1 pickle spear2-4 ounces of sunflower seeds, crusheda dash of Italian dressingdash of garlic powder. Pat dry a pickle spear and coat lightly with Italian dressing. Roll ingarlic powder and crushed sunflower seeds and serve either whole or in bitesize pieces..
LC Tip: Plant a garden to save on buying veggies
If music makes you smarter, and exercise helps brainfunction, can exercising to music really boost brainpower? Some researchers saidit can. Volunteers who listened to Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” while working outon a treadmill did much better on a test of verbal ability than whenthey exercised without music, a team at Ohio State University found. “Evidencesuggests that exercise improves the cognitive performance of people withcoronary artery disease,” said psychologist Charles Emery, who led the study.”And listening to music is thought to enhance brainpower. We wanted to put thetwo results together,” Emery added in a statement. Writing in the latest issueof the journal Heart & Lung, Emery and colleagues said they studied 33 menand women taking part in a cardiac rehabilitation program after having bypasssurgery, angioplasty or other procedures to treat clogged arteries.The volunteers said they felt better emotionally and mentally after working outwith or without the music. But their improvement on the verbal fluency testdoubled after listening to music on the treadmills.”Exercise seems to cause positive changes in the nervous system, and thesechanges may have a direct effect on cognitive ability,” Emery said. “Listeningto music may influence cognitive function through different pathways in thebrain. The combination of music and exercise may stimulate and increasecognitive arousal while helping to organize cognitive output.”Emery said he now wanted to test people using music of their own choice.”We used ‘The Four Seasons’ because of its moderate tempo and positive effectson medical patients in previous research,” Emery said. “But given the range ofmusic preferences among patients, it’s especially important to evaluate theinfluence of other types of music on cognitive outcomes.”
2g Net Carbs+ Per Serving
1/3 cup Carb OptionsTM Olive Oil Vinaigrette Dressing2 tsp. Dijon-style mustard1 clove garlic, finely chopped2 cups cut-up cooked chicken (about 1 lb.)6 large Boston lettuce leaves1/2 avocado, sliced1/4 cup sliced red onion6 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
In small bowl, blend Carb OptionsTM Olive Oil Vinaigrette Dressing, mustard andgarlic. In medium bowl, toss 3 tablespoons dressing mixture with chicken.Arrange lettuce on serving platter, then evenly top with chicken, avocado, onionand bacon. Drizzle with remaining dressing mixture. Roll up, if desired, toserve.
Serves: 6Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
Lost ZERO lbs…… Has anyone else had similar results? I’m avegetarian (no meat) so this is hard to follow anyway, and to see noresults……
Parboil/steam a head of califlower, let cool”frost” with mayo (we have done a mixture of mayo,mustard, horseradish…be creative)Top with cheddar cheeseBake at 350, until cheese is bubbly!
I am not sure where I first got the recipe. I thoughtit was from my MIL, but she tells me the first timethat I had it was from my Mom. Either way, my kidsLOVE IT!!!! Kids loving veggies….it is a goodthing!
Tip:For motivation, I keep a picture of me on my bathroomvanity. It is from May 2002, after I had lost 35pounds while low carbing. It reminds me of what I canaccomplish if I put my mind to it. And that I havedone it before, I can do it again. If you want to seewhat picture I use, it is in the picture section underLaura. It is coupled with a “before” picture. Thebefore picture was taken 8 years before the afterpicture, and I have always thought that I look olderin the before picture…another advantage of lowcarbing 
Everyone tells us to stay motivated. Our friends, our co-workers, even ourbutcher says to keep going, don’t quit. Sometimes though you ask, “Why? Whytrymy hardest when it ends in disappointment? Why go through something when it’sgoing to hurt? Why?”
Why - because it’s going to be different this time. Because you can’taccomplishanything that you give up on. Disappointments and failures happen to everyone.The difference between those who reach their goals and those who don’t isstaying motivated. If you’re motivated, you’ll keep going. If you keep going,eventually you’ll reach your goal.
Need more reasons? Here are 10 of our ‘hidden’ reasons to stay motivated. Useone or all of them to keep the fire burning inside you.
1. Confidence
How did it feel after that first jog around the block? Or when you finallywalked the work stairs without losing your breath? The more and more youaccomplish, the more you’ll believe in yourself.
2. Fit into that dress
It’s been hanging up in your closet for two years now, just waiting to bethrownon for a night on the town. All it takes is for you to go that extra mile andstay on track. Before you know it, those two years will be ancient history.
3. Make the week easier
Ever felt like a week was taking forever? It feels like Friday, but it’s onlyTuesday? This happens when you’re not working towards anything. When you haveagoal in mind, you’ll want to cook that healthy dinner, or go to the gym. Theweek will not only go faster, but be more enjoyable.
4. Gives you purpose
Every once in a while, we need a good reason to get out of bed. Here it is,right in front of you. Eat the healthy breakfast that’s going to jump startyourday, go for your morning jog, or walk to the driveway and grab the newspaper.When you’re motivated, you have a reason to do what you do.
5. For your kids
And your grandkids. And their kids too. The healthier you are, the longeryou’llbe around to watch your kids grow and spoil your grandchildren. They’ll wantyouto be around as long as possible; consider this just another present.
6. Power of momentum
It’s a scientific fact - something in motion tends to stay in motion. Momentumbuilds quickly and can lead to great results. Suddenly you’re not only workingfor the goal, but also to keep your streak alive. Even more reason to reachyourgoals.
7. The ‘wow’ effect
Picture this: Walking into a bar, running into someone from high school, theireyes light up. “Wow, you look great!” By sticking with your goals, this canhappen. Watch the “Wows” add up.
8. Spread the spark
When friends and family see how hard you’re working, they’ll wonder how theycanreach their own goals. Guess who they’re going look for for help? By stayingmotivated you’ll not only help yourself, but others too.
9. Keep gaining experience
The more you do, the more you learn. You’ll discover what tactics work bestforyou and which ones don’t. It’s like weeding out the garden; not the mostenjoyable job in the world, but when you’re done all that’s left are beautifulflowers. Keeping sticking with it and soon it will be all flowers for you.
10. Rewards will feel like rewards
What’s your favorite food? Cookies, ice cream, a big double cheeseburger? Formost of us, it’s the food that no one should eat on a regular basis. You knowwhat happens when you do limit yourself to it - it tastes even better when youhave it. Make your reward foods and events just that - rewards. You’ll havemoreto work towards and when you do reward yourself, it’ll be that much more worthit.
Also indexed as: Acesulfame K, Alitame, Artificial Sweeteners,Ascesulfame Potassium, Aspartame,
Cyclamate, Equal, NutraSweet, Saccharin, Sucralose, Sunette,Sweet ‘N Low
Today, saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame K are themost widely used artificial sweeteners.
Non-nutritive sweeteners, also called artificial or non-caloricsweeteners, are intensely sweet synthetic substances, often used inplace of other sugars in food manufacturing and cooking because theyare calorie-free. The United States Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has approved four non-nutritive sweeteners for use in food:acesulfame K, aspartame, saccharin, and, sucralose.
VarietiesAcesulfame K
Acesulfame K (Sunette), or acesulfame potassium, was discovered in1967 in Germany. It was
approved in 1988 by the FDA as a tabletop sweetener and for use inbaked goods, frozen desserts,
beverages, and candies. Consisting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen,hydrogen, sulfur, and potassium
atoms, acesulfame K is 200 times sweeter than table sugar.Acesulfame K is not digested, so it
contributes no calories to the diet. Some animal studies suggest apossible cancer-promoting
effect.
Aspartame
Aspartame (NutraSweet) was discovered in 1969, and in 1981 wasapproved by the FDA for use in
foods. Aspartame is produced from two amino acidsaspartic acid andphenylalanineand is 180
times sweeter than sucrose. Although the FDA points to more than 100scientific experiments that
purportedly document the safety of aspartame, many consumers andscientists are not convinced
that long-term daily intake of aspartame is completely safe, and areconcerned about the growing
number of foods that contain this ingredient. Aspartame intake isknown to be dangerous for
persons with phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder that results indangerously high blood levels
of phenylalanine. In addition, aspartame is not recommended for useby pregnant or lactating
women.
Saccharin
Saccharin (Sweet’N Low) was discovered in 1879, and is currentlyproduced from a purified
compound found in coal tar. Saccharin is 300 times sweeter thansugar, but has a slightly bitter
or metallic aftertaste. It is not metabolized in the digestive tractand is excreted rapidly in
the urine. As a result, saccharin does not contribute calories tothe diet. Three scientific
experiments in the early 1970s suggested that saccharin might be acarcinogen (cancer-causing
substance) when given to rats in large doses. In response, the FDAproposed a ban on saccharin
for all uses except as an over-the-counter drug. Significant publicopposition to the FDA ban on
saccharin ensued, prompting the FDA to pass the Saccharin Study andLabeling Act in 1977, which
placed a two-year moratorium on any ban of the sweetener untilfurther research was available.
The law also required that any foods containing saccharin must carrya label that reads, “Use of
this product may be hazardous to your health. This product containssaccharin which has been
determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals.” Most long-termanimal studies have found no
cancer-causing effects from saccharin consumption. On December 15,2000, Congress passed
legislation to remove the warning label that had been required onsaccharin-sweetened foods and
beverages since 1977. The National Toxicology Program has removedsaccharin from its list of
cancer-causing substances.
Sucralose
Sucralose was discovered in 1976, and has been used as a sweetenerin foods and beverages in
more than 30 countries, including Canada, Australia, and Mexico. In1998, the FDA approved it as
a tabletop sweetener and for use in baked goods, beverages, gelatin,and frozen dairy desserts.
In 1999, FDA expanded the approved uses for sucralose, allowing itas a general-purpose
sweetener for all foods. Sucralose is derived from sucrose (tablesugar); it closely resembles
table sugar in taste, is highly water-soluble, and is exceptionallystable at high temperatures.
Sucralose is not absorbed from the digestive tract, so it adds nocalories to consumed food. In
addition, sucralose does not increase blood sugar levels.
Equal
Equal is an artificial sweetener containing aspartame, dextrose, andmaltodextrin.
Alitame
Like aspartame, Alitame is made from amino acids. Alitame is 2,000times sweeter than sugar.
Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company and manufacturer of this sweetener,petitioned the FDA in 1986
for approval. As of 1992, the approval is still pending.
Cyclamate
Cyclamate was synthesized in 1937 at the University of Illinois by astudent who accidentally
discovered its sweet taste. The patent for cyclamate was firstpurchased by DuPont and then
later sold to Abbott Laboratories. In those days, Abbott’s reportedinterest was to use the
product to mask the bitter taste of an antibiotic and apentobarbital elixir. Cyclamate was
initially marketed as tablets that were recommended for use as atabletop sweetener for people
with diabetes and others who had to restrict their intake of sugar.Although it is approved for
use in many countries, cyclamate is banned in the United States dueto concerns over potential
carcinogenicity.
Buying and storing tipsSaccharin, aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame K have very longshelf lives. Store in original
packaging in a dry location at room temperature.
AvailabilitySaccharin is available worldwide as a tabletop sweetener under thebrand name Sweet’N Low. It
is also found in “diet” soft drinks. Aspartame is available as atabletop sweetener under the
brand name Equal. It is also sold as NutraSweet, an ingredientfound in many “diet” beverages
and in many “sugar-free” foods, including chewing gum, cereals,candies, and desserts. Sucralose
is known by its trade name, Splenda, and is available as a tabletopsweetener and in many
processed foods. Acesulfame K is sold as a tabletop sweetener underthe trade name Sunette, and
appears in a wide variety of processed foods. Alitame and Cyclamateare not available in the
United States.
Preparation, uses, and tipsNon-nutritive sweeteners can be used in place of table sugar tosweeten hot and cold beverages.
In addition, saccharin, sucralose, and acesulfame K are heat-stableand are suitable for baking.
Keep in mind that non-nutritive sweeteners carry more intensesweetness than sugar. When
substituting these products for sugar, only small amounts are neededto achieve the same level
of sweetness. As a result, quantity modifications of severalingredients in a recipe may be
necessary to accommodate the use of saccharin, sucralose, oracesulfame K.
Nutritional HighlightsAcesulfame K, 1gCalories: 0.0Protein: 0.0gCarbohydrate: 0.0gTotal Fat: 0.0gFiber: 0.0g
Aspartame, 1 packet (1g)Calories: 0.0Protein: 0.0gCarbohydrate: less than 1.0gTotal Fat: 0.0gFiber: 0.0g
Sucralose, 1 packet (1g)Calories: 0.0Protein: 0.0gCarbohydrate: 0.0gTotal Fat: 0.0gFiber: 0.0g
Health benefits and concernsHives
Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame) are among the food additivesthat have been shown to
trigger hives.
Migraine
Ingestion of the artificial sweetener aspartame has been reported totrigger migraines in a
small proportion of people.
MSG sensitivity
People who are sensitive to MSG may also react to aspartame.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
There is debate about whether it is safe for people with PKU toconsume aspartame, a low-calorie
sweetener that contains about 50% phenylalanine. In one study, bloodlevels of phenylalanine
increased only slightly after people with PKU consumed a 12-oz. softdrink sweetened with
aspartame. However, that study did not address long-term effects ofregular aspartame
consumption.
Health benefits and concerns for sweetenersMany health benefits and concerns associated with this food areapplicable to other sweeteners.
1 lb livers4 HB eggs1 onion choppedoil for frying ( not olive)a couple of splashes of semi sweet red wine
Broil the livers on both sides untilthe pinkness has gone.Fry the onions and livers .Add the wine, cover the pan and simmer slowly for about 15 minutes.
Drain the livers, but retain the juices.
Using a meat grinder ( not a food processor, nor a thunderstick….we don’t want pate), or a moulinex…largest holes….grindliver, onions and eggs.Blend through with a fork.Add some of the juices just to wet the mixture ( you’ve got to getthis part just right….not too dry, not too wet.Season with salt.Best eaten after refrigerated for at least 30 minutes ( if you canwait that long.
Everything is going very well. However one week into the diet,I hada bad day,and gave into eating some junk food. Even though it wasn’tvery much that I ate,I felt quite sick afterwards. Mostly a heavyfeeling,tired,and even dizzy. My cheek started to itch and Iactually had a red blotch on my face that went away after about 10minutes. This seemed very strange because I can’t recall everfeeling so ’sick’ after eating high carb foods. I’v had that tiredfeeling in the late afternoon when eating too many ‘bad’ snacks,butI’v never seen my skin flare up,or felt dizzy. Have any of you guysexperienced this? One thing is for certain,I don’t wantto’cheat’again!
Boiled up a box of Dreamfield’s penne. Browned a pound of ground beef, towhich I added some garlic and ginger, red pepper flakes, and a bit of oliveoil. When browned I added the beef to the cooked and drained penne, added1/2 carton lasagna-style cottage cheese, 1 jar Carb Countdown GardenVegetable red sauce, and a couple of big handfuls of shredded 4-cheesemixture. Mixed all together, added salt, pepper, Emeril’s Italianseasoning, mixed again, and turned out into a casserole dish. Sprinkledtop with more cheese and put in a 350 oven for 15 mins. Made appx sixservings, served it with a crunchy cold green salad, and BOY was it good!
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