Category: Low Carb Diet

“At Least the Turkey is Low Carb…”– Tips for Low Carb Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, the planning of meals begins in full force. For those of us on a low carb diet, however, this day can be something we come to dread every year. The temptation of stuffing, potatoes, and many other types of traditional foods can be hard to resist, even for the strongest-willed low carb dieter. Read on to learn a few tips for enjoying Thanksgiving dinner and still sticking to your low carb lifestyle.  

Low carb variations are possible – There are many websites and books devoted to holiday dinners with a healthier makeover, and many of these focus on low sugar and low carb Thanksgiving meals. By finding a source with recipes for your favorite Thanksgiving dishes in low carb form, you can celebrate the holiday without ruining your diet. 

Host Dinner – If your family gathering involves many family members all coming together in one place, offering to host the dinner can be a great way to gain control of more of the foods. In many situations, offering to host will be a welcome gesture to family members who would prefer to not prepare their home for the big event. By having the dinner at your location, it often means you get to take control of the food list and make as many types of foods as you want. Then, you can make whatever dishes you opt to provide using one of the low carb recipes available online or in recipe books.

Offer to make your favorites – Most people have at least a few Thanksgiving foods that they absolutely love and simply cannot resist. When you show up to a dinner and someone else has made this food, you will have no idea of the carb count, but you still may not be able to resist eating it. By offering to make the foods you know you will be tempted to eat, you can make a lower carb version that you can indulge in without feeling guilty. 

Take your own version – If you offer to bring one of your favorite dishes to dinner, but someone else has already staked claim to making it, there is nothing wrong with bringing your own low carb version of turkey dressing or a low carb pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving dinner is a gathering focused on food, and the more the merrier in most cases. Plus, you may pleasantly surprise others that are having a hard time sticking to their low carb diet on Thanksgiving by providing the dish.

Thanks for reading our blog! Visit us today at Linda’s Diet Delites to purchase all the ingredients you will need to create your low carb Thanksgiving dishes!


Continue reading “At Least the Turkey is Low Carb…”– Tips for Low Carb Thanksgiving

Most Fall Events Revolve Around Food – Low Carb Alternatives

As the holiday season approaches, it seems that every gathering or event revolves around food. The season of holidays begins with Halloween, which is creeping up quickly.

Although candy is known as one of the most common unhealthy food temptations, it is not the only one for this holiday. Restaurants (particularly fast food restaurants) capitalize on families being out late and offer a variety of affordable specials on this evening.

Unfortunately, almost none of these specials are on foods of the healthy variety, and are detrimental to those on a low carb or other diet.

Additionally, the offering of seasonal foods and drinks, such as pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin spice latte, etc., can up the temptation ante. Read on for some ideas for family fun events that don’t have to involve food.

Fall Festivals

Although some fall festivals involve candy or other foods that could damage your low carb diet, many of them are more focused on games for children that offer toys as prizes instead of food. Some of these festivals will have a theme, which can help you decide which ones to attend or avoid.

For example, cider festivals are common during the fall in locations abundant with apples. These often feature apple ciders, apple pies, apple cider donuts, etc. – all of which can be tempting (and diet-ruining) to the low carb dieter.

Locating fall festivals that are centered around games or crafts is often the better choice.

Haunted Attractions

This time of year, haunted events are a great choice, with family options as well as adult-only venues. Most haunted attractions are safe for the low carb dieter, as food isn’t even offered at many haunted houses. If the haunted attraction you visit is in combination with another event or festival, there may be an abundant supply of sugar-filled candy or other foods.

School Events

Although some school events will also have a wide selection of high carb foods or candy, some schools will focus on healthy options. This may include offering books to children instead of candy, or other such options.

If your local school offers events such as these for the holiday season, it can be a great way to avoid the overwhelming availability of foods that will wreck your low carb diet.

Attend Events Prepared with Your Own Foods

If there is an event you don’t want to miss, but you don’t want to be tempted with high carb foods or sugar-filled candies, you don’t have to avoid it completely. Instead, you can have your meal before you attend, or even take food with you. If candy is the biggest offender, stock up on sugar-free candy to take with you so you can be prepared for the temptations.

Are you ready to stock up on great low carb, sugar-free candy and foods? Visit us at Linda’s Diet Delites for everything you need to ensure your Halloween is a healthy one!

Studies Show Similarities Between Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease

Ever since low carb diets became popular, there have been many studies completed to try to dispute their validity and make claims that they are an unhealthy way to eat. Although these efforts have turned some against the traditional low carb diet, there are many people who have tried the diet themselves and have seen a positive health impact. New studies are being done all the time to try to determine all the health effects of a low carb diet, both good and bad. One of the newest of these studies reveals some very promising information about positive effects of a low carb diet that were not known until now. Read on to learn more.

According to an article in USA Today, the Mayo Clinic recently released its findings of a study to determine the link between a high carbohydrate diet and Alzheimer’s Disease. Among this study, there were several findings that lead researchers to believe that a low carb diet can help reduce the risk for later developing the cognitive impairment that is associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

For decades, proponents of low carb, high protein diets have claimed that there are many health benefits obtained through this type of lifestyle, with one of them being brain function. The study published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease seems to offer proof of this claim. Among study participants, those with a diet highest in healthy fats were 42% less likely to show impairment in brain function, and those with the highest protein intake were 21% less likely to show these symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. 
This isn’t the first time there has been a claim of low carb diets being a possible prevention method. In 2005, Dr. Suzanne DeLaMonte did autopsies on Alzheimer’s patients as a Brown Medical School Researcher, and released findings that the brains of these patients showed signs of insulin resistance. At the time, she even began referring to Alzheimer’s Disease as virtually a Type 3 Diabetes. 
These findings go hand in hand with the belief that Alzheimer’s may be caused in part by a buildup of beta amyloid plaques, which can potentially be caused by the excessive glucose in the brain. An excess of glucose can occur when the body is unable to produce insulin to process these sugars the way it should. 
Studies have begun recently on patients already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in which patients are given medications designed for diabetics. The results have not shown a lot of promise, but this is thought to be because once deterioration of the brain occurs it cannot be reversed. 
Although it has not been stated for a fact yet that Alzheimer’s is similar to diabetes in cause, it is always best to employ every prevention method possible. And now it looks like a low carb diet might just be one of those methods.
Stock up on low carb and sugar free foods today to begin your healthy lifestyle and possibly hinder or prevent the onset of a variety of illnesses by visiting us at Linda’s Diet Delites!

 


Four Tips for Sticking to Low-Carb Diets at Restaurants

If you are on a low carb diet, you likely already know that sticking to the diet when going out to eat at restaurants can be tricky. Sometimes, it can be downright frustrating. But it doesn’t always have to be this way – there are a few tips for eating out while on a low carb diet that can help you have a good time without ruining your diet. If you have ever debated going out to a restaurant simply because you are afraid it will damage to your low carb diet, read on.

 

Tip for Low-Carb Dieting at Restaurants – Know the Menu if Possible

There will always be those occasions where you simply decide while out to stop somewhere and eat, and in this case the above tip doesn’t always help. However, if you are planning on dining out in advance, and you want to make sure you can stick to your low-carb diet, browse possible restaurants online to see if they have an online menu. Many restaurants have their menu available on their website, and this can help you better choose where to eat without ruining your low carb diet. If you won’t have the opportunity to look up this information before dining out, it is a great idea to stick with restaurants that you know offer low-carb menu items.

Tip for Low-Carb Dieting at Restaurants – Don’t Be Afraid to Make Special Requests

Yes, it can be embarrassing to ask for a burger with no bun, but not if you realize that whatever you ask for, it is likely your server has heard it before. Special requests are common in restaurants, and there are many things you can ask for that can help you stay on your dieting plan while dining out. If you want a chicken-fried steak, but don’t want to ruin your low-carb diet, ask if they bread the steak onsite. If so, they can simply toss yours in the grease without breading it. Although it feels like you are asking for extra work, it is actually one less step on their part. If you have a hard time resisting the dinner rolls, you can ask to have them removed from the table. You will not be the first, nor the last, person to be served at any restaurant on a low carb diet.

Tip For Low-Carb Dieting at Restaurants – Take Your Own Low-Carb Items

While some menus at restaurants will offer low carb items, others do not. Often, it is the condiments you have to be worried about – dressings, marinades, etc. If you want to stick to your low-carb diet, but you also want to enjoy dining out, consider taking low-carb condiments with you. By having a low-carb sauce or other item with you, you can enjoy the experience of dining out without having to sacrifice flavor or your carb count.

Tip for Low-Carb Dieting at Restaurants – Ask Questions

There are many menu items at restaurants that seem obvious, but without asking, you may be surprised to learn that the food has more carbs in it that originally expected. Some restaurants take traditional foods and add to them, often including their own secret spices or sauces that may contain sugar or other foods that you didn’t even know were there. If something on the menu is homemade or claims to be made in a special style, be sure to ask how they make it. Simply asking questions can help you stick to your low-carb diet at a restaurant.

Thanks for reading our article! Now you know the tips for sticking with your low-carb diet while dining out. If you want to stock up on condiments, sauces, and other low-carb items to take with you to restaurants, visit Linda’s Diet Delites to find everything you need!

 

Low Carb Dieting and Ketosis

If you begin a strict low carb diet, such as Atkins, then it is important to understand that the beginning of the diet will be the worst part. As most diets do, low carb diets start out more strict in the beginning and then ease up on restrictions over time. When the diet is low carb, this typically means that you will put your body into something called “ketosis” in the beginning. This does have certain side effects (aside from tremendous and quick weight loss). Read on to learn about ketosis when on a low carb diet, what it is, and how to prepare yourself to get through the first few hard days.

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a condition that occurs when you limit your carb intake to a very small amount daily. When you are on a strict low carb diet, such as Atkins, the first five days to a week are the ones in which carbs are so limited that the liver doesn’t have enough stored glucose and the body begins to burn its own fat. During this short time on your strict low carb diet, you will lose more weight than with the beginning of most diets, and the majority of this weight will be actual fat lost. Once you get through this ketosis stage of your low carb diet, you will get to raise your daily carbohydrate intake allowance to a slightly higher number, which will help you continue to lose weight, but at a slower rate and without the side effects of ketosis.

The Side Effects of Ketosis on a Low-Carb Diet

As with anything different you do to your body, there are potential side effects of ketosis when on a strict low carb diet. Just a few that you may experience can include bad breath, gas, and dizziness or weakness. In addition, some people experience more mood swings (particularly being generally in a bad mood). There is also the possibility of ketosis becoming ketoacidosis, which can cause long-term kidney damage, but this typically occurs only in those with Type 1 Diabetes (just another reason to always consult a physician before starting a new diet). The body only needs to be in ketosis for the limited time as Atkins and other low carb diets suggest to achieve lasting results, and the lasting effects of a long-term ketosis diet are not fully known. If ketosis is limited, the side effects are only temporary and are not harmful. If you choose to maintain ketosis for a longer period of time, it is best to consult with your physician for possible side effects that might pertain to your particular situation.

Dealing with the Side Effects of Ketosis

One of the best ways to handle the side effects of ketosis when you are on a low carb diet is to know in advance what to expect. By knowing that gas can be a side effect, you can invest in the necessary medications in advance. Likewise, you can keep mouthwash and fresh breath spray on hand, as well as potentially warn family members that during this ketosis phase of your low carb diet, your mood might not be the best. Keep in mind that these side effects only occur for a short time while in ketosis, and the best side effect is that you will experience true lasting weight loss during this time on your low carb diet.

Thanks for reading our article! If you are ready to stock up low carb foods to get help get you through the ketosis stage of your low carb diet, visit Linda’s Diet Delites to find exactly what you need!

Summertime Grilling – It Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Low Carb Diet

Summertime often means grilling outdoors, and grilling outdoors can be detrimental to a low carb diet. This is particularly true when you attend a get-together in which someone else is in charge of grilling the food. Even if you opt for solely meat as your food to be able to stick to your low carb diet, the meat may have been marinated in, or cooked in, a high-carb sauce. Read on to learn tips for sticking to your low carb diet when grilling during the summertime. 
Offer to Bring Something
If you are attending an event that involves someone else providing the food, offer to bring extras. If you do this, not only will the host be appreciative, but it will enable you to bring low-carb diet friendly foods to the barbecue event. If burgers will be cooked, you can offer to bring the bread, and you can easily take some regular hamburger buns as well as some low carb buns for yourself. No one will even realize that the reason you brought the bread was to stick to your low carb diet while grilling, and you won’t have to skip the bun. You can also offer to bring a side or the condiments, and then you can include low carb options (such as low carb mayo) in what you take.

Do the Grilling Yourself
In many cases, the easiest way to stick to a low carb diet while grilling out is to be the host. While you likely won’t be able to host every grilling event during the summer months, every time you do it will make sticking to your low carb diet during the event easier. This is because, even if you only stick to eating meats and cheeses at a barbecue, it is likely that the sauces or marinades used to cook the meat are high in carbs. By opting to do the grilling yourself, you can use great-tasting low carb sauces for cooking. In addition, you can have low carb sides that will allow you to indulge in the great food without ruining your low carb diet.
Skip the Breads and Pastas
Even if you try your best to hold most barbecues at your own home, and you offer to take additional items, you may find yourself on occasion at a grilling event where you are unprepared. In these situations, the best way to stick to your low carb diet is to simply skip the breads and pastas. Although you may still take in more carbs than you want through seasonings and sauces, simply skipping the full-carb breads and pastas can save a lot of carbs while still allowing you to enjoy the grilled food.
Thanks for reading our article! To stock up on great items for outdoor summer grilling while on a low carb diet, visit Linda’s Diet Delites!

Julian Bakery – The Paleo Bread – Officially Released!

Julian Bakery has released their latest bread, The Paleo Bread. The following post was provided by Julian Bakery to provide more information on this unique new bread.

 Paleo Bread

Julian Bakery is proud to announce the newest addition to our diet and allergy friendly bread line: The Paleo Bread.  The Paleo Bread is the holy grail of bread, truly a dieters dream.  It is unlike any other bread on the market and is gluten free, grain free, yeast free, dairy free, soy free, low calorie, high in protein, fiber, and low in carbohydrates.  This bread is ideal for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight, on the Paleo and just about any other type of diet.

The Paleo Bread was inspired by the Paleolithic diet due to it’s health and dietary benefits.  Those who follow the Paleo diet cut out all grains and eat that of what our native hunters and gatherers ate many years ago.  It’s a diet based on lean meats, seafood, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables.  We created two versions of The Paleo Bread which meets any and all requirements in order to be kind to practically any diet, both which are healthy, low calorie, gluten free and grain free.  The Almond variety and the Coconut variety are equally tasty and both offer their own unique benefits.

The Paleo Bread Almond loaf contains six simple ingredients: Purified Water, Blanched Almonds, Egg Whites, Psyllium, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, and a pinch of Baking Soda.

Nutrition facts (per slice): Calories 100  Fat 8g Sodium 100g Carbs 5g Fiber 4g (Net Carbs 1), 9g Protein

How is all this beneficial to me??  Let’s dig a little deeper and find out!

The Many Benefits of Almonds:

Good for brain: Almonds contain many nutrients that which help in development of the brain and has been considered an essential food item for growing children.

Assists in regulating cholesterol levels:  Consuming almonds on a regular basis helps to increase levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL). LDL is the bad, artery clogging cholestrol we need to watch.

Good for the heart:  The mono-saturated fat, protein, and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps reduce the risk of heart disease. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almonds contain folic acid, which is believed to reduce levels of homocystein, the amino acid thought to contribute to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.

Skin care:  Almonds contain over 100% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin E, that precious antioxidant that not only is a cancer fighter but also are a skin powerhouse containing flavanoids, the same as that found in wine, tea, fruits, and vegetables; all fighting to combat free radicals and keep skin supple and youthful looking.  The magnesium content helps increase the oxygen flow in our bodies, also important for a youthful glow.

Regulates blood pressure: Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.

Prevention of cancer: Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.  Again, the high Vitamin E content also is a cancer fighter.

Protection against diabetes: Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.

Good in pregnancy: Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.

Weight loss: Because almonds contain mono-saturated fats, it helps us to feel full longer without the health risks of unhealthy fats, or worry about our waistline.  Studies have revealed that low calorie, almond rich diets are good for obese people assisting to shed their weight.

High In Fiber: Almonds are rich in fiber. Like most other fiber rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. Make sure you drink good amount of water after eating almonds.

Boosts energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin (folate) helps in energy production.  Almonds are great both before and after working out, and that mid-afternoon slump!

Diabetic friendly:  Almonds assist in controlling diabetes, by lowering blood sugar after meals.

The Paleo Bread, Almond, is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal or snack with added flavor and health benefits, but it doesn’t end there.  We created another version to The Paleo Bread line: Coconut.  Since coconut is not a nut, it’s a fruit, makes it starch-free!  That is why we have the two offerings; you can choose to have the Almond or Coconut depending on your dietary needs and preferences.

The Paleo Bread, Coconut, is organic, starch-free, grain free, gluten free, yeast free, soy free, dairy Free, and ideal for any diet.  The Paleo Bread, Coconut, is the first starch free, gluten free, grain Free, low carb bread on the market!  Get lean and sculpted while still enjoying this particular variety!

Some benefits of being on a starch-free diet with the Coconut Paleo Bread will allow for great results such as less pain and stiffening in joints as well as less gas, cramping, diarrhea, bloating and other stomach troubles due to the reduction or elimination of starchy gluten and wheat products. Many people discover a starch-free diet to be quite helpful, especially in improving digestion and over all fat loss.

Implementing a starch free diet when trying to lose weight and cutting out starchy foods from your diet will put your body into a state of ketosis in which your blood sugar levels stabilize more efficiently your insulin levels drop, which can in turn make the body burn fat quickly showing off the lean muscles you have been working so hard to get during those hard workouts at the gym or Cross Fit sessions.

Coconut is Low Carb & Low Calorie:  The term available carbohydrate refers to the portion of carbohydrates that have the potential to raise your blood sugar levels and provide calories, or energy. Available carbohydrates include both sugar and starches, but exclude dietary fiber. You can calculate the available carb content of any food simply by subtracting its fiber content from its total carb content. In the case of all-purpose white flour, the available carb content is 23.1 g per 1/4 cup and whole-wheat flour has 18.4 g of available carb per 1/4 cup, while coconut flour contains 7 g of available carbohydrate per 1/4 cup.

Because of its lower available carbohydrate content, coconut flour can prevent blood sugar spikes and help you maintain more even blood sugar levels after eating, which is especially helpful if you have diabetes or are trying to lose weight.

High Fiber Content:  Coconut flour contains a lot more fiber compared to any other flour, with as much as 12 g per 1/4 cup, compared to only 3 g for the same serving of whole-wheat flour. You should get between 25 and 38 g of fiber a day, according to the “2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” to help you stay regular and prevent constipation. A higher fiber intake can also help you feel fuller with fewer calories, which is especially helpful if weight loss is a goal.

Julian Bakery made The Paleo Bread to fulfill the craving for bread while living a Paleo lifestyle free from unprocessed foods. The Paleo Bread utilizes the highest quality ingredients.  The Paleo Bread provides the protein and fiber your body needs to satisfy hunger while helping your body to perform at its peak.  We love The Paleo Bread and hope you do too!

Dr.John’s SimplyXylitol 1lb bags now available!

Dr.John’s SimplyXylitol 1lb bags are now available! From Dr.John’s, “Sprinkle, pour, shake, or spoon, All Natural 100% USA-produced Xylitol to sweeten your cooking, baking, or just use it straight from the resealable bag. Same sweetness as sugar, with no aftertaste. Only 10 calories per tablespoon. Approx. 113 servings per pound. One common tablespoon meets the requirement per serving on the SimplyXylitol plan. ”

Dr.John's SimplyXylitol, 1lb
Dr.John's SimplyXylitol, 1lb