Four Months After Infertility Treatments Didn't Work, We Still Press On

It's May and that's the month when we celebrate motherhood followed quickly in June with a similar dedication to fatherhood. While I am all for rejoicing those who have been blessed and privileged to be parents, it can be a difficult time for people like us and others who have not been able to have children and want them.

One of our best resources during our recent IVF cycle and the aftermath of that experience has been a woman named Kelly Damron, author of an amazingly helpful book of inspiration and hope about going through infertility and the depression that can come from it called Tiny Toes: A Couple's Journey Through Infertility, Prematurity, and Depression. Christine and I met Kelly and her husband Dave in Phoenix, Arizona last month and they are a prime example of how couples can survive such a traumatic event like this.

They were fortunate enough to have twin baby girls from their IVF cycle, but their marriage almost didn't make it. Today, they are a strong-knit family raising their gorgeous girls thankful for the blessings they have received knowing there are people like us out there who didn't have a happy ending to our story. And yet Kelly was impressed by how well we were doing so soon after our news when we met with her that she wanted to have us appear on her podcast show this week. We happily obliged!

You can listen to our appearance on the "Twin Peas Podcast" airing today as we share about all we went through with our IVF cycle that didn't work. We are very open and honest about how we feel, what we endured (especially Christine), how we feel today, and what role children may play in our future during this podcast show. I hope you give it a listen to hear our heart about this sensitive subject. It's as much a part of who I am now as livin' la vida low-carb.

Click here to read an update on our infertility story and how our life is now with the realization that a biological baby of our own is no longer possible.

Nominate A Low-Carb Expert For USDA's Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

There are some very exciting things happening behind-the-scenes in Washington, DC right now as it relates to the next USDA-recommended Food Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines set to be released in 2010. As I blogged about in December 2007, President George W. Bush named Cornell University psychologist Dr. Brian Wansink (author of the bestselling 2007 book Mindless Eating) to head up the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion. I was greatly encouraged by this appointment of Dr. Wansink because he has been very open to the low-carb message being heard for people like me out there who need to "lose a lot of weight on a serious diet."

In that blog post I wrote about his new leadership position over the 2010 nutritional recommendations, I was very hopeful and expectant that Dr. Wansink would continue to have those open lines of communication with the experts in the low-carb community to give their input about what should be included in the next updated Food Pyramid.

"It should be thrilling to know that there will now be someone within the USDA who isn't antagonistic against livin' la vida low-carb," I wrote in that December 2007 post. "Hopefully this open line of communication between Dr. Wansink and the low-carb message will remain that way while discussing the 2010 dietary guidelines."

So, imagine my delight when I saw a notice from the USDA requesting nominations for the new Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Yes, that's right! They're taking nominations for who we think should be on that committee. This is open to any citizen of the United States to submit their choice(s) for who would be best qualified to serve in this capacity.

Dr. Wansink's appointment is through January 20, 2009, so there is little time to waste. That's why the nominations will only be considered through May 24, 2008. In other words, time is of the essence here. If you care about seeing the low-carb nutritional approach represented on this dietary recommendations panel (and you undoubtedly do if you read my blog!), then the time for action on this is RIGHT NOW! And we need to spread the word to everyone we know to do the same.

Click here to read more about this important panel and to see the names of five extremely qualified low-carb experts I have submitted to serve on the committee.

You Can Become A Columnist For 'Diabetes Health'

Diabetes Health seeks enthusiastic columnists of all kinds

Does the subject of diabetes get you excited and motivated to pen your ideas and suggestions for dealing with it? Are you a diabetes professional, a layperson who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or just somebody who cares about this issue immensely with writing skills to boot? If that's YOU, then listen up. Diabetes Health wants your articles for their site.

So many of you have shared your remarkable low-carb diabetes success stories with me and I think those would be an incredible testimony about how this way of eating is changing the lives of real people. As I suggested in this blog post back in March, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) should hear from diabetics who have seen improvements in their disease as a result of livin' la vida low-carb. What better way to do that than to have your experiences published at a major diabetes web site?

And Diabetes Health is looking for columns of all types:

- Diabetes scientific research
- Your PERSONAL success story
- Memorable diabetics
- Personal rants
- Dealing with the complications of diabetes
- Childhood diabetes perspective
- Low-carb/diabetic-friendly recipes
- What role do medications play in your diabetes control
- The challenges of being a diabetic
- Travel tips while suffering from diabetes
- Tips for using meters and insulin pumps
- Whatever else tickles your fancy

Are you game? If so, then it is super-easy to submit your writings to Diabetes Health. E-mail the article, letter, or rant to editor@diabeteshealth.com. Let me know if you get published and I'll feature your column at my blog. We have a chance to make some waves in the diabetes community, so let the rumbling begin. :)

Jimmy Moore's Interview With Dr. Richard Feinman (Part 2)

The brilliant Dr. Richard Feinman with his assistant Lauri Cagnassola

Picking up where we left off in Part 1 of my interview with Dr. Richard Feinman in my series from the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and Nutrition & Metabolism Society conference in Phoenix, Arizona last month, we've got so much more to share with you today from one of the most ardent supporters of the science behind livin' la vida low-carb today.

In Episode 136 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore," Dr. Feinman discusses his favorite subject as it relates to carbohydrate restriction--diabetes. You'll hear the fervor in his voice as he speaks about patients sharing their low-carb success stories with the American Diabetes Association and their Congressmen, who he believes should begin immediate hearings on the subject of diabetes care in the United States. Some may think Dr. Feinman is radical for suggesting such a thing, but he may be on to something that you and I can actually help make happen.

Click on the "LISTEN NOW" link below or download it to your iPod to hear Episode 136:

(all fixed now with the links--sorry about that!)

If you support what Dr. Feinman is trying to do educating doctors and future doctors about a controlled-carbohydrate diet, then why not join the Nutrition & Metabolism Society today? It costs consumers $25 to sign up and would be a nominal investment in this fight to give low-carb the legitimacy it deserves. CLICK HERE if you are interested in taking livin' la vida low-carb to the next level so that others will have the knowledge to be able to benefit from the low-carb lifestyle in the future without ridicule or scorn.

Stay plugged in to experts like Dr. Richard Feinman anytime by:

1. Listening at the official web site
2. Calling (818) 688-2763 to listen via Podlinez
3. Subscribing to the RSS feed
4. Going to iTunes--Click here to subscribe!

Now that my interview with Dr. Richard Feinman has concluded, are you inspired anew in your low-carb lifestyle and sharing it with as many people as you can? And for those of you who are diabetic, do you now see even clearer what YOU can do to make a difference on the way your disease is treated? Share your thoughts about it in the show notes section of Episode 136. I especially want to thank Dr. Feinman for the generosity of his time for this outstanding interview.

But I'm far from through with my interview series. Next week, we'll be hearing from Mary Bissell, the producer of the hit Canadian documentary My Big Fat Diet (which I have blogged about before) on Monday and then an incredibly amazing weight loss blogger named Jennette Fulda from the "Half Of Me" blog talking about her irreverently-titled, but oh-so-inspiring new book entitled Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir on Thursday. DON'T MISS IT!!!

More And More Low-Carb Blogging Galore

I'm running a little behind on my low-carb blogging since returning back from my recent travels. But that doesn't mean there isn't any good information about livin' la vida low-carb out there. Click here to see some outstanding blog posts and columns that I think you'll enjoy checking out.

Low-Carb Diet Rules The Roost In Durham, NC

I've spent the past few days in the great state of North Carolina

Hellllllllooooooo? Anyone home?

Yes, I'm still here although I haven't blogged in a few days. Sorry about that. I have been away in Durham, North Carolina since Sunday with barely a moment of rest over the past three days. That's okay because Christine and I had an absolutely incredible time with the wonderful readers in the Triangle area who came out to see us on Sunday and Monday night.

Click here for pictures from our visit to see Dr. Eric Westman and his patients as well as readers of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog in the Triangle area of North Carolina.

Jimmy Moore's Interview With Dr. Richard Feinman (Part 1)

I was privileged to meet and interview Dr. Richard Feinman

Continuing my interview series from the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and Nutrition & Metabolism Society conference in Phoenix, Arizona last month, I'm happy to share another fabulous one with one of the true giants in the world of low-carb research--Dr. Richard Feinman. Brilliant, impassioned, and focused all aptly describe this truly amazing man.

In Episode 135 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore," listen to Dr. Feinman share about the nutritional aspects of biochemistry to his medical school students at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, New York. Pay close attention not just to what he says, but also the intensity in his voice about how low-carbohydrate diets deserve to be given a chance to become more mainstream for the sake of improving people's health.

Click on the "LISTEN NOW" link below or download it to your iPod to hear Episode 135:

Richard Feinman is actively trying to drum up support for livin' la vida low-carb both on the scientific level as well as the professional level. Scientifically, he is the co-editor-in-chief of the Nutrition & Metabolism journal where much of the most cutting-edge low-carb research is shared. Bookmark that page and visit often for some truly fascinating data. Professionally, Dr. Feinman is president of the Nutrition & Metabolism Society where they give a voice to the benefits of the low-carbohydrate nutritional approach for fighting obesity and disease. You should consider purchasing a consumer membership for just $25 a year if you support the mission of this great organization.

Hear the Dr. Feinmans of the world anytime by:

1. Listening at the official web site
2. Calling (818) 688-2763 to listen via Podlinez
3. Subscribing to the RSS feed
4. Going to iTunes--Click here to subscribe!

What are your impressions of Dr. Richard Feinman so far? Isn't he an amazing ambassador for livin' la vida low-carb? Talk about it in the show notes section of Episode 135. Come back on Thursday for Part 2 of this exciting interview with a low-carb giant.

Take A Quick Tour Through My Low-Carb Kitchen

Have you ever wondered what an actual low-carber keeps in his refrigerator, freezer, and cabinets? Better yet, many people have asked me what I keep in my cupboards. So today I wanted to share a peek into where I keep the low-carb foods that go inside my body. This video was a load of fun to make and I think you'll enjoy it, too!

In Episode 35 of "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb On YouTube," Christine and I give you a quick tour through our kitchen showing you a sampling of the kinds of foods that make up our low-carb lifestyles. The audio of the video didn't download to my desktop for some reason, so we had to do a voiceover in the studio. Although it wasn't what we originally wanted, I think it turned out pretty good. ENJOY!

Walk through the Moore household in today's video:

Watch our previous YouTube videos and don't forget to subscribe to our videos, too. E-mail us anytime at livinlowcarbman@charter.net.

Blog Contest Entries Reveal Surprising Demographics About Low-Carb Dieters

I'm announcing the WINNERS of my blogiversary contest!

I just celebrated the third anniversary of my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog last month with an extensive list of 100 great prizes for you to win. It has become my annual tradition and I'm happy to oblige my wonderful readers who like to win stuff by giving as many of you as possible a good chance. And this year's contest was no different with a record-breaking number of entries from the United States, Canada and around the world.

Before I share who the winners were, I wanted to make a few comments about the people who entered. A total of 37 of the 50 states were represented with California leading the pack followed by Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Michigan, South Carolina, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio and Florida. I was surprised North Carolina wasn't better represented since I have a lot of readers in that state. And Virginia came out of nowhere with a boatload of entries unlike in years past. Also represented in the entries from overseas was Poland, the UK, Ireland, and Canada.

One interesting thing that came to light in the entries was my question about which plan you are following and for how long. This was totally fascinating to me since the people who entered represent a large cross-section of the thousands of people who read my blog each day. Wanna take a wild guess at which low-carb plan most people follow?

ATKINS ruled the roost with 63 percent of the people on it. But the second place low-carb plan was a shocker--MY OWN PLAN. It garnered 13 percent of the vote putting it ahead of South Beach (6 percent), Protein Power (5 percent), and Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Diet (3 percent). Other plans receiving votes included Somersize, Barry Groves, the TNT Diet, Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet, Weight Watcher's "core" plan, Mary Enig's Coconut Diet, and Dr. Mercola's No Grain Diet. Clearly, low-carb is not dead and there are a variety of plans to choose from based on these responses.

How about the length of time people have been following the low-carb lifestyle? This way of eating can't possibly be attracting new people with all the constant negativity from the media and health "experts" about it, can it? Well, according to these results, the answer is an unequivocal YES! A full 41 percent of the respondents have been on their chosen low-carb plan less than a year. This means people are STILL finding out the truth about low-carb living and are giving it a whirl. Over one-third (34 percent) have been low-carbing for 1-3 years and one-fourth are long-term low-carb veterans by livin' la vida low-carb for more than three years. These numbers don't lie--low-carb is here to stay!

I decided to do another trivia scavenger hunt challenge with this year's blogiversary since it went over so well last year. But I was surprised to see so many people get hung up on the following questions (I've provided a link to where you could find each of the correct answers):

a. Which low-carb doctor did I nominate for Diabetes Educator Of The Year in 2007?

ANSWER: Dr. Mary C. Vernon

b. In what city did the 2007 Eastern Regional American Society of Bariatric Physicians and Nutrition & Metabolism Society meeting take place?

ANSWER: Nashville

c. What is the name of the world's fattest man who has lost over 500 pounds on a low-carb diet over the past two years?

ANSWER: Manuel Uribe

d. Name the low-carb recipe I accidentally created after mixing a ChocoPerfection bar and coconut oil together and poured it on top of ice cream.

ANSWER: "Magic Shell"

e. Who wrote and released the bestselling health book Good Calories, Bad Calories under a cloud of controversy in September 2007?

ANSWER: Gary Taubes

Although everyone got c. and e. right, the others gave some people trouble. The most often missed question was a. In their haste to find the answer, most people neglected to read the most important word in that question--NOMINATED! So to all of you who answered "Barbara Odom," I gotcha! Of course, I benevolently gave each of you a second chance and everyone got it right the second go around. The answer to b. was also a trick question because I just got back from the Western Regional ASBP conference in Phoenix, so the key word in that question was EASTERN. This one tripped up a fair share of people, although not as many as a. did. For d., I got a few answers like chocolate dipped strawberries, but most people got that one right.

These contests are always fun and I'm glad to see so many of you take advantage of participating. Okay, well THANKS so much for reading and we'll be seeing you around...what's that? What do you mean I haven't announced the winners...OH YEAH! That's what you've been waiting for, right? Duh, silly me.

Click here to find out if you were one of the prize winners in the 3rd Annual Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blogiversary Giveaway Contest.

A Blazing Hot Side Effect Of A Low-Carb Diet

Low-carb burns fat, but can it lead to extra body heat?

Ooh, ooh, ooh,
I feel my temperature rising
Help me, I'm flaming
I must be a hundred and nine
Burning, burning, burning
And nothing can cool me
I just might turn into smoke
But I feel fine

--Elvis Presley singing "Burning Love"

Somebody's turned up the heat up in here and it's gotta be that low-carb diet I'm on, right? That's what everybody does with livin' la vida low-carb when something new happens to them after starting this way of eating--they blame it on low-carb! I mocked this notion in this blog post about an earache a couple of years ago, but what if there is merit to some rather strange side effects of following a controlled-carbohydrate nutritional approach? Hmmmmmm.

There are several things we KNOW will happen to most people when they begin the low-carb lifestyle: their HDL "good" cholesterol goes up, there is a marked improvement in mental health, for women it helps with reproductive health, blood sugar levels are stabilized, they end up having less acne, triglycerides plummet (a VERY good thing!), and so much more I could spend hours sharing with you about. But there are some things that can vary from person to person as one of my readers shared with me in a recent e-mail.

This 43-year old man starting cutting his carbohydrate intake beginning in January 2008 and has lost over 25 pounds so far. WOO HOO! He has really enjoyed this new low-carb lifestyle change, but was curious about an unexpected side effect that has been plaguing him with no apparent cause.

Click here for his "burning" question and find out what three low-carb experts have to say about this fiery conundrum!