About Me

My photo
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
This blog is dedicated to the low-carb menu challenge presented by Jimmy Moore. I'm living the Louisiana low carb lifestyle, where low-carb is the new way to go ! I live southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana....have three awesome kids. We are deep down in the heart of sweet Cajun Country, where we kick back and relax, go hunting, fishing, or make groceries! My doctor told me that my blood pressure numbers were getting too high, so I had to loose weight. She challenged me with ten pounds in three months. That was October 7, 2008. I lost 26 pounds !!! In February of 2011, I found that I had gained a few pounds more than I would have liked, weighing in at 170 pounds. I had to get back into the swing of living the low carb life again !! I am loving the 'low-carb' style and wish to contiue it . I exercise three times a week at the gym, and off the 'off' days, I learn to RELAX !! November 2011, finds me in different circumstances -- a new lifestyle, great community of friends and a challenge to keep that 45 pounds that I lost OFF. Feel free to read my blog, browse around, or just sit a spell!!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Garlic-Rosemary Roast Chicken

SELF MAGAZINE RECIPE OF THE WEEK Looks very delightful !





The skinny

241 calories per serving
9.3 g fat (2.6 g saturated)
1.2 g carbs
0.2 g fiber
36.1 g protein


Garlic-Rosemary Roast Chicken

The best part about this dish—aside from the mouthwatering taste and heart-healthy flavors (thanks, garlic!)—is that your oven does almost all of the work. Got 10 minutes to prepare a delicious dish that your guests will go wild over? We thought so!
Serves 8

Ingredients
Olive or vegetable oil cooking spray
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
1 teaspoon salt
1 roasting chicken (6–7 lb)
Kitchen twine

1 lemon, sliced (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat a roasting pan and rack with cooking spray. Combine garlic, rosemary and salt in a bowl. Remove giblets and neck from chicken; trim off fat. Starting at the neck cavity, gently loosen skin from breasts and drumsticks; spread rosemary mixture evenly under skin. Tuck wing tips under back of chicken; tie ends of drumsticks together with twine. Season with additional salt and black pepper; place breast side up in pan. Roast, basting twice with pan juices, until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh (and not touching bone) reads 175 degrees, about 1 3/4 hours. Let stand 10 minutes before carving (remove skin). Garnish with rosemary sprigs and lemon slices, if desired, and serve.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

One of my fav dessert dishes "Green Salad"

I said basically that the dish is low carb.. That is IF u have it in moderation !

I believe the only thing that is sweet is the pineapple, which is 18 g per quarter cup of this recipe... So otherwise, ENJOY !!!




Merry Christmas to all...

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This year seemed to go by really fast. I lost a total of 35 pounds. Lost my mom in August, and my best friend died in Oct. One son graduated from college.. another will be graduating from high school next year. Quite the year-- aye ? The holidays, this year, are especially overwhelming to me. The weather in New Orleans has just been wet, crappy, and humid. Over 21 inches this month alone. On a bright note, I was able to capture the video... A rainbow, in the midst of tornado warnings, raining all day, with colder weather scheduled for Christmas day. May the joy of the birth of Jesus be with everyone this Christmas morning. Blessings to yall.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

12-0 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, NFC SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPS !!!!!!!


12-0 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, NFC SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPS !!!!!!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

New Orleans Saints 11-0 !!!







I want to be in that number, don't you ?

Hope everyone had a Blessed Thanksgiving !

How about our beloved New Orleans Saints ? Who'd thought 11-0 !!!

Guess we'll find out later in December when we play the Cowboys if we can contiue our streak.

The Big Easy is going wild today , and so am I !!

I've been working out regularly, and still go to the gym. Of course, I gained a few pounds over the holiday.

Can yall believe its December 1st already ??

Hope yall enjoyed the before and after pics. Low carb DOES WORK ! THe most important thang is once u loose the weight IS TO KEEP IT OFF !

HAVE A BLESSED DAY !!

Monday, November 2, 2009

One Year Pics ! See how going LOW CARB changed me !

I thought it was about time for some new pics ! Not the best of ones, but ones I had on hand. I now weigh about 130 pounds..






At my heaviest... 165 =(

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Tenacity

Tencity is more than hanging on... which may be but the weakness of being too afraid to fall off. Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered... Remain spiritually tenacious.

Oswald Chambers

We say goodbye to October. It has been quite a LONG, enduring month for me here. I long for November, cold weather, and good cheer to all...

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Hope is the thing...

Hope is the thing...


Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.


- Emily Dickinson

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

1 Year Low Carb Anniversary !!!

Hi,

Just wanted to let everyone know that today, I celebrate the date I began my low carb diet.

Its been a long journey, indeed.

I've had much encouragement from friends and family. I've strugled with weight loss, hair loss, and people thinking I was stricken by cancer, or had my stomach stapled.

WHY must the world believe that some things in life CANNOT be achieved without a little determination and true grit.

Doing the low carb thang has been a lifestyle change for me. I believe the unique idea I like about this type of diet is that I was hardly ever hungry. I did not have to count fat grams, or calories. When there was a problem with my carb count, I satisfied it with making my own low carb bread in my breadmaker.

All of these examples can be found at the beginning of my Jimmy Moore low carb blog challenge

HERE

(It seems that blogspot can only hold a certain amount of info on its server.. blah)

I've lost 35 pounds in all, down to about 129. I'd like to thank everyone for your support, and PLEASE keep on posting your comments.

I'm still watching my low carb intake and EXERCISING !!

Have a Blessed Day !

Saturday, September 26, 2009

MUD Bowl -- VIDEO !~!!

It's down and dirty and MUDDY in the Big Easy today. Lots of rainfall and MORE pouring as I speak. One great way to EXERCISE is participating in FOOTBALL !! Here is a short video you're gonna love. Taken in the rain of course ! Keep the video rolling towards the end... and you'll see JUST how muddy and rainy it got :) Our blessed little Gators won today !! Gooooo Gators !!! Bayoubabe

Monday, September 21, 2009

Monday, September 14, 2009

Rhythm of the Falling Rain !




Let the rain come down ! Seems like forever since we've had a day without rain here in the Big Easy ! Get out your wellies and umbrella -- looks like this low pressure system is here to stay !


Issiah 55:10-11

As the rain and the snow comes down from heaven,
and to not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth :

It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve purpose for which I sent it...

Two of my favorite verses for rainy days like today :)

----------------------------------------------------------------

Before the rain, I managed to get in an hour of water aerobics at the gym --
followed by an hour of exercise 15 min each, on the treadmill, elliptical, and exercise bike.

You can image by the time I got home, I was famished ! For lunch, I ate an egg salad and Ham sandwich on two slices of wheat. I also cut up a banana and a few strawberries for a nice fruit salad on the side.

Its been a while since I had fruit (because they contain SO many carbs!), so I'll just have to watch the carb count for the rest of the day.

Next, I have to finish cooking the white beans with ham over rice, and some sweet cornbread for the rest of my family this evening.

Hope yall have a very BLESSED, DRY day !

Bayoubabe

Thursday, September 10, 2009

GOOOOOOOOOOO !

Go Gators !

Salt Shockers Slideshow: High-Sodium Surprises






Salt Shockers Slideshow: High-Sodium Surprises

Sodium: A Good Thing...in Moderation


We may malign the salt shaker, but sodium plays an important role in maintaining the body's fluid balance. It’s essential for muscles and nerves to function properly. But most of us consume too much of it. FDA guidelines call for less than 2,400 mg of sodium per day -- about 1 teaspoon of table salt. Surprisingly, most of our salt intake doesn’t come from the salt shaker; it’s hidden in many of the foods we buy at the grocery store.

Enjoy !

Blessings,

Bayoubabe

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Back on Track...




We're having one of those hard summer showers... its above 80 degrees here, with a light breeze that carries down the mimosa tree seedlings floating so softly in the air.. Mercy drops of rain, indeed ! By the end of August, many local trees have finished their flowering stage of growth and are sending out the seed that insures their very existence.

Speaking about existence... wow, what a rocky month of August it was ! I received a phone call while on vacation , Aug 1, that my mom had passed away.. I found out that when a person dies, the funeral home wants their $$ up front... just where does one get that kind of money ?? And in just a few days ?? They do NOT take credit cards,-- who knew ? So, I was in the hole from maxing out the credit card for our vacation, then the funeral expense.

While at the funeral home, I had dropped my $350 progressive lens eyeglasses in the parking lot. Came back to pick them up, only to find out they had been ROLLED OVER !

The next week, the a/c unit on my home went out. Totally.

Our sons dog of 14 years old died the next week.

Then, the last week of August, our 17 got very sick with a very high fever for a few days... and our youngest was pushed into a metal pole at school, complete with an eye injury !!

The anniversary of my dads date of death was Aug. 31st.

Could August have gotten any worse ??

Through my trials and tribulations, I was supported my many friends and family, for whom I am most thankful. I found solace in a book given to me called, Praying Our Goodbyes'..by Joyce Rupp. It essentially teaches you that in times like these to turn not only turn to prayer, but how you can turn any given situation and look at it differntly, .. so I learned...

that my mom had a beautiful service.
i have a new a/c unit for my home with a 10 year warranty.. i am very cool :)
my son got better.
my youngest son's eye injury was not as severe as we thought.
i'm almost 'out of the hole' financially.

I have many wonderful friends and family :)

So, I cried out for the Beautiful month of September to begin.. alas, here she is.

Today was the first day I totally worked out in the gym for something like 6 weeks now. (I had been doing 3x a week water aerobics)

I worked out for about 1 1/2 hours.. Just the weights.. light cardio.

I'm ready for our youngest son's football season to begin.

I'm ready to get back on track with low carbing.. Any fellow takers out there ??

Yall have a Blessed Day !!

Bayoubabe

Monday, September 7, 2009

Walmart: FREE 8x10 with any 1-Hour Print Order

Thanks for the TIP moneysavingmadness.com :)


Walmart: FREE 8x10 with any 1-Hour Print Order!!!

Hurry! While supplies last, Walmart will give away an 8x10 print with ANY 1-Hour print order! Just order your print(s) online for in-store pick-up. You'll receive an email shortly after completing your online order with a code for a FREE 8x10. You can make a small one print order for $.15 and get your FREE 8x10! The FREE 8x10 coupon code is good through 12/31/09.

Unusual Self Defense Tip ! (VIDEO Link Included

Wasp Spray

A receptionist in a church in a high risk area who was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection.

She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray they have to get too close to you and could overpower you.

The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. You could also keep it in your car and it's perfectly legal.

Thought this was interesting and might be of use...

Watch a video about it here:

UNUSUAL SELF DEFENSE TIP !!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Have a Safe Labor Day Weekend !

Enjoy ! Remember to count those carbs and EXERCISE ;)

Bayoubabe

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

SELF'S 2009 Healthy Food Awards!

SELF'S 2009 Healthy Food Awards!


The link above includes a link to ALL of their award winning healthy foods AND a shopping list.. ENJOY !

Saturday, August 29, 2009

How's Everyone's Weekend going ?

We just got back from our trip to the cabin in Franklinton, La. We had some 'we' time (without the kids of course!)

How is your weekend shaping up ??

Go New Orleans Saints !

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Help me earn Swagbucks !

Here is my referral code...

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/bayoubabe

start searching and WIN BUCKS :)

Blessings !

Bad weather in New Orleans area today



Bad weather in New Orleans area today

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Good, The BAD, and The U-G-L-Y.

I've been gone for a while.. tha yall know.

I was in Waco, on vacation, nearing the end, having a good ole time. Got a phone call on Aug 1st, informing that my mom had passed away.

Went to the funeral home, they wanted their $$ up front. No credit cards, NO monthly payments. (I had NO idea). Then yesterday, my a/c unit for my home went out. Talk about hot. It got to 86 degrees here at night inside my home.

So, it kinda put me in a financial bind (for the moment). (Thats the UGLY part).

I also lost some weight during this time (not because I wanted to)... as I was under a lot of stress.

So thats about it. My husbands' paycheck is spent for the next couple of months.

I'm reading a book called "Praying Our Goodbyes", that is helping me deal with feelings.

I even lost some weight during all this stress.

God IS GOOD. My mom had a beautiful service; I have a new a/c unit, good for another 10 years with an extended warranty for that long.

Hoping everyone is having a Blessed Day!

Jean

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Greetings from Waco, Texas !!

Greetings from Waco, TX !

It rained most of the morning here. A much needed 'mercy drops of rain', indeed. Temperatures are nice as well.

Today, I learned to "Zoomba" .

HOW TO ZOOMBA (Found this link on you tube of what is is supposed to look like)


It is sort of like a highly active heart racing dancing type of exercise. At 47, I could barely keep up !LOL. We went to the YMCA.. where it was more like a 'studio' class, with about 50 or women and music pumped up as loud as I'd expect to hear at Mardi Gras down on Bourbon Street.

Before I went to Zoomba, I had already exercised for 1 1/2 hours here at the hotel.
I'm done exercising for the day !

Only to find lunch now, but I'm SO Tired !:)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Tuesday Eats !

My breakfat choice was two slices of wheat toast, butter and a bit of grape Jelly.

After hiking up Enchanted Mountain, we went to Subway, where I had the Black Forest Ham and Turkey Salad. Ranch dressing drizzled on top complimented this.

For envening meal, I decided to do the MC Double (without the bun) from Mc Donalds.
I found a banana in the lobby of the hotel, which tasted really good.

Since I'm on a 'tea' kick lately, I found some nice tea packets in the room. Heated up some water to make some iced tea. Turned out pretty good !

Hope everyone is doing well with their low carbing. I'm learning that while on vacation FOOD SELECTION is very important. Seems like I'm exercising WAY too much, but that can't be such a bad thing , right ? LOL. Work off some of those carbs !

Bayoubabe

Admiral Nimitz Pacific War Museum



I was pretty disappointed with the Museum.The Admiral Nimitz museum is just that: depicting the life of the Admiral. What he wore when he was younger, how he grew up, his accomplishments etc. AND a HUGE gift shop.

It was not like it was 20 years ago. Down the street up two blocks is the actual "Pacific War Museum".. which consists of three areas. One representing what it would be like on an actual deck of an air craft carrier; One outdoor faux 'beach head', with all and any artillery that would have been used, and a representation of a MASH army hospital. I believe the highlight of the tour was the faux beach head. There was a lot of artillery used during the Pacific War. The anti-aircraft gun is one of them.


Another part of the Museum, set to open in Dec of 2009, probably holds the 'heart' of the artifacts. Guess that will have to wait for another trip there !

Hello From Enchanted Rock !!



It's a beautiful day in Fredericksburg, Tx.

Today, we went to Enchanted Rock. It took my breath away... Literally ! I made it about 3/4 of the way up.. it was hard to breathe, and I'm in shape. Guess the altitude did me in. Walking up Enchanted Mountain, had its exercising benefits.. I just wished I could have made it to the top. Again, it is good to know your limitations, and rest when ya need to. I have attached a short video, I'm sure you will enjoy.

I strolled down Main Street this afternoon. This German town, keeps up its heritage for sure. All types of shops you can think of ! I purchased various items, including a t-shirt for my son, some jelly, and a Cross to hang on my rear view mirror. The scenery is SO beautiful and breath taking (again, literally !) I was really looking hard for the low carb butter pecan ice cream.. (which I found !). Also wanted to get some really great brewed iced tea. I had that too ! I walked a good way along Main Street and back up. Lots of Fredericksburg places that made fudge.. (must be something they make great here). I sampled some of it. And I do mean a SMALL portion.

Hoping yall are having a beautiful day. Blessings, Bayoubabe

Monday, July 27, 2009

Six Flags

Today our crew went to Six Flags. I am staying at the hotel. A bit of respite is what I needed after the all day jaunt to Sea World yesterday.

I found a nice little pizza place around the corner from the hotel. They had a buffet, which included pizza, interesting side dishes, and salad. All you can eat $5.99. MY kinda place. I had a couple slices of thin crust pizza, salad, and watermelon. There was this cinnamon type pizza drizzled with white syrupy frosting, so you know I had to sneak in a taste.

For breakfast , an egg cheese omelet, some various fruits.

I'm still a bit sun burnt, but am anxious to work off this great lunch I just had. I think I'll let it sink it and work out later this afternoon. I'm so glad I know MY limits -- don't think I could have survived another day out in this heat.

Have a Great HOT day !

Bayoubabe

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Having a "Splash" at Sea World !!

Texas is bigger and hotter !

Today, we ventured to Sea World. It's got to be the best adventure in town. We left at 10 am, and returned at 5pm. VERY hard to choose from all of the different foods.

For breakfast, I had two sausage pattis and a bowl of various fruit. For lunch, some sort of 'wrap' loaded with different meats and cheeses. I 'tried' a sample of my kids chocolate pudding with whipped cream. It was delish.

I thought there would be more water stations, or water fountains, for everyone, but I guess it is a purchase as you go, type of place... I got the feeling when on the way out , they ventured the way out going through the gift shop.

I did love my three slices of watermelon, I had during the sea otter show. We sat in the 'splash' seats, not really thinking we would get wet, but well, we were as wet as the sea otters by the time the show was over ! Loved it.

Shamau and his buddies were good, but it was very packed. This place does a great load of business.

Reminded me of the days of 1982 when I went to Walt Disney World for my honeymoon :) OVERPRICED, but loved it !

Tomorrow, we are going to Six Flags Fiesta. I'm ready. Going to wear my swim suit, sunscreen, and my smile :)

We had great fun today.

Yall have a Blessed evening.

Bayoubabe

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Central Texas Museum of Automotive History (continued)

Central Texas Museum of Automotive History

Central Texas Museum of Automotive History

Central Texas Museum of Automotive History




Low Carb Dieting on Vacation -- Hello San Antonio, TX !!!

Greetings, from Texas, where everything is BIGGER, including the FOOD ! Yes, this weary traveler finally found her hotel in San Antonio.. and am happy to see the exercise room AND swimming pool !!

Time to cool off AND work off those extra carbs eaten today.

For breakfast, I ate eggs and Sausage. I had a nice apple and yogurt thingy from Mc Donald's as an inbetween snack. For lunch, was an appetizing grilled chicken salad. I miss my Coke Zero, but am much appreciative of the Diet coke.

Our family is settling in now. I hope to post more as the day progresses.

Please post your dieting tips for eating on vacation.

Have a Blessed Day !

ayoubabe

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Get Fit! Oprah’s Trainer Shows You How

Get Fit! Oprah’s Trainer Shows You How


GREETINGS FROM THE BIG EASY !

I have something to report... I've gained a few pounds ! Not like I'm actually TRYING... but our gym now offers water aerobics, so I thought I'd change the fitness routine round a bit. This type of exercising hits areas of my body I did not know existed. I believe its even a STRONGER workout than the usual weight/cardio machines !

I am not sure if it is because of the wonderful watermelon and cantelope we're enjoying ... or the fact that I'm working muscles I have never worked before.. what do yall think ?

Summer sure is flying by fast. School starts in less than a month out here. I'm head for Texas in a week or so for vacation.

I hope everyone enjoys the article below :) Have a Blessed wonderful day !

Bayoubabe


Oprah's Trainer Bob Greene Offers 6 No-Fail Tips on How to Stay Motivated With Your Fitness and Weight Loss Goals


Get Fit! Oprah’s Trainer Shows You How

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Independence Day

I hope everyone had a nice Independence Day. We bbq'd .. had hot dogs, sausage, corn, etc. Even made a bunch of potato salad. We ate watermelon for dessert... With all the recent heat, this even helped to cool us off. I'm writing this at almost 3 pm , its about 100 outside ! A pleasant cool for New Orleans. June was a very HOT month, but I think July will be hotter.

I was thinking about the word 'independence'. Being independent, loosing the weight, maintaining it, etc. Once we are away from the 'bad food', being around it is SO tempting. I always think of my Super Bowl Party ideas, and keep on track with that low-carb menu. I eat my 'bad foods', much in moderation now. A couple of times a week, I just eat MORE of the good food..

Right now, I weigh about 132, and I'm happy with that. I've kept off the weight for six months now. Give or take. Drinking three bottles of water during my two hour work-outs, eating watermelon and cantaloupe.. well that adds water weight gain. I'm OK with that... flushing out is a good thang . LOL.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm looking forward to vacation this year. Last year from June to August I was in constant pain... only to have the hysterectomy on Aug. 12. So, I'm trying to stay healthy this year.. have three more weeks to go before we leave for Texas. Going to visit a friend I have not seen in 10 years, so I'm real excited.

I hope everyone is having a great summer ! Drop a line and let me know what yall have been up to :)

Have a Blessed day !

Jean

Friday, June 26, 2009

Need Help with Counter on here!~

Can someone please tell me how to REMOVE the counter I must have installed on here, when i click on it, its no longer a counter, but some ill fated reference to a male enchancement product ! EGADS ! ANY help to remove this and install a new one would be greatly appreciated.. thanks

Bayoubabe

counter was at the bottom of the page

Monday, June 22, 2009

Kim Bensen's Guilt Free Grocery List



Kim Bensen's Guilt Free Grocery List



A neat little list to print off and take with you shopping.



ENJOY !

Blessings !

Bayoubabe

Friday, June 19, 2009

How A Paleo/Primal Eating Plan Improves Your Health; And Why None Of It Matters



http://www.fitnessspotlight.com/2009/06/19/paleoprimal-eating-plan-improves-health/



This is a very interesting read.


How A Paleo/Primal Eating Plan Improves Your Health; And Why None Of It Matters

I’ve been stockpiling tons of articles, studies, etc in my Google Reader and never getting a chance to write about them. So I was glancing through them today and got to thinking about how it all ties together. I mean, it’s great to know that some isolated compound in broccoli fights cancer, but how do we incorporate all of the various findings into a coherent eating plan that doesn’t consist of “eat what you’re eating now and add some broccoli”?

What Is Paleo/Primal?
I think most of us know the answer to that, but for the newcomers, I want to give a brief overview of the Paleo/Primal philosophy, or at least my particular interpretation of it. The basic rule of thumb that I use to guide my eating is, as I wrote about in my Nutrition 101 post, “Eat Real Food”. That means unprocessed fresh foods…meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, tubers, eaten raw, cooked, or fermented.

My own philosophy is basically a melding of Dr. Loren Cordain’s “The Paleo Diet” and Weston A. Price’s research. While “The Paleo Diet” shuns all dairy and grains, Dr. Weston A. Price did tons of research on traditional cultures who were not ridden with the diseases of civilization and found markedly diverse diets. Some included fresh raw milk. Some included grains, though grains were prepared far differently than modern processing techniques. And grains were definitely not the base of most healthy diets, especially prior to about 10,000 years ago.

Basically, we can take a lot of cues from our Paleolithic ancestors and mix in a bit of the food knowledge of pre-Industrial cultures and come up with a diet that protects against all kinds of diseases. Though actually, now that I write that, I have to wonder if “protects against disease” is truly the right way to describe a dietary pattern. Perhaps “doesn’t cause disease” is a more apt description since disease is not a normal human trait. From there, we could say that the Western dietary pattern causes disease, while diets based on real foods don’t.

So now let’s look at some common Paleo/Primal foods and how they can protect against disease.

Eggs Are Good For You
Eggs have been getting some good press in the past few years after spending a few decades being demonized for being high in cholesterol. But there are still far too many people throwing away the best part of the egg, the yolk. Now, look at this: Eggs may reduce blood pressure

Researchers in Canada are reporting evidence that eggs — often frowned upon for their high cholesterol content — may reduce another heart disease risk factor — high blood pressure.



Fish And Grass-Fed Meats
A Primal eating plan includes lots of fatty fish, grass-fed meats, pastured poultry and eggs. These are the foods that sustained humans throughout history. And these foods, especially fish, all contain good ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. This omega-6/omega-3 ratio is one of the most important parts of your diet, yet it’s not really something you need to be worried about if you’re eating real foods. More on that in a second…first, Omega fatty acid balance can alter immunity and gene expression

…found that many key signaling genes that promote inflammation were markedly reduced compared to a normal diet, including a signaling gene for a protein called PI3K, a critical early step in autoimmune and allergic inflammation responses.

So why do you not need to worry about it? Because the key is the ratio, not the absolute intake. It’s been suggested that a 2:1 omega-6:omega-3 ratio is optimal. But if you’re not eating too many omega-6 fats, from sources like vegetable oils and grains, you won’t need to take mega-doses of omega-3s to balance it out. If you’re interested, there are literally dozens of modern day disorders that omega-3s (in the form of fish oil supplements in most studies) fight against. Here’s a good start.

Another recent study showed that eating fish may prevent memory loss and stroke in old age:

The study found that people who ate broiled or baked tuna and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (called DHA and EPA) three times or more per week had a nearly 26 percent lower risk of having the silent brain lesions that can cause dementia and stroke compared to people who did not eat fish regularly. Eating just one serving of this type of fish per week led to a 13 percent lower risk. The study also found people who regularly ate these types of fish had fewer changes in the white matter in their brains.

Fewer Carbs Means Fewer Health Problems
Diets built around real foods like meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and tubers tend to be significantly lower in carbs than what the average person is eating. It doesn’t necessarily have to be that way, it’s just how things tend to work out when dealing with carb sources that are quite bulky compared to sugar and grains. Between the protein and fat (and their hormonal effects on appetite) and the bulk of the carbohydrates, low-carb diets are exceptionally satiating.

One thing that’s been proven time and again is that a low-carb diet helps ward off Type II Diabetes, which is good news because diabetes and Alzheimer’s go hand-in-hand:

Diabetics have a significantly greater risk of dementia, both Alzheimer’s disease — the most common form of dementia — and other dementia, reveals important new data from an ongoing study of twins. The risk of dementia is especially strong if the onset of diabetes occurs in middle age, according to the study.

Obesity brings with it insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, and often a symptom known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is an excellent marker for all kinds of metabolic issues and diseases. To bring it full circle, obese low-carb dieters burn more liver fat than people simply on a low-calorie diet.

The low-carbohydrate dieters, however, got only 20 percent of their glucose from glycogen. Instead of dipping into their reserve of glycogen, these subjects burned liver fat for energy.

Reducing Sugar Intake
As you know, I’m not a fan of much in the way of sugar intake. Too many sweets, including artificial sweeteners, are definitely not a good idea. That said, I do think some honey is alright here and there.

Here’s the key to a Real Foods way of eating. You are avoiding processed foods, which means, your overall sugar intake, and your fructose intake will be lower. No high-fructose corn syrup sweetened sodas or cakes. No sugary cookies. Fructose in particular may be problematic for losing weight.

Fructose, glucose and sucrose, which is a mixture of fructose and glucose, are all forms of sugar but are metabolized differently. “All three can be made into triglycerides, a form of body fat; however, once you start the process of fat synthesis from fructose, it’s hard to slow it down,” she said.



It Protects Your Brain
Would you believe that sugar and processed carbs can actually destroy your ability to regulate how much you eat? Appetite regulating cells are actually destroyed by too much sugar in the blood.

Dr Andrews found that appetite-suppressing cells are attacked by free radicals after eating and said the degeneration is more significant following meals rich in carbohydrates and sugars. “The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged, and potentially you consume more,” Dr Andrews said. Dr Andrews said the attack on appetite suppressing cells creates a cellular imbalance between our need to eat and the message to the brain to stop eating.

Odds And Ends Vitamins And Minerals
Finally, here are a few other articles I’ve come across that all support giving up the processed foods in favor of a Primal way of life.
Broccoli Compound Targets Key Enzyme In Late-stage Cancer:

An anti-cancer compound found in broccoli and cabbage works by lowering the activity of an enzyme associated with rapidly advancing breast cancer,

Vitamin B12 May Protect The Brain In Old Age:

The study found that people who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower levels of the vitamin in their blood. None of the people in the study had vitamin B12 deficiency.

And where is B12 found? “Vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish and milk…” Interesting that the foods the body is meant to consume are also the same ones that keep us healthy. Who would’ve thought that it would work out as such?



The End Result…
So what’s the real takeaway from all of this? Frankly it’s that if you’re eating real foods, the foods that form the basis of the Paleolithic/WAPF/Primal dietary patterns, you don’t have much need to worry yourself over individual vitamins or really even sit down and count out your grams of carbs, fat, and protein. These things just tend to work themselves out.

I find that when I stick to real food, I tend to normalize at 20-25% carbs, about 20% protein, and the rest fat. I know about what I need to fuel my workouts and might steer towards more fruit and sweet potatoes depending on what I’ve been doing. But I don’t count anything. I don’t worry about RDAs of vitamin B, C, D, E, and K (or any of the others that I didn’t name). I eat when I’m hungry and what I’m hungry for, until I’m full. Then I stop.

It always makes me laugh when science discovers the newest “superfood”. I get asked questions like “Do you eat blueberries for their antioxidants?” Well, I do eat blueberries, but not really specifically for the antioxidants. I eat them because they taste quite amazing coated in coconut milk. That they carry with them a load of nutrition is a benefit.

Frankly where modern nutritional “wisdom” went off the rails is when it turned to focusing on nutrients instead of foods. The prehistoric you didn’t know or care about zinc, vitamin A, or iron. All s/he knew was, “When I eat this, I feel good. When I eat that, I feel bad.” While I find it interesting to know that specific foods have specific qualities, I kind of figure that if I’m eating a diet that keeps my blood sugar and insulin levels in check, I’m 98% of the way there. When I walk through the market, I don’t think “Oh, I should get some asparagus for this benefit and some cabbage for that benefit.”

In the end, we all just need to go back to the basics. Eat Real Food! Do that and you can forget worrying about the cardiovascular protection of omega-3s or how many egg yolks you should eat to lower your blood pressure.

There you go…a bit of science and a bit of logic, all in one day. Thoughts?

About the Author:
Scott Kustes is a certifiable health and fitness geek and senior editor at

Saturday, June 6, 2009

What to Expect After Losing a Lot of Weight ??

What To Expect After Weight Loss ?

Massive weight loss can reverse disease and save lives, but it does come with some costs.

Sagging Skin, Hair Loss, etc..

---------------------------

Eight months ago, I started my weight loss journey..

You wouldn't think that loosing weight could cause problems... But in some instances, it can. The url posted above is for people with 'massive' weight loss, but even those of us who lost 30 pounds or more, or are still loosing it, there comes a time when you are in the 'maintenance' mode.. and you wonder what to expect NOW ?

I started my weight loss journey in Oct, 2008. I lost 30 pounds in about 4 months doing low-carb. I exercised a LOT. I now weigh about 132 pounds and I'm very comfortable with that. My blood pressure was normal, when I went to the doctor for my check up the other day. Things are looking good, or they would SEEM.

I started with the hair loss about 2 months ago. I'm on Biotin and daily multi vitamins. My hair is growing more, yet still falling out although not as much. I'd say for this southern gal, the 'thinning' is more appropriate. I'm so used to my thick mane, that having thin hair, well, just made my appearance different.

The sagging skin, and loss of muscle tone.. well, my skin around my face pretty much does not sag any more, but I've definitely loss muscle tone in my legs. Some say they are 'bird legs' , but hey they are MINE. My legs were never fat to begin with, never had cellulite. I'd say for 47 years old my legs look pretty good.

But is is all about appearances ? Not really. My weight loss was for health reasons. My doctor said at 5'4' and 165 pounds, that this vertically challenged gal was pre-hypertensive.. and I needed to do something about it -- quickly ! She wrote me a note that suggested I join a gym, and 'Use it REGULARLY'. So I did. 8 months later, Here I am 132 pounds, and loving it.

A lot of us in the low carb community know how to loose the weight, but just what are we doing to keep it OFF ?? I am still exercising, but have upped the carbs a couple of days a week. I'm proud of the fact that I've kept the weight off for 5 months now.

Monday, May 25, 2009

How to Lose Weight While Eating More Food..





Happy Memorial Day !

Webmd.com has a good article about How to Lose Weight While Eating More Food.
How to Lose Weight While Eating More Food..



To drop pounds, ceasing to eat is not the answer.

Eating less of the bad stuff while focusing on the
good foods is the right (and smart) approach to take.



I'm still hanging in there at about 132 pounds or so. It will be June 7th will be 8 months since I started my low carb diet. My hair is growing in as much as I'm loosing it now, so at least its catching up. I must say the BIOTIN and multi vitamins are working, but boy do they make me hungry !

I'm still exercising regularly, and have even taken up swimming. (great cardio exercise)

Its raining here this week, so I'll probably be indoors, doing what I do best.. low carb cooking !

Yall have a blessed day !

Bayoubabe

Monday, May 18, 2009

Almost Ready...

Our love nest/cabin is almost ready ! Here are the latest pictures. Enjoy !!

















Our love nest/cabin is almost ready ! Here are the latest pictures. Enjoy !!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Natural Remedies for Female and Male Hair Loss

Natural Remedies for Female and Male Hair Loss

Harry, thank you for this timely article !

As yall know I am recently experiencing hair loss, so this article really applies.

If yall ARE doing low carb, it is very important as Harry states, to loose the weight ‘gradually’. Not only can other physical problems result (i.e. hair loss), but also you tend to loose your muscle tone as well, and the excess skin will start to sag.

I was not aware that there were SO many different regimens for dealing with hair loss. Especially interesting was the ‘flaxseed’.

Thanks again. I learned a LOT.

Have a Blessed Day !

Bayoubabe

Friday, May 8, 2009

Love Nest !!

These are pictures I took today using my cell phone. We are making an evacuation shelter, (shed), cabin, whatever you wish to call it.. Purchased two acres of land last year just outside of Franklinton, La.

The contractors say it should be ready in about three weeks. Enjoy !


















Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Harvard professor creates inhalable calorie-free chocolate.!!!





Calorie Free Chocolate

VIDEO: Chocolate Lovers Rejoice!

Now if they could do that to every OTHER food, we'd all be SET for LIFE :)

Blessings,

Bayoubabe

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Test Results are IN !

and they are that everything is NORMAL !! (Guess that depends on who you ask right ?)

I'm loosing hair, but the blood tests and thyroid test are completely normal...

So now what ? I'm taking the Biotin and also multi vitamins.

I guess I have to wait and see if it 'repairs' itself.

Not too many people out there are reading my blog nowadays, (cept the ye old faithful ones !), so I really dont know if anyone ELSE out there has had hair loss after weight loss.

Guess we can't pick and choose, can we ??

So I'm back to square one... (Oh boy!)

Hope everyone else is doing well.

Have a Blessed Evening..

Bayoubabe

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Build A Stronger Immune System

Web md has some timely information about Building a Stronger Immune System

Staying well and free of colds, flu, and other ailments starts with a strong immune system. Here's how to build your defenses and safeguard your health.

Building a Stronger Immune System

Your immune system attacks foreign invaders with specialized white blood cells. Find out how to use diet and exercise to help.

With the recent breakout of the swine flu going around... this message may be timely for some.

Have a Blessed Day !

Bayoubabe

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Hair Today, Gone tomorrow..


Gimme a head with hair, long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming, steaming, flaxen, waxen
Give me down to there, hair!
Shoulder length, longer (hair!)
Here baby, there mama, Everywhere daddy daddy

CHORUS:
Hair! (hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair)
Flow it, Show it;
Long as God can grow it, My Hair!

-----------------------------------------------

Good morning, hope you are having a great one !

I'm sitting here comtemplating the news I was given yesterday about my recent hair loss. You know, one day its thick and flowing, and the next it is coming out in strands as you brush, or you find it covering the drain hole in the bathtub.

I've been noticing this for about six weeks now, and never really thought much of it, till I started asking around.. and as more and more came out. Granted, its not coming out in clumps, but its enough for me to notice.

I originally called my primary care physicians office because, honestly, I did not know where to begin looking. I had three options :

(1) Primary Care physician
(2) Gynecologist (I had a hysterectomy last August)
(3) Dermatologist.

The primary care physician suggest the dermatologist, so I begin there. The dermatolgolist suggested it was some strange words called :



Telogen Effluvium


Telogen effluvium is a form of nonscarring alopecia characterized by diffuse hair shedding, often with an acute onset. A chronic form with a more insidious onset and a longer duration also exists.1,2 Telogen effluvium is a reactive process caused by a metabolic or hormonal stress or by medications. Generally, recovery is spontaneous and occurs within 6 months.

So in effect, its been about eight months since the hysterectomy, but its been six-seven weeks since I noticed the hair loss, thus the post 'six-month period since the hysterectomy

Understanding the pathophysiology of telogen effluvium requires knowledge of the hair growth cycle. All hair has a growth phase, termed anagen, and a resting phase, telogen. On the scalp, anagen lasts approximately 3 years, while telogen lasts roughly 3 months, although there can be wide variation in these times between individuals. During telogen, the resting hair remains in the follicle until it is pushed out by growth of a new anagen hair.


Physiologic stresses that can induce telogen effluvium include febrile illness, major injury, change in diet, etc. So there you have it, DIET and MAJOR SURGERY.

I do not know if any of the low carbers out there reading this blog have experienced hair loss, but I'd certainly like for yall to share.

Remember, I lost the majority of my 30 pounds during the FIRST FOUR MONTHS of my low carb diet. I'm sure that 'shock', in addition to my surgery could be the reason for the hair loss.

I'm scheduled for a round of blood tests today, including thyroid and FSH levels. He also suggested I take Biotin

BIOTIN

Its supposed to be a nail and hair strengthener.

I'll let yall know what I find out when I do. In the meantime, LOVE YOUR HAIR !!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Happy Earth Day !!!




GO GREEN WITH REYNOLDS WRAP FOIL -- HURRY !!

Remember do what you can to always save the environment !

Have a Happy Low Carbilicious Day today ! Drink LOTS of water ! I'm off to the gym this morn :)

Blessings,

Bayoubabe

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

E-books and Low Carbin'








Good Morning... we're blessed to have such a sunny and mild temp week in New Orleans! Great day to open the windows, SPRING CLEAN (Did I hear one of my readers shout an AMEN ?) LOL..


Anywho, todays topic is E-books ? Anyone a fan ? I've recently downloaded a great toy called "Adobe Digital Edition"

>Adobe Digital


Its a GREAT tool for reading e-books.

I also found a nice website to DOWNLOAD EBOOKS FOR FREE.

Free ebooks ! HERE

It DOES require registration, but it is totally FREE.

You can download MANY e books, recipes, and articles about health, etc.

I really like this site... cause it is from people like me and you FOR people like me and you.

Just let the search engine be your guide. You can search on many topics, like healthy eating, exercise, recipes, etc.

If you are an e-book fan, why not list YOUR favorite FREE site and which e-books have helped you ?


Enjoy :)

Have a blessed day !

Bayoubabe

I'm off for a beautiful morning walk :) My walk was very nice ! SLow and Easy was the pace.. Now, what does THIS low carber want for LUNCH ? LOL

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Healthy Fellow (Harry's Natural Health Blog)

Healthy Fellow (Harry's Natural Health Blog)

Be sure to check it out !



http://www.healthyfellow.com

Our fellow blogger Harry has a new website :)

Blessings,

Bayoubabe

I'm still alive.. and kickin !





Hello everyone, I'm still alive and kicking !

Its been a VERY LONG spring break here in Louisiana. Enjoying time with the kids and my wonderful husband who's been on vacation.

Our gym opened their pool this week.. (You should see my EYES literally light up when I say this... ).. However, the water temp is still too cold to actually swim.

Can you believe, that I do not know how to swim ? Yes an adult. I can swim a distance, and a few of the 'strokes'.. but nothing else ! I plan to take swim lessons as soon as someone finds out how swim-challenged I really am. (I did have an offer from a 10-year old on the swim team LOL). May just take him up on it.

School starts tomorrow. (Do you hear an AMEN in the background here ??). I am going to enjoy myself now.

I'm still watching what I eat, although I must tell you this butter pecan sugarfree ice cream that Schwan's puts out is to die-for

CARB COMFORT® Butter Pecan Ice Cream $6.49

http://www.schwans.com/products/product_40366.htm

How is everyone else doing out there ??

Have a blessed Day !

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