Lowcarbdude.com

My low-carb and gluten-free almond cookies video just hit 10,000 views on YouTube!

2011-05-05T09:29:00.001-03:00

This is my one-and-only recipe video. It recently hit 10,000 views on YouTube, so I decided to post it again.

This is a recipe for almond cookies that are low-carb, sugar-free and gluten-free. Before you begin, pre-heat your oven to 300F. You'll need:

- 2 cups almond flour (i.e. ground almonds)
- 1/2 cup Splenda (or equivalent liquid Splenda)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 1/2 tsp salt (omit if you used salted butter)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pure almond extract

Combine all ingredients. Form dough into walnut-sized balls and place onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Press down lightly with fork. (Optional: You may also place an almond in the middle of the cookie.) Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes. Let cool and enjoy! 30 carbs for entire batch - less if you use liquid Splenda (i.e. Sweetzfree).

You can buy Sweetzfree here.

Original recipe credit: Low Carb Luxury (very slow server).

I messed up the ending a bit, but this took so long to do that I'll just chalk it up to experience and make sure the next video's ending isn't chopped off!

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb armadillo "eggs"

2011-04-03T23:23:00.000-03:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Sausage "potato" casserole

2011-03-29T05:00:00.000-03:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb fried cheese balls

2011-03-28T08:11:00.001-03:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb jicama chips

2011-03-16T05:00:00.000-03:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb pound cake and frosting

2011-03-15T05:00:00.000-03:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb chicken cordon bleu

2011-03-14T05:00:00.000-03:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb smothered hashbrowns

2011-03-13T16:52:00.000-03:00

How to grind your own nut flours

2011-02-25T18:35:00.001-04:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb chicken pot pie

2011-02-21T08:17:00.001-04:00

Low-carb and gluten-free strawberry icebox pie

2011-02-20T13:45:00.002-04:00

I first saw this recipe on one of my favourite television cooking shows: Cook's Country, a companion show to the excellent America's Test Kitchen. Both shows air on PBS. If you love to cook, you need to watch these shows! While not all recipes are suitable for low-carb, the tips and tricks are well worth the investment in time. There are also companion magazines that offer the recipes in print form: Cook's Illustrated (for the America's Test Kitchen show) and Cook's Country (for the Cook's Country show).

On a rerun episode last fall, Cook's Country featured a recipe for an strawberry icebox pie. It looked easy and fresh-tasting! Best of all, I immediately saw that it was very simple to convert this to sugar-free, low-carb and gluten-free by substituting the sugar for Splenda and replacing the traditional pie crust with one made with almond flour (can also substitute pecan meal).

There was also a topping recipe, but I didn't make it. I will include the low-carb'd version here, however, if you decide you'd like to try it.

First things first... the crust!

Crust:

- Pre-heat oven to 375
- 1.5 cups almond flour (pecan meal would work equally as well)
- 1 tsp cardamom (optional)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 4 tbsp sugar substitute (I used granular Splenda)

Combine ingredients for crust and press into the bottom of a pie plate. Bake for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and beginning to brown. Once the crust is done, you can turn off the oven because you won't be needing it again for this recipe.

STEP ONE: Cook the filling.

- 2 lb frozen strawberries

STEP TWO: Add the gelatin mixture.

- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp unflavoured gelatin (be sure to measure this)
- 1 cup sugar equivalent (I used liquid sucralose, but one cup of granular Splenda is perfectly fine here)
- Pinch of salt

STEP THREE: Stir in the fresh berries.

- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin

1. COOK FROZEN BERRIES: Cook frozen berries in large saucepan over medium-low heat until berries begin to release juice, about three minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until thick and jam-like, about 25 minutes. VERY IMPORTANT: You need two cups of this mixture -- no more, no less. If you have extra at the end of 25 minutes, put it aside and eat it as a snack later. After measuring out two cups of the cooked strawberry mixture, put it back into the pot after putting the extra mixture aside. You should now have exactly two cups of the mixture in the pot. Leave off the heat while you prepare the gelatin mixture.

2. ADD GELATIN: Combine lemon juice, water, and gelatin in small bowl. Let stand until gelatin is softened and mixture has thickened, about five minutes. Stir gelatin mixture, sugar substitute and salt into cooked berry mixture and return to simmer, about two minutes. Transfer to bowl and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

3. ADD FRESH BERRIES Fold fresh berries into filling. Spread evenly in pie shell and refrigerate until set, about four hours. (Filled pie can be refrigerated for 24 hours.)

OPTIONAL TOPPING:

- 4 oz. (by weight) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp sugar substitute (i.e. granulated or liquid Splenda)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream

With electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, sugar substitute and vanilla until smooth, about 30 seconds. With mixer running, add cream and whip until stiff peaks form, about two minutes. Serve pie with whipped cream topping.

Enjoy!

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb strawberry rhubarb crisp

2011-02-20T10:35:00.001-04:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb sweet and sour stir fry

2011-02-15T07:48:00.000-04:00

Note: Weekly weigh-in posts

2011-02-07T08:15:00.003-04:00

Future weigh-in results will only be posted at 10-lb milestones, i.e. -100, -110, -120, etc.

Why? I think the weekly weigh-in posts have run their course and I've grown tired of posting them, quite frankly.

People seem to enjoy the recipes and other similar posts. The weekly weigh-ins barely get any hits.

With that said, it's full steam ahead!

Look forward to another recipe this week for a no-bake strawberry icebox pie!

Recipe: Low-carb smoothie

2011-02-06T21:56:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to share my latest version of a low-carb smoothie with you. The instructions are pretty simple... throw it all in a blender and process until smooth! Makes one very large smoothie. Can be refrigerated. Just remember to shake or stir it after storing because it will thicken because of the chia seeds.

- 1.5 cups of unsweetened almond milk (flavoured or unflavoured -- just makes sure it's unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup Balkan or Greek-style full-fat yogurt (soft tofu may be subsituted if you're avoiding dairy)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup (heaping) of frozen sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup of frozen or fresh blueberries
- 1 scoop of unflavoured and unsweetened whey protein powder (make sure it's sweetened with sucralose if it's sweetened)
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1 tbsp ground chia seeds
- 1 tbsp greens drink powder (i.e. Greens Plus)
- 6-8 tsp equivalent of sugar substitute (I use 6-8 drops of Sweetzfree)
- 1 tsp of banana extract (optional, but highly recommended)

Enjoy! Feel free to experiment!

If I'm craving sweets or don't feel like making something elaborate, I'll make this smoothie. It's filling and satisfying!

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb stuffed mushrooms

2011-02-06T20:57:00.000-04:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb "Cinnabon" sweet rolls

2011-02-03T22:24:00.001-04:00

Week #189: Gained +2 lb for a total of -90 lb

2011-01-31T22:25:00.000-04:00

*Sigh* Annoying. That's all I'm going to say. I was a (reasonably) good boy this week. Nothing major out of line. I dunno.

But...

No excuses!

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb Swedish meatballs

2011-01-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

Gary Taubes' appearance on Canada's #1 radio show

2011-01-27T22:52:00.003-04:00

On Tuesday, January 25, science writer, journalist and author Gary Taubes appeared on CBC's Q, Canada's #1 radio program hosted by Jian Ghomeshi. Taubes has written two books debunking research that supposedly proved that low-fat/high-carb diets were the way to go:

Click here to listen to Taubes' interview on Q.

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb buffalo chicken dip

2011-01-27T12:12:00.002-04:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb biscuits and gravy

2011-01-27T12:01:00.002-04:00

Here's the video for the revolution rolls recipe:

Week #188: Lost -3.5 lb for a total of -92 lb

2011-01-24T13:25:00.004-04:00

Well, now, that's more like it! I was a good little boy this week and broke the holiday candy cycle I'd fallen into. I can certainly handle a nice -3.5 lb loss!

I'm planning out some low-carb recipe videos that I'll be putting online soon. If you have any suggestions for videos you'd like to see, let me know! As long as it's low carb, I'll consider it... even de-carbing a sugary recipe would be a nice challenge.

Remember... if I can do it, so can you! Have a great week and don't give up!

No excuses!

2011 Low-Carb Cruise to Jamaica

2011-01-22T22:42:00.002-04:00

The 4th Annual Low-Carb Cruise is May 1-6, 2011, leaving out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on the Carnival Freedom featuring special low-carb guest speakers Fred Hahn, Jackie Eberstein, Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt, Dr. Mary Vernon, Dana Carpender, Tom Naughton, Dr. Michael Fox and Jimmy Moore. Click here for more information.

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb teriyaki wings

2011-01-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

To my knowledge, Diet Coke with Splenda is not sold in Canada -- at least not where I live. The only diet cola with Splenda in Canada -- again, to my knowledge -- is Diet Rite. In my area, it's available at Sobeys.

Week #187: Gained +2.5 lb for a total of -88.5 lb

2011-01-17T13:14:00.003-04:00

Last Monday (January 10), I was interviewed on CBC Radio about my big weight-loss success in low-carb eating.

Today, however, I don't feel so successful. My post-holiday slump continued as I did not resist temptation on too many occasions. I might as well be honest because the scale doesn't lie: I cheated like a son-of-a-bit**. For the first time in a couple of years, I'm below the -90 lb mark. Shameful.

Some will say, "Don't be so hard on yourself." "Bah humbug!", I say! Why? Because I know better... and when you know better, you should be disgusted with yourself a bit. I've continued to dabble in the few sugary treats (damn you, licorice allsorts!) that started to sneak back in to my diet this holiday season. I thought I could handle it. I even said on CBC Radio that I could handle it.

I think this proves that I can't. I'm the type of person who can eat a bowl of frosting by putting a straw in it and sniffing it up through my nostril. Oh don't laugh... I probably could if I tried. I have a tremendously strong sweet tooth -- and to tempt fate like I've been doing over the holidays is to court disaster.

Today, I'm the heaviest I've been in years. I'm not happy. Yes, I've still lost a lot of weight, but I've been gaining because I haven't been eating completely low-carb. It works very very well for me when I do.

Don't assume by these gains that low-carb doesn't work. In fact, it's because I've slipped off the rails a bit that proves it DOES work. I lost weight effortlessly when I was on track... but these past few weeks have not been great.

Today, it stops. Right there. Period. No more dabbling. Nor more experimenting. I have a sweet tooth and tempting it with even the smallest bits of sugar is like poking a sleeping bear. Not a good idea!

Next week, there will be a loss. I am also planning to produce one recipe per week. The first one will be online soon.

If you've slipped off the rails a bit -- or a lot, pull yourself up by the bootstraps, look in the mirror and tell yourself to smarten up! Enough is enough. Christmas is over. It doesn't last until July. Period.

See you all next week with a nice loss.

No excuses.

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb cheesecake squares

2011-01-12T09:06:00.000-04:00

Week #184, #185, #186: Gained +3.5 lb for a total of -91 lb

2011-01-10T12:54:00.000-04:00

Gaining only 3.5 lb after Christmas is an OK result, considering my gains in past years. While I'm not thrilled, I'm sure being much more careful in the past week after New Year's has made a difference. My only fear -- strangely -- is that I didn't gain enough to scare the crap out of me and put me back on the post-holiday goodness trail.

Yeah, I know that sounds weird... but I seem to have gotten away with a lot to only have gained 3.5 lb.

With that said, however, it's time to hunker down and fly straight!

If you've fallen off the wagon a bit over the holidays, don't stay away from the scale for too long. KEEP WEIGHING YOURSELF or you may end up going months without doing so... and you know what that means... DISASTER.

No excuses!

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb red pepper soup

2011-01-08T21:30:00.001-04:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Best low-carb BBQ sauce

2011-01-03T14:24:00.000-04:00

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

I hope you're all enjoying a joyous, safe and healthy holiday season!

I'll be back with another weigh-in on January 10. In the meantime, I'll post any interesting videos and recipes that I come upon.

Make 2011 the year that low-carb eating changes your life!

Packing on the pounds? Blame refined carbs, not calories

2010-12-31T00:00:00.001-04:00

... argues Atkins and Gary Taubes, Author of Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It

DENVER, Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Atkins™ Nutritionals, Inc., supports the key premise of the new book Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It by Gary Taubes, namely that a diet overemphasizing refined carbohydrates has led to today's obesity epidemic. Taubes, an acclaimed science journalist and author of Good Calories, Bad Calories, reveals in his new work the bad nutritional science of the 20th century that stressed reduction in caloric intake as the basis for weight loss and ignored the role of insulin in regulating fat storage. Atkins couldn't agree more with his conclusions. Cutting back on added sugars and other refined carbohydrates, while controlling the quality and quantity of overall carbohydrate intake, enables fat to become your primary source of energy.

As Taubes states in his new book, "The point to keep in mind is that you don't lose fat because you cut calories, you lose fat because you cut out the foods that make you fat." For Taubes and Atkins, these foods are the ones filled with simple or refined carbohydrates. Why are refined carbs the villain? As outlined in the bestselling The New Atkins for a New You, doctors Eric Westman, Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek argue that the more refined carbs you consume, the more your insulin levels shoot up to remove the glucose in your blood and store it as fat. At the same time, insulin blocks the release of stored fat from your fat cells. As long as we turn glucose into fat and insulin keeps it there, we're doomed to being heavy. But by changing the balance of fats, carbs and protein in your diet, as you do on Atkins, you limit this insulin response and convert your body to primarily burning fat instead of carbs for energy.

Taubes' well-researched book reviews the more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific studies supporting low-carbohydrate diets for weight loss, weight and blood sugar management and heart health. Many of those studies on restricted carbohydrate intake, which have dramatically changed the research landscape within the past decade, were highlighted in The New Atkins for a New You. Among these are seven studies lasting from six months to two years, which usually compare the Atkins Diet™ to common low-fat, higher-carbohydrate weight-loss strategies. In each case, in terms of total weight loss, individuals on Atkins did at least as well as – and usually better than – those on other diets.

"We're delighted to see Gary Taubes advocating publicly the efficacy of a low-carbohydrate approach," said Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc., Vice President Nutrition and Education at Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. "Why We Get Fat clearly and succinctly outlines the misconceptions that come with the 'calories-in, calories-out' model of weight gain while supporting the crux of the Atkins lifestyle approach: managing the quantity and quality of carbohydrates consumed while reducing refined carbohydrate intake."

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., is a leading player in the $2.4-billion weight-control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and ongoing weight management. The Atkins Diet™, also known as the Atkins Nutritional Approach™, focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of sugar and other refined carbohydrates and encourages the consumption of adequate protein and good fats, along with high-fiber vegetables, fruits and other whole foods. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while moderating hunger and enhancing satisfaction and energy level.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars, shakes and other foods designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet. The four Atkins product lines, including Advantage®, Day Break™, Endulge™ and Cuisine™, appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.

CONTACT:

Andrea Davidoff
RFBinder for Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.
(212) 994-7617
Atkins@rfbinder.com

Atkins Diet Quick Hits: Is it possible to overeat on low-carb?

2010-12-30T10:52:00.001-04:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T00:00:00.002-04:00

Here's wishing all my blog readers and followers a very Merry Christmas!

Enjoy the holidays!

Week #183: Gained +2 lb for a total of -94.5 lb

2010-12-20T19:23:00.000-04:00

Well, the holiday parties caught up with me, finally. And I don't mind admitting that I wasn't 100% good, either. While I maintain my mantra of "No excuses!", I also have to be honest and admit a few more carbs than normal slipped in this week.

With Christmas around the corner, next week will definitely not be pretty. The new year, however, will begin with a bang and I aim to restart losing weight after a plateau that has lasted way too long.

No excuses!

Week #182: Stayed the same for a total of -96.5 lb

2010-12-13T14:52:00.003-04:00

I'm posting a photo of a four-leaf clover to reflect the luck I feel this week after attending a few Christmas-related functions and going out to supper quite a bit more often than I'm normally used to. Although I didn't overindulge too much, you just never know sometimes how things will affect you.

Now that the holidays are here, it's doubly important for everyone to keep a close eye on their carb intake. Although I don't expect anyone to be perfect during this time of year -- especially me -- it doesn't do anyone good to completely let go. So far, no one's been to explain how going bonkers on food during the holidays in any way pays homage to the "reason for the season".

With that said, be good and remember that there are a ton of low-carb recipes online so following the plan during this time of year is pretty easy if you just plan ahead! And we all know that planning ahead is key to success on any food plan.

No excuses!

Weeks #180 and #181: Lost -4.5 lb for a total of -96.5 lb

2010-12-06T21:56:00.004-04:00

Stress + Christmas = not having enough time to eat = losing weight. No, I don't recommend it, but it's a helluva lot better than gaining!

Last week, I completely forgot to weigh in on Monday morning. Have only done that a couple of times in three years.

Was happy to see a rather large loss this morning. Very relieved.

No excuses!

Atkins Diet recipes: Low-carb enchiladas and faux Spanish rice

2010-12-04T23:01:00.000-04:00

Atkins Diet recipes: Pumpkin pie bake

2010-11-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

Atkins Diet recipes: Low-carb slow cooked grilled ribs

2010-11-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers!

2010-11-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to wish all my American readers a very happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your day with family and friends and take a double helping of some good low-carb turkey!

5,000+ views on YouTube! Recipe: Low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free almond cookies

2010-11-24T20:56:00.001-04:00

My one and only (so far) recipe video just hit 5,000+ views on YouTube! Now that I'm geared up with a new camera, I should make more of these.

Atkins Diet recipes: Best Low-carb sausage stuffing

2010-11-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Atkins Diet recipes: Low-carb cranberry salad

2010-11-23T20:08:00.002-04:00

Week #179: Gained +3.5 lb for a total of -92 lb

2010-11-22T19:57:00.000-04:00

Ouch! That one hurt. Wasn't perfect, but 3.5 lb in one week is a harsh slap in the face. I did snack on some of those shelled nuts I mentioned last week, but certainly not every day -- I think only twice and in very limited amounts.

Well, I'll just have to hunker down, then, won't I!

Christmas is coming. Time to drop a few pounds because the week of Christmas is always a difficult time to lose weight.

And... this is post #500 for lowcarbdude.com! Woohoo!

No excuses!

Week #178: Lost -1.5 lb for a total of -95.5 lb

2010-11-15T19:53:00.001-04:00

Another good week at the scale! Geez... losing two weeks in a row! I'm spoiling myself. I was a bit surprised, but I'll take it!

Christmas is coming, which means all those shelled nuts are in the stores. Nothing I like better than cracking open a few walnuts and filberts while watching television. Unfortunately, you can chow down on a couple of thousand calories before you even notice. Definitely something I'll have to look out for in the coming week.

Let's see if we can get this to continue!

No excuses!

Week #177: Lost -4 lb for a total of -94 lb

2010-11-08T23:59:00.000-04:00

Wow! After last week's debacle, things turned better this week. I was very careful and it paid off.

No need to say more. Paying attention brings results.

I am pleased.

No excuses!

Week #176: Gained +3 lb for a total of -90 lb

2010-11-01T09:27:00.004-03:00

OK... who's the alien who's possessed me? I was so good for so long that I'm even confusing myself.

Did I become over-confident? I think so. So many things have started creeping back into my diet, especially sugar. My latest "thing" has been dark chocolate-covered almonds and ginger, as well as praline nuts. While a bit of dark chocolate is permitted on low-carb, I've been going overboard, especially after getting away with it for the past couple of weeks and still showing small losses. Praline nuts, however, are just wrong. Period.

For the first time in nearly 3.5 years, I ate an entire meal at a banquet I attended. Normally, I leave the potatoes, do not indulge in bread and never eat the dessert. This time, I ate the all potatoes, ate some flatbread (my reasoning: must be high in fibre), and -- for some inexplicable reason -- ate the entire dessert, something I haven't done in years.

I'm not sure if it's that one meal last Thursday that did me in, however I deserve every pound of today's gain. Oddly, I especially feel it in my face when I'm washing it in the shower in the morning. Weird, eh?

Back to basics today. It just needs to happen. I won't dip into the -80s. The weight is creeping back on. I've gained 10-15 lb more than I want to weigh right now... and I feel every pound of it. Ugh!

No exuses!

Week #175: Lost -0.5 lb for a total of -93 lb

2010-10-25T21:37:00.003-03:00

Another "Hallelujah!" week for me. Routine out the window. Stress, worry and everything else intertwined with that. However, I guess I forgot to eat a few times... didn't have time... was too distracted... and (I think) just eating less calories despite not being perfect did the trick.

My father is still hospitalized and that has resulted in a week of completely no routine. And, as I've written before, a lack of routine is no friend to someone watching what they eat! It's quite the risk!

I hope you all have a good week! This will be another routineless week and I can do is try my best.

With that said...

No excuses!

Week #174: Lost -1 lb for a total of -92.5 lb

2010-10-18T23:59:00.000-03:00

My father was hospitalized this week. He'll be fine, but it was stressful, to say the least. With that said, routine went out the window and my personal schedule was turned upside down.

Routine may sound boring to some, but it's definitely a friend of eating right. You can plan ahead and not get so tired and starving that you end up eating the first thing put in front you.

This week's stress ended up with a miraculous weight loss. I'm still not sure how it happened. I definitely pulled a surprise out of my hat!

Not sure what the next week will bring, but...

No excuses!

Week #173: Stayed the same for a total of -91.5 lb

2010-10-11T20:42:00.004-03:00

Well, I stayed the same this week. I haven't had a "stable" week in what seems like months. I'm glad I had Thanksgiving dinner today at my mother's because had I had it yesterday, the weight may not have stayed the same! *burp*

I made the low-carb pumpkin cheesecake recipe I posted last year. Everyone seemed to really like it!

I hope you all have a great week this week!

No excuses!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-11T10:52:00.001-03:00

It's Thanksgiving Day here in Canada! Happy Thanksgiving and may we all remember to count our blessings! For more information on Thanksgiving in Canada, click on the photo.

Atkins Diet recipes: Low-carb cheese crisps

2010-10-08T13:54:00.000-03:00

Atkins Diet recipes: Low-carb bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers

2010-10-05T05:00:00.001-03:00

Week #172: Gained +0.5 lb for a total of -91.5 lb

2010-10-04T23:59:00.001-03:00

Well, it's official. This is the biggest I've been in a couple of years. *Sigh* Although gaining or losing a half-pound in a week is usually no big deal, this week's gain put me over that threshold. Not a happy camper.

I've been experiencing "carb creep"... a common phenomenon where a low-carber starts allowing a few things through because they can usually get away with it. Unfortunately, this is the slippery slope. It's like a person who's stopped smoking allowing themselves maybe "just a few on the weekend"... until the next thing you know their mouth is stuffed with cigarettes and they have burn holes in their clothing.

This week is a crucial week. If I dip into the -80s, it's time to call in the cavalry.

Despite that, I remain motivated and determined.

No excuses.

Atkins Diet recipes: Best low-carb pizza

2010-10-02T17:00:00.002-03:00

The recipe for Jennifer Eloff's baking mix can be found here.

Week #171: Gained +1 lb for a total of -92 lb

2010-09-27T23:59:00.001-03:00

Another busy week with a complete lack of planning and an empty refrigerator. This, of course, led to eating out a lot. And this, of course, led to a weight gain.

This week will be better. Things are calming down a lot with much more predictable days.

No excuses.

Week #170: Gained +1.5 lb for a total of -93 lb

2010-09-20T23:59:00.001-03:00

Oyyyy... not good! Been so busy that I haven't forced myself to plan ahead. This meant lots of (more or less) low-carb takeout... way more than I usually get.

Hunker down!

No excuses!

Week #169: Lost -2.5 lb for a total of -94.5 lb

2010-09-13T17:34:00.002-03:00

Well, now we're talking! I was much more careful this week, although a moment or two slipped through the cracks.

Kept the nut consumption to a minimum. That seems to be the weakness, as I've written before. By the time you've gotten rid of the craving by having a few, you've consumed a good 1,000 or 2,000 calories since they are so high in calories. I don't count calories, but it's very easy to consume 2,000 calories worth of nuts in 10-15 minutes of munching.

Need to get back down to the -100 lb mark... and eventually start losing in earnest again.

No excuses!

Atkins diet misconceptions: Low-carb diets and gout

2010-09-11T20:39:00.000-03:00

Week #168: Gained +2 lb for a total of -92 lb

2010-09-06T23:59:00.000-03:00

Oh dear... I don't like this at all. Temptations are taking over. I'm +8 lb more than what I'm comfortable being and I feel every pound of it.

Will try to do better this week.

No excuses.

Week #167: Lost -1 lb for a total of -94 lb

2010-08-30T10:24:00.003-03:00

Last week's disaster rectified itself slightly this week. My good intentions were hijacked by meals out with friends and family, crazy busy days and a lack of prepared meals on hand to eat. Not the best combination, but I'm happy that I still managed to lose -1 lb. So that's pretty goood! I wasn't 100% good but managed to stay away from the Bulk Barn and A&W!

I hope you're all having a great week! For those getting ready to return to school and university, good luck and plan ahead to make it easier to follow your low-carb regime!

No excuses!

Atkins Diet recipes: Low-carb chicken kabobs

2010-08-24T05:00:00.001-03:00

Ingredients:
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 red peppers, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 oz bacon, chopped

Marinade:

3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp Splenda, optional
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Nutrition info: (6 servings) 304 calories, 12.5g fat, 6g carbs (1g fibre), 38g protein

Week #166: Gained +4 lb for a total of -93 lb

2010-08-23T23:59:00.003-03:00

It may seem counterintuitive or weird to be grateful for such a large gain.

Actually, it's a wake-up call. You see, over the past few weeks some high-carb snacks and treats have snuck their way in. At first, I would nibble just a bit and still lose weight. Then, I would take my chances and go further... and either still lose or stay the same. Then, I would push the envelope even further and only gain a pound.

Well, this week, as you can tell, I went overboard and posted a huge gain. I deserved it. There's no other way to describe it.

I know exactly what I did wrong. The high-carb treats that have found their way back into my routine are now banished. I just can't handle them. My sweet tooth is too strong. Yes, that means you, praline nut mix and coconut cashews at Bulk Barn. Yes, that means you, onion rings at A&W -- you damn delicious things.

So, buh-bye. I have work to do and you're not helping.

No exuses. You will definitely see a loss next week. This foolishness ends now.

Week #165: Gained +1.5 lb for a total of -97 lb

2010-08-16T08:01:00.005-03:00

Frankly, I was expecting more. I definitely experienced "carb creep" last week as a few sweet'ish sauces and dips entered the house. This is not good. Once it starts, there's no way to go but down. Yet, I feel the need to get this out of my system. We'll see what my tolerance level is with carbs.

Perhaps I'm bored with my food choices. Regardless, that's no excuse. There are tons of low-carb recipe message boards around where I can find any recipe I want, including perfectly good sugar-free substitutes for the above-named sauces and dips. Time to get online!

Have a great week, everyone!

No excuses!

Weeks #163 and #164: Lost -1 lb for a total of -98.5 lb

2010-08-09T07:26:00.004-03:00

I am pleasantly shocked at what I saw on the scales this morning. I missed last week's weigh-in because I forgot -- yes forgot. First time that's happened. Found myself fully dressed and eating breakfast by the time I remembered it was weigh-in day, so I decided to skip last week altogether.

I was absolutely expecting a huge gain this week, although looking back I wasn't any worse or better than usual. Needless to say, I was very happy to see a small loss.

*points to the sky* Thanks! :P

No excuses!

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Right! Part 10 (Episode 98)

2010-08-08T06:00:00.000-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Doggie-Styled! Part 9 (Episode 97)

2010-08-07T06:00:00.000-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Part 8 (Episode 96)

2010-08-06T06:00:00.000-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Part 7 (Episode 95)

2010-08-05T06:00:00.001-03:00

Atkins Diet Recipes: Bacon beef rolls

2010-08-04T06:00:00.000-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Part 6 (Episode 94)

2010-08-03T06:00:00.000-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Part 5 (Episode 94)

2010-08-02T06:00:00.000-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Part 4 (Episode 92)

2010-08-01T06:00:00.000-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Part 3 (Episode 91)

2010-07-31T08:00:00.002-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Part 2 (Episode 90)

2010-07-30T22:34:00.000-03:00

LLVLC On YouTube: Health Claims Gone Wild! Part 1 (Episode 89)

2010-07-27T22:39:00.001-03:00

Week #162: Gained +2.5 lb for a total of -97.5 lb

2010-07-26T09:18:00.003-03:00

This is what happens when you get cocky and over-confident. Made several stops at the bulk store for nuts. They are my weakness. Cashews, peanuts, etc. Just terrible. On weeks I stay away from them, I do well. This week, I obviously didn't stay away. Also indulged a bit too much in raspberries and cream. It's not the raspberries that were the problem... it was the cream.

The scale never lies. If you think you're fooling yourself by eating stuff you should stay away from, then think again. All this stuff catches up to you eventually!

Time to stop making excuses for reasons to indulge in that stuff if I can't control myself!

Will have a better week this week, as nuts are completely out!

Have a great week, everyone!

No excuses!

Atkins Diet Misconceptions: Special foods required?

2010-07-25T07:22:00.001-03:00

Week #161: Gained +1.5 lb for a total of -100 lb

2010-07-19T10:25:00.002-03:00

Can't complain about having two 50-lb bags of potatoes off my frame, but am still a bit surprised at the gain this week. It's so odd, eh -- how you can "get away" with eating certain things one week and losing... and eating the same thing the week after and gaining.

Am glad to be back at the 100+ mark for a couple of weeks in a row! Haven't seen that in several weeks.

I hope everyone is having a great summer!

No excuses!

Weeks #159 and #160: Lost -4.5 lb for a total of -101.5 lb

2010-07-12T07:47:00.000-03:00

I wasn't able to weigh in last week -- the first time in three years! Luckily, the low-carbing went well anyway and I had nice loss in the past 14 days, finally bringing me under the -100 lb mark for the first time in a long time.

Onwards and upwards... or downwards, I should say!

No excuses!

Atkins Diet Recipes: Low-carb buttery almond crème brûlée

2010-07-05T22:52:00.002-03:00

Atkins Diet product reviews: Shirataki "miracle" noodles

2010-06-30T05:00:00.002-03:00

Personally, I've had these before. I didn't smell anything fishy after they were rinsed. These were likely not the same brand -- I can't remember.

Be careful when you eat these. They are HIGH in fibre. And you know what happens when you eat a lot of fibre. KABOOM. Let's just say that I nearly had to burn down my house after that. LOL Haven't had them since.

Atkins Diet Misconceptions: Do ketogenic diets increase insulin resistance?

2010-06-29T05:00:00.000-03:00

Week #158: Lost -1 lb for a total of -97 lb

2010-06-28T09:32:00.002-03:00

Well, that was kind of a nice surprise. Was half expecting to gain or stay the same. It's nice when you lost when not entirely expecting it.

This is a short work week here in Canada due to Canada Day on Thursday. I also have Friday off, so it'll be a very nice four-day weekend!

No excuses!

Week #157: Gained +1.5 lb for a total of -96 lb

2010-06-21T20:49:00.000-03:00

I've been in a bit of a rut lately. Losing... gaining... losing... gaining.

Until I get my weigh-loss mojo back, I hope to remain stable in my weight. One of these days, I will kickstart the process again.

Until then, I'll keep trying! That's all I can do!

Hopefully a less crazy summer will bode well for more weight coming off.

No excuses!

Atkins Diet recipes: Low-carb roasted peppers

2010-06-17T17:11:00.000-03:00

Atkins Diet recipes: low-carb ice cream

2010-06-15T05:00:00.000-03:00

Week #156: Lost -2.5 lb for a total of -97.5 lb

2010-06-14T10:11:00.003-03:00

After last week's debacle of the four-pound weight gain, I didn't know what to expect this week. I'm still a bit shell-shocked from last week's surprise gain.

Hopefully, I'll hit the -100 lb mark again next week! This is getting ridiculous!

Until then... have a great week!

No excuses!

Week #155: Gained +4 lb for a total of -95 lb

2010-06-07T09:20:00.002-03:00

What the f***? Like, seriously! I have no bloody idea what the heck happened this week. I am shocked and distraught. I did nothing to merit this huge gain. Although I was not perfect -- never am -- I certainly did nothing anywhere near something that would cause this result.

I can only chalk it up to a fluke... one of those things... something that will correct itself next week.

I nearly cried this morning. I was actually expecting a loss. Seriously...

Whatever. Mother Nature: You and I need to have a chat. There may be yelling involved.

No excuses.

Week #154: Gained +1 lb for a total of -99 lb

2010-05-31T10:41:00.004-03:00

Oddly enough, I see this as a success after an incredibly stressful and busy week of both regular day job stuff, volunteer work and blogging. I wasn't very careful early in the week. I was too tired and busy to care, quite frankly. But I hopped back on later in the week and this one-pound gain is not so bad, all things considered. This week should be a very good week.

If I can do it, so can you!

No excuses!

Week #153: Lost -5.5 lb -100 lb

2010-05-24T08:00:00.003-03:00

After last week's "gainageddon" of +4 lb, I hunkered down this week and got serious. This was getting a bit out of hand!

I was very good this week and ate well. Except for some natural raw almonds, nuts were banned from the house. I'd gotten into a very bad habit of eating a lot of nuts lately. Yes, low-carb... but also high in calories.

This week, to give me a bit of a kick start, I started using a product called PGX Daily by Webber Naturals. From Webber's website: "PGX®, short for PolyGlycopleX®, is a proprietary blend of natural, water-soluble, polysaccharides (fibres) from konjac root, sodium alginate and xanthan gum. These highly absorbent and expansive fibres act synergistically in PGX to promote healthy blood sugar levels and support weight management. With its extreme gel-forming properties, PGX absorbs hundreds of times its weight in water, creating volume and viscosity three to five times greater than that of any single soluble fibre."

It certainly seemed to work for me. I had less cravings and I found that the product helped keep me full enough to not even want to eat. I will keep using the product for the time being to see how things go. So far, the results are very good! I don't normally use products like these, but I thought I'd give it a whirl for fun.

Until next time...

If I can do it, so can you!

No excuses!

Atkins Diet: Low Carb Conversion or how to get your old recipes back

2010-05-20T12:42:00.000-03:00

Week #152: Gained +4 lb for a total of -94.5 lb

2010-05-17T21:52:00.004-03:00

So yeah... Have you ever heard the term "shit the bed"... as when someone fails colossally. "He really shit the bed this week!"

Well, I really shit the bed this week.

I am dumbfounded at the huge gain. I know I wasn't perfect, but I can't remember the last time I've gained so much (non-Christmas) weight. I stood there staring at the scale in shock.

I suspect I'll have a large loss next week. This has got to be a water-retention fluke or some other digestion issue.

I'll be eating lettuce and egg whites all week. Sheesh!

Anyway... just sayin'... it was one of those jaw-droppers at the scale.

No excuses.

Week #151: Lost -1 lb for a total of -98.5 lb

2010-05-10T20:22:00.003-03:00

Thanks, kiddo!

I actually thought I'd stay the same this week but managed to lose -1 lb, which was a nice surprise. Had a reasonably good week with nothing out of the ordinary going on.

Can't stay to chat. I have some work to do!

If I can do it, so can you!

No excuses!

Atkins diet recipes: More low-carb buffalo wings

2010-05-04T16:02:00.002-03:00

From the description of Kent's YouTube video:

Awesome buffalo sauce (makes eight or more servings):

3 tbs butter
1/2 cup Frank's Hot Sauce (or other wings hot sauce)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp hot sauce (tabasco or Cholula)
1 tsp Splenda or stevia, granulated or liquid equivalent (optional)

Combine and heat.

Garlic parmesan wings sauce:

1 cup butter
1-2 cloves garlic
1 tsp onion salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1/3 cup mayonnaise

Combine and heat. Stir until smooth.

Week #150: Gained +2 lb for a total of -97.5 lb

2010-05-03T12:54:00.005-03:00

After a great week last week, the progress was reversed as two of those blasted pounds came back to roost. Maybe they were lonely? Well tough. I don't want you around any more, so go bug someone else! Ha!

I know what I did wrong. You know when you're tired and eat out at lunch instead of eating the nice lunch your brought to work with you but can't be bothered to eat? Doesn't make a lot of sense... but sometimes I just don't feel like eating what I brought to work no matter how healthy it is!

It's definitely time to get back to simplifying what I eat. A nice vegetable side dish and some fish... or chicken... or beef... or some other protein. Sometimes I overly complicate my menus and get bored eating the same thing all the time. And yes, even complicated menus can get boring.

I think I need to simplify a bit and stop overly complicating every food decision.

Wish me luck!

If I can do it, so can you!

No excuses!

How to make a homemade low-carb protein bar

2010-05-02T13:41:00.002-03:00

Protein bars are great snacks! I haven't tried this particular recipe yet but certainly will be!

Week #149: Lost -2.5 lb for a total of -99.5 lb

2010-04-26T21:54:00.002-03:00

Well, Hallelujah! I haven't lost weight in so long that I was beginning to forget what it felt like! I had a very good week and stuck to plan. Overate a bit on Saturday with friends at a Chinese buffet, but was perfectly good otherwise.

I made some amazingly delicious faux mac-and-cheese. The recipe is by low-carb chef extraordinaire George Stella. If you haven't tried it, you should. It's crazy good and very filling! I will try and find a few minutes to post it this week. (Haven't been great at posting recipes, though, eh?)

Anyway, it is what it is... and I'm happy with the past week!

If I can do it, so can you!

No excuses!

LLVLC On YouTube: Is The KFC 'Double Down' Sandwich Good On A Low-Carb Diet? (Episode 88)

2010-04-24T07:10:00.001-03:00