Dietary Ketosis-Measure Guide with Keto Strips

Some people will depend on keto strip to see if they are in dietary ketosis. I will often use keto strips as a guide to confirm I am expelling excess ketones and my body is in the fat burning mode, also so many other signs with out using the strips to tell you are in dietary ketosis which most can tell by keto breath, thirst(I like to add electrolytes and Apple Cider Vinegar(raw ACV) in my water), lack of hunger, and more energy.

Being in Dietary Ketosis means that your body's primary source of energy is fat (in the form of ketones). When you consume adequate protein as well, there's no need for the body to break down its muscle tissue. Ketosis also tends to accelerate fat loss --- once the liver converts fat to ketones, it can't be converted back to fat, and so is excreted. 

Ketones will spill into the urine ONLY when there is more in the blood than is being used as fuel by the body at that particular moment.

You may have exercised or worked a few hours previously, so your muscles would have used up the ketones as fuel, thus there will be no excess. You may have had a lot of liquids to drink, so the urine is more diluted. Perhaps the strips are not fresh, or the lid was not on tight and some moisture from the atmosphere got in.

Some low carbers never show above trace or negative even ..yet, they burn fat and lose weight just fine. If you're losing weight and your clothes are getting looser, you're feeling well and not hungry all the time .. then you are successfully in ketosis. The main thing is don't get hung up buying keto strips, they are just a guide, nothing more, but in the beginning, for some, like me, it motivates me to stay clean eating and focus on the goals, which is good health and optimal weight loss and maintenance.

Removing toxins with Milk Thistle- Real Weight Loss

The low carb lifestyle has proven to me over and over that I can live a healthy life if I stick with the lifestyle to works me for...I am a fat burner, and I can do this, thank you for motivating and supporting me..I love to share my journey and love to learn new things...here's to a wonderful and successful healthy 2016! yes, I EAT FAT TO BURN FAT...my brain cannot survive on sugar, wheat, and GMO food..clean eating people, no matter what it cost, I always save to be able to eat clean, and watch out for hidden sugars, read label, but don't live in a fish bowl, you can enjoy eating out, just be a mindful eater..plus...eating slow, drinking plenty of filtered water and apple cider vinegar water and coconut oil and oil pulling...oil pulling is amazing...more and more videos coming soon, I have a new product review that is amazing and exciting for me to share...:)

 Please consult with your health care provider before starting any supplements as it may interfere with your total health.

 Liver detoxification supports steady weight control 
Milk Thistle(Silymarin) enhances liver function through its ability to prevent toxin-induced damage and by stimulating the growth of new liver cells to replace old, damaged cells, without stimulating malignant tissue (tumors). Silymarin has been shown to stimulate the production of Glutathione by over 35%. Increased glutathione levels raise the liver’s ability to handle a wide range of hormones, drugs and chemicals. One human placebo controlled study has demonstrated the effectiveness of Milk Thistle in protecting the liver from toxins such as solvents, paints, and glues. The study showed the decrease in certain harmful liver enzymes and bilirubin in the group that took Milk Thistle, while there was no improvement in placebo group. Milk Thistle does not cleanse the liver, but it increases the production of bile, which helps to reduce fatty deposits in the liver, aiding detoxification and weight control. Taken for a couple of months, Milk Thistle will improve fat metabolism in the liver. This will also stimulate weight loss.

Milk Thistle is also a bitter herb that assists the digestion of fats. It helps digestive discomforts caused by overeating, such as nausea and indigestion. It is one of the most popular remedies sold in health food shops during Christmas. Everyone who drinks alcohol, take recreational drugs, indulge in fatty foods and taking medicines such as painkillers on a regular basis, should take Milk Thistle. It is a wonderful anti-hangover remedy too. Taken before and after drinking, Milk Thistle helps to alleviate hangover symptoms and helps to detoxify the liver.

PMS. 

 The liver breaks down excess hormones such as estrogen, but sometimes it is not degrading estrogen properly, which causes or increases hormonal imbalance. In addition, period can be heavy because the liver does not detoxify the bloodstream properly, leading to accumulation of toxins. This also results in outbreaks of acne in females. Healthy liver function may contribute to a better hormone balance, thus helping to alleviate PMS symptoms and clear the skin in cases on hormonal acne. Taking milk thistle prior to period can help to lighten it and reduce the discomfort.

Skin.
 Liver cleanses the bloodstream and encourages good bowel function through the production of bile. Maintaining these processes is of prime importance for a good skin condition, free of acne, eczema and psoriasis. Silymarin reduces excessive proliferation of skin cells, reduces inflammation and significantly improves liver function, which is often impaired in psoriasis sufferers.

My next topic will be on Turmeric, another one of those super mega supplements that supports my total health.

I am Iron-Woman

Ever see that commercial  for Geritol, you know, the one with the old folks, the silver hair, the slow dance, the no energy people and next thing you know, they pop a special formulated vitamin, and wow...they are up and at it with more energy then ever....well, because Geritol is load with Iron.  Not everyone who is tired, middle age, post menopause who are tired and low energy are low on Iron.



 I found out recently that my iron level are elevated and that more testing will be done to verify if I have Hemochromatosis. I am pretty sure I do, only because about 12 years ago, a doctor who I was seeing to prepare me for a hysterectomy told me I have more blood then most women, I am guessing I have more red blood cells then the norm, but he really left it at that. I have always had problems with heavy bleeding over my lovely, wonderful, pleasant years of my monthly aunt flo visit...she always came with enough luggage, (if you know what I mean). This probably is why I never had a problem with too much iron in my blood, because over those several long, painful, yucky year, I've seem to eliminate enough blood to even out my iron levels, and I was never anemic, nor tired.

 Here is a good article on iron, the good and the bad of Iron, written by Berkly Wellness "People with hemochromatosis, in particular, should avoid excess iron. This hereditary disorder, which affects more than one million Americans (mostly of northern European descent), causes over absorption and storage of iron. Left untreated, this leads to weakness, headaches, darkening of skin, sexual dysfunction, joint pain and eventually diabetes, arthritis, liver disease and/or heart failure." you can read more here:http://www.berkeleywellness.com/supplements/minerals/article/good-and-bad-iron



 Right now, I am to limit my intake on red meat, no vitamins with iron, no cooking in iron skillets, and check back in a month for follow up, I have not been told from previous blood tests that my iron levels were elevated, so now I will hope that I can get the levels down naturally, and start to see if my arthritis can get under control, and more energy...high iron can cause a lot of health problems, especially with the heart and cancers..because the red blood cells are rich, and more inviting for infections and inflammation. Iron is also stored in the liver, spleen and bone marrow, so it is also important to have a healthy liver, I can continue to take milk thistle, and liver cleanse with diatomaceous earth drinks and apple cider vinegar tonic drinks.

Below is a video I made where I talk a little bit about bloodletting, and what procedures, if any, may need to be done if I can't get my iron levels down.

Living Grain Free - Coconut and Almond Flour Biscuits

I've been trying to find a grain free biscuit recipe that has all the goodness of fiber, protein and low carb. I wanted to find away to use coconut flour and almond flour and coconut oil and came up with this recipe that I think is a winner in my family. I don't miss grain much anymore, but if I did decide to eat the bun on my burger, I would usually end up with joint pain and feeling of dry skin and bloating. Giving up grains was not that hard to do since I know it does effect my health and for some reason having an auto immune inflammatory disease is a great reminder to stay away from wheat or other grains, thanks to Wheat Belly written by William Davis MD, I have learned so much and am still learning about all the more reason why a change in what we eat can make a huge difference in how we feel. Here is my recipes that can be modified in many ways.


MY CATS EAT GRAIN-FREE CAT FOOD TOO!! I've gone grain free, gluten free and experimenting with many recipes using almond flour and coconut flour The wheat and grains today are so over processed and causes so many flareup with my arthritis, and finding an alternative nut flour is the most amazing feeling of happiness..I don't worry about fats, too many calories, or heating almond flour..I do not eat biscuits often, but its is a treat on a Sunday morning, eating a grain-free biscuit, drinking my coffee with coconut oil and heavy whipping cream, poached egg and bacon. Blanched Almond Flour is the best almond meal you can find on the market. Made from skinless California almonds with no additives or fillers, this nut flour is milled to a very fine consistency that produces amazing results especially for low carb baking! What's the difference between Blanched Almond Flour and Natural Almond Flour? Natural Almond flour has the skins on it..that's all...more nuttier flavor. I use the blanched almond flour in this recipe. Shelf-Life: Stores for 6 to 9 months. Almond flour may also be refrigerated or frozen for storage purposes. But if you are going to do alot of baking with almond flour, in my opinion it is best to make fresh batches of biscuits each time 

I use 6 egg white to make the biscuit fluffy and they will be dense, but the texture is awesome to spread butter, or cheese or even sugar free jam..is it easy to make your own fresh, no artificial sweeten jams
RECIPE:
6 eggs whites -hormone free, cage free hen eggs are the best!!!
 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
 1/4 cup coconut flour
 1 teaspoon baking powder
 1/4 teaspoon salt(sea salt)
 1 tablespoons coconut oil, make sure it is hard, not melted
 3 tablespoon of cold butter cut in cubes
***chill the mixture in the frig for about 15 minutes
 Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
 In a medium bowl whisk egg whites until they form peaks.
 Fold the egg whites into the chilled flour mixture
mix gently well drop the biscuit dough onto the parchment paper, flatten 3/4 inch with fork or by hand

*One trick I found is to make sure the butter and coconut oil stay cold, and work fast to get the dough incorporated
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown, brush with coconut oil to get a crispy crust.

For a sweet treat, add cinnamon and sprinkle stevia or truvia
The almond flour is rich in protein, coconut flour is high in dietary fiber and protein, and is gluten-free. It has more fiber than gluten-based grains

 My personal choices to purchase these product from: where to buy good quality coconut flour
TROPICAL TRADITIONS-http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/organic_coconut_flour.htm 
good qualityVirgin Coconut Oil-http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm

Where to buy almond flour-you want to buy the almond flour that is super fine, for this recipe, the natural almond flour has the skins left on are great for making crunchy topping or sprinkle over yogurt. HONEYVILLE-http://shop.honeyville.com/blanched-almond-flour.html?gclid=CPnZh-Wq_bwCFdBcMgodoDkATw 

DIGESTIVEWELLNESS-https://www.digestivewellness.com/itempage-1025-24-11-1560.html

 ♥Read My Blog-Controlling The Carb Monsterhttp://controllingthecarbmonster.blogspot.com SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL(S)
 ♥Controlling The Carb Monster http://youtube.com/Bonnie90505 
 ♥Feeling Fabulous at Any Agehttp://youtube.com/BonnieKay1958 
 ♥Follow me on Twitter- http://twitter.com/Bonnie90505 
 ♥Like My Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Controlling-The-Carb-Monster/320381348083901 
 ♥I'm a stylehaul partner check out StyleHaul http://youtube.com/stylehaul 
 Music By: Jason Shaw @ http://www.audionautix.com
Song-MediumRock

Creating New Fat Cells for Toxin Storage

You know what? I spend more time researching on the internet and reading to all hours of the night about how little I knew about the human body and how little was told to me about the truth.

How come, please hear me out, how come cancer is still around, how come there are more children born with ADD and ADHD and how come heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are so common in younger adults...what happen? Why are there more unhealthy people then there are healthy people, why is it that you have to go out of your way to take control of your own health, and not trust everything you hear.

..I am sorry, but if I had not stayed up late at night, and watch so many controversial documentaries, I would of never known about how wheat, and refined carbohydrates where some of the many toxins I have been ingesting in the past 20 years when the boom of the 1980's preservatives hit the market, how going sugar free and replacing that cane sugar with chemicals manufactured in a lab but was approved by our governments, and how good food tasted when you just add a little MSG to it, gosh, and let's not forget how great it was to suffer from those headaches, because you were eating low calorie, low fat , because fat was the cause of obesity in the 80's....well....I didn't have to give up much fat, because I never "craved" fat, I craved that bread, that wheat belly bread, and thinking wheat was the safe and better bread to eat....Have you ever experienced headaches or other general ill feelings when you've gone on a diet? This is typical and is a result of previously stored toxins being released into the body again as you burn or release fat. You are, in essence, unsealing the toxins and flushing them out. This is one of the primary reasons it’s critical to drink plenty of water when you’re losing fat. 

I try my best to minimize foods that contain toxins such as preservatives, pesticides, antibiotics, and heavy metals (such as the mercury increasingly found in some species of fish). Your body will protect itself by holding onto fat to lock the toxins away. I also am very much aware of acetaminophen and prescription medications I take for my psoriatic arthritis due to chronic joint pain at time, but being able to eliminate pesticides and preservatives have made a big difference in how I feel and my ability to focus on my weight loss journey and fitness health.

Much of our produce today has been sprayed with pesticides to reduce crop loss to bugs and other chemicals have been proven to leak into crops through water drainage that gets into the soil during the growing season. There can also be toxins introduced to food sources while they are being harvested, sorted and packed for shipment to your grocery store.

Of course, you are already aware that many water sources contain toxins today as well. Even bottled water may include toxins! Many preservatives used to extend the shelf life of packaged foods are toxic to the body in large quantities. This is one of many good reason to eliminate process foods from your diet, trying to eat clean and shop on the outer sides of the grocery store.

Since toxins are not natural particles or food sources that the body is familiar with, your organs can quickly become overwhelmed by all of these toxins. When this happens, you will start to store much of the toxic matter in your fat cells. In fact, you may actually create completely new fat cells just for the storage of these toxins.

So, my theory about why I am holding on to fat is more about my body having toxins and this is a reaction, to protect my organs, silly thing, but being fat is a reaction our body has created, more like armor. My weight loss is slow, but taking Milk Thistle supplements  http://milkthistle.com/ is doing it's job to help the liver neutralized toxins along with coconut oil and low carb clean eating, meat without hormones and antibiotics, eggs-cage-free, hormone free, no antibiotics. I am on my way to getting those stored toxins out of my fat cell and begin the healthy benefits of losing weight and gaining knowledge. Remember, if haven't yet, please read labels, find out where your fruits and vegetables are grown, and clean eating meats, no antibiotic and hormones, this is why meat gets a bad rap, you are eating chemicals from meats...chicken is very easy to find and a good price---beef might be pricey, but good benefits from grass fed beef. I have yet been able to purchase grass fed butter, but if I can that is one my list...it's not expensive to eat clean, it just takes time to prepare, most produce does not have a shelf life..which is good..if you have something that last longer than a week, then it might have some preservative...gluten is that tasty evil sticky guy that loves to reek havoc on your gut and internal organ.

                                                           

"For decades we've been told gaining and losing weight is all about the calories. Just one little problem: the research says otherwise. Diabetics undergo dramatic weight changes when they adjust their insulin levels -- and so do you. Your diet determines how much insulin your body will produce over time. From the documentary "Fat Head."

When to Drink Your Protein Drink when Working Out

 When my arthritis is under control and behaving itself, I can do most any activity I want, but I never really though of trying a protein shake until now, I really would like to replace my morning breakfast with a shake sometimes, so I am really anxious to give this a go, and being creative with my low carb lifestyle and passing it on to my kids and extended family members. So, I did some reading up on protein shakes and found out a lot of info on when you should drink this, I am a beginner, and I am also someone who loves to research, so now I know when to drink this protein shake for the most beneficial part of my day, especially if it is my trotting day, I am still anxious to continue that couch to 5K and do my 5 mile bike ride all year around, since I live in Southern California, it is almost the law if you don't get out and do some kind of activity, that's part of the whole lifestyle change, getting up and moving! The importance of protein in every day life helps build and repair muscle, especially when you are doing that intense workout, of just keeping an active lifestyle. Losing weight and keeping fit is so important to me, at any age, its never to late to change for a better health.

 I still doing my morning oil pulling with coconut oil, and add coconut oil to my coffee, but now I will be adding it to my protein shake, just because, the benefits of coconut oil has really made a huge difference in my life.



Here is a list of the when and why you should drink your protein drink
starting in order the importance:

Immediately After A Workout
If you only take protein powder once per day, this is the absolute best time to take it. Immediately after you finish your workout, your body needs raw materials to rebuild and recover with. If you don't supply the raw materials through eating, your body will break down muscle from elsewhere in your body in order to rebuild the damaged areas. This is very counterproductive as you can well imagine. By taking in some protein (20 to 30 grams or so) within minutes after exercise, you provide your body with the raw materials it needs to recover without breaking down its own muscle tissue.

An Hour After A Workout
About an hour following a workout, your body has settled down from the excitement and is ready to really start rebuilding. The protein that you took in immediately following the workout has been metabolized and your body is looking for more. Another protein shake at this time is a good way to help speed recovery. Try to take in another 20 to 30 grams about an hour after working out.

First Thing In The Morning
Immediately upon waking, or as soon after that as you can manage, take a scoop of protein powder. Your body has just been through an (approximately) 8 hour fast and is hungry for nutrients. Feed your body! protein powder is more quickly assimilated than solid food and gets into your muscles faster. This protein shot gives your metabolism a boost, which can help with fat loss. Be sure to follow it with a good breakfast, of course. For me, if I am going to drink a protein drink, my breakfast will be only 1 egg and cheese or a low carb piece of toast with butter or almond butter, Breakfast is the most important meal to start my low carb day, I try to keep my blood sugar steady, if not, the Carb Monster comes out to play!

Last Thing At Night
You're about to sleep for 6 to 8 hours. That's a long time without protein. Unsweetened almond milk is very low carb--It has1 g of carbs per 4 ounces. That makes it lower carb than cream! At night, you want your protein to be metabolized slowly so that your body gets a more even supply over the course of the night. .

In-between Meals
A quick protein shake can be a great snack in between meals. It helps keep your body supplied with protein all day long. This is especially useful if you tend to have long periods of time in-between meals. It could mean the difference between losing muscle and keeping muscle

With Meals
Taking a protein supplement with meals is a handy way to increase the protein content of a meal. This is perfect for when you eat a meal that is somewhat low in protein.

Half hour before a workout.
This sets up the "anabolic window" before your workout and provides your muscles with adequate nutrition if you are working out with weights because weight training breaks down muscle and won't be as severe.

So now I know to remember Never drink a protein supplement immediately before working out! It won't boost your energy because basically, all it does is sit in the stomach and causes bloating, which is valuable blood that should be going to working muscles gets sent to the digestive system to try and digest it.
If you are looking for a low carb/all natural  Whey Protein Powder made with Stevia , I would suggest trying AboutTime 100% ALL Natural Whey Protein Isolate Sweetened with Stevia
See more at: http://tryabouttime.com/shop/2lb-whey-protein-isolate/#sthash.syKQn5u7.dpuf

Coconut Oil FatBlaster Ketogenic Diet

Coconut Oil has been a main contributor to my weight loss and my ability to up my fat intake when I need that extra boost to get started. I have decided to go back to the basic ketogenic diet Some medical researchers and physicians are using ketogenic, carb restricted diets to:Drive cancer into remission with new and effective cancer treatments. I started My FatBlaster-Ketogenic Diet- Let My body become a fat burning machine! read more about the Dietary Ketogenic Diet. http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/index.html ."Help patients with Alzheimers disease regain memory and thought function. Give diabetics control over their blood sugar with more effective diabetes treatment plans. Eliminate gluten allergy symptoms and relieve the symptoms of other allergic conditions associated with autoimmune reactions."..... . ♥ *Throughout this video, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration/FTC and these materials and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition

I'm Ready-The Basic Ketogenic Diet

"A high fat diet is healthier for you, when it is eaten while carbohydrate consumption is kept low"

Well, it's that time again, to jump start my fat loss and recharge my body into a fat burner. I enjoy my eating lifestyle; I am a mishmash between Low Carb, Atkins and Paleo, and I love to switch up as I skip and hop and jump through my mid 50's. The age 55 does not scare me, it just make me work even harder to break the cycle of what being 50 is(becoming younger with knowledge, wisdom and life experience)-don't be afraid, embrace life and go for it..it's never too late to take control, right!
So, to kick off the summer, which here in Southern California is year around...I am preparing to start the Fat Blast Ketogenic Diet. I call it a Fat Blast because I will be upping my fat, lowering my protein and only eating vegetable digestible fibrous carbs, such as green beans, spinach, broccoli, and Romaine and other various lettuces. I will be cutting out sugar for the next 4 weeks that includes any fruit sugars. My main fat intake will be from Coconut Oil.

 The reason why I will lower my protein intake is that too much protein will cause the body to prevent the shift into ketosis because the liver will convert some of the protein into glucose, this glucose will then be use first and slow down the ketogenic process of the diet. So, as I go along with my food planning, I will basically stick to the same foods, and modify the vegetable and my source of protein. I plan to make a video soon on my progress and will document my ketone levels and of course measure with the ketone stixs. I need to purchase some more coconut oil, and also make sure I have my supply of daily vitamins, supplement and plenty of water throughout my fat fast. Today, I am finishing up the watermelon, and gosh is it ever so sweet! My taste buds cannot tolerate too many sweets, and as fruit is always refreshing to eat, it really is too high on the glycemic index for me. I do so good on a higher fat diet, because as I am in my mid 50’s, my body needs the good fats and good source of protein and very little carbs to keep me going all day. I have very little cravings for sweets. I get my satisfaction of sweets from fruit, but I look forward to my coconut oil coffee and cream and sautee’ all the veggies in coconut oil. I usually do a 16hr fast between dinner and breakfast meaning. I will not eat for 16 hours after  my last meal of the day. I will get up in the morning, do my oil pulling with coconut oil and have ice water with some apple cider vinegar mixed.  I will drink plenty of water throughout the day and evening. I plan to start the Ketogenic diet June 1st. This is not about cutting calories, it about releasing fat reserves and teaching my body to burn them. This week I will be planning out my menu, and getting all the foods I need, as most of the foods will have a shelf life, I will go weekly to get fresh veggies and freeze any meats I purchase usually in bulk. I enjoy cooking my own meals; I really think that once you look at your meals as fuel, you can enjoy them and know you are in control of your body and look at food as your friend not your enemy.
I will be making my own apple cider vinaigrette with coconut oil dressing for my salads, so simple and easy...I love it warm over a bacon salad too! I will be eliminating tomatoes and onions, since tomatoes are night shade, and they do tend to aggravate my inflammatory disease sometimes, but I love a good Roma, so I will see how long I can go with out my tomato! I season all my foods with cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder and sea salt and that's it! Also the coconut oil will be organic virgin unrefined.

Here is a list of staple foods I will be getting soon: I am on a severe budget, so eggs and bacon are most expensive, but necessary for me to go hormone/cagefree and preservative free.
Ground Beef
Roast Beef
Chicken-hormone free
Duck -(maybe)
Tuna
Pork
Bacon-no preservatives
Eggs-hormone free
Butter
Cheese
Coconut oil
Heavy Cream
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cucumbers
Olives
Celery
Green Beans
Leaf Lettuces,Romaine
Almonds
Once I get started on the menu, I will share the basic breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mostly stir fried and oven roasted. I do have a pressure cooker, so it will be exciting to prepare my meals in a variety of way, using the same foods prepared a different way each time.

 Here is a video I made March 2012 explaining what I was doing back then and it worked!
 This healthy High Fats jumps starts and Fuels my fat burning with high energy for exercising and staying active and fat loss. The Apple Cider Vinegar acts as the detox tonic helping purify my liver and keeping my joints healthy along with the Coconut Oil. "Reducing the amount of carbohydrates and increasing the fat and protein in your diet has the effect of switching your body into fat burning mode. Instead of using the sugar from carbs for fuel, your body burns stored fat for energy, and it's this fat burning process which greatly improves health and well-being".......

 read more about the Dietary Ketogenic Diet www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com
 Coconut oil I purchased-Tropical Traditionswww.tropicaltraditions.com/‎


This is a recent update on the diet: great reading material and I truly feel like this is curing alot of skin conditions too...check out Health Impact News
Is the Ketogenic Diet the Cure for Multiple Diseases?


 Disclaimer: I purchased all the products mentioned in this video with my own money, I am not sponsored by any of the manufactures. Throughout this video, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration/FTC and these materials and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition

Why I Chose the Low Carb LifeStyle

For years I have enjoyed learning about how I can take control of my body and improve my health and not depend on some drug prescribed to me to "fix" my condition. I guess for most of us who have "high blood pressure", we go to the doctor, get our reading and walk out with a prescription. I knew there was something I could to do change this, and the eating plan I was on at the time was just "cutting back" on the calories, not watching which foods I was eating. I remembered that I had a paperback book on the "Atkin's diet"..it was old and I use to read and and think, wow, back then I cut out bread, pasta, rice and potatoes and I started losing the weight..but I only needed to lose about 20lbs back in 2001...but now fast forward to 2008, I had gained most of my weight due to an autoimmune inflammatory disease "called" psoriactic arthritis. I was put on medication-Enbrel to suppress my immune system and it was an immediate relief, but the weight came on like a vengeance! I had to find out more why I felt so bloated and what could I do about it, and this is where through trial and error, cutting back on the refined carbs, eliminating them from my eating and focusing on how the body could not possibly burn off all the sugar and how if I could just get the sugars out of my system and switch over to using the stored fat as my fuel..it sounded so impossible to me, but the minute I talked myself into living a low carb lifestyle instead of a low fat lifestyle..it was easy for me to get control of my health and my blood pressure and arthritis condition under control..today, 2013, I continue to eat a lifestyle that fits me, my body, and my health. Clean eating, non process foods, and shopping for fresh produce is the way it is for me, I can go out to eat, and choose which foods I know will benefit me the most. I am a fat burner, and most people would not know that "fat" is a healthy choice because quality fats and quality protein is what my body is design to work the best at. The "sugars" are just enough from the digestible carb I eat, then the stored fat is easier to get to because the sugar is just enough to balance me through out the day and night. I am not on NO CARB diet, that is not what works for me..I balanced my lifestyle, and the weight continues to come off, but it is fatloss that is going to take sometime and the muscle rebuilding is amazing to me, at any age, if you look into the food you eat, and the activity level you are at..burning off the sugar is fine, as long as the sugar is not stored into the fat cell to just sit there..so...I am living, controlling that carb monster and moving forward!!

 HERE IS THE VIDEO I MADE, EXPLAINING WHY I CHOSE THE LOW CARB LIFESTYLE

 

Low Carb Comfort Foods and Low Carb Books & Recipes

I decided to post some of the books that I think will really enhance your low carb lifestyle. I personally feel that before anyone decides to live the low carb lifestyle, it is so important that you read as much as you can. The fun part about living the low carb lifestyle is that your can be so creative with your meals. I love going back into the kitchen and cooking everything fresh. Yes, I know it could be time consuming to have to chop all your veggies, and prepare your meats and cook on the stove instead of the microwave, but it is such a rewarding feeling to see a meal prepare, the old fashion way, just like Grandma did. I have so many memories of my great grandmother, her name was Rose, she grew up in a traditional German home.   I remember the eggs, butter and cream, and fresh farm Wisconsin cheese she ate every morning, everything cooked fresh from the farm and the meats(not fatten from grain or injected with hormones and fat plumper)came from the local butcher. All the produce was grown in the garden, and she did a lot of canning to preserve her fruits and veggies. So, this brings me back to home cooking and finding fresh produce from the Farmer's Market.. I believe low carb was the only way people ate back in the old days before the processed food industry and HFCS(High fructose corn syrup),  and the "low- fat" craziness started, it was a quick fix and on the go lifestyle and I was on board in those days, back in the late 80's and all through the 90's, low fat, low calorie, and miserable starvation for quick weight loss, only to gain it all back, because hunger always seem to take over, when the fat was removed from my diet.


Now, I remember thinking that back when I was young, my grandmother did a lot of baking, and made a lot of casseroles, all the home good cooking that to me is called "comfort food" . Now, of course, when I think of casseroles, I think of pasta, the high carbohydrate pasta. and the gravies thicken with corn starch or white flour. And the infamous potato. Nothing, I repeat, NOthing tasted better than a Sunday roast with mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, fresh veggies from the garden, and some sort of dessert to end the meal. Now, I bet you are wonder why I can live the low carb lifestyle when I can have loving memories of eating at the dinner table filled with a high carb filled meal, well, it was hard at first, but that's the great thing about the low carb lifestyle. As I got older, and my metabolism and my health changed over the years, I became carb sensitive. I no long can eat potatoes, breads, pastas, rice, and most high glycemic fruits any more. So, when I get the feeling of eating food for comfort with the weather changing and the days are shorter, I get really excited to start with all the low carb recipes I have created to try out on my family. I love to cook, no matter how long it takes me. Sure, I still have the microwave, and sure my pots and pans are getting close to going to its grave, but for some reason, that feeling of fresh foods, chopping and preparing gives me comfort. I no longer have a Grandmother, or a mother to make those comfort foods for me, but that's ok, I still have the fond memories, and I still have my grown kids to be my taste testers.    My kids are picky eater, but for some reason, low carb comes natural to them, because growing up, I really did not make a lot of sweets desserts, but I did make a lot of Hamburger Helper, because it was quick out of the box, and easy to make and filling. But, my kids did start gaining weight from those quickie high carb meals I was making back about 2 years ago, but now, its all about healthy low carb alternatives, which are the healthiest for them, and they themselves, are seeing results in their own weight loss.     I hope to pass on a new tradition of low carb cooking in a high carb environment. I have my comfort foods now, all low carb and these fresh low carb, non process foods makes me feel fantastic in my weight loss journey to a better health. It's back to the kitchen for some good Low Carb comfort food cooking! I have several product that I buy, especially Dreamfield Pasta, which is why I can have those pasta nights, and gosh, do I love those nights. Stay tuned, I just might make a really good low carb Beef Stroganoff video soon.

So, here are a few of Low Carb books that I feel are worth reading, and the Low Carb Cook Books are for sure exciting, because Low Carb Cooking is an Art, a Masterpiece with a lot of rewarding benefits to improving your health. Losing excess weight while eating all the good wholesome foods is the only way I can ever eat, it was un-natural for my body to eat a high carbohydrate diet, I need my fats to keep I was sick all the time while being on a low fat high carbohydrate diet, now, my health is improving, and I am more active and the weight is coming off, real fat loss, not the imitation weight loss from starvation, I love to eat, and yes, I do me healthy.I am losing weight again, finally after a stall for almost 2 months Take a look at the numerous books you can find on line with just a small amount of time, you could be living the low carb lifestyle in luxurious cuisine right from your own kitchen;

My Discovery in Weight Loss-Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

I know, I know, I know, you are probably tired by me ranting about coconut oil, but I just wanted to share with you how I discovered this oil. I mainly started taking the coconut oil for weight loss, it raises your body temperature giving you that energy burst, I really take for my overall health. Make sure you buy the Organic Un-Refined Virgin Coconut Oil, there are a lot on the market, I don't have a favorite, but I am trying all brands and have enjoyed the coconut oil mostly in my coffee with some heavy cream, and chocolate sugar free syrup(DaVinci make a lot of good flavors), yum!, Also, I have even tried coconut oil mixed in with my favorite All natural 0 calorie, 0 carb soda. called Zevia. I will do a review on that refreshing soda soon. Also reviews on Truvia, Stevia and all other natural sweeteners for  low carb desserts made with coconut and coconut oil.

Hear are a few of my favorite Coconut Oil Videos that cover a ton of info.

Take a look:

UndergroundWellness | May 20, 2009

Other studies confirm that MCFAs are oxidized (burned up and used for energy) instead of being stored in the fatty tissue of the body, as are the LCFAs. As a result, you generate more heat to burn calories, kick-starting the body into burning up existing fat stores.

livinlowcarbman | September 20, 2007

Popular LivinLaVidaLowCarb.com blogger Jimmy Moore and his very cute wife Christine talk about fat, even saturated fat, and the important role it plays in the low-carb lifestyle.
Jimmy shows you why fats like butter, macadamia nut oil, avocado oil, and even coconut oil are indeed healthy for you when you combine it with a low-carbohydrate nutritional approach.
Jimmy's Book:

 
  
Dr. Bruce Fife-author of the book "The Coconut Oil Miracle" explains how coconut oil fat helps boost energy and metabolism, which helps in losing weight.
Here is the Book that really explains all the health benefits

drpearsall | May 08, 2007

There are so many myths about fat: "Fat is bad, saturated fat makes you fat, fat raises cholesterol, eat a low-fat diet to lose weight." Dr. Pearsall dispells the myths once and for all.