CarbSmart.com Your trusted guide to the keto, low carb, intermittent fasting lifestyle

Last week I spent several hours on the phone with Dana Carpender, the author of How I Gave Up My Low Fat Diet And Lost Forty Pounds. I have a word of warning for you. Do not talk to Dana if you're depressed and want to stay that way. Do not talk to Dana if you're bored and want to stay that way. Dana is upbeat, informative, funny, and fascinating. It would be impossible to be in a grand blue funk when you called her and still be in one when you hung up the phone. Impossible.

This Low-Carb success story was submitted by Cheryl during the month of June 2000. Cheryl's story was so fantastic, I decided to print it exactly how she wrote it.

In a revolutionary approach to weight loss and improved health, author Ray Audette presents his groundbreaking "caveman" diet—an eating program that stems from the notion that what we ate before agriculture and technology evolved is still what our bodies need to function effectively, stave off disease, and stay lean and healthy.

What are the traits one needs to adopt to come out not just a survivor, but a winner in the weight loss game? You have to have a goal & a way to reach it.

In the movie Cast Away, Tom Hanks character is marooned on a deserted island where for four years he consumes a nearly perfect low carbohydrate diet of crab and coconut. On this Paleolithic diet it is no surprise that his body becomes sculpted, lean and strong. Of course, we could all do that if we were in such a situation. If the only foods available to us were the healthiest of low carb foods we would never be tempted, would we?

Quick Tips - I have a suggestion for anyone who is drinking lots of water. Don't throw away your water bottles! Rinse them out, then fill them about ⅓ of the way full of water & put them in the freezer.

This month's success story is Scott Anderson. Scott is a teacher in Greece, NY and started the low carb lifestyle at the end of 1998. As of this writing, Scott has lost 42 pounds and is now at his maintenance weight. CarbSmart spent a few minutes with Scott to find out how he did it.

It is always a joy to meet new low carbers, and even more so when you meet couples who are not only partners in marriage but in low carbing, too. The Bickfords are from Maine, and have been married 19 years. Lori is 37 years old; her husband Ralph is 40. They have two children, Tori, 17, and Feather, 15. Lisa is a full-time MRI technologist. She also teaches and sells Creative Memories scrap booking supplies and gives classes.

Today is the day that I start the Atkins Low Carbohydrate Program (low carbs, high protein, normal fats). I have read most of the book and am ready to start the Induction phase. This is a journey I will continue for the rest of my life.