LLVLC On YouTube: Do You Dare Try The "Sweet"-Free Challenge? (Episode 56)

[jade67231]

Hey Jimmie. Congrats on the weight loss during the sweet free challenge. I am so glad I jumped on this too. Since Dec 2nd I have lost like 8 pounds. However, I was back to Induction style eating minus the sweets. It really works. I have craved it..but found if I ate protein that carving went away.I'm excited to continue sweet free untill Christmas. Good luck and Happy Holidays to all! Amy aka Jade

[livinlowcarbman]

WOO HOO, Amy! I'll be posting a follow-up video tomorrow with my update...it's GOOD stuff!

[x00p3]

I've been thinking about trying the sweet free thing for quiet a while now but just never got around to getting it started. Jimmy, you might have just now given me the inspiration to start.

Just curious... what did that Coke Zero taste like after 18 days of hard nosed abstinence?

[livinlowcarbman]

To be honest, it was GLORIOUS! I thought it would be disgustingly sweet, but it was amazing. The neat thing is after having that one and then one more a couple of days later, I didn't drink a single diet soda for over a week after that. This "sweet"-free thing REALLY works for those who have an addiction to the sweet taste. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

[cajunmama36]

How is the chelation treatments coming along Christine? Jimmy is right, you do not need makeup. Besides, you are beautiful inside and out and it shows! Jimmy, from a fellow Capricorn and birthday mate, Happy Birthday! You were born on my birthday...I was in '65~Keep up the good work you two! Cajunmama

[livinlowcarbman]

THANKS gal! You were just a few years in front of me. Christmas birthdays stink, though, right? :) As for Christine's chelation, we had to stop because we could afford doing any more just yet. Big bad bills have bit us in the butt this year with Christine's health and unexpected traveling from my brother Kevin's death. And not to mention the 17k we're still paying off for that failed IVF cycle last year attempting to get pregnant. It's been a tough year for us, but we're making it.

[hiddentech]

Christine is so hot.

[livinlowcarbman]

Easy buddy!  :D

[sparklechicky]

Hi Jimmy & Christine,

Good luck with the sweet-free challenge this time! Hmmm I don't know what it's like to be a male... do you think it might be easier for a male because they don't have that "once a month" craving for sweets??

Christine, you're gorgeous!

Erika

[livinlowcarbman]

Perhaps...but I believe anybody can do anything if they put their mind to it...PMS or not! :D

[SparkysGirl91]

Good luck on your sweet-free challenge. And Christine my dear, Jimmy is right. You don't need make up! My hubby finally convinced me that I didn't need it and I haven't worn any in over 18 years. It's great!!!

[livinlowcarbman]

She really does know that, Amy, but she's playing stubborn. :)

[SkeeterN]

Your beautiful Christine inside and out. Um Love ya Jimmy. Not so sure I am ready for a sweet free challenge. LOL! Kudo's for you my friend though.

[livinlowcarbman]

I'm back down into the 240s again as of this morning, so there must be something to this "sweet"-free thing.

[SkeeterN]

That's great. I did something recently that I had refused to do. I combined low carb and calorie counting and dropped 8 pounds in less than a week and a half. I am only 5 pounds to goal and I am not too worried about it right now. But way to go Jimmy for your loss.

[livinlowcarbman]

I'm counting calories, too, but only to make sure I'm getting ENOUGH of them.  I try to keep it around 2000-2200 daily for me.

[bsbuntin]

So.. you lost 10 lbs by cutting out diet soda, and artificial sweetners .Thats a huge breakthrough! do youknow how many of us have lived on diet soda for the last 30 years! OMG

Ok I will TRY ... even though xmas is coming.. Maybe the 10 lbs loss will be my gift under the tree :)

[livinlowcarbman]

Actually, I cut out EVERYTHING "sweet," natural...artificial...and otherwise. If it is explicitly sweet on my tongue, then I'm not eating it during this challenge. You'll notice the natural sweetness in other foods you wouldn't expect to be sweet. Like almonds. And spinach. :)

[HoneyBeeFly76]

HaHa. Jimmy, you and your wife are adorable. You two are clearly crazy about each other!

[livinlowcarbman]

You betcha! :D

[WORRO01]

Good luck to all of you doing the sweet-free!

CHRISTINE you look maaavalus!

[singsomuch]

I'm not sure about the challenge, but maybe I'll try it at some point. It does sound like a good idea.

[livinlowcarbman]

I think you'd do GREAT with it! :)

[thespikyhairedgirl]

Ahh yes, Gundry. Thanks for being our guinea pig, Jimmy. *wink

[livinlowcarbman]

This is great! I'm already down 3 pounds in the first two days. WOO HOO!

[thespikyhairedgirl]

Hello my two low-carbin' friends! I can't help but think that your weight loss (great job!) isn't just because of the elimination of artificial sweeteners, but also the elimination of SOY, found in so many low-carb products. Wasn't it Gary Taubes that said just the simple TASTE of sweetness (real or artificial) can ilicit an insulin response?(aka inhibit weight loss?) All my research runneth togetherth. LOL

Christine, you are a doll.

[livinlowcarbman]

Soy could be an issue, although I never ate much of it in the foods I consumed. It was I believe Dr. Steven Gundry who said "sweet" can elicit the insulin response in some people. What I don't understand is why it DIDN'T do it in 2004 when I was losing weight the first time and why it is doing it now in 2008. STRANGE! THANKS Cameo!

[singsomuch]

Hi Jimmy and Christine!

Christine has beautiful skin!

[healthyfitmom]

Great Job! I don't eat anything artificial and sweeten minimally with stevia (because it is an aquired taste). I do find herbs and spices to be beneficial. Cloves, nutmeg, cinammon, peppermint, rosehips, lavender - all of these at flavour but are not sweet.

I totally agree with you about the taste buds being more sensitive to the sweetness of other foods. I find plain washed romaine lettuce to be incredibily sweet and delicious. Ya - people think I am weird.

[livinlowcarbman]

Hey, spinach is sweet and so is almonds. Never noticed that before, so it's good to go completely without "sweet" for a period of time every once in a while to remind us low-carbers of that. Even stevia.

[NastyHaggis]

Hey, I just saw some of your pics and noticed you had on a Tennessee sweatshirt! Are you a Vols fan? If so, then I'll really listen to you now...I grew up in Knoxville, and my father teaches math at UT, so I've been a Vol from birth.

[elsinoresam]

Vol Fans Unite!

[livinlowcarbman]

Not just a Vols fan, but I graduated from the University of Tennessee in the early 1990s. Double majored in Political Science and English. Gee, how am I using either of those in what I do now?  :D

[elsinoresam]

Hey Jimmy, I'll do it, Funny, my birthday is December 27th as well, we'll both be missing birtday cake! (by the way, do you receive birthday presents in Christmas paper? Ha!)

I just ran across this today, December 3rd and it's too late to count today but I'll go 4th to 4th.

Sam in Tennessee

[livinlowcarbman]

Small world!  Yes, I hate those Christmas/Birthday/Don't Complain gifts that I always got as a kid. Mom even put my ONE birthday present underneath the Christmas tree! Sheeez! My brother Kevin had a birthday in August when NOTHING happened and my sister Beverly was born in September...again NOTHING happening.

Feel free to start the challenge on December 4th and do it for a month. GO GET 'EM, BUDDY!

[NastyHaggis]

I am the Worship Pastor of a Baptist church and just wanted to let you know that I have used your videos for information and yesterday I began induction! I feel like poop, but am hoping to drop about 50 pounds! Thank you for your videos. I am praying for you and your family.

[livinlowcarbman]

God bless you, buddy! Christine and I are active in our local Baptist church in SC and sing in the choir (despite my awful singing on these videos!). I'm praying for you as you begin Induction and I encourage you to go back and watch Episodes 38-41 for specific details about doing low-carb Induction right. Feel free to visit my blog, forum, and e-mail me anytime at livinlowcarbman at charter dote net.

[jade67231]

God Bless you !I know you feel bad right now..but that will subside soon. You will feel wonderful!!. Low carb works. I've lost 59 pounds. You hang in there..and I will pray for ya. You can do it !!!!!

[MissJanieHere]

yes! she is gorgeous without makeup! beautiful smile! great challenge! its on!

[livinlowcarbman]

AWESOME!!! Let me know how you're doing.

[SWEETGIRLVIDEO]

I a doing with you

[livinlowcarbman]

SWEEEEEEEET!  :D

[darrensylvander]

All right boys, I'm in...My Danish won't be the same without the smuckers, but I'll do my best. No Lo Carb Pumpking Pie, No Lo Carb peanut butter bars topped with Chocoperfection...Whew-Pressur­e, I could really go for a Coke Zero and I hardly ever drink soda :).

On another note boys, my Gma passed away after a very difficult month. I'm so happy she has moved on and is no longer suffering from Pancreatic Cancer. I'm going to dedicate this to her. The past month was for her, this month's 4 me.

[livinlowcarbman]

You're gonna make it, buddy! Sorry for all you've been going through...make us all proud.

[bowulf]

Like I said in the menus blog post, this is an excellent idea.  I look forward to seeing you succeed again for a whole month this time. I am tempted, but know my caffeine addiction is going to be a b**ch to overcome. You can do this!

[bowulf]

What is the other side of the challenge? What happens if someone or you break down? Is there an accountability aspect or reward if you succeed -- other than the health benefits?

[livinlowcarbman]

If you "break down" and not make it for the entire time, you have two options. You can decide to end the challenge, go back to your low-carb lifestyle, and try again next month. Or you can chalk it up to a one-time discretion and get right back on the challenge again. The accountability comes when you check in at my forum or here at YouTube and tell us what's happening with you. The reward will be much greater than anything you've ever experienced, Kent! Hope you can join us!!!

[bowulf]

Ok, I am in this challenge, BUT (always a but) I am going to slightly modify it. This week I will be sweetz-free minus 2 cans per day. Next week, 1 can. 2 weeks - no soda at all. I am also going to toss in "no nuts over 2oz" and "menus post" every day challenge on top of it.

I'm still working on what my own punishment will be. I am thinking some sort of public humiliation -- tell your most embarrassing moment video -- will be forthcoming. I have to weigh that pop can against something.

[livinlowcarbman]

Sounds like a wise strategy, Kent! YOU CAN DO IT!!

[livinlowcarbman]

Thankfully I slayed that caffeine monster a couple of years ago when I switched to all caffeine-free, Splenda-sweetened sodas. But that "sweet" taste is my real weakness as I readily admit. But I WILL do this for the month.

[temporaryLealatTv]

C, you don't need make-up. You look lovely without it, as J said.

[livinlowcarbman]

YEPPERS!

[winelover215]

Christine = Hawt low carbin momma! ... no splenda? Your a sick man Jimmy!! Good luck on your challenge.

[livinlowcarbman]

I agree she one "hawt" momma! :D

Yes, I know...I'm a glutton for punishment, but this MUST be done.

[jade67231]

I am going to do this untill Christmas. Great idea Jimmy !

[livinlowcarbman]

GO FOR IT!!! You'll be glad you did. Let me know if I can support you in any way through this.

[cosmopop1]

The only thing I have to say is that Christine has bags, or it is seriously dark, under her right eye

[livinlowcarbman]

She wears glasses and that's where the rims rest beneath her eyes. She's totally blind in the left eye.

[Seedcovers]

Christine you are gorgeous without he makeup. I don't know if I look that cute, straight out of the shower.

[GibseyG]

Christine is beautiful fresh out of the shower! (I wish I could say as much for myself.) What large and impressive eyes and such a pretty-shaped mouth. Most people don't look "well" on videotape.

Jimmy, I hope you do it this time. Sorry, but I can't even get myself to go back on Atkin's diet, much more do without anything "sweet" for 30-days. If for no other reason, I hope this helps you break the diet soda habit, which so many can't be that healthy for anyone. We're cheering for you.

[underthehour2000]

Wow buddy, that is Crazy, u crazy fool :oD I wish you the best of luck, especially through december period. If you can do it this month you can do it forever lol! Maybe I will try this challenge a different month, not brave enough at mo :o) Oh and Christine u look fab :o))

[livinlowcarbman]

THANKS! I'm gonna make it...I HAVE TO! :)

[underthehour2000]

Ps... I'll also cancel that huge chocolate order/present I was going to send ya :o)

[livinlowcarbman]

Nobody says I can't eat it on January 1st! :D

[angeleyes3124]

Christine does NOT need makeup! I wish I could get away with not wearing makeup, but I can't. Jimmy, starting tomorrow until Christmas, I will join your sweet free challenge!  The hardest thing for me is going to be the diet sodas, that's all I drink, I hate water. Also, gum will be kind of hard on the days that I am at college. When I make it to Christmas, I will start again Jan. 1st and go until I can't take it anymore. Hope Christine is feeling better & I'm glad you made it home safely.

[livinlowcarbman]

I like to chew gum when I workout, so I understand that one, too. Eating nuts helps me get a little something in my mouth to chew on prior to a workout. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Be sure to go sign up at my forum, too!

[livinlowcarbman]

WOO HOO, angeleyes3124! I hear ya on the diet soda thing...it was my weakness, too! But you'll be amazed how quickly the cravings will subside and you'll be just fine with water. Add a squirt of lemon or lime to your water to help with the taste and make sure it is filtered. Water without filtration is NASTY, so get a Brita or something.

[ChrisGraeme]

Hope you make it.

But I must admit that after the last time I do no have much faith in you getting there. I hope that motivates you to do it ;-)

just do it - eat real food.

[livinlowcarbman]

I can understand your skepticism, Chris, and appreciate your perspective. I have a lot to prove to myself and my LLVLC followers with this and THAT will motivate me to make it to the end this time around. THANKS for commenting and I am grateful for your encouragement. :)

[ChrisGraeme]

As i said, I hope you do it.

It is not so much the sweet I was worried about but the artificially sweet. If you were to have an apple - no problem - if you have a "low carb" brownie, "low carb" granola or whatever, that is the problem. Synthetic sweeteners are not healthy as  a regular part of your diet.

Just butch up and do it.

[livinlowcarbman]

I hear ya buddy. Ready to "butch up" as you British are fond of saying.  ;)

[angielooo]

she doesn't need makeup. but if it makes he feel prettier, it's okay.

[101011a]

Jimmy is right, you don't need makeup!

[abnormalslc]

Hey Christine! you don't need makeup!

this is one of the rare times you can say that "Jimmy is right!" har har....sorry Jimmy....

[livinlowcarbman]

You're funny, Burt! :P