Useful Low Carb Products

Over the course of this blog I'm going to share with you some of the ingredients that I've found to be userful components of my low carb lifestyle. I will be posting recipes that will utilize some of them. You may be able to find these items at you local grocery store while others are readily available online. I've included links for more information and to purchase online.

* Joseph's Low Carb Lavash (flatbread). I find this at Wal-Mart but you can order online. This lavash is made of flax, oat bran, and whole wheat flour, sans white flour and is very soft. It also includes plant sterols, which promote heart health. This comes in two sizes and you must be aware of them so you can control your portion size. The five piece package contains single servings. The four piece (shown) is double servings, which means you must cut each lavash in half.
Additional info.
Purchase.

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* Joseph's Low Carb Pita. Same ingredients as the lavash, but a nice pita texture.
Additional info.
Purchase.

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* Carbquik. Yes, there is a low carb version of Bisquik although it's not made by the same company. I've not found it in any local stores so I purchase it online. All sorts of wonderful things can be made with Carbquik, including pizza crust, desserts, and yes, biscuits!
Additional info.
Purchase.

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* Dreamfields Pasta. This wonderful low carb pasta is indistinguishable from traditional name brand favorites such as San Giorgio or Muellers. It is available in elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, spaghetti, linguini, and lasagna noodles.
Additional info.
Purchase.

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* Hodgson Mill Soy Flour. Soy flour is loaded with protein and fiber. Although it can't be substitued 1:1 for white flour, you can make cookies, pancakes, and other low carb foods with it. You will find this in your local Wal-Mart.

Welcome to the Carbinator...

I've been low carbing it for a few years now, long enough to have lost 80 pounds -- and keep it off. I would like to lose at least another 70. Many factors over many years have contributed to my weight gain: a failed relationship; deaths of family members and close friends; and unfulfilled career and personal expectations, among other things.

Depending on your weight loss goal, the road to healing could be a long one. It requires a positive attitude and strong focus to achieve a balance of healthy mental, emotional, and spiritual living. Without attention to these areas, you'll never be right physically. All are interdependent. If you improve in one of them, chances are you'll start feeling better -- and feeling better about yourself -- and this will spark improvement in the other areas.

So how do we improve in these areas? First of all, if you recognize a particular roadblock standing in the way of your mental, emotional, or spiritual well-being and are able to address it successfully, do it. This can be difficult but sometimes it is simply a matter of being honest with yourself or discussing things freely with someone you trust. If you are unable to identify or address it on your own, seek professional help -- a doctor or spiritual advisor. They may be able to discover what is impeding you. This is about your health; do whatever it takes to get on the right path to wellness.

Keep in mind that there is no quick or easy way to lose weight in a way that matters -- for the long haul. You want your weight to come off and stay off. It's not about dieting or magic pills that melt fat away -- it's about a lifestyle change. You must eat smaller portions more often, drink lots of water, and get moving (inactivity is my downfall).

In this blog I will share recipes, tips, etc. that I hope will help you on your journey. There is an abundance of info online regarding the health benefits of low carbing, how it works, and so on, so I will not be addressing those things. I will be posting informational links, though.

Remember: What has worked for me may not work for you, but don't be discouraged. You may just need to try something different. Don't give up on yourself. And always, always consult your doctor before you begin a weight loss or exercise program.