In the process of collecting all this low carb food, I've tried a great many low carb specialty products. Note that I am aspartame-intolerant, so there are many perfectly good low carb products that I've never bought after reading the labels. Also, there are many products I haven't tried because I've already found something good in that category and therefore haven't explored further. Keep in mind, too, that tastes differ, and you may love something I hated or vice versa. So here, without further ado and in alphabetical order, are my picks and pans.

Low-carb shopping can be hard on the budget, particularly if you are purchasing hard-to-find or specialty items. Where should you look for your groceries, and how can you be sure you're getting the best price?

One of the questions I hear most from new low carbers and would-be low carbers is, "How do I make food interesting without potatoes, rice, pasta, and so on?" That is, indeed, one of the greatest challenges to everyday low carb cooking.

When you first begin low-carbing, it can seem a daunting task to prepare your kitchen. Not only do you have to divest yourself of all those high carbohydrate staples in the pantry and fridge, but you'll quickly discover that many of the more interesting recipes call for ingredients you've never heard of! Xanthan gum? Soy lecithin? Vital wheat gluten flour? Rice protein powder? How are you ever going to know which items you really need and which are so esoteric that they'll take up space in your cupboards forevermore?

Last time I discussed the weight loss aspect of low carbing and how to set realistic goals for your weight loss program. Now let’s look at some other goals, which are based on some of the other reasons why we choose to follow a low carb lifestyle. It seems obvious …

I've been hearing a lot lately from people who are having difficulties reaching their goals. So much so, that I can't help wondering if maybe they're relying more on external expectations than internal goals.

Well, the holidays are over, and for many of us, that means "getting back on track" with our eating. Maybe it was that fancy dessert at the in-laws', or maybe it was something savory and nibbly at the office holiday party that led you to eat too many carbohydrates, but now it's the new year, and you're recommitting to a new you.