Archive for the ‘Updates’ Category
Monday, November 26th, 2012
There are many reasons people choose to begin a low carb diet such as the Atkins diet. For some, the new lifestyle is begun due to strict doctor’s orders to counter negative health. For others, it is a diet that is begun for weight loss. Some choose to start a low carb diet as a prevention method – to aid in achieving optimal health and help prevent the onset of illnesses such as diabetes. Whatever your reasons for changing your lifestyle, there are many benefits that will be achieved when you begin following a low carb diet. Read on to learn just a few of these great benefits.
Weight loss is a top benefit of low carb dieting – the majority of people will experience weight loss when they begin a low carb diet. Not only is this weight loss typically long term, but it begins to happen quickly. Because weight loss results can be seen soon when on a low carb diet, it makes sticking with the plan much easier than some other long-term diets. The weight loss is often significant, too, as in the case of Drew Carey and many others.
 One benefit of a low carb diet is regulated blood sugar – Because carbohydrates essentially turn into sugars within the body, they impact the body’s blood sugar level when consumed in massive amounts. When these carbs are limited the body is able to process them more quickly and stay regulated at a healthier level. Ultimately, this means that low carb dieters are typically less likely to develop diabetes later in life, and in some cases it can reverse diabetes.
Low carb diets can assist in the prevention of illnesses – Diabetes is the most commonly known illness that can often be prevented by a proper diet, but it isn’t the only one. Some studies have shown reductions in the onset of heart disease, high cholesterol, and even Alzheimer’s Disease when a low carb diet is followed for many years.
 Low carb diets are helpful in reducing inflammation – Following a low carb diet offers the reduction of inflammation that can often cause aches and pains within joints and other parts of the body. This is thought to be due to the weight loss that accompanies a low carb diet.
Thanks for reading our blog! Visit us today at Linda’s Diet Delites to stock up on great-tasting low carb foods!
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Friday, November 16th, 2012
There is no other day of the year that contains as many carbohydrates at one table as Thanksgiving Day does. For those living a low carb lifestyle, this can be detrimental to their normal diet. There are many ways to prevent overdoing the sugar and carb intake on Thanksgiving (many of which we discussed in last week’s blog), but willpower on this annual day isn’t always the strongest. In many cases, the best way to avoid massive carb consumption on this day is to make traditional Thanksgiving foods that are lower in carbs than the traditional versions. Read on for a list of low carb Thanksgiving Day recipe resources and additional tips for making your low carb Thanksgiving dinner a success.
Turkey – Luckily for low carb dieters, Thanksgiving Day centers around a large turkey baked in the oven. Without extra seasonings, turkey is one of the safest low carb foods on Thanksgiving Day.
Stuffing – There are many recipes available for low carb stuffing for Thanksgiving dinner, and these offer varied tastes. If you want a more traditional style of stuffing, but you want lower carbs, the best thing to do is to use your traditional recipe and substitute a few of the key ingredients for lower carb versions. Simply using low carb bread can lessen the amount of carbohydrates in each serving of stuffing.
Desserts – Desserts are one of the most pleasurable parts of Thanksgiving dinner each year, and there are many that are simply too high in carbohydrates to enjoy. You can either make a homemade low carb dessert, or you can purchase a pre-made low carb pie or other dessert to provide for your holiday dinner.
 Side Dishes – There are so many variations on traditional side dishes possible that it is feasible to create a wonderful-tasting low carb dish in the place of every one of your favorites. Using mashed cauliflower in the place of mashed potatoes is one great option, as well as making low carb varieties of other favorites such as green bean casserole and deviled eggs.
Breads – We all know that bread is one of the biggest offenders of containing a high carb content, but at the same time rolls are a staple of Thanksgiving Day meals. By opting for low carb rolls, you will be able to indulge in the bread you love with your dinner, but you will be limiting your carb intake at the same time.
Thanks for reading our blog! Visit us today at Linda’s Diet Delites to stock up on everything you need to keep your Thanksgiving Dinner low carb! hanksgiving Day dessert choice!
Tags: low carb Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving
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Friday, November 2nd, 2012
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!
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, diabetes
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Sunday, October 28th, 2012
 It’s that time of year again. In the past, this temptation could be avoided until January, when our willpower is still holding strong after New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, the system has been revamped and we are now being tempted in late October/early November, a time during which the holiday stresses may have already begun and our willpower is possibly at its weakest point. What is this yearly temptation? Girl Scout cookies. The cute little girls in their cute little uniforms looking so innocent and sweet and trying to win a bike or some other award for selling the most cookies can be quite tempting. The cookies themselves, with the mint chocolate and other varieties, are a temptation all on their own. Read on to garner some strength to prevent this fundraiser from ruining your low carb or other diet.
If Possible, Avoid Ordering
 The easiest way to avoid binging on these great-tasting cookies is to not order them at all. But for those without daughters, nieces, granddaughters, or other young female family members, this may be easier to accomplish. In the past, even for those with young relatives, it was much easier to skip ordering them, since orders would be taken well in advance of receiving the cookies. Now, however, they have changed things up for us, and the cookies are available in a very short time – this is great for those who don’t count carbs, but for those of us who do, it makes the temptation that much greater to order.
 Limit the Amount Ordered, Or Choose a Variety You Don’t Enjoy
For those who do have young family members selling Girl Scout cookies, you can limit yourself to purchasing only one box, or only a variety you don’t like. It may seem like a waste to order a type of cookie you won’t eat, but this way you can help your young relative reach her goal without being so tempted to ravenously ingest all the calories that come with a box of Girl Scout cookies you love and ruining your low carb or sugar free diet. Plus, you will have a nice treat on hand to offer guests. Provide Yourself a Replacement
If it seems impossible for you to skip buying Girl Scout cookies, and it looks as though your low carb diet may truly be ruined by the temptation that is the once-a-year cookie offering, you will want to have replacements on hand. We all know that there is no actual substitute for the real Girl Scout cookie, but if you order versions you don’t really love, and you also have a low carb version in your cabinets, you will be less likely to give in to temptation.
Are
you ready to stock up on great low carb or sugar-free cookies to help you withstand the temptation of Girl Scout Cookies? Visit us at Linda’s Diet Delites to find a replacement cookie that will taste great and give you the willpower you need!
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Friday, October 19th, 2012
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 the most common unhealthy food temptation, 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. 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 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 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!
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Monday, October 1st, 2012
 When you first begin a strict low carb diet, you may find some side effects that are negative as a result of limiting certain types of foods. You can easily combat these side effects, however, by taking dietary supplements that will make up for any lost nutrients. Read on to learn the most commonly needed supplements to consider if you begin a long-term low carb diet.
Top Dietary Supplements for Low-Carb DietersPotassium – One nutrient low-carb; diets may not provide fully is potassium. Taking a potassium dietary supplement is a great idea for any low carb dieter.
 Calcium – Although some calcium can be achieved through certain allowed dairy products, such as cheese, a lot of the foods allowed on a low carb diet don’t contain enough calcium. Taking a calcium supplement daily can prevent issues associated with a lack of calcium in the body.
Magnesium – A lot of leafy green vegetables that aren’t typically a part of a low carb diet offer necessary magnesium. Many low carb dieters opt for a dietary supplement that contains magnesium to combat a lack of this important mineral.
Vitamins C & D – Typically, the foods that contain vitamin C and D also contain a lot of carbohydrates, so they may not be a part of the daily low carb diet. Taking a supplement that contains these vitamins can help prevent issues associated with a diet lacking in them.
A Multi-Vitamin is Always a Great Choice
It is often easier to obtain necessary intake of all vitamins and minerals by finding a multi-vitamin that provides you with the majority of necessary daily nutrients. You can also opt for diet foods that contain additional vitamins, such as Vitalicious Vita Tops. This is true whether you are on a low carb diet or any other restricted diet.
Thanks for reading our article! Browse our selection of low carb foods as well as dietary supplements to find exactly what you need at Linda’s Diet Delites!
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Thursday, September 27th, 2012
For Atkinsonians (our term for life-long Atkins dieters), bacon is just one of those food items that makes a low carb diet the best choice. What other diet allows you to experience health and well-being, as well as weight loss, while still eating bacon? But there is some bad news on the forefront for our bacon-loving Atkinsonian fans out there.
Bacon Shortage PredictedAs if the skyrocketing cost of food (bacon being one of the leaders in this rise) wasn’t hard enough to stomach, now experts are saying that we should expect a severe shortage of bacon in the coming year. With the drought in many parts of the world this past year, it has affected the growth of corn and other feed for hogs, which in turn will result in lowered production.
This lowered production will occur all across the world, with forecasts of a decrease in bacon production in the United States over 1 percent of what they were this year. This, of course, means that the bacon that is available to low carb dieters will increase in price.
Europe could feel the effects even more, as their predictions are that the production of bacon and pork will be down over 10 percent by this time next year, resulting in a doubling of cost to the consumer.
If that happens, many won’t be able to afford to keep bacon as a weekly staple on their grocery list, and low carb dieting simply won’t be as much fun as it was.
To stock up on other low carb items to make up for the loss you may feel for bacon, visit us at Linda’s Diet Delites!
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Friday, September 21st, 2012
Did you know there are some foods that can actually boost your mood? (No, we aren’t referring to chocolate.) Read on to learn some of the “happy foods” that can instantly boost your mood when eaten and can help reduce the effects of stress on the body over time if eaten on a regular basis.
How Happy Foods Work
There are many different types of foods that can help boost the mood, and some of these are shown to help fight depression, while others offer a more instantaneous effect of happiness. Omega-3 fatty acids and foods; containing them (such as salmon) are thought to offer long-term happiness benefits, but some other foods actually boost the serotonin levels in the brain (that feel-good chemical that comes after exercise – and yes, chocolate). These foods are typically ones that contain tryptophan, which the body then converts to serotonin in the brain.
Foods Containing Serotonin
There are many types of foods that are known to increase serotonin levels which results in a quick mood boost, and many of these allow you to stick to your low carb or other diet without interference. Such foods include eggs, cheese, and a variety of other dairy products. Sesame seeds and brown rice are also foods that could be called happy foods, as they create that natural mood boost you are seeking. Flaxseed (you can buy the seeds, products that contain these ingredients such as flax seed crackers, or you can use flax seed oil) is often referred to as the “happy seed” because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids thought to fend off depression, along with the tryptophan that helps raise serotonin levels. Bananas are also thought to boost mood levels along with providing other long-term benefits.
Sticking to Your Diet When Eating Happy Foods
In most cases, foods that boost the mood are also healthy foods and will allow you to stick to your low carb or other healthy diet. In some cases, however, you may end up ingesting just a few more carbs than normal or sacrificing those carbs later in the day to get that natural mood boost when you need it.
Thanks for reading our article! If you are ready to stock up on great happy foods, visit us at Linda’s Diet Delites!
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Friday, September 14th, 2012
 If the blood sugar within the body is not regulated properly and the levels are too high, it can result in diabetes. There are many different signs and symptoms of diabetes, and sometimes these will show up before the actual onset of the disease (also known as being pre-diabetic). Anyone can be affected by diabetes, particularly if the disease is in your family. If you experience any of the symptoms of diabetes, it is important to consult with your physician. Read on to learn some of the most common symptoms of diabetes.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Extreme and uncommon thirst as well as frequent urination that is abnormal can be signs of diabetes. In addition, extreme hunger while experiencing weight loss (without having started eating a low carb or other diet) can be a potential symptom of diabetes. Frequent infections or injuries that don’t heal very quickly are also possibly signs that you may be developing diabetes. Diabetes may also cause fatigue and unusual tiredness, which results in irritability due to a lack of sleep. In addition, sudden blurry vision or other vision problems can signify problems.
When to See Your Doctor
If you have any of the symptoms listed above that are not explainable by another cause (being abnormally hungry when you started a new workout routine would be an example of an outside cause for the symptom), it is a good idea to visit with your doctor. Even if you aren’t experiencing the onset of diabetes, you may have another illness that should be addressed.
Before Seeing the Doctor
 If you suspect you may have diabetes, it is imperative to make an appointment with your physician to be seen as soon as possible. Doctors are often busy, however, and may not be able to get you into the office for an appointment for a week or more. In the meantime, it is a good idea to limit your intake of sugar and carbs in your diet. Taking a walk around the block each evening or getting in some other form of exercise can also help. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, these are things your doctor will prescribe, so why not get a head start? If you aren’t, they are still beneficial changes to make to your diet that may be able to curb some of the symptoms you have been experiencing.
Thanks for reading our article! If you are ready to stock up on great low carb sugar free foods that can help regulate or prevent diabetes, visit us at Linda’s Diet Delites!
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Monday, September 10th, 2012
 When trying to find great food items to include in your diet, particularly if you maintain a low carb lifestyle, it can be difficult to come up with new healthy options. Since legumes and other types of beans are readily available and offer protein and fiber, these are often a staple for the low carb dieter. One type of legume that has many health benefits is the lentil. If you are unaware of the health benefits provided by lentils, read on. The Health Benefits of Lentils
Lentils offer a wide variety of health benefits whether you adhere to a low carb diet or any other type of diet. They provide protein, fiber, folate, iron, and a variety of other minerals that the body need. The high content of beneficial nutrients in lentils make it a great bean choice to add into your regular diet. Recent studies have shown that the high content of fiber in lentils can lower bad cholesterol even when only consumed twice a week. Lentils are a great option for diabetics and other low carb dieters as well, because they contain so much fiber that they help limit the rise in blood sugar that can occur after a meal. This makes lentils a staple healthy item to include in any low carb diet or in any other diet for an easy way to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Incorporating Lentils into Your Diet
There are many ways to incorporate lentils into your diet to achieve these  healthy benefits. Lentils are a legume that cooks more quickly than many types of beans, and they are a very affordable option when purchased dry. You can include lentils in soups, chili, or even serve them cold atop a salad. With affordability and ease of cooking, lentils offer a simple way to help regulate blood sugar, achieve dietary protein goals, and to help lower bad cholesterol. Lentils in Other Foods
If you don’t have the time to prepare lentils, or you don’t care for the flavor, but you want to achieve the health benefits that lentils have to offer, you are not out of luck. There are a variety of foods that you can easily sneak lentils in without affecting the flavor much. Including them in chili, a pasta dish, and other sauce-based foods is a great way garner the health benefits even if you don’t care for lentils (these are a great option for sneaking lentils into the diet of your family members as well). They make a quick and easy health bonus for any low carb or other healthy diet. Thanks for reading our article! If you are ready to stock up on great foods that include lentils, visit us at Linda’s Diet Delites!
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