frompassiontoprofit
Low Carb Living Is it Right for You?
By Susan Phelps, MBA/MHA R
ecently, my husband and I enjoyed a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Greensboro Historical Mu-
seum. As avid golfers, we particularly enjoyed the History of Golf exhibit. Suddenly, my husband proclaimed,
“look at all those people attending the GGO back in 1945—none of them are fat”. He was right. I was astounded! You are probably asking yourself what this has to do with a low carb lifestyle, right? As conscientious and dedicated low carbers, we believe that food manufacturers in the United States developed insidious ways for us to consume huge amounts of sugar. Those people attending the GGO back in the 1940s did not have access to the sugar-laden products that so many of us are consuming today. Obesity and diabetes have become
epidemics in this country. We are a na- tion of dieters, yet so many of us are dangerously overweight. The USDA food pyramid recommends 8-11 servings of carbohydrates every single day! Like millions of other Americans, I used the food pyramid as a guide to what I thought was healthy eating. Even though I lost 30 pounds on a low fat diet, I was tired and hungry all the time, especially late in the afternoon after a long day at work. This ravenous hunger caused me to overeat and ultimately made me question the food pyramid. While I was following a low fat diet,
I was exercising at the Fitness Center at High Point Regional Health System. Fortunately, a medical health club. On two different occasions, I found myself on the verge of passing out while exercis- ing. The staff at the Fitness Center tested my blood sugar and found it to be far too low. After questioning me about what I had eaten that day, they told me that I
was not getting enough protein. I set out to research on my own what constitutes a healthy diet. Doctors and nutritionists were simply telling me “cut back on fat and exercise” and you will lose weight. I now understood it was not that simple. My personal research led me to the
low carb movement, which encour- ages getting adequate amounts of protein and limiting the simple carbohydrates (sugars). I was hopeful but was quickly discouraged by the lack of information available at local health food stores. I was “pointed” toward the Atkins books. Where was the knowledgeable help? So I launched my own low carb experiment as millions of others have done. I read the Atkins book and launched
myself into induction or so I thought. The Atkins theories are fairly complex and scientific. However, what I have learned over the past two years is that following the low carb/high protein lifestyle works! I stabilized my blood sugar and finally felt energetic and healthy—all this without the hunger pangs I experienced on a low fat diet. This is truly the joy of low carb living—not being hungry and feeling healthy and fit. Fortunately, I had the privilege of
meeting the authors of Protein Power, Drs. Mary Dan and Michael Eades. These phy- sicians have been preaching the power of protein for over 20 years, as did Dr. At- kins. After listening to a powerful lecture by the Eades, I knew I was on the right track to a permanent lifestyle change. This encounter with the Drs. Eades also led to a business opportunity. So is a low carb lifestyle right for you?
Only you can decide. The food each per- son consumes on a daily basis is a highly personal decision. We consume food for many reasons other than hunger. Food is
a comfort to us as it has been for human beings for millions of years. Food is part of our social fabric. Food also defines our health status. Deciding to reduce carbohydrates (please note I did NOT say eliminate) is a major lifestyle change. It will take courage and dedication. It will also take research and knowledge. Success stories abound amongst
those who have switched to living the low carb lifestyle. However, to see the astounding results, it is necessary to do it right and understand the science behind low carb living. If you are not prepared to commit to the lifestyle, then you are not ready. You should definitely not start eat- ing “low carb” foods if you are not living the lifestyle. Low carbers understand the careful balance of proteins and carbohy- drates. They also understand that sugar is everywhere and that most Americans consume far too many grams of sugar in everyday foods. You only have one body and one life.
If you are overweight, tired, and hungry all the time, experiencing blood sugar fluctuations, then you may be a candidate for low carb living. You should talk to your doctor, but you should also spend some time educating yourself. Attending a low carb workshop is a great place to start.
Susan Phelps, MBA/MHA is a co-owner of Castus Low Carb Superstore along with her husband, Jim. She holds a dual masters from Pfeiffer University and an undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Public Health. She is employed at High Point Regional Health System, and can be reached at
castuslowcarb@bellsouth.net or 336- 540-1220.
Editor's Note: Our friend, contribting writer, and business partner, Gary Scott, espouses the importance of turning your passion into profit in his books, courses and seminars throughout the world. The following is a perfect example of how one local resident has done just that. If you have a story to share with fellow readers depicting how you have turned your passion into profit, please send it to
editor@triad.naturalawakenings.com.
Triad.NaturalAwakenings.com November 2004 19
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