Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Insulin resistance and pcos

admin — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi I am trying to help my wife. Does anyone had any luck in controlling this condition. I know the diet should help but I would love to hear from others Thanks in Advance concerned hubby

The best way to overcome IR is to follow the Zone diet as described by Dr. Barry Sears. By balancing low fat protein with complex carbohydrates, insulin and glucagon are set to optimal levels. Rigorously following this way of eating will resolve the problem and promote an ideal body weight. Randy Smith, MD http://www.antiagingatlanta.com — rvsmithmd

Response:

Quoting rvsmithmd: [...] The best way to overcome IR is to follow the Zone diet as described by Dr. Barry Sears. By balancing low fat protein with complex carbohydrates, insulin and glucagon are set to optimal levels. Rigorously following this way of eating will resolve the problem and promote an ideal body weight.

Well, it’s refreshing to actually see an MD interested in lower carb eating plans (and posting to asdlc). I’d appreciate it if you’d elaborate on why you think that the Zone diet would be better for ‘optimal levels’ as stated above, say, as opposed to other eating plans that are a bit lower in carbohydrate intake such as Atkins, Protein Power, etc.

Response:

Hi I am trying to help my wife. Does anyone had any luck in controlling this condition. I know the diet should help but I would love to hear from others Thanks in Advance concerned hubby

Over the years we’ve had many women with PCOS on the newsgroup. Do a Google search for their comments. Also check out: http://www.pcosupport.org/living/nutrition/index.php http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~cp391990/carb.html — Rudy – Remove the Z from my address to respond. "It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!" -Emiliano Zapata Check out the a.s.d.l-c FAQ at: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm

Response:

Hi I am trying to help my wife. Does anyone had any luck in controlling this condition. I know the diet should help but I would love to hear from others Thanks in Advance concerned hubby

I have PCOS and it does help, for some people just changing their diet is enough to bring back regular cycles. It’s certainly a good place to start but it’s not going to help at all if you aren’t super-serious about sticking to low carbing. Metformin will help a lot too, and when you take Metformin and don’t cut carbs the side effects of the drug are unpleasantly amplified. I can tell you sugar + Metformin = intestinal distress like you would not believe. But it worked, I started having regular cycles almost immediately.

Response:

Hi I am trying to help my wife. Does anyone had any luck in controlling this condition. I know the diet should help but I would love to hear from others Thanks in Advance concerned hubby

Some PCOS women aren’t overweight but a majority of them are. Since you haven’t said whether your wife is overweight or not, I’ll assume that she is. Losing weight helps an awful lot. And LC and exercise help you to achieve that. Women with PCOS find it particularly easy to lose weight on LC, compared to other kind of diets, because of the connection between Insulin Resistance and PCOS. Try to reduce the stress she experiences would also help. I’ll tell you my experience. About 5 years ago my period cycles went totally nuts, so I went to see a gyn and was diagnosed with PCOS. He put me on provera or some kind of substitute but after taking the pills for 1.5 years I find that I just couldn’t deal with the side effects anymore – mood swings, pimples all over, my hair was falling off, and I was gradually packing on even more weight. Finally I went off the pills because it didn’t feel right for me. A few months after that in September 2002 I went low carbing and started exercising. About a year later my cycles totally readjusted. I’m now about 40 pounds down from my highest weight, my cycles are pretty regular despite that I go rather carby from time to time. So the most important thing is to lose weight. LC is not essential but is conductive to losing weight. I’m still overweight but that 40 pounds are enough to get me having normal cycles again. So another important thing to tell your wife is, although it’s important to lose weight, she need not stress herself out thinking that she will have to get her BMI down to 25 in order to have normal cycles. What is her BMI now??? If she can get it down by 5 or 6 notches she should start to see the benefits. Wish you luck.

Response:

I don’t have IR or PCOS, but I’ve read the stories of many women. Lowcarbing greatly helps the insulin resistance in many people, and can help with the symptoms of PCOS. There are a lot of women with PCOS who were unable to get pregnant, or told that they would never fall pregnant, who have become pregnant after LCing. It helps to regulate cycles in many women, and even restart cycles in women in who they have been absent for a long time (premenopausal women of course). — Tara http://www.dazzled.com/lowcarb – my homepage http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~tjharris – pics of Madison New Zealand

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I am trying to help my wife. Does anyone had any luck in controlling this condition. I know the diet should help but I would love to hear from others Thanks in Advance concerned hubby

Response:

Hi I am trying to help my wife. Does anyone had any luck in controlling this condition. I know the diet should help but I would love to hear from others Thanks in Advance concerned hubby

Response:

Eating less works for most people. — Most people are dumb as bricks; some people are dumber than that. – MFW

Response:

REPOST: FAQ: A Beginner's Guide to LowCarb Living

admin — Wed, 16 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

FAQ: A Beginner’s Guide to LowCarb Living Did you know that the answer to many of your questions about the Low Carb Diet can be found on the F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) page for the alt.support.diet.low-carb newsgroup? Try following the link below or the backup site that appears below it: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm http://home.comcast.net/~agross/asdlc/ There is a mailing list for people to receive email when the FAQ has been updated. Aaron and Rudy have put a great amount of time and expense into compiling and maintaining this site. All affiliate commissions (except for Amazon.com) are donated to a local Los Angeles charity. The Amazon.com commissions are Aaron’s sole "reward" to offset some of his costs in time and materials. Please show your appreciation by using his site to order your books and materials. Did you read the FAQ but just don’t remember if something was covered? MOST questions can be answered in the FAQ without having to read the whole FAQ. Just stick a pound sign # and the term in question after the FAQ’s URL and you will go directly to the section of the FAQ you want. For example: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm#numbers http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm#woe will answer your question about what WOE means This will also work with the alternate site. If that does not answer your questions fully, why not try the Google Groups Search Engine? You can search all news groups for past discussions on topics about low carb. You can find the Google Groups Search Engine at: http://groups.google.com/ Alternatively, do a Google advanced search http://groups.google.com/advanced_group_search Or, use the form appearing in the left margin menu of each page on the FAQ site. While it is highly recommended that all newbies read the aforementioned official ASDLC F.A.Q. before posting, the preceding sites are meant to be an adjunct and can be browsed at your leisure. We hope that you will find them helpful in your weight loss endeavor. If you are newbie to the net, you may want to read about online etiquette. http://www.albion.com/netiquette Below you will find some other helpful Low Carb Diet links. Other F.A.Q. Links/Getting Started: http://www.atkinscenter.com/faq.html http://www.locarbliving.com/kit.html http://low-carb.org/faq/ http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/LowcarbingDream/index.html http://www.titanic.kn-bremen.de/induction.html http://wilstar.com/lowcarb/ http://www.gis.net/~mamyers/LCfaq.htm Induction: http://www.titanic.kn-bremen.de/induction.html Low-Carbohydrate Book Author Sites: http://www.theketogenicdiet.com/ http://www.eatprotein.com http://www.panix.com/~paleodiet http://www.toon.org/~cadis http://www.metabolicdiet.com http://www.carbohydrateaddicts.com http://www.lowcarbsuccess.net/ http://www.holdthetoast.com Atkins Diet Related Links: http://tom.cuy.net/atkins http://www.lowcarb.com/ http://www.lowcarb.org Carbohydrate Counters: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl The USDA nutritional database – Carb counts on everything! Just type in what it is you are looking for. (Cream, eggs, squash). http://www.immuneweb.org/lowcarb/ Hidden Carbohydrates: http://wilstar.com/lowcarb/hiddencarbs.htm Fiber: http://www.lowcarb.org/fiber_1.html http://www.lowcarb.org/fiber_2.html Medical Research and Articles: http://lowcarb.org http://www.lowcarbsuccess.net/ http://www.lowcarb.org/josh_yelon/lowcarb_med.html http://www.stumptuous.com/fat.html http://www.nejm.org/content/1997/0337/0021/1491.asp http://www.syndicomm.com/lowfat.html http://medtstgo.ucdavis.edu/endo/lecture/metlipid.htm http://www.omen.com/adipos.html http://commodore.perry.pps.pgh.pa.us/~odonnell/ir1.html http://www.lowcarb.org/ketosis.html http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa062600a.htm http://www.lowcarb.ca/lowcarb.html If you have lost 30 lbs and kept it off for a year, please contact the National Weight Loss Registry at 800-606-6927 or on the Internet at www.wpic.pitt.edu/nwcr. Support: http://atkinsfriends.com/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atkins-A-WayOfLife http://forum.lowcarber.org http://www.lowcarb.org/parachat.html http://lowcarb.org/forums Links for Diabetics: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/LC-DIABETES.html http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/ http://commodore.perry.pps.pgh.pa.us/~odonnell/ir1.html http://www.survivediabetes.com/ PCOS and the Low-Carb Diet: http://www.netcolony.com/members/pcolc/pcolc.html http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000901/1079.html http://www.soulcysters.com http://www.pcosupport.org/ Links for Vegetarians: http://www.immuneweb.org/lowcarb/ Low-carb Cooking: http://www.camacdonald.com/lc/cookbookdownload.html http://www.lowcarb.org/recipes.html http://www.titanic.kn-bremen.de/indexusa.html http://hometown.aol.com/terranova0/diet.index.html http://www.e-clipse.com/soy/recipes.htm http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Resort/1700/ http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/kathyslc/Page4.html http://www.egroups.com/group/low-carb-recipe-exchange/ http://members.aol.com/rowanmoon/recipe.html http://www.locarbliving.com/recipeswap.html http://www.atkinsdiethelp.com/recipes.htm http://photopics.com/lowcarb.html http://www.lowcarbcafe.com/ http://www.titanic.kn-bremen.de/idxrec.html http://recipes.alastra.com/ http://communities.msn.com/webjake http://www.ptyza.com/pamstuff/lowcook.htm Low-carb Shopping: http://members.tripod.com/~PsyllieSnax/ http://www.dietdepot.com/ http://www.lowcarbluxury.com/ http://www.carbsmart.com/ http://www.expertfoods.com/ http://www.greatfood.com/products/grtfood/davinci/html/home.htm http://www.jerkyusa.com/ http://www.morico.com/ http://www.netrition.com/ http://www.splenda.com/cgi-bin/order2?source=lifescan http://www.sugarfreemarket.com/ http://www.lowcarb.com/cgi-local/shop.pl/page=order2.html/SID=9861622302 http://www.low-carb.com/ http://www.malthome.com/Splenda/ http://www.lowcarbcentre.com/ Exercise and Nutrition: http://people.delphi.com/theenforcer/nutritn.htm http://www.voicenet.com/~petrizzi/fitness/ckdcalc.html http://www.planetkc.com/exrx/Home.html Weight Training: http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html http://www.solid.net/~homerc/ http://www.planetkc.com/exrx/Exercise.html http://www.allprotraining.com/ Body Fat Calculators: http://www.biofitness.com/bodyfat.html http://my.webmd.com/table_of_contents Plateau Busters: http://www.lowcarb.org/plateaus.html http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/LowcarbingDream/meat.html http://www.lowcarb.org/stillman.html Stacking: http://www.lowcarb.org/eca1.html http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/LowcarbingDream/ECA.html Water: http://www.classicx.com/html/2super.html http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/LowcarbingDream/water.html http://www.lowcarb.org/water1.html Inspirational Pages (Links to LC Homes pages): http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=872255&a=6346614 http://www.devtex.net/graham/lc.html http://climate.geog.udel.edu/~rawlins/training.html http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/apowell/abs.htm http://www.bodytrends.com/article.htm http://www.ourlittlecorner.com/ http://www.split.com/fat/ http://members.aol.com/Terranova0/diet.index.html http://www.conniems.com Misc. LC Diet Related Links: http://www.lowcarblosers.com http://www.lowcarb.ca http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ http://www.brachman.com/dietnews.htm http://www.painpals.com/txlowcarb/index.html http://www.split.com/fat/ http://people.delphi.com/elizjack/index.html http://www.webring.org/cgi-bin/webring?ring=locho&list http://member.aol.com/JepRoostr1/index.html http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/LowcarbingDream/ http://www.lowcarb.org/ http://tom.cuy.net/atkins/ http://www.mountain-inter.net/~magnuson/ http://dc.jones.com/~bgmiller/lowcarb.htm http://waltonfeed.com/omega/default.htm http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/low_carbohydrate_dieting http://lowcarb.bizland.com/LC.html http://www.ptyza.com/pamstuff/lowc-toc.htm http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/healthtracker.html http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/diet.html There is a lot of information out there, but if you cannot find what you are looking for we are always here! This is a great newsgroup for support, recipes and sharing information! *Special appreciation to: Debby Padilla for her original contribution to this list. Desiree for her list of links. Debra Long for the latest version. Barbara Ashley for her effort to maintain it. ConnieMS for keeping the post current & posting it daily for so long. Oh, and here is a new site for those of you who don’t want to read the FAQ and have a sense of humor: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/no-faq.htm If you have a link that you think should be listed here, please e-mail it to me for consideration. Also, If you find that one of the links has moved or no longer exists please e-mail me with the pertinent information. This post is a team effort and we need you to make it work. — Rudy – Remove the Z from my address to respond. "It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!" -Emiliano Zapata Check out the a.s.d.l-c FAQ at: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/faq.htm

Response:

Food

admin — Wed, 02 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

You need to find out the brand name of those SF gummy bears or I will hunt you down. :-)) Do they have no carbs at all? I’m suspicious, but desperate. — -jennifer low-carbing 190/161/125 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -quick. Probably didn’t make but 10 worms. On the other hand, I went to the store and for $2.50 can get a whole pound of sugar free gummy bears that taste a whole lot better (at least has different flavors…getting real tired of "jello" flavors). Don’t get me wrong, Melissa 210/206/120 since 1/1/99 Gummy Worm recipe one large box of sugarfree Jello, any flavor (or 2 small boxes) 4 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup water Combine above ingredients in a pan until blended. Heat over medium heat until dissolved. Pour into molds or on a plate. Cool for twenty minutes. If using plate method when gummies are cooled roll and cut in — "There’s a seeker born every minute."

Response:

I got them at a grocery store in the bulk section. Next time I go, I’ll take a look and ask the produce guy if he has any info about them. Well, the nutrition information card said no carbs, but you’re not the only one who is suspicious. Since they didn’t come out of a bag, I really have no way of knowing if they truly are sugar free. It also makes me suspicious because someone in another post (sorry, I forgot who) said that she didn’t like the taste of sugar free gummy bears, and I could not tell the difference *at all*. These tasted really good. Hmm. I’ll have to do some more investigating. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? I’ll let you know if I find the name. Melissa 210/204/120 since 1/1/99 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -You need to find out the brand name of those SF gummy bears or I will hunt you down. :-)) Do they have no carbs at all? I’m suspicious, but desperate. — -jennifer low-carbing 190/161/125

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Ummmm, I didn’t write that. Melissa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I guess this is another YMMV-type thing. I made them for my husband for the first time last night. He (or really =we=, since I had a little bit, too) found them very good. Neither of us like the flavor of the sugar free gummy bears. But I made a recipe of this in strawberry, and it was delicious. Instead of cooling it on a plate I used a 6" X 10" glass baking dish, and then cut it into little pieces about 1" square. That made it seem like an awful lot of candy. Someday soon I want to do some in lemon. My favorite candy was always lemon drops, and it’s the only sweet I really miss. Maybe this will take care of that craving. Nadine – Atkid since 11/30/98 194/180/160 (first goal – by May 3rd) You’re invited to visit Our Little Corner of the Internet http://www.ourlittlecorner.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I find this gummy worm recipe just does not make very much, especially given the cost. I mean, about $1 for good jello, and a little over $1 for unflavored, and it only made enough to fill a small salad plate. I cut those into worms, but between dh and me, they were gone pretty quick. Probably didn’t make but 10 worms. On the other hand, I went to the store and for $2.50 can get a whole pound of sugar free gummy bears that taste a whole lot better (at least has different flavors…getting real tired of "jello" flavors). Don’t get me wrong, these gummys are good, just a bit expensive to make. Melissa

Response:

Ummmm, I didn’t write that.

just a leftover attribution line. I followed your Fifty-50 post, and she didn’t take your attribution line out, though your text was cut.

– "There’s a seeker born every minute."

Response:

*Nothing* goes with saccharin IMHO! — Debbie Cusick I plan to be a procrastinator some day if I ever get around to it. Check out the asdlc FAQ at: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/index.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i can’t stress this enough! chocolate and saccharine don’t go together

Response:

squares are a good idea. but i’d like to find those sf gummy bears. these tasted too much like jello to me. and i still have some in the fridge. i just didn’t like em all that much and I agree, they were expensive to make. Sue G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I guess this is another YMMV-type thing. I made them for my husband for the first time last night. He (or really =we=, since I had a little bit, too) found them very good. Neither of us like the flavor of the sugar free gummy bears. But I made a recipe of this in strawberry, and it was delicious. Instead of cooling it on a plate I used a 6" X 10" glass baking dish, and then cut it into little pieces about 1" square. That made it seem like an awful lot of candy. Someday soon I want to do some in lemon. My favorite candy was always lemon drops, and it’s the only sweet I really miss. Maybe this will take care of that craving. Nadine – Atkid since 11/30/98 194/180/160 (first goal – by May 3rd) You’re invited to visit Our Little Corner of the Internet http://www.ourlittlecorner.com I find this gummy worm recipe just does not make very much, especially given the cost. I mean, about $1 for good jello, and a little over $1 for unflavored, and it only made enough to fill a small salad plate. I cut those into worms, but between dh and me, they were gone pretty quick. Probably didn’t make but 10 worms. On the other hand, I went to the store and for $2.50 can get a whole pound of sugar free gummy bears that taste a whole lot better (at least has different flavors…getting real tired of "jello" flavors). Don’t get me wrong, these gummys are good, just a bit expensive to make. Melissa

158 when started Atkins/152/126

Response:

Oh, they were in the little bins that you scoop out yourself and they weigh at the register? Hmmm, I’ll check my grocery store. — -jennifer low-carbing 190/161/125 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got them at a grocery store in the bulk section. Next time I go, I’ll take a look and ask the produce guy if he has any info about them.

Response:

Oh, they were in the little bins that you scoop out yourself and they weigh at the register?

Yep! That’s why I didn’t know the name brand. Also, do you have a Mr. Bulky’s in your mall (or other bulk store)? They always have a big variety of sf candy. They probably have gummy bears and you could probably get the nutrition info from an employee to make sure they are also carb free. Melissa 210/204/120 since 1/1/99

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Yep, that’s where I found them, too. BTW, I’m the one who said that my DH and I didn’t care for the sugar-free gummy bears. Maybe I should clarify that and say that we never really cared for any type of gummy candies, even back when we could eat the regular stuff. So you couldn’t prove it by us that the ones we bought as "sugar free" really were. We just assumed we could believe the sign. (May have been a big mistake — who knows?) But we do love the gummy candies made from the "gummy worm" recipe. Nadine – Atkid since 11/30/98 194/180/160 (first goal – by May 3rd) You’re invited to visit Our Little Corner of the Internet http://www.ourlittlecorner.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh, they were in the little bins that you scoop out yourself and they weigh at the register? Hmmm, I’ll check my grocery store.

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I dont know the carb count..but a co worker of mine brought in sugar free Jellie Bellies..those gourmet jelly beans…… They were very good…and each one was individually wrapped..no lie…I think they dietetic because you have to unwrap them..you dont eat them as quickly! 5′6" 312-250-160? ( Longing to be the woman I was, not the woman I could be! ) 1999 My Millenium Makeover In Progress Just Me, Lisa. "I’m not fat..I’m big boned!" -Eric Cartman- *SouthPark* PCOS the Silent Disease << http://www.pcosupport.org

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Yes, most commercial sugar-free candy is extremely high in carbs. That’s why I stick with what I make myself although it is a pain sometimes. — Debbie Cusick I plan to be a procrastinator some day if I ever get around to it. Check out the asdlc FAQ at: http://www.grossweb.com/asdlc/index.htm

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Ugh… I’d be *really* suspicious if i were you. I went to the bulk candy store in our mall today and they had sugar free gummi bears…yay!! They also had the nutritional info. card on the bin… for 100 grams (about 3.5 oz…a good handful size) it was over 75 carbs…boo!!

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While at the store, I found sf gummy bears in the bulk section. It had a nutritiion label that said carb free.

Oh Boy.. i’m gonna have to go to the store..CANDY FIX!!!!! Tamera "Do you have a point other than the one on top of your head?"

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Jamie, What type of carb count are in a piece, do you know? I’m sure I could do my own research, but I thought I would ask. Julie H. in Vermont – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Lynne’s chocolate is much better, although some people who prefer milk chocolate find it too dark and add extra butter or cocoa butter. 1 oz unsweetened chocolate 2 tbs unsalted butter 1 tbs heavy cream 1 tsp vanilla 1 oz macadamia nuts 8 packets Equal or Sweet-One (or 1/4 cup Splenda. Saccharin is too bitter for this recipe) Melt chocolate and butter, stir in cream, vanilla and sweetener Fold in crushed nuts. Pour into foil-lined container. Chill.

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i can’t stress this enough! chocolate and saccharine don’t go together. i tried making something and now i get queasy at the thought of chocolate (hey! maybe that’s okay! Sue G. 158 when started Atkins/152/126

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I find this gummy worm recipe just does not make very much, especially given the cost. I mean, about $1 for good jello, and a little over $1 for unflavored, and it only made enough to fill a small salad plate. I cut those into worms, but between dh and me, they were gone pretty quick. Probably didn’t make but 10 worms. On the other hand, I went to the store and for $2.50 can get a whole pound of sugar free gummy bears that taste a whole lot better (at least has different flavors…getting real tired of "jello" flavors). Don’t get me wrong, these gummys are good, just a bit expensive to make. Melissa 210/206/120 since 1/1/99 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Gummy Worm recipe one large box of sugarfree Jello, any flavor (or 2 small boxes) 4 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup water Combine above ingredients in a pan until blended. Heat over medium heat until dissolved. Pour into molds or on a plate. Cool for twenty minutes. If using plate method when gummies are cooled roll and cut in — "There’s a seeker born every minute."

Response:

Fifty/50 Sugar Free Chocolate Bars (the little ones that come in a little bag): DON’T DO IT!!!! Eewwwww! These things were horrible. The first bite didn’t taste so bad, but after I chewed it a few times it got this really bad taste. While at the store, I found sf gummy bears in the bulk section.

Lynne’s chocolate is much better, although some people who prefer milk chocolate find it too dark and add extra butter or cocoa butter. 1 oz unsweetened chocolate 2 tbs unsalted butter 1 tbs heavy cream 1 tsp vanilla 1 oz macadamia nuts 8 packets Equal or Sweet-One (or 1/4 cup Splenda. Saccharin is too bitter for this recipe) Melt chocolate and butter, stir in cream, vanilla and sweetener Fold in crushed nuts. Pour into foil-lined container. Chill. Gummy Worm recipe one large box of sugarfree Jello, any flavor (or 2 small boxes) 4 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup water Combine above ingredients in a pan until blended. Heat over medium heat until dissolved. Pour into molds or on a plate. Cool for twenty minutes. If using plate method when gummies are cooled roll and cut in — "There’s a seeker born every minute."

Response:

I tried several new things recently. Wanna hear about them? Well, I’m going to tell you anyway! Wasa Fiber Ryes: Yummy! I thought it would taste like crap because I hate rye and everyone has been saying they are like roof shingles. I thought they were great! It just tasted like a sesame cracker to me, and I love sesame crackers. Also, I just put a little chive and onion cream chese on it. It was so good!! I’ll have to try not to O.D. on them! Fifty/50 Sugar Free Chocolate Bars (the little ones that come in a little bag): DON’T DO IT!!!! Eewwwww! These things were horrible. The first bite didn’t taste so bad, but after I chewed it a few times it got this really bad taste. Is it just me? I guess I was expecting too much from sugarless chocolate that is less than 2 grams for each bar. A good carb deal, I guess, if you really need chocolate and you can stand the taste! While at the store, I found sf gummy bears in the bulk section. It had a nutritiion label that said carb free. I just hope someone didn’t put regular ones in there!! Anyway, they were really good. Kinda hard to chew through, so you have to eat them slowly. Sorry, I don’t have a brand name for you. Just wanted to share my find! Just wanted to share. Melissa 210/203/120 since 1/1/99

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|| http://take.wholefoolfarmacy.com/ Corrected URL

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http://take.wholefoodfarmacy.com/

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DIE SPAMMER DIE!!! — You take stupid to a new level. – MFW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://take.wholefool’sfarmacy.com/

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://take.wholefoolfarmacy.com/

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DIE SPAMMER DIE!!!

Embrace the spammer JC, it’s the only way. — Bunky http://www.freewebs.com/warpig-cgs-/websalbum.htm

Response:

Toilet problems

admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

have you ever had gallbladder surgery? i know a lot of folks (myself included at first) get diarrea (sp?) because of the lack of bile shots the gallbladder so wonderfully contributed. because of surgery, i added a fiber supplement, metamucel psyllium caplets. they really helped bulk things up a lot. hope that helps.

Response:

Hi I just wanted to see if anyone else has had any problems like mine. Whenever I go into Ketosis basically – I get diarrhoea – I never get constipated on Atkins – Have got an appt with my Doctor on Thurs anyway for a check up for PCOS so am intending to ask her then. It’s just really annoying as I have to go about 30 mins after eating and it doesn’t affect my loss in anyway. Just wondering if I might be overdoing the water – I drink between 2 to 3 litres a day + herbal teas and decaff coffee(3 cups max). I don’t take any fibre supplements, just a multi vitamin and if I eat any wheat (bread etc) then I get really, really bad IBS. Anyone else have any probs like this or am I going to pop my clogs with bowel cancer or something equally cheery??? — Elise http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/elisebutt

Response:

You might try a fiber supplement, interestingly they work both to firm up loose stools and loosen dry ones. The intestines work best with a steady supply of fiber. | Hi | I just wanted to see if anyone else has had any problems like mine. | Whenever I go into Ketosis basically – I get diarrhoea – I never get | constipated on Atkins – Have got an appt with my Doctor on Thurs | anyway for a check up for PCOS so am intending to ask her then. | | It’s just really annoying as I have to go about 30 mins after eating | and it doesn’t affect my loss in anyway. Just wondering if I might be | overdoing the water – I drink between 2 to 3 litres a day + herbal | teas and decaff coffee(3 cups max). I don’t take any fibre | supplements, just a multi vitamin and if I eat any wheat (bread etc) | then I get really, really bad IBS. | | Anyone else have any probs like this or am I going to pop my clogs | with bowel cancer or something equally cheery???

Response:

Could you be getting too much sugar alcohol? I doubt the ketosis is causing it. To achieve ketosis you are probably eating something new, which your body doesn’t like.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I just wanted to see if anyone else has had any problems like mine. Whenever I go into Ketosis basically – I get diarrhoea – I never get constipated on Atkins – Have got an appt with my Doctor on Thurs anyway for a check up for PCOS so am intending to ask her then. It’s just really annoying as I have to go about 30 mins after eating and it doesn’t affect my loss in anyway. Just wondering if I might be overdoing the water – I drink between 2 to 3 litres a day + herbal teas and decaff coffee(3 cups max). I don’t take any fibre supplements, just a multi vitamin and if I eat any wheat (bread etc) then I get really, really bad IBS. Anyone else have any probs like this or am I going to pop my clogs with bowel cancer or something equally cheery??? — Elise http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/elisebutt

Response:

I just wanted to see if anyone else has had any problems like mine. Whenever I go into Ketosis basically – I get diarrhoea – I never get constipated on Atkins

Welcome to ketosis. Have you stayed in ketosis for at least two weeks to see that this early effect is temporary? Have you moved on to OWL and seen that this early effect is temporary Have got an appt with my Doctor on Thurs anyway for a check up for PCOS so am intending to ask her then.

That’s nice but lots of doctors are clueless about Atkins. Unless your doc knows that the early effects last maybe two weeks, his/her advice won’t be of much use. Then again having that knowledge will suggest cluefullness. Anyone else have any probs like this or am I going to pop my clogs with bowel cancer or something equally cheery???

So many it seems like half of all Atkids get this standard early temporary effect. No way two weeks of temporary effects will have a long term effect.

Response:

Well, finally. I thought it was just me who had this problem. I keep reading about constipation problems while on Atkins and this is the first I’ve seen of someone who has the opposite problem just like me. :) It’s just really annoying as I have to go about 30 mins after eating and it doesn’t affect my loss in anyway. Just wondering if I might be overdoing the water – I drink between 2 to 3 litres a day + herbal teas and decaff coffee(3 cups max). I don’t take any fibre supplements, just a multi vitamin and if I eat any wheat (bread etc) then I get really, really bad IBS.

I don’t have IBS but I do drink lots and lots of water. I think the other responses you have received are probably correct. This will be my first week of OWL and am waiting eagerly to see if the poop issues resolve themselves as Doug has mentioned. If not, I’ll just incorporate a fiber supplement once I’m done navigating the wide field of available ones. Just glad I wasn’t the only one. — Felicia D. 210/195/140 since: 4/1/2005 monthly goal: 8 lbs.

Response:

My sister had the same problem but the answer turned out to be the low carb candy she thought was harmless.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just wanted to see if anyone else has had any problems like mine. Whenever I go into Ketosis basically – I get diarrhoea – I never get constipated on Atkins Welcome to ketosis. Have you stayed in ketosis for at least two weeks to see that this early effect is temporary? Have you moved on to OWL and seen that this early effect is temporary Have got an appt with my Doctor on Thurs anyway for a check up for PCOS so am intending to ask her then. That’s nice but lots of doctors are clueless about Atkins. Unless your doc knows that the early effects last maybe two weeks, his/her advice won’t be of much use. Then again having that knowledge will suggest cluefullness. Anyone else have any probs like this or am I going to pop my clogs with bowel cancer or something equally cheery??? So many it seems like half of all Atkids get this standard early temporary effect. No way two weeks of temporary effects will have a long term effect.

That’s the thing – I should have mentioned that I did Atkins for a year until last summer when I went to Barcelona for a holiday and then Paris and it was really hard getting extra veggies as we ate out all the time – everything seemed to be potato, pasta or rice based and I was getting peed off with eating the most boring things on the menu so I quit basically. Finally got around to going back on Atkins – definitely going to stick this time – can’t afford any more holidays after this next one in California, where I can’t foresee a problem with eating out. Anyway I had the problem throughout the year that I was on Atkins – probably why I lost so much so easily – LOL!! I don’t tend to overdo the sugar-free candy too much as they really aggravate it and then I can’t be more than a 15 min brisk walk from the loo, or I’m in trouble Actually I thought today wasn’t too bad as I only had time for a couple of boiled eggs before we went out for the day, then only had time for a quick cup of coffee until we got home at 6ish. Then I had a normal dinner – Steak & salad – whoosh – off to the loo again – sigh!! I used to take fibre tablets last year as well and they had absolutely no effect either way. Elise

Response:

I just wanted to see if anyone else has had any problems like mine. Whenever I go into Ketosis basically – I get diarrhoea – I never get constipated on Atkins Welcome to ketosis. Have you stayed in ketosis for at least two weeks to see that this early effect is temporary? Anyway I had the problem throughout the year that I was on Atkins

A year is a very different issue than the usual Induction loosness. Another thing to check: Did you stay on Indcution? Moving up the carb ladder to find your CCLL is another thing that helps resolve the issue. If you did spend the week out of ketosis to find your CCLL, then it will be harder. I think this is caused "dumping syndrome". The initial approach is to keep a log of what you eat and when you have loose bowel movements. Try to figure out some combination that causes. For a while I had the problem around once every other week and logging showed that it was a combination of pork plus hot pepper plus high salt that did it for me. I stopped salting any pork meal and it almost never happens any more. For you it might be a single common food or a common combination.

Response:

Biggest Loser Finale

admin — Sun, 09 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

|| || ||| I didn’t say "eating right", I said control your eating. || || To me controlling my eating is eating right. :-) That is just the || way my mind looks at it. || || || ||| That means you ||| have to less than your body needs to maintain its weight. And low ||| carb allows folks like us to do that relatively easy. || || I agree. When I eat crap I can eat *hundreds*..even *thousands* of || calories. When I stick to low carb I average around 1500 calories || per || day, which surprised me greatly when I first started doing a food || journal. || || ||| That’s what I mean. If you’re eating excess carbs then you are not ||| controling your eating, though, according to some, you may be ||| eating right. || || Controlling my eating is eating right. When I go out of control || things || are very very bad. *Very* bad. || || ||| Could that be water weight or due to sodium? || || Water weight I think. Since I found out from a recent EKG I had a || heart attack I have quit eating salt and all sodium laden foods. || || ||| Maybe…but it doesn’t sound like you gained 6 lbs of fat over ||| night. || || It was probably water but I do gain very easily. When I was pregnant || with my first son I gained over 50 pounds easily. Close to 1 || hundred. Okay….you certainly didn’t gain 50 or 100 lbs of water. But if you consistently overeat and are sedentary, weight gain comes on quickly. Some of us have greater capacity than others to overeat – significantly. I speak from experience, too.

Response:

Okay….you certainly didn’t gain 50 or 100 lbs of water. But if you consistently overeat and are sedentary, weight gain comes on quickly. Some of us have greater capacity than others to overeat – significantly. I speak from experience, too.

It is a constant battle for me to not overeat….even on low carb.

Response:

How would you know? You’ve never lost any weight. You still weigh 400 pounds. The best thing would be for you to quit giving diet advice, because you don’t know anything about it. — Now piss off. You cannot possibly be this stupid and remember to breathe. You must be trolling. – Carmen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You don’t have to exercise to get your weight down….just control your eating. Actually, I am one of those folks who *do* need to exercise to get my weight down. Just eating right does not cut it for me and I have always been this way and have learned this over the years. The other night I was just thinking about my life pre- and post-children and my weight was much less BEFORE I had my kids because I was outside all the time walking, hiking, swimming, etc. I even dabbled in jogging a couple of years before I had my first son and it was then that my weight was at an all time low of between 150 and 160 pounds but I was not watching what I was eating at that time. I was 19 and ate whatever I felt like eating. When I do not exercise I can put on weight very very easily if I pack in the excess carbs. I have seen as much as 6 pounds overnight. I’ve often wondered if that is related to my PCOS in some small minor way.

Response:

I didn’t say "eating right", I said control your eating.

To me controlling my eating is eating right. :-) That is just the way my mind looks at it. That means you have to less than your body needs to maintain its weight. And low carb allows folks like us to do that relatively easy.

I agree. When I eat crap I can eat *hundreds*..even *thousands* of calories. When I stick to low carb I average around 1500 calories per day, which surprised me greatly when I first started doing a food journal. That’s what I mean. If you’re eating excess carbs then you are not controling your eating, though, according to some, you may be eating right.

Controlling my eating is eating right. When I go out of control things are very very bad. *Very* bad. Could that be water weight or due to sodium?

Water weight I think. Since I found out from a recent EKG I had a heart attack I have quit eating salt and all sodium laden foods. Maybe…but it doesn’t sound like you gained 6 lbs of fat over night.

It was probably water but I do gain very easily. When I was pregnant with my first son I gained over 50 pounds easily. Close to 1 hundred.

Response:

|| The eating is definitely in control- if I want to have a lower weight || average, I’ll need to get back to walking- I’m about to break that || barrier this week:). || Right. that’s where the true power of exercise (as far as weight loss is concerned) is. Once get near or under maintenance, then exercise can provide a nice boost. || — || Diane || || ||

||||| I think Ryan, but I thought it was a great twist to send them home ||||| into the world before the big weigh in- I doubt that I’d blow it ||||| with $250 K as a prize. The website is good- lots of before and ||||| after pics. Both meal plans reduced the carbs and kept calories in ||||| control, I hope they mention it in the finale. ||||| ||||| One thing that stuck with me from the trainer to Maurice- If he ||||| wanted big losses- to do cardio 2x a day. Granted that was the ||||| only thing he had to worry about all day- It was surprising how ||||| little he would lose in a week- I wondered what held him up. ||||| ||||| It impressed me to get my butt in gear if I want the scale to go ||||| down. ||| ||| You don’t have to exercise to get your weight down….just control ||| your eating. ||| ||| However, there are BIG advantages to exercising and it will assist ||| in weight ||| loss. ||| ||| Bottom line: control your eating first (low carb is great for that, ||| but not ||| the only way), and add reasonable exercise second (combination of ||| weight training and some form of cardio, recommended).

Response:

The eating is definitely in control- if I want to have a lower weight average, I’ll need to get back to walking- I’m about to break that barrier this week:). — Diane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – || I think Ryan, but I thought it was a great twist to send them home || into the world before the big weigh in- I doubt that I’d blow it || with $250 K as a prize. The website is good- lots of before and || after pics. Both meal plans reduced the carbs and kept calories in || control, I hope they mention it in the finale. || || One thing that stuck with me from the trainer to Maurice- If he || wanted big losses- to do cardio 2x a day. Granted that was the only || thing he had to worry about all day- It was surprising how little he || would lose in a week- I wondered what held him up. || || It impressed me to get my butt in gear if I want the scale to go || down. You don’t have to exercise to get your weight down….just control your eating. However, there are BIG advantages to exercising and it will assist in weight loss. Bottom line: control your eating first (low carb is great for that, but not the only way), and add reasonable exercise second (combination of weight training and some form of cardio, recommended).

Response:

I think Ryan, but I thought it was a great twist to send them home into the world before the big weigh in- I doubt that I’d blow it with $250 K as a prize. The website is good- lots of before and after pics. Both meal plans reduced the carbs and kept calories in control, I hope they mention it in the finale. One thing that stuck with me from the trainer to Maurice- If he wanted big losses- to do cardio 2x a day. Granted that was the only thing he had to worry about all day- It was surprising how little he would lose in a week- I wondered what held him up.

My guess is that Maurice just ate a lot. I think I remember reading that the contestants were free to eat whatever they wanted. It impressed me to get my butt in gear if I want the scale to go down.

– Michelle Levin http://www.mindspring.com/~lunachick I have only 3 flaws. My first flaw is thinking that I only have 3 flaws.

Response:

Anyone following this TV show? The finale is this Tuesday night 8pm NBC. — Diane

Response:

Anyone following this TV show? The finale is this Tuesday night 8pm NBC.

I’m following it. I cannot wait to see who wins. At this point I am guessing Gary.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone following this TV show? The finale is this Tuesday night 8pm NBC. I’m following it. I cannot wait to see who wins. At this point I am guessing Gary.

Response:

|| I think Ryan, but I thought it was a great twist to send them home || into the world before the big weigh in- I doubt that I’d blow it || with $250 K as a prize. The website is good- lots of before and || after pics. Both meal plans reduced the carbs and kept calories in || control, I hope they mention it in the finale. || || One thing that stuck with me from the trainer to Maurice- If he || wanted big losses- to do cardio 2x a day. Granted that was the only || thing he had to worry about all day- It was surprising how little he || would lose in a week- I wondered what held him up. || || It impressed me to get my butt in gear if I want the scale to go || down. You don’t have to exercise to get your weight down….just control your eating. However, there are BIG advantages to exercising and it will assist in weight loss. Bottom line: control your eating first (low carb is great for that, but not the only way), and add reasonable exercise second (combination of weight training and some form of cardio, recommended).

Response:

You don’t have to exercise to get your weight down….just control your eating.

Actually, I am one of those folks who *do* need to exercise to get my weight down. Just eating right does not cut it for me and I have always been this way and have learned this over the years. The other night I was just thinking about my life pre- and post-children and my weight was much less BEFORE I had my kids because I was outside all the time walking, hiking, swimming, etc. I even dabbled in jogging a couple of years before I had my first son and it was then that my weight was at an all time low of between 150 and 160 pounds but I was not watching what I was eating at that time. I was 19 and ate whatever I felt like eating. When I do not exercise I can put on weight very very easily if I pack in the excess carbs. I have seen as much as 6 pounds overnight. I’ve often wondered if that is related to my PCOS in some small minor way.

Response:

|| || ||| You don’t have to exercise to get your weight down….just control ||| your eating. || || Actually, I am one of those folks who *do* need to exercise to get my || weight down. Just eating right does not cut it for me and I have || always been this way and have learned this over the years. || I didn’t say "eating right", I said control your eating. That means you have to less than your body needs to maintain its weight. And low carb allows folks like us to do that relatively easy. || The other night I was just thinking about my life pre- and || post-children and my weight was much less BEFORE I had my kids || because I was outside all the time walking, hiking, swimming, etc. || I even dabbled in jogging a couple of years before I had my first || son and it was then that my weight was at an all time low of between || 150 and 160 pounds but I was not watching what I was eating at that || time. I was 19 and ate whatever I felt like eating. || || When I do not exercise I can put on weight very very easily if I pack || in the excess carbs. That’s what I mean. If you’re eating excess carbs then you are not controling your eating, though, according to some, you may be eating right. || I have seen as much as 6 pounds overnight. Could that be water weight or due to sodium? || I’ve often wondered if that is related to my PCOS in some small || minor way. Maybe…but it doesn’t sound like you gained 6 lbs of fat over night.

Response:

Sunday with Odessa

admin — Mon, 18 Oct 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Keep those happy purrs coming! I got to hold my Odessa today, but she made me fight for it. She got me going in a game of Chase the Kitty that had me running all over the computer room. She’s very graceful and ran and jumped with a gymnast’s ease of movement. It was a pleasure just to watch her. She ran under the computer I use, not under the big desk where she’s frequently hidden, and after all the running decided to let me pick her up. No hissing or foul language. She let me hold her for several minutes without any struggle, and even started purring after getting her ears and chin scratched. When she did want down, she went to her closet, gave me a short hiss as if to say "That was nice but leave me alone now, I must meditate" and lay down. She let me reach into the closet and give her a quick pet, without any cussing. And when Louie came up to feed her, she didn’t completely run and hide, just ran but peeked out of her closet. I have to say that the other kids have been really nice about having Odessa here. Roxie has taken a guardpost upstairs and has been keeping the Juvies from coming up and trying to butt the door open or generally cause trouble. She seems to know that Odessa will take a little longer to integrate than the outgoing Brandy. Stosh is acting more secure with himself. When we brought in first Roxie, then our fosterling Brian, he was insecure and needed a lot of reassurance. I figured it was related to his background of abuse. When Brandy came, he was nuts to meet her, and they became fast buddies. I have a feeling that Odessa will be more Roxie’s speed; Odessa certainly likes to meditate, I’ve seen that already. And Brandy? She seems completely OK with everything, but she came out of a busy foster home where there was a turnover of animals, and a lot of animals at any given time. She is the only one who doesn’t camp out at the door. She’s too busy playing and wrestling with Stosh, which has become one of my favorite sporting events. Blessed be, Baha

Response:

You’re obviously making progress, Baha; just keep on doing what you’re doing and purrs from us to help you along! Christine (enjoying the stories)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Keep those happy purrs coming! I got to hold my Odessa today, but she made me fight for it. She got me going in a game of Chase the Kitty that had me running all over the computer room. She’s very graceful and ran and jumped with a gymnast’s ease of movement. It was a pleasure just to watch her. She ran under the computer I use, not under the big desk where she’s frequently hidden, and after all the running decided to let me pick her up. No hissing or foul language. She let me hold her for several minutes without any struggle, and even started purring after getting her ears and chin scratched. When she did want down, she went to her closet, gave me a short hiss as if to say "That was nice but leave me alone now, I must meditate" and lay down. She let me reach into the closet and give her a quick pet, without any cussing. And when Louie came up to feed her, she didn’t completely run and hide, just ran but peeked out of her closet. I have to say that the other kids have been really nice about having Odessa here. Roxie has taken a guardpost upstairs and has been keeping the Juvies from coming up and trying to butt the door open or generally cause trouble. She seems to know that Odessa will take a little longer to integrate than the outgoing Brandy. Stosh is acting more secure with himself. When we brought in first Roxie, then our fosterling Brian, he was insecure and needed a lot of reassurance. I figured it was related to his background of abuse. When Brandy came, he was nuts to meet her, and they became fast buddies. I have a feeling that Odessa will be more Roxie’s speed; Odessa certainly likes to meditate, I’ve seen that already. And Brandy? She seems completely OK with everything, but she came out of a busy foster home where there was a turnover of animals, and a lot of animals at any given time. She is the only one who doesn’t camp out at the door. She’s too busy playing and wrestling with Stosh, which has become one of my favorite sporting events. Blessed be, Baha

Response:

Odessa certainly likes to meditate, I’ve seen that already. And Brandy? She seems completely OK with everything, but she came out of a busy foster home where there was a turnover of animals, and a lot of animals at any given time. She is the only one who doesn’t camp out at the door. She’s too busy playing and wrestling with Stosh, which has become one of my favorite sporting events. Blessed be, Baha

Sounds like things are going great. I’m glad Roxy is helping out. Suz Macmoosette Thank Heavens There’s Only One =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= Waiting for inspiration. Please hold while I contemplate my navel. |__/| (=’:'=) (")_(")

Response:

So glad she seems to be settling in a bit. You know what you’re doing, don’t you, Baha, you are *spoiling yourself* with cats! Odessa sounds like she’ll be a gentle and thoughtful cat, like my Boyfriend. I’m sure she’ll fit in just fine very soon. It must be scary when they go to a different place that they don’t know and are not sure what dangers they face there, and what might happen. Scritches to Odessa. The lucky girl. Tweed

Response:

I’m hoping that she is learning that she is safe with you and with Louie. It must be so terrible hard to her. Different sounds and smells and furniture. She is probably imagining that the other cats are monsters who want to gobble her up. Can’t blame a girl for being cautious. She really has no experience to expect what a nice home she has landed in. Jo

Response:

So glad she seems to be settling in a bit. You know what you’re doing, don’t you, Baha, you are *spoiling yourself* with cats!

Is that possible? Maybe it’s the Mama in me. I have polycystic ovarian disorder, which at my age makes me nearly infertile, and the only treatment makes damn sure that I am infertile. It’s not fatal, only makes my uterus useful for PMS. The cats are my babies. I adored my Fritzie when he was with us, but he was destined to be an only child; his health was so delicate we didn’t want to screw up his diabetes with the stress of another cat. Now the Mama in me wants her babies. The life and activity in this house with multiple cats is simply a delight. Even my Louie feels like the King of the pride when he’s slopping around watching The Big Game, and all the cats are curled around him. Odessa sounds like she’ll be a gentle and thoughtful cat, like my Boyfriend.

What a delightful name for a cat! I love it. And you know what, sometimes a cat is a heluva lot more reliable and thoughtful than a man. Or ladies, for you guys who’ve been burned. (No offense to you good fellows here, but every girl on this board has known at least one commitment-phobe or serial dater in her lifetime!) Odessa is coming more out of her shell, and I do see that she is very gentle and that she has a lot of affection deep in her little heart. She just has a lot of adjusting to do yet, the poor baby; she’s been through a lot and has had a lot of rejection. I’m sure she’ll fit in just fine very soon. It must be scary when they go to a different place that they don’t know and are not sure what dangers they face there, and what might happen. Scritches to Odessa. The lucky girl.

The lucky Mama will pass on the scritches. Many thanks! Blessed be, Baha

Response:

So glad she seems to be settling in a bit. You know what you’re doing, don’t you, Baha, you are *spoiling yourself* with cats! Is that possible?

No, I was just teasing you, Mrs Kaur. Tweed

Response:

You sound like you are going to have a balanced pet brigade. Cheers for you and Odessa in the bonding game. — CATherine

Response:

PCOS/Incompetent cervix – cerclage @ 14 wks, funnelling/dilating 2cm @ 22 wks.

admin — Tue, 14 Sep 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Due to incompetent cervix I lost a baby at 21 weeks 1 1/2 years ago. I have never had an abortion,been exposed to DES or anything, I am pretty sure its hormonal. I am finally pregnant again (have PCOS) and had a cerclage put in at about 14 weeks. I am now at 22 weeks, the stitch is in good shape but I have funnelled (spelling?:) all the way up to the first stitch and they say I have 1.7 cm left of cervix- where it is stitched only, and the baby’s side of the cervix is open 2cm. (cm right?)I have no bleeding or pain other then a few little pinches here and there, I am on complete bedrest (have been for a week now) and this is the 2nd time in this pregnancy that I have started opening. The first time was also up to the first stitch but only 1 cm… at 18 weeks, and by 19 weeks and a day or so, It was right back to normal. (after bedrest, then the doc said to go back to normal, so I did 1/2 of the norm. to be careful and opened up again.)at 21 wks, 1cm, even with bedrest by 22wks @2cm. I really think my doctor is doing everything he can – visits 1x a week w/ ultrasounds and cervical exams… I dont know why he doesnt just put me in the hospital or something…he kind of just tells me to expect early delivery, like at 25 weeks maybe 26… Friday I see a specialty doc. Anything I should know? Ask? Do? Not do? Has anyone had success with dilating this early? to where the pregnancy is pretty much depending on the stitches? I’m kinda freaking out because no one seems to have any answers. I know it depends on how long my body can hold up, but on average.. how many this early are successful etc. my doc wont tell me, says there is no way to put a number on it, he doesnt want my hopes up OR down I think… so anyways, all info is appreciated, whether its good or bad news. thanks – kimberly

Response:

kimberly wrote: > I really think my doctor is doing everything he can – visits 1x a week > w/ ultrasounds and cervical exams… I dont know why he doesnt just > put me in the hospital or something…he kind of just tells me to > expect early delivery, like at 25 weeks maybe 26… Friday I see a > specialty doc. > Anything I should know? Ask? Do? Not do? Has anyone had success with > dilating this early? to where the pregnancy is pretty much depending > on the stitches? > I’m kinda freaking out because no one seems to have any answers. I > know it depends on how long my body can hold up, but on average.. how > many this early are successful etc. my doc wont tell me, says there is > no way to put a number on it, he doesnt want my hopes up OR down I > think… so anyways, all info is appreciated, whether its good or bad > news.

Dunno how much help this will be. A girl from work had it last year (before I met her). They put her on bedrest in the hospital for several months. I don’t know if she had the stitches or not, I’d imagine so. They were sure she’d deliver very early, but she made it to 38 weeks. I don’t really know any other details of her situation. She’s pg again (her kids are going to be about 1 yr apart), 7 months, and she doesn’t have it this time. She was quite young too, she’s almost 18 now. I hope the specialist will be more helpful. I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t put you in the hospital. It must be pretty hard to get solid bedrest at home. Do you get a home health nurse or anything? Good luck, Jeni.

Response:

Likelihood of pregnancy

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi, I was diagnosed PCOS in 2000. I have been on the pill (Yasmin) for almost two years. On the first and second days of the second week of my pill pack, I was so tired I forgot to take them. I resumed on the third day, taking two on the third and two on the fourth day of that week to catch up. I did have intercourse on the first of the two days on which I forgot my pill. What is the probability, given pcos, that I could have gotten pregnant? I know that the pill packs give caution in relation to the second week, but am not clear how that is actually taking into consideration when one has pcos. thanks. Mysty

Response:

The likelihood of someone getting pregnant during the first week of a pill pack is extreamly low. If I remember correctly from when I was on the pill, I was usally bleeding the first couple days of a new pack, having statred about 3 or 4 days after the last acitve pill. Even a ‘normal 28-day-cycle’ woman would have a very low risk of pregnancy during the first week of her cycle. An egg only lives 24 hours and sperm can live up to 5 days, so you would have to have unprotected sex within 5 day prior to ovulation to concieve under normal circumstances. I’d think you shouldn’t be worried. A good general rule of thumb on when you might ovulate is approximate 2 weeks to 10 days prior to starting to bleed. I know that is a veryhard way to calculate, and that it wouldn’t hold true for every woman, but the average luteal phase (the time between ovulation and mensturation) is 10 – 14 days. For every woman, the part of the cycle that can vary most is the time from the end of mensturation to ovulation. Anyway, that is probably WAY more information than you were looking for, but thought I would offer it. Robin "Mysty" wrote in message

news:5c334e9f.0408240736.5540aa42@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I was diagnosed PCOS in 2000. I have been on the pill (Yasmin) for > almost two years. On the first and second days of the second week of > my pill pack, I was so tired I forgot to take them. I resumed on the > third day, taking two on the third and two on the fourth day of that > week to catch up. I did have intercourse on the first of the two days > on which I forgot my pill. What is the probability, given pcos, that I > could have gotten pregnant? I know that the pill packs give caution > in relation to the second week, but am not clear how that is actually > taking into consideration when one has pcos. > thanks. > Mysty

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confused

admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hey everyone! This is hard for me to write.Im a 17yr old girl, who has always had very dark hair on my legs and arms, which,I have always been selfconcious about, but knew I could get over it. But now, over the last year, I have noticed I have hair on my chest (not just nipples, all over), abdomen, thighs, basically all over my body. I also have irregular periods, and sort of thinning hair. I had a blood test, and it came back normal.My doctor doesnt think there is anything wrong since I am young, and not slim(not overly).BUT i havent told her about the excess hair because I am too embarrassed. I havent told my mum either because of this. I know about laser hair removal,as I am currently having it done on my upper lip.This costs a lot, and takes time, which I havent got much of as I want to go to Uni in a year.argh, this is the time when I am meant to be having heaps of fun (and want to be) but this is lowering my selfconfidence. Also if I do have PCOS it has to be checked out straight away for health reasons doesnt it…Has anyone got any advice for me, or how you have/do cope with excess hair, and if you have got rid of it how? Also if you could just provide support, or advice on my situation. Thanks everyone

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>Also if I do >have PCOS it has to be checked out straight away for health reasons >doesnt it…Has anyone got any advice for me, or how you have/do cope

Push for more testing. I had to. You should have an estrogen, progesterone, total and free testosterone, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose. Luckily my hair is fairly kight. I just pluck on my face and shave or use Nair other places.

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The Low Carb Junk Food Glut & Low Newsgroup Traffic

admin — Sat, 07 Aug 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

| That’s my motto as well Dan. If you have to read the label, (((MAYBE))) | you shouldn’t be eating it. I do understand that you were stating the idea as an abstract principle, but I think it was misstated and misleading. What you meant to say — I believe — was that in your opinion natural foods are preferable over manufactured foods with artificial ingredients.

Yes that is what I mean. If there is label, it is likely processed. Meat that has a label probably has cereals and preservatives. Canned vegetables usually have added salt. I do not normally eat sausages or canned vegggies for that reason. Frozen, yes on occasion. Although it is difficult to eat everything without a label, it is best that they do. No rule covers everything. Tom

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading this newsgroup daily since 1998 (with one year off). I’ve never seen such a small amount of traffic as has been here over the last month or two. And that includes many periods with heavy trolling and flamewars which drove people away. My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset. I suspect that what is happening is that people are trying what they think is a low carb diet, full of junk foods, and when they don’t lose weight, their abandoning it. I already saw that happen with several acquaintances years ago whose "low carb" diets included several Advantage bars a day and not so surprisingly didn’t work. What do you think?

Very likely true. When I started, I quickly added the low carb wraps and the low carb bars and even some low carb bread. It didn’t work, just like you predicted. Then I reread the book DANDR and started again, following instructions. Finally, success. With the usual stalls here and there and one or two minor falling off the wagon episodes. I think another factor is the low carb fast food and the low carb entries in restaurants. A friend of mine went "low carb" and all he did was to buy low carb foods off the restaurant menu. He did tighten his belt a few notches, but he has not bothered to learn anything except "low carb". I don’t know how he is fairing now…. he could be a reconversion back to carb gluttony. Jim

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Damsel said: Look at you! You’ve surpassed your goal! Whoo-hoo! Hi Damsel. I’m actually at my goal weight. It’s just natural fluctuation between 178 and 181. The plan now is to increase my excercise to be become leaner, but stay around 180. The guys at work think I’m still losing weight, and there is a lot better muscle definition than a few months ago at the same weight. Perhaps I should just say 180/180 unless there is a definite trend in either direction?

How about 210/180/maintenance? Your idea works, too. Anyway, I’m surprised that you’re still here, TOM, since so many women blame you for temporary weight gain and bloating. Glad you stuck with us!

Yeah! You bastard!! I see in another thread that you are switching diet plans and that you have lost a little more weight. I saw your latest pics as well. There is an improvement. You have lost 1/5th of the weight that you want to. Keep up the good work.

Wow, I hadn’t thought of it that way. Putting weight loss into a fraction of goal is really encouraging and uplifting. Thanks for doing the math.

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|| What do you think? Very likely.

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Hi Nancy! Good to see that you’re still here, even if it’s in Invisible Mode. Just KF a very choice people, and it’s much nicer around here.

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So you’re still blaming everyone and everything else because you won’t eat less. How stupid are you? — You take stupid to a new level. – MFW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading this newsgroup daily since 1998 (with one year off). I’ve never seen such a small amount of traffic as has been here over the last month or two. And that includes many periods with heavy trolling and flamewars which drove people away. My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset. Typically here on the newsgroup most of our traffic has been people who have been on the diet for a few weeks, who have lost a bunch of weight and perhaps hit the 3 week stall, but who are enthusiastic and want to know more. There’s been a real lack of those of late. I suspect that what is happening is that people are trying what they think is a low carb diet, full of junk foods, and when they don’t lose weight, their abandoning it. I already saw that happen with several acquaintances years ago whose "low carb" diets included several Advantage bars a day and not so surprisingly didn’t work. What do you think? As I delurk for a moment to speak my mind, I think it’s because of the nasty attitude in the group. Even serious people have been driven "off." I read to see if there’s anything new, interesting, but mostly it’s just the very unsupportive views of people who are losing weight easily. For those of us with underlying issues that assist in keeping us from taking it off quickly and easily, there’s derision and insults. For someone who is truly struggling, this kind of attitude doesn’t help. Maybe that’s why the volume’s dropped off, Jenny. I found that decreasing the stress of dealing with "how stupid are you????" posts actually helped me do better. And before I get the "well, if you’re struggling…" let me say this: I’ve been eating ‘clean’ (read into that what you will) since the end of June, and the movement is still very, very slow. I’ve been learning a lot about my body, and unless you’ve struggled with what I now know to be PCOS, insulin resistance and the inability to push into certain exercise patterns (I’ve had a major flare of the psoriatic arthritis that keeps me from pushing my body too hard – crumbling neck joints will keep you in line, believe me), you don’t know squat. What I’ve learned is this: I could be just like those of you who are so judgemental, if I’d chosen my parents a little more wisely. — Nancy Howells (don’t forget to switch it, and replace the to send

mail).

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I guess my advice to new LCers would be: the fewer things you eat where you have to puzzle over the nutrition label before you buy them, the better. Even better, eat mostly those foods that DON’T have nutrition labels! Dan

That’s my motto as well Dan. If you have to read the label, maybe you shouldn’t be eating it. Tom 210/179/180

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I agree that it’s probably harder to be a first-time LCer nowadays. One can be mislead into eating all sorts of prefab foods which will make success all the more elusive

Yes, this is very true. Having first started low carbing when few if any of these things existed I find it nice that there can be more variety now. Like Jenny I’ve been around here since this group started in 1998, though also with about 12-18 months off at one point. Back in 1997 when I first started LC there were few options, and not even this newsgroup. I had to be part of alt.support.diet then, where the few low carbers in the group were often flamed by the othe dieters. But my daily diet does *not* consist of these junk products that flood the market. A typical daily menu for me is something like: Breakfast: 1 carton of Total imported Greek yogurt (plain) mixed with a little splenda and cinnamon a few sliced strawberries on top (about the size of a ping-pong ball in volume) a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans Lunch: usually salad, a largish variety of greens with a bit of mushroom and chopped onion, etc. usually with some caesar dressing, and topped with some chicken or tuna and shredded cheese Snack: a handful of nuts Dinner: Some meat cooked in the crockpot, often chicken, sometimes a roast, Italian sausages, and generally a serving of green veggies which I usually sautee in olive oil with chopped garlic. But it’s nice to to know I *can* have other things occasionally. Today I’m going to my sister’s house for a birthday party for her son who turns 17 tomorrow. Seventeen is a big birthday in New Jersey, as that is the age at which you can get your driver’s license, and he has a test already scheduled for Monday morning to get that license. My sister low carbs on and off, and is an occasional poster to this group as well (she posted here just recently asking for low carb Greek food suggestions, as she is planning a Greek menu for the party today). Anyway, I know she is having ice cream and vanilla cake, which of course I won’t be eating, but she also told me that she is making a "surprise" sugar-free, low-carb dessert as well. I don’t know what it will be, but my sister is an excellent cook and I’m sure I’ll probably give it a try. I also enjoy Splenda, which was not available in the US in 1997, and I like DaVinci SF syrups, and I like all of the products from Expert Foods. I like almond flour, I like deep, rich Lindt Excellence 85% chocolate bars (one sqaure at a time, please), I like the occasional protein shake for dinner when I’m just not in the mood to cook. But I *know* I can’t do these things every day, and I’m sure many of the LC newbies feel they can, and that that may indeed be a big part of the problem. — Debbie

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As I delurk for a moment to speak my mind, I think it’s because of the nasty attitude in the group. Even serious people have been driven "off." I read to see if there’s anything new, interesting, but mostly it’s just the very unsupportive views of people who are losing weight easily. For those of us with underlying issues that assist in keeping us from taking it off quickly and easily, there’s derision and insults. For someone who is truly struggling, this kind of attitude doesn’t help. Maybe that’s why the volume’s dropped off, Jenny. I found that decreasing the stress of dealing with "how stupid are you????" posts actually helped me do better. And before I get the "well, if you’re struggling…" let me say this: I’ve been eating ‘clean’ (read into that what you will) since the end of June, and the movement is still very, very slow. I’ve been learning a lot about my body, and unless you’ve struggled with what I now know to be PCOS, insulin resistance and the inability to push into certain exercise patterns (I’ve had a major flare of the psoriatic arthritis that keeps me from pushing my body too hard – crumbling neck joints will keep you in line, believe me), you don’t know squat. What I’ve learned is this: I could be just like those of you who are so judgemental, if I’d chosen my parents a little more wisely. — Nancy Howells (don’t forget to switch it, and replace the to send

mail). I know how you feel, Nancy. When I started out last October, I was DETERMINED to be successful and I remain DETERMINED. While I don’t believe it’s a general attitude, there is an unsupportive element to this ’support’ group. I refused (and still do) to let them/it discourage me from doing the healthiest thing I’ve ever done for my body. I just make good use of killfiling the noise. And I will continue to be supportive and encouraging whenever I can in this newsgroup. — Linda 296/208/160 LC since Oct. 13, 2003 http://home.att.net/~lewis_linda/index.html

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BRAVO, Peter!!

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| I know how you feel, Nancy. When I started out last October, I was | DETERMINED to be successful and I remain DETERMINED. While I don’t | believe it’s a general attitude, there is an unsupportive element to | this ’support’ group. I refused (and still do) to let them/it | discourage me from doing the healthiest thing I’ve ever done for my | body. I just make good use of killfiling the noise. | | And I will continue to be supportive and encouraging whenever I can | in this newsgroup. Linda, I just visited your web site again and you look fantastic! You’ve done an awesome job and must be so proud of yourself! Regarding the "unsupportive attitude" of the newsgroup, I think there are a few different things going on: — WIth the new low-carb craze in the past few months, there are a lot of newbies on ASDLC now. Many have been low-carbing for only a short time, yet present erroneous ideas as if they were fact. Then the old-timers (long-timers?) step in to correct the misstatements, sometimes in an unkind manner, and the OP gets offended and says that they’re not being supported by the group. I know I’m guilty of letting myself get too worked up over misinformation and opinions presented as science. I’m trying really hard to just ignore the posts that I disagree with.. But is it really being supportive to just let incorrect statements/opinions go unchallenged? — The acronym "YMMV" should be used a lot more; when I started posting here four or so years ago it was very common to see posts include the "Your Mileage May Vary." But many posters are exremely opinionated and believe that their way is the only way, and again present their ideas as absolute fact rather than a personal opinion or general guideline. This starts flame wars with those who have a differing point of view. We need to realize that none of us have all the answers,, and maybe should show our support in a kinder, gentler fashion — myself included. — There are always those posters who will claim that the group is not being supportive if we don’t tell them exactly what they want to hear whether it’s the truth or not. Kind of like alcoholics who want to keep drinking and have eveyone tell them that it’s ok. It is most definitely not supportive to coddle people and help enable them to continue in their ways that made them fat in the first place or that prevents them from succeeding in their weigt loss or health goals. If you read through this thread (without naming names) you will see what I am talking about.

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Look at you! You’ve surpassed your goal! Whoo-hoo!

Hi Damsel. I’m actually at my goal weight. It’s just natural fluctuation between 178 and 181. The plan now is to increase my excercise to be become leaner, but stay around 180. The guys at work think I’m still losing weight, and there is a lot better muscle definition than a few months ago at the same weight. Perhaps I should just say 180/180 unless there is a definite trend in either direction? Anyway, I’m surprised that you’re still here, TOM, since so many women blame you for temporary weight gain and bloating. Glad you stuck with us!

Hehe. I thought it was a good joke that TOM was being blamed all the time. I see in another thread that you are switching diet plans and that you have lost a little more weight. I saw your latest pics as well. There is an improvement. You have lost 1/5th of the weight that you want to. Keep up the good work. Tom 210/179/180 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carol — 227/211/150 (Thursdays) Fasting BG: 97 Reduced Carb 5/25/2004 Diabetes Dx 5/15/2001 http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie

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It’s the difference (literally) between my being successful or

unsuccessful. That does work for some people. For most of the others, in my observation, it hinders rather than helps. And also, you lo-carb product buyers have to lighten up. Your opinion and mine are just different. It is not an attack. I realize that some find meat and vegetables unpalatable or boring. Lo-carb products can be used as a tool, but should not replace real food. The further one strays from the original plan, the more likely that the diet will not work. This goes along with the number of health problems a person has that will not help their weight loss efforts. If there are too many negative factors, a person will have to be more strict with the foods they choose. Tom 210/179/180

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People also claim that without the great lo-carb food choices, they

would not be able to continue the boring meat and vegetables menu.<< I for one, am grateful for all the low-carb food choices. I HATE vegetables (sorry, but I just can’t gag most of them down and I’ve tried). I’m not a "loser" or a "criminal" because I eat non-newsgroup-sanctioned low carb snacks. I AM however, continuing to lose weight, eating only one of these snacks daily. It’s the difference (literally) between my being successful or unsuccessful. I think a lot of people should lighten up on those who "dont’ think or eat the way they do". I am old enough to have been on Atkins back in the mid-70’s, when I lived at home and had my beloved mother cooking my food for me. Believe me, if you could have seen the soybread she made me, you would have sworn off lowcarb "the way it was" forever!

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The further away from "real foods" we get, the higher the chance of failure – at least without knowledge and understanding of how to use the bars, shakes, and other products.

You got that right! ~Carol Ann www.lowcarblosers.com ~ Home of the FREE Monthly Weightloss Challenge http://tinyurl.com/33uk7 <—Recent Pictures of Morgan born 3.24.04

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| I’ve been reading this newsgroup daily since 1998 (with one year | off). I’ve never seen such a small amount of traffic as has been here | over the last month or two. And that includes many periods with | heavy trolling and flamewars which drove people away. | What do you think? I think that it’s summertime and people aren’t spending as much time sitting indoors at their computers. — Peter 270/215/180 Before/Current Pix: http://users.thelink.net/marengo/weightlosspix/weightlosspix.html

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We now have Advantage bars here in the U.K..so I thought I’d try one yesterday. I don’ think I’ll bother again. To me it tasted very sweet and a bit yucky, and it was expensive. Joy

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| | That’s my motto as well Dan. If you have to read the label, maybe | you shouldn’t be eating it. As a blanket statement, that’s ludicrous. What you mean to say is that maybe YOU shouldn’t be eating it if you have to read the label; that’s your personal choice. Please don’t presume to speak for eveyone else on something that is strictly a neurotic individual idiosyncracy. So you are instructiing us to eat only fresh vegetables? Meat in the U.S. comes packaged with nutritional labels by law, so that’s off limits too according to your idea. Eggs have nutritional information on the container; also cheese, butter, cream, nuts, et. al. You would preclude frozen and canned vegetables also. Please post your daily menus for a typical week; I’d be interested to see what you eat every day that doesn’t come with a label. I do understand that you were stating the idea as an abstract principle, but I think it was misstated and misleading. What you meant to say — I believe — was that in your opinion natural foods are preferable over manufactured foods with artificial ingredients. This makes more sense, but would also make nutritional labels even more important to read. — Peter 270/215/180 Before/Current Pix: http://users.thelink.net/marengo/weightlosspix/weightlosspix.html

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They don’t seem to realize that they are just switching to different junk food. People also claim that without the great lo-carb food choices, they would not be able to continue the boring meat and vegetables menu. Many try to add Splenda to everything they cook or drink. As for low traffic. It could just be the summer holidays. Tom 210/179/180

Look at you! You’ve surpassed your goal! Whoo-hoo! Anyway, I’m surprised that you’re still here, TOM, since so many women blame you for temporary weight gain and bloating. Glad you stuck with us!

Response:

I suspect that what is happening is that people are trying what they think

is a low carb diet, full of junk foods, and when they don’t lose weight, their abandoning it. I already saw that happen with several acquaintances years ago whose "low carb" diets included several Advantage bars a day and not so surprisingly didn’t work. What do you think?<< Hey Jenny! I’m still here, 20+ pounds lighter thanks to my low carb lifestyle. Now maybe lifestyle is a little harsh in my case, because I have found that I must have my "little bit o’ junkfood" daily or I will not maintain my food plan. By "little bit o’ junkfood", I mean some sort of frankensnack once a day.I know there are a lot of people here who would criticize that, but to each their own. As lots of people have said, a person needs to find a system they can stick to – I started lowcarbing for medical reasons, so I really can’t just "go off", so I manage as best as I can. My last bloodwork numbers were almost normal, and my doctor was happy, so I guess I’m doing okay.

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As I delurk for a moment to speak my mind, I think it’s because of the nasty attitude in the group. Even serious people have been driven "off." I read to see if there’s anything new, interesting, but mostly it’s just the very unsupportive views of people who are losing weight easily. For those of us with underlying issues that assist in keeping us from taking it off quickly and easily, there’s derision and insults. For someone who is truly struggling, this kind of attitude doesn’t help. Maybe that’s why the volume’s dropped off, Jenny. I found that decreasing the stress of dealing with "how stupid are you????" posts actually helped me do better. And before I get the "well, if you’re struggling…" let me say this: I’ve been eating ‘clean’ (read into that what you will) since the end of June, and the movement is still very, very slow. I’ve been learning a lot about my body, and unless you’ve struggled with what I now know to be PCOS, insulin resistance and the inability to push into certain exercise patterns (I’ve had a major flare of the psoriatic arthritis that keeps me from pushing my body too hard – crumbling neck joints will keep you in line, believe me), you don’t know squat. What I’ve learned is this: I could be just like those of you who are so judgemental, if I’d chosen my parents a little more wisely. — Nancy Howells (don’t forget to switch it, and replace the to send mail).

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset. I totally agree, Jenny. It’s just like the "low fat" idea that if it’s low in fat, you can eat the whole box without harm. I am totally disappointed that the Atkins plan has changed so much to include the so-called fake foods in their allowable lists. People who read and research their low-carb plan will understand the nuances of the program, and how to tweak it for themselves. Unfortunately, so many just jump in and eat whatever their concept of "low carbing" might be – even if they don’t really know – and then complain when it doesn’t work for them. The further away from "real foods" we get, the higher the chance of failure – at least without knowledge and understanding of how to use the bars, shakes, and other products.

Hear, hear. I remember somebody posted that when they described the diet to their (presumably older) mom, she thought it sounded reasonable. My mom’s diet prescription was always, "eat healthy, cut back on starches, eat smaller portions, and skip desserts". This advice, of course, dates from the days before easy fast food and restaurants with enormous portions, back when most Americans were eating most of their meals at home. Now in perfect hindsight, it sure sounds like the layman’s low(er) carb diet. My wife says that she does almost all her shopping around the edge of the store because this is where the foods without nutrition labels are. I agree that it’s probably harder to be a first-time LCer nowadays. One can be mislead into eating all sorts of prefab foods which will make success all the more elusive especially if one has also been mislead to believe the "eat all you want" fantasy that seems to come with the uninformed public perception of LC. In some ways, this explosion of new so-called low carb products will probably make it harder for LCers in general. It’s nice to have some genuine LC options, like decent pasta, but I think it comes at the expense of a subtle mind warp which says, "See? You can SO eat just the way you used to eat!" Then you have to make intelligent, informed choices and practice moderation, something which is difficult to sustain without a lot of practice. I guess my advice to new LCers would be: the fewer things you eat where you have to puzzle over the nutrition label before you buy them, the better. Even better, eat mostly those foods that DON’T have nutrition labels! Dan 325/211/180 Atkins since 1/1/02 (yeah, it was a New Year’s Resolution) Besetting sins: good beer, German bread, and Krispy Kremes

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I’ve been reading this newsgroup daily since 1998 (with one year off). I’ve never seen such a small amount of traffic as has been here over the last month or two. And that includes many periods with heavy trolling and flamewars which drove people away. My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset. Typically here on the newsgroup most of our traffic has been people who have been on the diet for a few weeks, who have lost a bunch of weight and perhaps hit the 3 week stall, but who are enthusiastic and want to know more. There’s been a real lack of those of late. I suspect that what is happening is that people are trying what they think is a low carb diet, full of junk foods, and when they don’t lose weight, their abandoning it. I already saw that happen with several acquaintances years ago whose "low carb" diets included several Advantage bars a day and not so surprisingly didn’t work. What do you think? — Jenny - Low Carbing for 4 years. Below goal for weight. Type 2 diabetes, hba1c 5.7 . Cut the carbs to respond to my email address! Jenny’s new site: What they Don’t Tell You About Diabetes http://www.geocities.com/lottadata4u/ Jenny’s Low Carb Diet Facts & Figures http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean/ Looking for help controlling your blood sugar? Visit http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/Newly%20Diagnosed.htm

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My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset.

I totally agree, Jenny. It’s just like the "low fat" idea that if it’s low in fat, you can eat the whole box without harm. I am totally disappointed that the Atkins plan has changed so much to include the so-called fake foods in their allowable lists. People who read and research their low-carb plan will understand the nuances of the program, and how to tweak it for themselves. Unfortunately, so many just jump in and eat whatever their concept of "low carbing" might be – even if they don’t really know – and then complain when it doesn’t work for them. The further away from "real foods" we get, the higher the chance of failure – at least without knowledge and understanding of how to use the bars, shakes, and other products.