassle-free system and I've enjoyed it for several months already.
How do you know it's time to replace the filters? There's an electronic filter replacement monitor attached to the unit. Don't you just LOVE technology these days? :D Replacing the filter is super-easy, too, with "quick-connect filters" that do not require the use of a tool. COOL BEANERS!
You also get a FREE gift with the purchase of the NANO H2O--a shower head filter! Since installing this on my shower head, the water when I bathe has been softer and I feel so much cleaner after a shower than I did before. In fact, I don't have to use as much shampoo or soap because the water rinses off so much easier. If you have hard water in your area, then you will especially want this added gift!
Made in the USA, the NANO H2O water filtration system has a 5-Year Housing Warranty as well as a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee if you don't think this is the best-tasting water you've ever drank in your entire life. For just a few pennies a day, you can enjoy REAL water for perhaps the first time in your entire life. Why not take the NANO H2O challenge for yourself?
The Cal-Carb Clicker helps you track your calories, carbs, and water
Making the transition to a healthy low-carb lifestyle should not be a burden on your normal everyday routine. I'm all in favor of finding ways for people to make the process of livin' la vida low-carb as smooth and easy as possible.
When I was losing 180 pounds on the Atkins diet back in 2004, I kept a paper journal with the number of carbs I ate, the amount of water I drank, and the minutes I exercised. This weight loss journal was an important aspect of my eventual success, but it was comical trying to keep up with all of those things using little sticky notes and pieces of paper that I could find to keep track of all it all.
Wouldn't it be easier in this technologically-advanced world of ours to have a handy dandy little electronic device you can carry around in your pocket to keep close tabs on your diet for you without the use of pen and paper? Sure it would!
That's why I'm happy to introduce to you a brand new product that does exactly that--it's The Cal-Carb Clicker and I LOVE THIS THING!
Designed by a pair of sisters named Lindee Lee Bingham and Sandy Martucci, this simple little product has been a long time in the making. For people who are counting their calories, carbs, points, blocks, fat grams (NOT!), and water intake, this little clicker is going to make your life easier--a WHOLE LOT easier!
The Cal-Carb Clicker has a window for calories, carbs, and water which is perfect for people who are livin' la vida low-carb. I don't personally count calories, but the top window lets you click off the calories in increments of 50 for the people who do.
Looking at the middle window, this will be one that every low-carber will use to count down your carbs for the day. Just set the number on your allotted carb allowance at the beginning of the day and then start clicking away until you run out of your budgeted carbs.
Finally, the bottom window is for your water intake (notated by the water drop) and is the only one that counts upward. If you are counting 8-ounce glasses, then click, click, click away for each glass. However, I keep track of my water in increments of 1.5 liter bottles, so you can track that with this as well. Remember, each click ticks up on the water intake.
There's a convenient lighted display which comes in handy if you are using your Cal-Carb Clicker at night or in the dark. The numbers are digital, so you'll find them easy to see and this gadget is so super-easy to use, too!
If you're counting something on your weight loss plan, then the Cal-Carb Clicker will help you do it. You won't get caught forgetting how many calories, carbs, and water you have consumed because it'll all be right there for you to see at a glance. It easily clips on your belt buckle, purse, keychain for instant accessibility.
Is this Cal-Carb Clicker just for weight loss? Heck no! Maintaining your weight takes just as much (or even MORE!) dedication to keeping track of your food and water intake, so it will be an integral part of your ongoing weight loss and maintenance for many years to come.
A handy carb-counting reference chart for your refrigerator
People who are new to livin' la vida low-carb (and there's a bunch of you trying it for the first time in 2007 based on my overflowing e-mail box!) may need some help knowing how to count the carbs in the foods you eat. That's where the Quick Clicks For Carbs laminated magnetic carb click guide will assist you. Post this in a conspicuous place and you'll never have to guess the carb count in anything that crosses your lips again!
Additionally, there is an alphabetical Cal-Carb Food Index included in the instructions with your Cal-Carb Clicker, too! Isn't this such a neat product?! I was quite impressed with it and I think you will be, too. They even have a 90-day product replacement warranty if something goes wrong with it. I'm so glad I found it and I only wish it was around when I was losing weight. Oh well, better late than never! :)
Learn more about the Cal-Carb Clicker by visiting their web site at CalCarbClicker.com.
4-11-07 UPDATE: Some people have asked whether there is a discount for multiple purchases of the Cal-Carb Clicker. Actually, there is! :)
If you would like to order 6 units of the Cal-Carb Clicker, then you can do so for a special discounted price of $65 (which includes the shipping charges). That's LESS THAN HALF OFF the regular price and provides you some extras to give away as gifts.
To take advantage of this, send your check to:
Les Fox JC Product Design Cal-Carb Clicker Offer P.O. Box 36 Midland Park, NJ 07432
If you are interested in ordering less than 6 Cal-Carb Clickers, then you can call Les Fox at 201-891-7170 or e-mail him at lesfox@optonline.net. Also, you may want to check with your local Curves fitness center since some locations have carried the Cal-Carb Clicker.
Let Les Fox know you heard about the Cal-Carb Clicker at "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb." :)
There are plenty of subjects that are considered controversial within the realm of livin' la vida low-carb. From the amount of carbs consumed to the use of artificial sweeteners, we as a community have a uniquely sadistic way of recklessly sabotaging what is by all intents and purposes the best nutritional approach known to mankind. I suppose there are some who just get bored with a plan that works.
That may explain why there are some who are so vehemently opposed to drinking diet soda while on a low-carb diet. I've never really understood this dynamic at all and simply kept smiling while the pounds melted off of me in 2004. As a former Coca-Cola addict which ballooned me up to 410 pounds, I knew I needed an alternative when I started the Atkins diet.
What I did was switch from regular Coke to diet sodas--primarily Diet Rite, Diet Coke with Splenda, Cheerwine, and Pepsi One. This was a monumental step for somebody like me who used to guzzle sugary sodas like they were nothing and NEVER drinking water.
But when I switched from regular to diet soda overnight, I also started drinking water, water, and more water. While I was losing weight, it wasn't uncommon for me to get down two gallons of H2O daily along with my diet sodas. Yes, I'm one thirsty man, but I am thoroughly convinced this was an instrumental part of my success.
Soon thereafter, I become a BIG FAN of diet sodas and have never experienced any adverse effects on my weight and health as a result of drinking them. There has been nothing but positive benefits to diet soda from the day I started drinking them on my low-carb lifestyle.
But after about a month of going cold turkey on diet sodas, I couldn't take it anymore. Snacking more, gaining a few pounds, and missing this calorie-free part of my low-carb life, I decided to end my self-imposed diet soda embargo recently and couldn't be happier about my decision.
After blogging about my experience with diet soda, I was pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of feedback I received from so many of my readers about this subject. It was heartening to learn so many of you find diet soda to be an integral part of your low-carb weight management plans as well. It certainly seems diet soda gets the low-carb thumbs up from many of you.
Here are just a few snippets from the e-mails I received:
"Diet sodas are a great treat. I miss the fizzy when I can't get it but I am trying to be a role model for the kids and only have it in the weekends."
"Well, you know that I'm FOR diet soda being that my blog is entitled, I Love Diet Soda. I read about that study that says diet soda makes you gain weight and that's complete rubbish. How can something with no calories make you gain weight? Impossible I say! I drink diet soda because I love its taste and the fact that I can sip on it all day without worrying about excess calories."
"I read your article and totally agree. I don't understand how drinking diet sodas could contribute to a weight gain problem as many articles seem to be saying. Unless people believe that drinking diet sodas allows them to eat more as a substitute for the sugar they are avoiding, I don't see how they can be a negative. If one drinks a certain amount of soda, daily anyway, diet soda can only reduce the overall calories if nothing else is added."
"My triglycerides were extremely high and the doctor put me on medication for this which I didn't like. Every time I stopped the medication, triglycerides would go back up. I decided to try drinking diet sodas only instead of the sugary ones I was drinking. To my surprise and my doctor's, my triglycerides dropped to the normal range without medication. I have stuck with diet sodas ever since."
"I read your article on diet soda and loved it! I have kept off a 70 lb weight-loss of over 5 years and have tried quiting diet soda cold turkey. I have to be honest,I was miserable! I hated not having something sweet to look forward to. Of course I get plenty of flack from some family members that comment about the amount of chemicals, etc. I am consuming, but like you said what is the alternative? I really just wanted to say thumbs up and I'm glad I'm not alone."
WOW, what a response that article received in both my e-mail as well as the whopping 24 comments to my blog post about diet soda. Anyone else have a thought about the subject of diet soda they would like to share? Especially if you are adamantly AGAINST them being a part of a healthy low-carb lifestyle, please share WHY with any evidence to back up what you are saying.
Until I am convinced otherwise, diet soda is here to STAY in my diet.
When you are on the low-carb lifestyle, one thing you need to do just as much as counting your carbs is drink lots and lots of water. That's why CarbSmart.com is now stocking a convenient new CarbSmart 28 oz. Water Bottle for your use as part of your active low-carb life.
This easy-to-carry high-density polyethylene bottle slips inside of your favorite workout bag, backpack or on your bicycle cage as well as in most car cup holders. And if you are an exercise nut like I am, you'll be glad to know this water bottle also fits rather easily in the water bottle holders for the treadmill, stairmaster, stationary bike, and elliptical machines.
One of the downsides of most refillable water bottles is the fact that they are heavy and make the water taste like liquid plastic. EWWW! But not the CarbSmart Water Bottle. It super lightweight, safe to use, is dishwasher safe, and can even be put in the freezer.
Show everyone around you that you aren't just smart--you're CarbSmart--with this sporty new water bottle. Fill it up just twice a day and you'll consume about a half gallon of water per day. But if you are as thirsty as I am, you'll fill it up at least four times for a full gallon of water to enjoy all the healthy benefits of drinking water.
Right now there's a special offer from our friends at CarbSmart.com who want to put these water bottles in your hands as soon as possible. While you can order individual quantities of these water bottles for only $4.99 each or get 6+ for $3.99 each, you can receive one for FREE with every $100 purchase now through January 14, 2007.
Place a minimum order for $100 at CarbSmart.com choosing any of the thousands of delicious low-carb products available from one of America's favorite low-carb retailers and you will get one of these water bottles absolutely FREE! Order $200 and you'll get 2 water bottles for FREE!
It's CarbSmart's way of saying THANK YOU for your business and here's to a happy and healthy new you thanks to livin' la vida low-carb in 2007.
H20...the "wet stuff"...the drink...we're talking WATER today. You know, that substance that covers most of the earth and our bodies. Without it for just a few days, you would surely die. So I guess getting an adequate amount of water would be considered pretty important, don't ya think?
Well, it that much MORE important when you are livin' la vida low-carb. That's one of the reasons it's generally considered an essential quality of a genuine low-carb and also why I devoted an entire chapter of my book on the subject of water--IT'S THAT CRUCIAL TO YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS!
Earlier this year, I even compiled my Top 10 Reasons For Drinking More Water after Dr. Richard Feinman told me it was an "unexpected" surprise to learn that so many low-carbers he surveyed stated that they drink more water now on their low-carb lifestyle than before. I briefly explained to him my reasons for it and he was very intrigued. It's nice to do that to a scientific researcher, you know!
My friend and videoblogger Kent Altena discusses the topic of water in his latest how to do Atkins/low-carb video and he shares some of the wisdom he picked up during his 200-pound weight loss.
ATKINS DIET: THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER
Some key points from the video:
- Water is WATER, not tea, soda, or any other drink. - Helps you flush toxins and excess ketones out of the body. - Fat cannot be metabolized without adequate water. - You can avoid constipation in combination with more fiber. - Limits the impact of Induction flu. - Helps hydrate you for extended exercise. - Improves your skin appearance. - Drink the water at the temperature of your choice. - Swallow it quickly and get it over with. - Add a bit of lemon or lime if you need it for taste. - You'll have a built-in exercise plan going to the bathroom.
Let me share with you my experience with that last point. Boy will you ever! Especially early on in your low-carb plan when you haven't been fully hydrated before, your body won't know what to do with itself once your start pouring large amounts of water into it. While the frequency of your visits to the bathroom will increase, so too will the waste as your body gets rid of stored fat and other "stuff" that's been hanging around inside of your obese body.
Not to get too gross or anything, but I can remember early on when I was FORCING myself to drink about 2-3 gallons of water per day what the fecal matter looked like. It was very oily and "fatty" which, as sick as it may sound, greatly encouraged me because I knew what was coming out of me was fat, fat, fat that needed to GO! I know, TMI! YUCK!
But I talk openly about this because I don't want anyone else to think they are sick or that something's wrong with them. If your poop is looking kinda like this or if you feel like you are having diarrhea every time you go, then GOOD! Flush that body out, baby, because you are livin' la vida low-carb now! When you lose 70 pounds in the first two months of your low-carb program like I did, guess where that weight loss comes from. Hmmm? Makes sense now, doesn't it?!
What about now that I've lost most of my weight and my body fat is considerably lower than it was when I weighed 410 pounds? My production in the bathroom is regular and clean for the most part. No more icky toilet visits for me because I'm not putting any junk in my mouth now like I did before. I'm just glad I stopped the crazy things I was doing to my body before it was too late.
Here's what Kent said at his blog about water intake:
"My suggestion is to look at water intake like a necessity similar to exercise. For some things you just need to get it over with and get on with life. Eventually, it won’t seem as bad as it might when you are first starting, and given the prospect of lower than optimal weight loss, why wouldn’t you drink it?"
Why indeed, Kent! THANKS again for educating people about the most vital elements of livin' la vida low-carb. Share your comment and feedback with Kent about his video by clicking here.
