The Steviva company recently sent me samples of their three natural sugar-free sweetener products. So far I've only tried one, their Steviva Blend; I thought I should tell you about it.

A reader asks:

I've been keeping a journal tracking every single thing I eat. I was just wondering if you thought there was a limit that should be put on fats. For example, today was 119.1, it was from eggs, bacon, cheese, EVOO and pepperoni, it seemed way high and I was just looking for some input if you have time.
Thanks

We've had some queries as to why Dana's Low Carb For Life is not yet available through iTunes. Here's the deal: At the recommendation of our producer, Kevin Kennedy-Spaien, we're holding off, and will ask to be included in iTunes for episode #4. We hope that by having 4 episodes ready to go we'll make it to the New and Notable section. You can all help give us an extra boost by going to iTunes when episode 4 is released, subscribing through iTunes, and leaving a comment about the show there. We'll remind you, of course!

On the podcast, I'm doing a segment called Low Carb Voices, where we feature the experiences of the low carb community. This week our question is: What's your single biggest challenge to staying on your low carb program? We'd love to hear from you at 412-385-DANA -- that's 412--385-3262. Call, and you may hear yourself on the next show!

Hey, the new episode of Dana's Low Carb For Life is up! Give it a listen:

Note: This column was originally written in the summer, hence the recipe using summer fruits. Roll with it, okay?

Treat (noun): 1 a: an entertainment given without expense to those invited b: the act of providing another with free food, drink, or entertainment 2: an especially unexpected source of joy, delight, or amusement.

“You have to have a treat now and then!” I hear this more often than teachers hear excuses, and always in defense of something sugary.

That Nice Boy I Married got a question from a friend of his today. She'd heard that a low carb diet increased the risk of gallstones, and wanted to know if that was true. It's an excellent question, and the answer is a little complicated.

Now that the holidays are over, while our VISA cards are still smoking in our wallets, it seems an opportune moment to tackle a common complaint regarding a low carb diet: “It’s so expensive!”

At first glance, this seems true. If you’ve been basing your meals on potatoes, rice, pasta, and generic white bread, you’ve been getting away with a lower cost-per-serving than, say, steak. However, I have several thoughts on this matter.

A great side dish with any simple meat -- roast pork, lamb, or beef, some simple pan broiled chops, or a steak. Do take the time to slowly brown the onion; it lends a wonderful flavor.

Fluffy, Savory Pumpkin

1 large onion, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
29 ounces canned pumpkin (That's 1 pound, 13 ounces -- I had a can exactly this weight.)
2 eggs
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt or Vege-Sal
1 tablespoons Splenda or erythritol, or the equivalent in your choice of low carb sweetener
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Here are two contrasting facts: I make at least some of my living writing about nutrition and weight loss. I am not fashionably skinny.

If you've read this blog for longer than a week, you know I eat a lot of eggs, and even have chickens in my backyard. It's a rare day I don't eat at least 2 eggs, 3 is more common, and 6 or more is not unheard of. I have been known to turn out omelets for twenty on a camp stove. I regularly turn leftovers into a new meal by either using them as omelet filling, or warming them up and topping them with fried eggs.

Finally! Dana's Low Carb For Life, my internet radio show/podcast, is launching on New Years Day! I recorded the first show today, including an interview with my pal, and low carb blogger/podcaster extraordinaire, Jimmy Moore. I plan to cover all sorts of things, from low carb cooking and menu planning, to low carb history, to the latest research. Plus we'll have lots of listener input, and I very much hope you all will participate. Check it out!

The biggest party night of the year is fast approaching. You might want to take a look at this article on drinking low carb.

Hey, gang, I'm back from my Christmas break. Here is an assortment of thoughts and data:

* I did not gain weight! Or rather, I probably did, but did a pretty strict meat-and-eggs day yesterday, and weighed in this morning at just exactly the same weight as the day I left.

Wanted to let you know, Hank Garner of My Low Carb Journey will be podcasting his interview with me tomorrow, Dec. 23rd. Hope you'll listen!