Hey everyone!
I have been doing Atkins since 8/26. I have a good 12 pound weight loss so far. I had alot of resistance before starting the program because I am an RD. I wasn't against it, but I didn't know much about it, and I heard that you could get kidney failure, etc, etc.
Anyways, I have been doing great with it and have researched it scientifically and all of that and I now believe it is a fine plan to follow...which everyone here knows!
I noticed this website has a link for the shop Low Carb Connoisseur. I just thought that was totally awesome because I live 2 minutes away from that store and I remembered driving by it all the time! Has anyone had any of the products? I am still in the early phases, so I haven't tried them yet. I am looking forward to having that convenience though, and it just shows me that Low Carb is the plan for me!!!
~Melinda

Welcome, Melinda!

While you can buy much of what is needed for a low carb diet in a regular grocery store, the specialty shops have some very helpful ingredients for LC cooking.

Splenda and Stevia seem to be the preferred sweetners. At this point, they seem to be the ones that have the least adverse consequences (be cautious with stevia, as too much will turn your food bitter). Erythritol is gaining acceptance also; it's a sugar alcohol, but in a different class than most other sugar alcohols.

Avoid anything with maltitol, sorbitol, lactitol, or similar sugar alcohols, as they stall weight loss in some people and cause indigestion in others. FWIW, Atkins believed that aspartame could cause weight loss to stall in some individuals.

Da Vinci and Torani sugar-free flavor syrups have dozens of uses (they are made with splenda).

Various protein isolate powders, flaxseed meal, almond flour, vital wheat gluten, and soy powder are useful in preparing baked goods.

Low carb condiments by Keto, Atkins, or Walden Farms can make meals more interesting (ketchup, BBQ sauces, teriyaki sauce, etc.).

~~~Teelbee

174 (Mar. 2002, highest weight), 164 (Jan. 2003, begin LC)
164/135/137-134
remember, amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic

Hey Teelbee,
Thanks for the info, it will be very helpful for me since I love to cook!
~Melinda

Melinda
Registered Dietitian
"I am a work in progress"
Atkins since 8/26/03

I highly recommend Marcie's version of cauli mash - it is mighty yummy!

Cauliflower-Brie Puree

The recipe database should be back online soon - it will be a good resource for low carb recipes.

~~~Teelbee

174 (Mar. 2002, highest weight), 164 (Jan. 2003, begin LC)
164/135/137-134
remember, amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic

[This message was edited by Teelbee on 09-19-03 at 12:25 AM.]

Welcome Melinda

You are so lucky to live that close to a low carb store. I have not been able to find hardly any of the food stuffs I need locally. A grocery store near me is suppose to be going to stock more LC items since their buyer is doing Adkins. I am just hoping they have some good stuff.

Best of luck to you!

Susan ( AKA Northwest)
207/177.5/160

Teelbee, that was a great crash course on what to look for in LC specialty shopping. I'm taking notes, thanks

xoxo
claire