ElfiePoo

Wanted to post this before I go. It's mainly focused on diabetics, but does have some of the info I've posted before if you scroll down and read through it: We observed no signifcant adverse renal effects of high Protein consumption in women who had normal renal function at baseline. In addition, when we separately analyzed nondairy anima, dairy and vegetable protein intake, we found no evidence of a detrimental effect of animal protein compared with vegetable protein. In short, eating well below the 130 grams of carbs ignorant dietitians will tell you are essential for brain function, works fine. Memory was not affected, and mood improved. Gary Taubes' book, published in October of 2007, Good Calories/Bad Calories, Taubes provides descriptions and analyses of hundreds of nutritional studies performed since the 1940s. He also cites several well-conducted studies whose results were suppressed because they didn't match what diet authorities thought the results should be (So much for putting faith in the 'experts'.) There are numerous other links to other sites and other studies to show how the medical community has *LIED* to people about low carb diets by deliberately omitting studies that don't fit in with their preconceived expectations. If you're a diabetic, there is a *ton* of information here. It's one of my favorite sites. Oh, and there's a link to also help you figure out how much protein you need...and that varies by individual. It's been fun. .

Hey ladies, There's so little activity here and most of you have already friended me on facebook, so I'm going to take my leave of the LBT. As a whole, I find it quite hostile to low carb...despite the fact that so many surgeons put their band patients on low carb following surgery and I realized today that it's one 'stress' in my life that I don't need. See you on Facebook! .

<sigh> For those who actually have an interest in low carbing, I would suggest you get ahold of the books by Dr. Bernstein, Gary Taubes and Malcom Kendricks. There are other books if you do a bit of researching. I think you'll find that there is no truth to the claims that low carb is bad for you. If you're the type who believes intelligence and knowledge is defined by how many degrees a person holds, then you probably shouldn't waste your time. If you believe that someone doesn't have the right to charge what they're worth without it being evidence that they're just in it for the money and have no concern for their patients, as the previous poster does about Dr. Bernstein, then you probably shouldn't waste your time. Low carb works. Low carb is not dangerous, nor does it lessen mental acuity. You can get all your nutrition in Protein and vegetables. The brain does not need carbs...it needs glucose which can be obtained by eating as little as 60gm protein per day. If low carb is so 'dangerous', then the only logical assumption is that all of your surgeons are irresponsible for telling you to go low carb. .

And think how great you'll feel when you come home without having to unbutton the top button of skirt .

I'm not going to get into a peeing contest. You choose to rely on the beliefs of traditional medicine. I'm willing to step outside the box and read what others (who also stepped outside the box) have to say and read the research it's based on. You say Dr. Bernstein is " a practitioner outside of the realm of scientific research and one who has an obvious financial interest in advocating the benefits of low-carb diets." Perhaps you're confusing him with Atkins or South Beach or others who write diet books and sell diet products (not that there's anything wrong with that). Dr. Bernstein is a highly respected expert in the field of diabetes. He doesn't tout low carb because it's a money maker for him. He promotes it because it is responsible for helping Type 1's (he is one) maintain normal blood sugars and Type II's in getting off all their meds. Sure I could continue to eat 160gm of carbs per day...and take the insulin necessary to deal with the sugar spikes...but why when simply dropping the carbs to less than 45 or so and eliminating grains, fruits and starches will do the same thing. There is nothing in grains, fruits or starches that cannot be gotten through the Protein and vegies. Gary Taubes is a science journalist. Quite able to read the research that is being done and follow it to a conclusion. I don't make the mistake of assuming that just because someone has all sorts of medical degrees after their name that they are somehow more knowledgeable. The thing I like about both Taubes and Bernstein is that their books list their sources and, if someone is so inclined, can go read the original sources for themselves. So you've lost weight without restricting your carbs. That's great...and I've been pretty clear in most of my posts that if you can do that, then obviously there's no need or motivation to restrict your carbs. However, for many of us who are insulin resistant, hypoglycemic and/or diabetic, it is necessary because our bodies, due to the metabolic imbalance, are incapable of processing them correctly. Telling people that 'studies' show mental acuity declines on low carb and warning people to start eating carbs again a week before some big test is a scare tactic...and the worst thing a diabetic can do. If I suddenly upped my carbs, my blood sugars would spike. Also, I even went to the trouble of posting a portion of one study that showed there was no difference. There are many other studies out there (several in both Bernstein's and Taube's book appendices) that state the same findings. The brain needs glucose...not carbs. If there are insufficient carbs to produce glucose, the liver is able to convert protein into the necessary glucose for the brain...which it can do quite well at only roughly 60gm of protein per day. It is difficult without writing an entire book, to explain all of this. That is why I refer people to Taubes and Bernstein. They do quite well at documenting their sources and conclusions. Another good book by Taubes is "Good Calories, Bad Calories" although I've heard from some that it's a more difficult read than "Why We Get Fat"...but it has far more in-depth explanations as to how the body works and why it functions quite well on low carb. A low carb diet is healthy for everyone, but everyone may not need to do low carb because they do not have a metabolic imbalance that makes their body unable to process certain carbs. A traditionally high carb diet may be healthy for some, but for those with metabolic imbalances, it's not healthy. Considering the CDC believes that 75% of the people in the U.S. (vague recollection so don't quote me on that percentage) are insulin resistant, it would explain why eating a controlled calorie, high carbohydrate diet has been a failure for so many. Again, lest I was not clear. I do not think low carb is the *only* way but I will defend it when people try to convince others that low carb is ultimately bad for them since the studies don't support that and. If that's true, then the vast majority of forum members have irresponsible doctors since most of them have surgeons who prescribe low carb diets. .

Happy Easter to all who Celebrate it. Happy Holidays to those who don't but do the Easter bunny thing and for the rest...hope it's another good day. I'm being PC and covering all the bases. We were supposed to have my husband's mother over to dinner today but he, inconveniently, came home with some kind of stomach bug yesterday afternoon. I'm debating whether to cancel (since I enjoy her company) or quarantine him in the bedroom. Since I already bought the ham, asparagus and brussel sprouts, I'm thinking the latter. Hope all is going well with everyone! .

This is just absolutely not true. I know many people who eat no more than 45gm of carbs per day and who have very mentally demanding jobs. If anything, their mental acuity and job performance improved after they went low carb. This is just another one of those 'myths' that the anti-low carb crowd spreads trying to scare people back into eating the very carbs that made them fat. Published in the September 2007 (I think) issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (sorry...I copied the pages from microfiche for a paper I wrote for one my classes and the date has sort of faded and I couldn't quite make it out) "Researchers from Australia decided to investigate diet and mood. They put 93 overweight or obese men and women on one of two diets- high-carb low- fat, or low-carb high-fat. The diets ranged from 1400-1700 calories a day, approximately 30% less than what the participants were used to. The study lasted 8 weeks. Not surprisingly, the low-carb group lost significantly more weight. But everyone in both diet groups improved in mood, with no significant differences seen between the two groups. Memory was also the same in both groups, and both groups improved in “speed of cognitive processing” though the low carb group improved slightly less. (The researchers admitted that more studies were needed to see if that minor finding would be replicated.)" Notice they said the low carb group "improved" "slightly less". In other words, no change in current function and they admit that the difference was minor and had not yet done further studies to see if they could replicate it. .

The body is capable of getting the necessary 'energy' for brain function without carbs. In a nutshell, your brain does not need carbs in order to function, it needs glucose and not very much at that. You could go completely carb free and, if you're eating 60gm of Protein a day, your brain will get enough glucose from that protein. One of the books for my nutrition degree (no, I didn't finish it) was called "Understanding the Brain and Its Development" and had an explanation of how the liver turns protein into glucose and provides the brain with what it needs. There's just absolutely no proof (and actually quite a bit to the contrary) that low carb causes any type of mental deficit. Again, I would refer people to both Dr. Bernstein and Gary Taubes books and the book referenced above (although it's a pretty difficult read). Another long held 'belief' is that excess protein will cause kidney stones. According to several sources, this just isn't true assuming the person does not already have compromised kidneys. "The claim that protein intake leads to kidney stones is another popular myth that is not supported by the facts. Although protein restricted diets are helpful for people who have kidney disease, eating meat does not cause kidney problems (10). Furthermore, the fat-soluble Vitamins and saturated fatty acids found in animal foods are pivotal for properly functioning kidneys (11). Many experts attempt to explain how meat supposedly "acidifies" the blood, leading to greater mineral loss in the urine is also incorrect. Theoretically, the sulfur and phosphorus in meat can form an acid when placed in Water, but that does not mean that is what happens in the body. Actually, meat provides complete Proteins and Vitamin D (if the fat or skin is eaten), both of which are needed to maintain proper acid-alkaline balance in the body. Furthermore, in a diet that includes enough magnesium and vitamin B6 and restricts simple sugars, one has little to fear from kidney stones (12)." ~Dr. Stephen Byrnes .

As a diabetic, there is no such thing as going of my diet because it's not a diet. It's the way I have to eat unless I want to be right back on my insulin again. So we're having baked ham, roasted asparagus (drizzled with olive oil, Kosher salt and cracked pepper), deviled eggs, baby potatoes and homemade rolls (both only for others) and a cherry pie for the troops and a cupcake sized mini sugar free cheesecake (homemade) for me. .

I've gone back and read through this thread, wondering how we can help you but, to be honest, I don't think you're being honest with us. You say you're eating Cookies and chocolate milk and junk but in another post say you're healthier than you've been in a long time and "my diabetes was out of control.. and I had sleep apnea.. and NOW I DONT". If you're still eating cookies and chocolate milk and junk, then your diabetes cannot possibly be under control...unless you're just increasing your medicines to deal with the extra sugar. In which case, it is not under control. I think you have a decision to make. You either need to decide to *choose* to eat the right foods...or *choose* to remain fat...and then stop looking for pity. Nykee...as a diabetic, those sugary things are causing an insulin response in your body which will create actual physical cravings for more. Yes, you can take insulin to compensate for the sugar you're eating *but* your insulin resistance will never reverse itself, meaning you will find it difficult to lose weight and the cravings will never go away. The best thing you can do for yourself is to eat a low carb, high fat diet and make sure your carbs only come from green vegies. I really recommend the book "The Diabetes Solution" by Dr. Richard Bernstein. He advocates no grains, no starches and no fruit and I know some will say "nobody can live like that" but the truth is that for many diabetics, 'living' like that is the only thing that gets us off the meds, reverses the insulin resistance and controls our blood sugars...and keeps us from dying 10-15 years earlier as a result of the damage done to our bodies (and this happens even taking enough insulin to control blood sugar). People live without nuts because they know the alternative may be instant death. People live without gluten and wheat (celiacs) because they know it can mean death. Diabetics need to learn that we can live without fruits, grains and starches...because the alternative is death. Maybe not immediately but certainly a shorter life span as a result of out of control diabetes or side effects of long term use of diabetic medications. Look at the contraindications. These medicines aren't good for us either...but they're better than the diabetes...and getting control of our diabetes *and* getting off the medicines (or at least having to only take minimal amounts) is even better. Check out my "how much protein" in the Nutrition forum for another idea how to curb food cravings. /.

GNC sells the Carnivor Protein shots but they have other types too. I can also get them from my Bariatric clinic but they're a different brand. The nice thing about the 'shots' is that if you just shoot them, the taste is of no consequence (assuming it's bad). I usually just toss them in my bottle of Water since I drink a 20 oz bottle between meals and in the evening. .

Deb, I'm with you...that is a great send off for a loved one. What better way than with laughter and warm memories! .

I used to drink Atkins low carb but then discovered the EAS chocolate powder at Sam's Club. One scoop in a cup of unsweetened almond milk is 4 carbs, 160 calories and 25gm Protein. Less calories and quite a bit more protein than Atkins so I switched over. I have to admit that I tossed a whole case of Muscle Milk (ready made) because I thought it was so awful and so did everyone I tried to give it to. .

Unfortunately, many people don't put their brain in gear before they open their mouth. Reminds me of a quote by Mark Twain, "Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." I remember reading awhile back that Marilyn Monroe was a size 12...and some modern day producer said if she had been an actress today, she never would've gotten a job because she was too fat. That's a pretty sad statement on our societal standards. .

Look at my ticker <trying to act nonchalant>.

I think you're probably right since they say that body builders or even just people pushing weights to build their body mass. Glad to hear it's working for you cuz that means the last 4 days haven't just been a fluke. .

About 4 days ago, I read an article on food cravings in one of my naturopathic magazines. According to the authors, eating 1.6-1.8gm of Protein per kilo of weight prevents cravings. I've read this before, but for some reason I assumed that they meant per kilo of *ideal* weight...but no...they mean per kilo of current weight because it is your current weight that determines the protein needs which affect the cravings. Ok, so I've been doing an experiment for the last few days since I've also been dealing with food cravings. Instead of keeping my protein at 60gm, I've upped it to 150gm. In order to get the protein in, I'm doing the liquid Protein shots (0 carbs, 200 calories, 50gm protein) twice a day to boost the protein since I can't get 100gm protein in 400 calories of 'food'. My calories are still around 1200 because the cravings and even the desire to eat are gone and I've dropped 2 lb in the last 4 days! I literally don't even feel like eating! Oh...the article also said that if someone is doing weight building exercises, their protein needs would be higher. .

You might try upping your fat intake. I know it goes against all the traditional rules of losing weight, but a 5 year study done by Harvard showed that people lost more (and improved their lipid profiles more) on a low carb, high fat (60%) diet compared to a low carb, low fat diet. Fat helps with the energy and satiety. Plus, adding just a little more fat will up your calories as well. I find when I inadvertently let my fats drop to around 30% I just don't have the mental energy to do anything. Also, since you're posting this in the 'low carb bandsters' thread, I'm assuming you're doing low carb (below 60gm a day) in which case the refried Beans would not qualify. Beans are pretty high in carbs. You want to stick to green vegies - broccoli, green beans, salads, asparagus, etc.

<ping>...that was a pin dropping. .

Ditto...sounds like you need an unfill. .

The snow is gone...yeah!!! I'm hoping it will get to at least 45 today so I can go out and clean my herb garden and hoe at least one of the other raised beds. I've made a vow that I'll either work in the garden for an hour or do Richard Simmons. Please God let it be nice enough to work outside! I washed two of the walls in the living room yesterday in prep for painting, but then my 18 year old walked through and asked, "So, mom, what are you going to do with Beelz (demon kitty) until the paint dries." Uh...crud. I have visions of painting the trim around the picture window, only to have the 12 lb bruiser hop up on the sill and then wander with painted feet across the carpet. Not that the carpet doesn't need replacing, but I hadn't planned on doing it just yet! .

Denise, I know what you mean about funeral services. I've never understood the grieving family standing in a receiving line for hours while people come through and stare at the dead body. My husband's family has a much more pragmatic outlook. When my husband's first wife died, my mother-in-law said he showed up at her house with a box of ashes and said, "Here's your daughter-in-law." and then sprinkled her ashes on the vegetable garden. When my father-in-law died in November 2009, the funeral home came out and picked up his body and brought the box of ashes back the next morning. A year plus later and they're sitting on my mil's dresser...with her husband's knit stocking camp on top of the box (keeping his head warm). She said it's going to stay there until she dies and then she wants to have her ashes mixed with his and then sprinkled in a meadow somewhere. Then 3 days after he died, they had a wake at the house but it was lovely with people sharing memories, quiet laughter and smiles. I want an old fashioned Irish wake with people retelling stories of all the stupid things I've done in my life. Let 'em remember me as I was, not a painted up corpse in a box. Oh...and maybe you'll start a new fashion statement with your yellow fur dress. .

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I have a butterfly above my ankle so I doubt it will change much. Although it is a barometer for shaving my legs when it turns into a moth.

I have to admit that I'm puzzled by the mindset of some of the families who don't want to 'sacrifice' but then the majority of people see obesity as a character defect. We're lazy and have no willpower (their view) and all we need to do is practice a little self-control. If we were alcoholics, they'd understand and accept that having alcohol in the house is counterproductive to the person's healing. Yet they don't make that same connection to our addiction to certain foods...and it is to 'certain' foods, not all. If you notice what people 'cheat' on, it becomes clear that we aren't addicted to all food...just those wonderfully carby foods...and, like the bottle of alcohol, need to be put out of our reach. I guess I feel blessed by my husband because the first thing he asked was, "How can I help?" and when I said I needed to remove all temptation from the house, he helped me clean out the pantry. Oh sure, he still eats the things I can't have, but he does it at work or his mom's.