Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener

This would have been Bear and my 35th Valentine's Day—if you count our courtship. His passing on February 8, 2018 understandably made this year's celebration an obstacle course of melancholy emotions.

In anticipation of Valentine's Day, I had pre-ordered a fresh installment of Harney & Sons "Valentine's Blend" sachets. With chocolate and rosebuds, it is the perfect beverage for romance and tea lovers. Although I never got to share it with Bear, I did brew some up for myself, adding heavy cream and a teaspoon of Lakanto Monkfruit (lo han guo) Sweetener. It was amazing!

As someone who no longer craves white sugar but is not particularly fond of the stevia aftertaste, I found monk fruit sweetener to be a delightful substitute. There was nothing unpleasant about monk fruit. In this combination, it tasted like the real thing! 

Monk fruit is 100-250 times sweeter than sugar, so not much is needed. It is ZERO GLYCEMIC, NON GMO, VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE and it has ZERO CALORIES and ZERO AFTERTASTE. It also has a 1:1 replacement ratio. Still, the product has 4g of carbohydrates per teaspoon, so I am cautious about how much I ingest.

{Click to Enlarge}

Enjoy,

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Saying Good-bye

I have been scarce lately. In fact, my last post was February 7, 2018, the day before my life—as I had known it for 33 years—was altered forever.

On February 8, 2018, my husband Barry Lee Miller attended VSSM with me. VSSM is a ministry school hosted by Caldwell, Idaho's Valley Church. Once class was over, students came forward to voice their prayer requests. Barry, who had been praying next to me, jumped from his seat and ran toward the front. Those who saw him coming reported a joyous expression on his face. (I only saw his backside.) His gaze was set on something unseen between him and the row of people. Suddenly, he fell forward on his face. He made no effort to catch his fall.

Despite every effort to resuscitate him, Barry passed away. The coroner determined that he suffered a heart attack—but not the kind that occurs with the familiar warning signs. She explained that a piece of plaque may have broken loose and clogged an artery, in which case death can be instantaneous. He suffered no pain.

We were all stunned. Barry had simply stumbled into GLORY!

Since losing his job, Barry had been in a positive and peaceful place. He was praying and devouring God’s Word, reaching out to others, and he was the happiest he had been in years. Brock, our 18-year-old son even commented, “Dad is so happy!”

Barry kept assuring me, "God is going to pour out His blessing and provision upon our family. We are under an open Heaven." I believed it. I just thought it included him. As I rehearse the 4 weeks before his passing, Barry seemed to be preparing me to forge ahead.

I had 33 years with this remarkable man of God. He was loving, funny, caring, sacrificial, dedicated, faithful, and his family was his greatest treasure on this earth.

There is no mistake that God orchestrated this homecoming in front of our watchful eyes. I do not pretend to understand the timing, especially since we were enjoying a new season of marriage and ministry. 

Home is the hardest place to be. Barry's spirit, resonating voice, and laughter added so much to our abode. I am still coming to grips with the reality that I am moving forward without him. Grief seems unbearable at times. I did not want to do this alone. Yet, I have this sense that God is guiding me to something extraordinary—a place that will begin to make sense of this arduous and complicated journey. 

I love you, Bear! You were my best friend and my biggest supporter. Until we reunite, keep cheering me on.

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

-Isaiah 40:31

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Barry Lee Miller's Obiturary

Barry Lee Miller
at Briana Miller Lemos's Wedding

Barry Lee Miller, age 65, died suddenly on Thursday, February 8, 2018, in Caldwell, Idaho. He was born on January 28, 1953, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Irwin “Buzzie” and Anita (Border) Miller. He will be greatly missed by his best friend and wife of 33 years, Karen; his 3 children, Briana, Bryce, and Brock, as well as his older brother Kenneth Miller, who still resides in Reading.

Barry served 8 total years in the US Marine Corps, ending his service in Southern California. There, he became a Christian, met and married Karen, and raised their 3 children. He moved his family to Idaho in 2011.

He worked most of his life in home delivery jobs: Alta Dena Dairy, Home Grocer, and Schwan’s. He loved reading the Bible, praying, and ministering to others. His pastimes included Penn State Football, military and sports movies with overcoming themes, and spending time with his 4 grandchildren.

Barry’s Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Valley Church, 2900 Life Way, Caldwell, ID, 83605, at 11:00 AM. There will be a Marine Corps Tribute, photos and video, spoken remembrances, and a luncheon following.

Memorial donations in memory of Barry Miller can be made to Valley Church, 2900 Life Way, Caldwell, ID, 83605.

Murder on the Orient Express

Harney & Sons has designed a tea that will get our teatime on track. Murder on the Orient Express is a blend of black, oolong, and jasmine teas with a twinge of bergamot oil for suspense. What a perfect beverage accompaniment for viewing this remake of the 1974 classic motion picture.

MOVIE DESCRIPTION

What starts out as a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into one of the most stylish, suspenseful and thrilling mysteries ever told. Discover this smoky and citrusy black tea inspired by the riveting tale. 

From the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, “Murder on the Orient Express” tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone’s a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again. Kenneth Branagh directs and leads an all-star cast including Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad.

I love the canister design of this tea. It mimics the rich interior of the train and Daisy Ridley's skirt. 

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"Easy Dairy-Free Ketogenic Recipes" by Maria Emmerich

I love cheese and heavy whipping cream. My family drinks milk—I do not. Occasionally, I substitute cottage cheese for french fries or mashed potatoes. I have never been diagnosed with dairy-related allergies, although I recall having trouble breathing after gulping down large amounts of chocolate milk as a kid. Honestly, because of my fondness for dairy products, I have been unwilling to investigate further.

So, International Bestselling Author, Maria Emmerich, writes this new book, Easy Dairy-Free Ketogenic Recipes. I began to think ... do I really want to forfeit dairy? Quickly, I realized that Maria's book was offering me choices and the freedom to explore. I recognized how dairy-free can be done intermittently—just like fasting. Best of all, I knew that I would never feel deprived.

Here's what you will find in Easy Dairy-Free Ketogenic Recipes:

• More than 200 delicious and satisfying dairy-free keto recipes, including slow cooker recipes to make life a little easier
• A 30-day meal plan to kick-start ketosis, with corresponding weekly shopping lists
• Egg-free, nightshade-free, and vegetarian meal plans and grocery lists
• Helpful information about which foods are keto approved and which foods can hold you back
• Lifestyle recommendations to help your body heal from poor eating habits and adapt to burning fat

Check out these recipes: Keto Brioche, Cabbage Pasta, Bundt Pan Chicken, Spanish Spiced Lamb Chops, Hawaiian Luau Pork, Fish in Puttanesca Sauce, Garlic Lime Broiled Shrimp, Ahi Poke, Salt-Crusted Fish, Classic Sherbet, and Dirt Cake. The recipe for Breakfast Fat Bombs appears below.

With ingenious substitutions, Maria has fashioned some mouthwatering, lip-smacking meals that will help generate ketosis while staving off feelings of deprivation.

The following recipe is usually prepared using cream cheese. Here, Maria proves how simple exchanges can be dairy-free and satisfying.

BREAKFAST FAT BOMBS

Maria Emmerich

Prep Time: 7 minutes (not including time to cook eggs or bacon)

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
• 3 tablespoons store-bought or homemade mayonnaise (recipe in book)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 cup diced bacon, cooked until crispy

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Remove the egg yolks from the whites and place the yolks in a bowl. Dice the whites and set aside.
2. To the bowl with the egg yolks, add the mayo, salt, and chives. Combine until smooth. Add the diced egg whites and gently stir to combine.
3. Take 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture and roll it into a golfball-sized ball. Roll the ball in the cooked bacon. Repeat with the remaining egg mixture and bacon and serve.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

I welcome your comments! ↓

90-Second Microwave Cheese Bread Wedges

90-Second Microwave Cheese Bread Wedges

Here in the Treasure Valley of Idaho, we are experiencing a mild winter. There is plenty of precipitation. The temperatures are just too high to support snow. It is almost sad to see courageous little flakes attempt a landing, only to melt immediately. We were buried in snow last year, so this is quite a change.

It is still cold though, so I am craving comfort food. These cheese wedges are fatty and filling. Often, I do not need anything else.

4th & Heart White Truffle Salt Ghee Butter

90-SECOND MICROWAVE
CHEESE BREAD WEDGES

Prep Time: 3 min

Cook Time: 2 min

INGREDIENTS

• 1 egg, whisked
• 1/3 cup almond flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Pink Himalayan salt
• 2 and 1/2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil, melted (I used 4th & Heart White Truffle Salt Ghee)
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar

NOTE: There’s no need to grease the mug since there is plenty of fat in the bread.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use a microwaveable mug.
2. Crack the egg inside the mug and beat it.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir with a fork.
4. Microwave for 90 seconds on high.
5. Turn the mug upside down to pop it out.
6. Gently cut into wedges.

I don’t butter the bread because of the Ghee.

I welcome your comments! ↓

"Keto." by Maria Emmerich

I consider adhering to a ketogenic diet an easy task. Even so, my history with food has developed certain challenges. Occasionally, I hit a plateau or experience intestinal turbulence. When I do, International Bestselling Author, Maria Emmerich, has savvy and practical solutions to any stall in my progress.

Happily, after meeting Maria in person, I was afforded the honor of spotlighting her books here at Everlovin' Low-Carb. I was expectant and excited when I received my first delivery from Victory Belt Publishing. Inside were 2 hot-off-the-press recipe books! I marvel that Maria never seems to run out of inspiration.

Today, I will be featuring Keto. (The Complete Guide to Success on the Keto Diet, Including Simplified Science and No-Cook Meals).  I like to refer to it as "Keto ... Period".

This installment is even more special because Craig Emmerich, Maria's husband, co-authored the book with her. When Maria began her ketogenic journey, Craig was supportive but not on board. Eventually, he surrendered to the keto lifestyle and shed his beer belly in the process. It is wonderful to have his point-of-view intertwined.

After taking a tour through the information-packed pages, I realized that this book is not a mere band-aid, but a tool to recognize the root causes of disease and chronic conditions. It is intended to introduce us to the way our bodies function—while inspiring us to incorporate an optimized ketogenic system that suits our own particular needs and goals.

"Keto." is a compendium for the novice and those who are experienced practitioners of the keto lifestyle. I have already pinpointed some tips to take me to my next phase of weight loss. It is concisely written and extremely relatable.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Which tests are good markers for health and longevity
• Identifying root causes
• What a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like
• How to figure out your optimal macronutrient ranges
• How our hormones affect our bodies
• How to modify or add to keto for healing from specific diseases and chronic illnesses
• How to avoid common mistakes
• Why nutrient density matters and how to identify the most nutrient dense foods
• Intermittent and long-term fasting, and how to do it properly
• How a ketogenic lifestyle affects athletes
• Two 7-day no-cook meal plans (one is dairy and nut free!) with grocery lists
• Additional tips for healing at the cellular level
• Myths, graphs, and permissible food lists

NOTE: "My Story: Removing the Carbage" is located on a tab—just beneath my blog banner. It will give you insight into the background of my battles with weight. I believe that our history is key to understanding our relationship with food.

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Paddles Up Poké

Paddles Up Poké | Boise, Idaho

My heart is a flutter! My friend, Mary Ann, and I stopped for Poké Bowls in Downtown Boise today! The menu is Asian and eclectic, brimming with low-carb possibilities!

You can select signature bowls such as: “The Bogus Basin” or “The Lucky Peak Shellfish”. “The Greenbelt” and “9th Street Salmon” are both Poké Burritos wrapped in seaweed. All of these are named after Idaho hotspots.

You also have the option to design your own bowl... First, you “Make your bed”: White or Brown Rice, Spring Mix, Zucchini Zoodles, or Chips. Second, you “Pick your catch”: Salmon, Tuna, Traditional Poké, Spicy Tuna, Hamachi, Shrimp, Scallops, and Tofu. Third, you “Select your goods”: Avocado, Crab, Seaweed Salad, Ginger, Onions, and Cucumber. Fourth, you “Sauce it up”: Piranha Sauce, Spicy Piranha, Hawaiian Shoyu, Paleo Pineapple, Citrus Ponzu, Korean Bae, and Outrigger Teriyaki. Fifth, you “Top it off”: these items range from Carrots to Wanton Crisps to Wasabi to Spicy Aioli.

The staff is remarkable; the food is fresh; the place is clean and spacious. Best of all, our meals were tastebud-tingling and delicious!

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Simple Low-Carb Breakfast Casserole

Simple Low-Carb Breakfast Casserole

This recipe appears across the internet with slight variations. This is my version.

SIMPLE LOW-CARB BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
• 2 cups (total) red and green bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3 cups spinach, chopped
• 12 medium eggs
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup Cheddar or Gouda cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Grease a 9” by 13” baking dish and set aside.
2. Brown sausage in a skillet. Add garlic, peppers, and onions to the sausage and sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Place this mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle chopped spinach on top.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with salt and pepper. Pour beaten eggs over vegetables in baking dish. Make sure eggs are covering all ingredients.
5. Top with cheese and bake for 45 minutes. A fork should come out clean when eggs are completely cooked.

NOTE: After baking, I like to add a bit of truffle zest to the top.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Getting My Christmas On!

Getting My Christmas On!

All is white! All is bright! The snow began falling yesterday afternoon and is now napping until Wednesday. Bing would be pleased.

After a jazzy brass concert on the 16th of December, something happened that drained the jolly right out of me. With tubs of Christmas all over my living room, I had not one iota of desire to transform our house...until last night: Christmas Eve.

The walls reverberated with holiday swing. We split beef and venison steaks, sipped French press coffee, and had a fireplace crackling on my iPhone. Barry rarely decorates, but he unpacked ornaments and even wrapped gifts. We scaled everything down due to an upcoming road trip, but Christmas magically appeared before midnight.

My Mexican Nativity in Vivid Color

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

When all I want for dinner...is steak!

Rib-eye Steak
Cooked with Za-atar and Buffalo Ghee

There are some proponents of the low-carb lifestyle who eat only meat and fat. In Episodes #1342 and #1343 of the Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show, I listened to Amber O'Hearn describe how a 100% animal-based diet has restored her body to optimum health. My first concern centered on whether she is receiving all of her necessary nutrients. She maintains that she is. Plus, she finds it much easier to regulate her weight. 

I, too, have found that I lose weight more quickly when I stick to only protein and fat. I am not sure that I want to cut out carbs completely, mostly because I enjoy them, but Amber is interesting to listen to. 

Her podcast episode did, in fact, make me crave steak. In fact, this ribeye—rubbed with Za-atar Middle Eastern Seasoning and cooked slowly in Trader Joe's Seasoned Buffalo Ghee—was all I ate. The scallions were the only carbohydrates.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Instagram Giveaways

Merchants within the Instagram low-carb and keto community are being quite generous! As a way of thanking their followers and boosting exposure, they are hosting GIVEAWAYS. I stopped counting how many I have entered, but I did win Fat Snax Cookies and ChocZero Dipping Cups. I offered these exact cookies during my last blog giveaway, so I was delighted to be the receiver this time! 

If you connect with me @everlovinlowcarb on Instagram, I have reposted a few of these giveaways. Also, @eatsmartsweets is conducting a giveaway countdown to Christmas. You still have time to participate. Most of these end between now and January 1st, 2018.

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French Press and Christmas

I love how this photo captures French press coffee in dreamlike puffs of steam. French press is my morning wake-up call—except when I do drive-through. Even on the go, I pour my aromatic coffee, with MCT Oil and organic heavy cream, into a Bubba travel mug. It features a ceramic coating on the inside, so you "taste your drink, not your mug".

My pressed brew was a lifesaver today because I woke up at 2:00 AM with my head full of Christmas lists. You see, the only thing I have accomplished for Christmas, thus far, is to buy 3 things: a wallet, a purse, and an Alien Green Kia Soul. I refuse to start decorating until our "2015" Christmas tree gets hauled out of our backyard. Yes, you read the year correctly. Barry—plagued with procrastination—is not bothered by what he cannot see. My son, Brock, at least strung up the outdoor lights yesterday.

I get paid once a month, so shopping waits until payday. Hopefully, I will be singing, "It's beginning to look like Christmas" tomorrow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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Low-Carb Basque Marmitako (Tuna Soup)

Low-Carb Basque Marmitako
[Click to enlarge.]

Those who follow this blog know that I receive great inspiration from Saveur Magazine. Because of its cultural diversity, it is the only food periodical that I subscribe to. People groups and their celebrated recipes intrigue me.

There is a large Basque community here in Idaho. I attended the San Inazio Festival—in Boise's Basque District—a few summers ago. For 2 hours, I watched paella being prepared in a giant wok-like pan. The aroma had me circling the open-air cooking area. When it came time to serve, guess who was at the front of the line. 

Paella is packed with protein. Just the rice and peas would need to be removed or replaced. Happily, most ethnic recipes need minimal tweaking, if any. Such is the case for the "Marmitako (Basque Tuna and Potato Soup)" from Saveur. Only the potatoes need replacing to make this a low-carb meal.

Turnips | Nutritious and Low-Carb

I adapted this recipe directly from Christopher Bagley's December 6, 2017, post on the Saveur website. I chose to replace the potatoes with turnips. Whereas 1 medium potato has 37 grams of carbohydrates, a medium turnip has only 8 grams. What a difference! Turnips are loaded with vitamin C, as well as vitamins A, B, and K (a direct regulator of inflammatory response). Calcium, manganese, iron, copper, and phytonutrients are among the turnip's positive perks. 

Christopher Bagley shares this about the soup's history:

In Spain’s Basque Country, marmitako means roughly “from the pot.” This rustic, filling soup, now common in Basque homes and sociedades, began as a meal local tuna fishermen would make during long fishing routes on their boats, and still do. Traditionally, locals crack the potatoes with a partial cut, then break off ragged chunks to toss into and add starchiness to the soup. Adding the tuna right at the end, just as the soup is removed from the heat, keeps the fish moist and tender.

NOTE: Be careful not to overcook the turnips.

LOW-CARB MARMITAKO (BASQUE TUNA SOUP)

Adapted from Christopher Bagley's 

"Marmitako (Basque Tuna and Potato Soup)".

December 6, 2017 | Saveur Magazine.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. raw tuna, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1⁄2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 lb. turnips, peeled and diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp. pimentón (Spanish paprika) or smoked paprika
• Chopped Italian parsley leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, toss the tuna with ½ teaspoon kosher salt to lightly coat. Set aside.
2. In a large, heavy pot, add the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften but not color, 8–10 minutes.
3. Add the turnips and garlic, season lightly with kosher salt, and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened but not colored, 8-10 minutes. (Turnips take a little longer to cook than potatoes.)
4. Add the pimentón and 3 cups water and bring to a simmer. Cook until the vegetables are tender, 13–15 minutes. 
5. Turn off the heat, add the tuna, and immediately cover the pan. Remove from the heat and let sit until the fish is just barely cooked through, 3–5 minutes.
6. Divide the soup between 4–6 bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley to taste and serve immediately.

Smiles,

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Lucious Low-Carb Eggnog

My husband, Barry, was once a milkman in Southern California. He delivered to many Orange County cities, including the Newport Coast, where he got to watch the world wake up. He also represented one of the finest dairies around: Alta Dena Dairy. 

Barry is a confessed eggnog hog and Alta Dena Honey Sweetened Eggnog is amazing! After New Year's Day, Barry was already looking forward to the following fall. He introduced this eggnog to our 3 children and me. We were all gaga for it!

Before embracing a low-carb lifestyle, I cut back on eggnog due to the enormous calories. Just one cup of Alta Dena Honey Sweetened Eggnog is equal to 980 calories and 38 carbohydrates! I would add a smidgen to coffee until I stopped drinking it altogether.

So, it was time to adopt a healthier nog. Especially since sugar is no longer in my life, I find this recipe quite pleasing.

LUCIOUS LOW-CARB EGGNOG

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cup almond milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of Swerve or liquid stevia drops to taste
• 1 teaspoon maple flavoring
• 4 eggs
• Freshly ground nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, whisk all ingredients until smooth.
2. Heat up the ingredients over very low heat.
3. Whisk continuously until the eggs have just cooked. The eggnog should be thickened enough to coat the backside of a spoon.
4. Serve warm or refrigerate.
5. Top with whipped cream and ground nutmeg.

Servings: 2 to 3
(Nutrition information not available.)

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5 Low-Carb Tips for the Holidays

I recently attended our Sunday church potluck. Like most shared feasts, there was plenty of pasta, potatoes, sugared salads, breaded chicken, desserts, etc. We were at the end of the line, so the protein choices were picked over. I settled on a tossed salad, savory coleslaw, and roasted chicken.

I never expect events such as these to cater to special diets or lifestyles. I like to think of myself as a forager. Sometimes, the choices are straightforward. On occasion, I  remove the protein and vegetables from a pizza crust. My June 2017 cruise offered a smorgasbord of options. Holidays are more varietal, although traditional Thanksgiving meals typically contain more starch, grains, and sugar.

This will be my 3rd low-carb Christmas. I have not gained weight during one of my LCHF holiday seasons. I see no deprivation in my future.

5 LOW-CARB TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

1. Bring Your Own Condiments ↬ Purchase small plastic or aluminum containers that fit easily into a purse, backpack, satchel, or even the palm of your hand. Include mineral salts such as Maldon or Pink Himalayan; and a delicious herbal blend like Bragg Organic Sprinkle. Carry individual packets of stevia and add them to coffee, tea, oil and vinegar dressing, or even cottage cheese—if you desire a more dessert-like flavor.
2. Keep It Fatty ↬ Fat creates that fabulous feeling of fullness. If you know beforehand that quality fats will be unavailable, bring a tiny bottle of olive oil. Request additional butter to add to coffee or melt over vegetables. Keep small packets of coconut oil on hand. Always ask coffee houses if they have heavy whipping cream instead of the usual half-and-half.
3. Swap Out the Starches ↬ Stay on the offensive by removing all forms of starch during the ordering process. If it never arrives on your plate, there is nothing to navigate. Of course, there are the usual suspects like bread, french fries, mashed potatoes, pasta, and rice. Be on guard for croutons on salads; or noodles and tortilla chips in soup. (Also, beware of restaurants that add sugar to everything!)
4. Keep it Sweet ↬ You will find that once sugar is purged from your diet, you will never or rarely crave sweets. The trick is being prepared when those urges come. Have a stash of dark chocolate with a minimum of sugar or try Lily's 70% Dark Chocolate, sweetened with stevia. (My favorite flavor is Sea Salt.) Another option is carrying a 2-ounce bottle of NOW Foods Better Stevia Dark Chocolate Liquid (or whatever flavor you prefer). Having a baggie of low-carb cookies at your disposal is also helpful. Lastly, if you can handle a small nibble of a sugary cheesecake without losing your brakes, do it!
5. Be a Gracious Receiver ↬ Regardless of how vocal we are about our lifestyle choices, we will still receive the Christmas tin of cookies or a cellophane-wrapped loaf of cranberry bread, all baked with white flour and sugar. As much as we understand the havoc that sugar creates in our bodies, others still enjoy it. They also love giving what they enjoy to others. We truly can accept these gifts by simply recognizing the thought, time, and effort that went into preparing them. To resist temptation (if there is any), immediately commit to sharing these gifts with family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors. Freeze treats for your next book club.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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My Soul Sings!

Alien Green Kia Soul
Kendall Auto Mall | Nampa, Idaho

We have had 4 used cars in Idaho. Three of those vehicles blew their engines. Power windows stopped working and glass disappeared into the doors. Drivers seats dipped lower on the left side. Our bodies were stiff after long rides. One car would not start because it thought it was being stolen. We finally needed to make some survival decisions.

Meet my new ride: an Alien Green Kia Soul! This is our first new car in 10 years. We can use it as a tax write-off and it comes with an incredible warranty! I understand that Kia is retiring this quirky color, which is sad because I think this shade makes it even more fun to drive. I also wear a lot of this green, so it feels like one big accessory.

I approached Kendall Auto Mall with just this model and color in mind. There was only one on the lot and it had been marked down $4000.00 for being a test car. At first, Barry rolled his eyes at the color. He had spent 8 years driving military green vehicles in the Marines. I pointed out that "Alien Green" would never work as camouflage. In fact, we plan on using this vehicle to drive for Uber. Our future clients will never have trouble spotting us.

My cars serve as a prayer closet, think tank, and as a passport to adventure. In order to get the full experience, comfort is vital to me. I am finally enjoying that again.

Smiles,

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Keeping the "Comfort" in Keto

Keto Comfort Foods | Maria Emmerich

International Bestselling Author, Maria Emmerich, actually paid a visit to Boise, Idaho last Sunday! We are not always a high priority when it comes to book-signing tours. This is primarily because Los Angeles has a higher population than our entire state. Still, Maria blessed eager attendees—with her energy and inspiration—at our only Barnes & Noble.

Largely, my adult journey into the low-carb/ketogenic lifestyle has been narrated by Jimmy Moore via his remarkable podcasts on Livin' La Vida Low-Carb. Jimmy and his expert guests have given me much-needed guidance. Throughout Jimmy's 1300+ episodes, Maria Emmerich has been featured numerous times. Her testimony and sound advice led me to purchase iPhone Kindle versions of her books, one of which is The Ketogenic Cookbook, co-authored by Jimmy Moore.

Maria Emmerich and Karen June Miller
Boise Barnes & Noble

Maria is an engaging, transparent woman who exudes genuine interest in seeing others succeed. My first glance at her petite stature made me wonder how weight issues could have ever plagued her. Still, her adolescent struggles with weight became a catalyst for solidifying peace with food. She later became a wellness expert in nutrition and exercise physiology, with a mission for finding nutritive and delicious replacements for grains, starch, and sugar.

Maria Emmerich
Boise Barnes & Noble

Keto Comfort Foods keeps the "comfort" in Keto! With scrumptious recipes such as Browned Butter Mocha Latte, Garlic and Cheddar Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken Pot Pie, Taco Pizza, Smothered Pork Chops, BLT Stuffed Mushrooms... Am I making you hungry yet? Seriously, Maria kicks boredom to the curb.

Amazon shares this...

When you begin following the ketogenic diet, whether your goal is to promote weight loss, improve blood markers, or just enhance overall health and well-being, it’s easy to forget to enjoy food. Some people fall into a drab routine of consuming the same dishes over and over, which can lead to boredom and frustration—and ultimately to the desire to fall back into old, poor eating habits. With Keto Comfort Foods, Maria Emmerich reassures everyone on the keto diet that it isn’t difficult at all to recreate those favorite foods and meals in healthy ways—you just need to use a little creativity. By using clever low- or no-calorie substitutions for sugar and scrubbing all recipes clean of gluten-containing additives, Maria has created an incredible resource for comforting home-cooked meals that are safe enough for everyone in the family and delicious enough for the most discerning eaters. These recipes are sure to become new family favorites! 

In Keto Comfort Foods, Maria Emmerich has compiled her most soul-warming, happiness-invoking recipes. The book’s more than 170 tantalizing, hearty comfort food recipes include everything from cinnamon rolls to steak fries, and from chicken cordon bleu to tiramisu cheesecake. Maria has covered all the bases, giving you the recipes and tips you need to make delicious and healthy versions of your favorite dishes.

I love having a trove of cookbooks on my phone, but I am renewing my relationship with the tactile experience of holding a beautiful book. Stay tuned, I will be promoting Maria's future cookbooks right here at Everlovin' Low-Carb.

Smiles,

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Thanksgiving

Excerpt from "Thanksgiving"

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

We ought to make the moments notes

Of happy, glad Thanksgiving;

The hours and days a silent phrase

Of music we are living.

And so the theme should swell and grow

As weeks and months pass o'er us,

And rise sublime at this good time,

A grand Thanksgiving chorus.

After a year of listening to some of the most vile and hateful speech that I have experienced in almost 6-decades of life, I am even more determined to accentuate the positive. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) puts things in perspective.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Blessings to YOU,

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Realgood Pizza Co.

Realgood Pizza Co.

The popularity of low-carb, ketogenic products is gaining momentum! As entrepreneurs creatively bring their ideas to market, we have a wonderland of options. In Idaho, we often wait impatiently for the latest trends to arrive. For instance, I finally located Moon Cheese, Whisps, Bai, and Zevia at Starbucks, Costco, and Albertsons. Having just recently heard of  Realgood Pizza Co. products, I was surprised to see it—so soon—at our local Fred Meyer.

Unlike Fat Head Pizza, Realgood Pizza's crust is made with chicken breast and parmesan cheese. In addition, their gluten-free and grain-free pizza has 25 g of protein and just 4 g of carbohydrates!

Here is how Realgood Pizza keeps their product so CLEAN.

The secret is our proprietary, all natural parmesan Chicken Crust. We use antibiotic free, hormone free chicken, and all natural parmesan cheese—creating a taste experience you'll have to try to believe. By using clean natural ingredients, instead of refined sugars and empty carbs, you can finally feel good after eating delicious pizza.

Our Nampa Fred Meyer store carries just the Personal 5" pizzas. I selected the Breakfast Sausage Pizza and Uncured Pepperoni Pizza. These pizzas can be microwaved or baked in a conventional oven. Fred Meyer sells them for $7.99 each, which is pricey. No doubt, the premium ingredients raise the price. I can buy them in bulk via their website, but freezer space is a problem for me. Even so, I am hoping to find them cheaper through another source.

I definitely enjoy these protein packed pizzas! They are flavorful and filling.

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