PCOS Follow Up

A few weeks ago, I posted about the health problems that can be helped by eating low-carb. One of the health problems that seemed to be helped by eating low-carb was PCOS. Just as a little follow up, I found a website about PCOS and carbs. It's a great site. Hope this can help some of those suffering.

Not Sure What to Do?

If you or someone you know is struggling with the decision of whether or not to implement the low-carb lifestyle, let me try to help you. I lead an extremely busy life, and while low-carb may not be the most convenient, I find that it is the best for my body. I find that I have effects from living low-carb that far outweigh the need for me to plan ahead. Right now I am on a 3 day meat fast because I am on a medication that is famous, or better yet infamous, for causing weight gain. I now know why it has that reputation. I decided that I needed to cleanse my body of any carbs that might be in it, and have embarked on a 3 day meat and water diet. I know that some people would argue that this is unhealthy to go without fruits or vegetables. I disagree, however, because it is only for 3 days. I am very good about eating vegetables, although fruit and I don't get along. I will end my 3 days of strictly meat, and have now decided to cut all fast food, or as much as possible, from me daily life. I am doing this for multiple reasons, but the main reason is that I just don't know what is really in fast food. I know what the nutrition facts say, as you can find the nutrition facts for almost anything online. I just don't know what is really hiding in the food. If I am the one that prepares the food, however, I will know what is in it.

If you need some reasons to opt for low-carb, instead of low calorie, I could list millions of reasons. Instead, I am going to tell you to head over to this site, and look at all of the reasons other people have to go low-carb, and stay low-carb.

I also found a website that I have bookmarked recently. I google searched low-carb inspirations, and this site came up. I liked it, and I think you will, too.

I am Oprah!

I am not the biggest fan of Oprah, or her show. Every now and then, however, she has a show that I am interested in, and watch. Today was that day.

I have been hearing about her weight gain, and I hadn't really noticed it, probably because I don't watch the show very often. Over the weekend, though, I heard her being interviewed, and she said that she had gained 40 pounds. I watched the show today, and heard her talking about her struggles, and how she had let her weight creep back up, after she had gotten so healthy just a few years ago.

It was amazing. I had a connection with Oprah. It was like I was watching myself on television talking to Bob, her trainer. Here was Oprah, being so human. She was saying that, among many reasons, one of the reasons that she had let her weight get out of control was that she he had convinced herself that she knew what she was doing. She was in control, because she knew what to do to stay in control. This was part of the reason that she got out of control.

Another reason that she was struggling with her weight was that she let her schedule get out of control. She was putting all of the things that she needed to get done each day ahead of needing to stay healthy. If she didn't put her needs back at the top of her list, she would never get back to where she had been.

This is so true. So many times, we put the needs of others ahead of the needs of our own. I am totally and completely guilty of this. My husband and I own two businesses, and I work full time as a teacher. My day starts at 5:30 in the morning, and I usually don't get home until 8:30 at night. When I get home, I like to spend some time with my husband, so we usually eat together at about 9:15. That is so unhealthy. I know that eating that late has contributed to my weight gain. I have decided to start eating my dinners (Lean Cuisines) during my evening job at one of my businesses.

For my New Year's Resolution, a few days ago, I decided to resolve to have a better year than I have had recently. I resolved that 2009 would be much better than 2007 or 2008. I decided that part of my resolution had to be to put me back at the top of my list. My husband and I are going to join the gym. We can go at 8:30 in the evenings, and still spend some time together. I am going to use the crock pot more, so he can eat before we meet at the gym.

All of these decisions stemmed from my deciding to watch Oprah today. If you missed it, you should head over to her website. I am going to answer the questions, and tune in to the podcast. It sounds like I am advertising for Oprah. I really felt a connection between her weight struggle, and mine. Even if you don't plan to tune in to the podcast, you should go answer the questions. Your answers may surprise you if you are really honest with yourself.

Begin 2009 with me. Jump back on the weight wagon, and put yourself back on the top of the priority list. You won't be alone. Oprah and I will both be at the top of our lists, too!

Low-Carb Cocktails

With New Year's Eve being tomorrow, people will be partying the night away. If you are attending or even hosting a party, you may be interested to know that there are some mixed drinks that aren't full of carbs. When you are trying to stay low-carb, it's definitely best to only consume alcohol in moderation. This doesn't mean that you can't have any alcohol. You just need to choose the healthier ones.

Here is a low-carb version of a margarita. These taste great, and your guests probably won't notice the difference.

1 jigger (1.5 oz) tequila
2 Tablespoons (1 oz) lime juice
1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) water
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1 Tablespoon's worth artificial sweetener
Ice - small handful
Margarita salt or kosher salt

Preparation:Wet the rim of the glass and dip into a small plate of salt.Combine all ingredients. You can either serve it over ice or blended in a blender.

This is a recipe for a low-carb strawberry daiquiri. This is a great sweet treat for a party.

1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1 Tablespoon lime juice
I jigger rum (1.5 oz)
Sweetener to taste
Small handful of ice

Preparation:Put in blender and push the button. Serve immediately.

Happy New Year, everyone. Here's to making 2009 low-carb.

Great Blog

I recently found a low-carb blog that is full of recipes. It's always helpful to have as many resources as possible when you are going low-carb. I like this blog because of how versatile it is. It gives information for various recipes. It's a lot like this blog because of the fact that it also has suggestions and ideas for low-carbing. Maybe that's why I liked it so much. Go visit The Pitter Patter of Losing Pounds, and you'll be glad you did.

Crock Pot Soup

Even though the weather here in Florida isn't really calling for soup, it is winter, and traditionally, this is a soup time of year. This chicken soup has a Mexican taste to it. The carb count is pretty low, and the protein count is high. It's a great meal for ending the day. It also heats up nicely as leftovers, and makes a convenient lunch at work tomorrow.

You will need:
1 14 ounce can of chicken broth
1 small can of Ro Tel Diced Tomatoes with Lime Juice & Cilantro
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup frozen stir fry (yellow, green, red peppers)

Toss all of the ingredients into your crock pot. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours. If you are pressed for time, you can set it to high for 3 1/2 hours. I like to sprinkle shredded cheese on the top of the soup while it's still hot. It melts, and adds great flavor to the soup. You can also put a scoop of sour cream on top. If you stir the sour cream in, it will thicken the soup.

This is a great way to use up some leftover chicken.

Beware the Flu

With the holiday season also being infamous for beginning the cold and flu season, it's great to have a low-carb soup recipe. The following recipe is an easy to make, 15 minute chicken soup. The ingredient list is short, and the directions are simple. Make this for when you are sick, or when you just want some delicious soup.

You will need the following ingredients:

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon diced shallot
1 tablespoon grated carrot
3 ounces cooked chicken breast (shredded)
1 and 1/2 cup chicken broth

Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and carrot and cook until the shallot has softened. This should take 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook the mixture, stirring it for about 1 minute. Add in the broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the chicken is heated through. This should take 2 to 3 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

I like to add some shredded mozzarella cheese to the top of mine. That is completely optional, but it adds a great flavor.