This blog has moved!

Hey everyone! I've finally got the new blog done enough that I can start using it. So from here on out everything will be at the new address:

http://www.healthylowcarbliving.com

Please come visit me and update your bookmarks and links!

Never judge a study by it's headline

Here's my thoughts on the recent study and headlines concerning moods and low-carb diets.


Low-carb diets and moods: what the headlines aren't telling you

Would love to hear your thoughts on this, so please leave your comments here or on examiner.

Does the Diet You Choose Affect Your Mood? - ABC News

I was interviewed yesterday by ABC News for this article. Be sure to read all three pages. I have my personal thoughts on this coming soon, but wanted to share this with you first. Enjoy!

Does the Diet You Choose Affect Your Mood? - ABC News

Gluten Free Diets and MS

A good friend of mine, Lucinda Gunnin, has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for many years now. She recently tried a gluten free diet and is experiencing some great results.

You know how you feel if you step on something while swimming? When it hurts, but the pain isn't as sharp of immediate as it should be? That's sort of how my right leg has felt for most of eight years.

So, when I walked out to the mailbox this morning and felt some soreness in the ball of my foot, I was dang near ecstatic. Whether its coincidental, anecdotal or just plain weird luck, I feel amazingly more health since getting gluten out of my regular diet.

I recommend reading the rest of her article: Treating Multiple Sclerosis with a Gluten-Free Diet

MS is a difficult disease to live with and finding any method to improve quality of life is a blessing. I know many of my readers follow a gluten free and low-carb diet. I know you understand the difficulty of finding food products free of ingredients you don't want. If you have any tips, suggestions or just want to offer her a word of encouragement, please do leave a comment on her article. If you want to learn more about MS and the gluten free diet, I recommend you subscribe to her column. I believe you'll learn a lot in the coming months as she shares her experience and journey with us.

Wellsphere Health Blogger Awards

Wellsphere is having it's annual Health Blogger Award contest and once again my name is in the hat. If this blog has helped or inspired you in anyway, please take a moment to vote for me. If I've given you a chuckle, made you think, or kept you from buying something awful (or lead you to something awesome), please take a moment to vote for me. If I've been no help you at all, then I don't deserve the award so don't worry about it. :)

Just click the graphic below or to the side to vote. ----------------->

THANKS!!!

Moving soon!

Hey everyone! I'm working on moving the blog over to the new address today. Blogger is making me crazy so I'm tired of messing with it. I will let you know as soon as it's moved. We will also have a whole new look soon, so can't wait to share that as well!

Have a safe low-carb Halloween!

Books For Treats

I'd like to direct your attention to my latest article. This one talks about a cool and healthy idea for those little trick-or-treaters that visit you each year.

Books For Treats: give brain candy this year

Hope you enjoy!

Links and Updates

(Cool photo by elessar x)

Hey everyone!

It's a nasty, bleak, rainy day here in Illinois. I'd really still love to be in bed right now, but knowing me I'd toss and turn and think about all the stuff I should be getting done. So here I am working on some projects at the computer. Part of my daily routine is to read my favorite comics (and I have loads of them so it takes a few minutes) and catch up on my favorite blogs. I've found several interesting links lately I'd like to share.

First, an awesome post by one of my favorite bloggers - Tom Naughton. In his Fat Head blog, he gives us an idea of what life would be like if mechanics were nutritionists and nutritionists were mechanics. It's a hilarious, but true-to-life read that really helps drive the point home about how messed up some "health experts" are in their thinking. Check it out. And if you don't subscribe to his blog, you really should.

What If Mechanics and Nutritionists Switched Jobs


For those who do not know, my friend Dana Carpender started writing for CarbSmart early this year. Her weekly column is full of fun, advice and information. I especially like her column from last week about Halloween and traditions. Make sure you check it out, along with all her other great articles.

Have A Low Carb Halloween


And speaking of Halloween, I'll repost my examiner column link from last year when I wrote about non-sugar treat ideas.

The best Halloween treats for little goblins


Another friend, Laura Dolson, is looking for low-carb stories to share on about.com. If you'd like to tell your story - whether it be about weight loss, health benefits, or blood sugar control - be sure to check out her page here.


Now for an update: The scale dropped again this morning. That's now a total of 12.6 lbs gone since starting the Eades 6 Week Cure. I'm doing it a bit different than written, but Dr. Eades did say it was ok to stay on any of the week you like for as long as you like. I rotate between weeks 1-2 and weeks 3-4. So I have a shake week day or a meat week day, depending on what I feel like doing. I know I owe you all a review on the book, so I'll try to get that up asap.

Have a great low-carb day and I'll try to be back later with more interesting news. :)

New blog and website under way!

I have officially switched hosting and am working on the new blog and website now. If you try to visit www.healthylowcarbliving.com you'll get an "under construction" message, but I plan to have it all up and running again in a few short days. I'll keep this blog going until the new one is ready to go and I'll try to transfer all the content over as well.

I'll let you know as soon as it's all working! :)

Is it Friday yet?

I know it's only Tuesday, but it feels like it should be Friday. It's already been a long week.

So, just an update.

Weight is staying the same, but had a couple of bad days, so that's really pretty amazing considering I didn't do so well. I'm back on track now and just plugging away each ounce at at time.

I have a couple of reviews I'm ready to do. The new Atkins bake mix and a new bathroom scale from EatSmart. Lots to tell you on these so will hopefully have them up soon. Kids have a thing to go to this afternoon though, so not sure if it will happen today.

I purchased new hosting and domain transfer yesterday for my website - Healthy Low-Carb Living. As soon as that is all up and running, this blog will move there using WordPress. I'll be sure to let you know once it is all working correctly. I'm also working on a new design for all of it, so I'm excited about that.

On the photography front, I finished and sent in another unit. I have 3 more to go and my goal is to have them finished by the new year. This is another reason I'm having to push daily blogging aside a bit. I gotta get this schooling finished pronto.

On a different note, I'm really looking forward to the low-carb cruise in March. I hope many of you are able to go so I can meet you in person. :) It's going to be a great time!

Okay, gotta get them kids ready for their shindig. Lay-tah!

Would you please vote for me?

Hey gang! I just applied for a short-term blogging job and I need your vote to make it to the final round. This gig will allow me to do what I love, blogging, and pay some of those pesky bills that refuse to go away. ;) And don't worry, it won't take away from my blogging here. :)

I have to make it into the top 250 in order to be considered. I will be eternally grateful if you would vote for me every day up to October 30th. And please ask your friends and family to vote as well! This would be a tremendous help to my family and I and we will love you forever! *muwah!*


Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

It's Wednesday...

And I am way behind on posting here.

You'll be proud of me though... at least I hope you will. I took several days off to just concentrate on taking care of myself. Yes - I spent time walking on my treadmill, working on menu plans and getting some R&R that was badly needed. I've gotten a second wind and I'm excited about moving forward with some ideas I have. Most of them include this blog and my website.

I am working on getting some things set up, so be looking for some changes to the blog soon.

On the weight loss front - weight is standing still right now. But the good news is that I've passed a set point that I was stuck at. I'm now stuck at a new lower number. :) I expect it to all move soon and I'm happy with the way I'm eating.

Ok, gotta run. Have a full day. Have a great low-carb day and I'll be back later with some cool stuff I've found recently. :)

Atkins Recipe and a Contest

Hey everyone! Just a quick post to tell you about my latest on Examiner. I gave a quick review of the new Atkins penne pasta and a yummy recipe. Just keep in mind that the penne is really suited to someone on maintenance. But it does taste great and if you are wanting the occasional pasta treat, this will work nicely.

Atkins Chicken over Penne

I also wanted to let you know that Atkins is having a great contest right now. If you like coming up with recipes then this contest is for you. Looks like lots of great prizes.

Atkins Recipe Contest

Hope you win! :)

It Be That Time Again

Swanky photo by Strangeguy @ sxc.hu

We`ve waited fer 't all voyage long. Today be Sept. 19th! That means 't be me favorite holiday - Talk Like A Pirate Day!

For ye landlubbers that be new t' this distinguished tradition, two scallywags decided that talkin' like a gentleman o' fortune be fun an' ortin' ta be havin' 'tis own holiday. Arr!!! I wholeheartedly agree! Mr. Dave Barry (aye, THAT Dave Barry) helped th' fella`s get `er goin' from thar.

So how do ye take part in such a classy celebration involvin' grunts n` growls n` other such fantastical noises, th' likes ye`ve nereheard before? First, ye needs a name!

Me name for this year be:

Cap'n Jean Mauvebeard

And don't ye be forgettin' it!

To find yer sea dog name, ye can use th' fancy name generator machine. Just click here.

Then, If ye new swabbies canna figure ou' seafarin' hearty language, ye can always use the pirate translator.

Now, go ou' an' don yer eye patch, peg leg an' smelly parrot. Show th' world ye`re proud t' be a gentleman o' fortune! (Or a lunatic. But I prefer th' former.)

The Cure Update

My yummy orange sherbert protein shake.
Hey everyone! I'm giving you a quick update on my progress with Drs. Mike and Mary Dan Eades new program The 6-Week Cure for the Middle-Aged Middle(I still plan to review the book, but that will have to wait for a bit longer.)

So far I am very pleased. I'm half way through day 3. This first couple of weeks consists of lc meals and shakes. There is obviously much more to it than this, but I don't want to give too much away. That's why you buy the book. :)

So far I've had a 3 different flavors of shakes. Regular Chocolate, Turtle Sundae and Orange Sherbet. Orange has one hands down at this point. But I'm going shopping today for more ingredients so I can try other flavors as well.

The exciting news? I'm really starting to feel the energy pick-me-up AND I've lost 4.2 lbs in 2 days. Not too shabby at all. And it hasn't been hard to stick to. It's actually been just what I needed - simple and planned out. My brain is on overload most of the time anymore and not having to analyze every stinking meal has been like Heaven.

So, will keep you updated on this. Also will get that review soon. Not quite finished with the book yet, but should be shortly.

Update

Hey gang. I'm working on several things at the moment for this blog that I think you'll enjoy. For now I'll just have to give you an update on some things, at least until I have these other posts ready.

Blogging: I have some product reviews in the works - complete with a few recipes. I can't wait to share some of the yummy stuff I've tried! I'm also in the process of reading Dr. Eades The 6 Week Cure for the Middle Aged Middle. So far it's been a stellar book and I'll be sharing my thoughts on it soon. I'm also going to try out the diet plan they use, so will try to update on that progress when I can.

Photography: For those that are interested, there has been a lot going on with me in this area. I was recently accepted as a participating photographer for Think Pink Photography. I find it a huge privileged to be listed among some of the most amazing photographers in the business. Think Pink is a completely volunteer network of photographers who donate their time and talent to photographing breast cancer patients and survivors. Some of the stories these photos tell are simply awe inspiring. And if non-cancer patients book a session and tell us they found us on Think Pink, we donate a portion of that session to the Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation.
On a similar note, I'm also participating in the one day event called Images for a Cure, in which all session fees for Oct. 11th, 2009 (in my case Oct. 10th) are donated to breast cancer research.
My photography schooling is quickly coming to a close. I should hopefully be finished by Jan. of 2010! :)

Ok, gotta run, but will be back very soon with some great stuff for you!

Coming Soon!!!

Actual blog posts! Yes, you heard that right. Real posts! But these won't be your ordinary run-of-the-mill posts. We are talking reviews, recipes, sarcasm, science and more! Stay tuned - I'll be back just as soon as I find my head and get this straight jacket off...

Sharing another pasta recipe

Hey gang. It's still a little crazy here, but getting better. Either that or my mind is so far gone I no longer notice the lunacy of my household. :)

Sharing a recipe today from Dreamfields pasta. If you aren't a fan of Dreamfields, then go check it out anyway and use the sauce recipe. ;)

Classic Tomato Sauce with Linguine

Unexpected Inspiration

This video isn't exactly lc related - but sure says a whole lot about life, working towards goals, and in the end, what's most important.

Atlanta based photographer Zach Arias made this video for Scott Kelby's website. For those who aren't familiar with photography circles, Scott in an amazing teacher and photographer. And in all honestly, so is Zach.

The reason I felt so compelled to share this video is because I know we ALL go through these phases - whether it be photography, writing, weight loss... or just getting through each day. This video has single-handedly brought some sanity back into my life. It's helped me see so much. I hope it's as helpful for you.

Probiotics

Source
Dr. Briffa's latest blog post about probiotics is very interesting. As someone who takes probiotics daily, I especially found it interesting that they may help prevent common illnesses, such as cold or flu, in children. I've been giving my kids probiotics as well and now that I think about it, we have had less of the sickies around here than we usually do. Of course the true test may come when winter sets in and everyone we come in contact with is hacking and sniffling.

For those who aren't familiar with probiotics, here's the definition from Wikipedia:

Probiotics are dietary supplements of live microorganisms thought to be healthy for the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host". Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics; but also certain yeasts and bacilli are available.

At first, probiotics were thought to beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance, thus inhibiting pathogens and toxin producing bacteria. Today specific health effects are being investigated and documented including alleviation of chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases, prevention and treatment of pathogen-induced diarrhea, urogenital infections, and atopic diseases.

I buy my probiotics from GNC and, if I remember correctly, they contain around 14 million live bacteria. (Do they pay someone to sit in a lab and look at these with a micrscope, while they count 14 million of these little suckers???)

For those of you who eat store bought yogurt, (watch those carbs!) Activa has probiotics in it as well, but I'm told it's not as effective as taking the supplements.