THE DIET WARS, a Battle of the SEXES.. How LowCarb can this go?

CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | Oct 21 2003 | Carlo3b Dad, Chef, Author

[carlo3b]

THE DIET WARS, a Battle of the SEXES

That guy who wrote "Men are from Mars Women are from Venus", the book that no one ever read, ...( a Sleepless in Seattle... sigh), had a great concept, but he had it all wrong.

Never fear, I have straighten it all out for everyone.. :)

*** REMOVE ALL LIQUIDS FROM MOUTH ALERT ***

I, your Natures Sex Chef.. sigh , who knows exactly everything a man needs to know about women, has the answers to the age old questions separating the genders, even where food is concerned... Really!

Women, would prefer Mars, the milk chocolate bar, over a Schwarzeneggered guy most days of the week!
Men, would choose Venus DeMilo, hands down (no pun intended), a naked chic in a bed sheet 10 to 1 over anything else.

Any Questions yet, .. lets see hands.... none? Good...  I thought so..  There's more!

Men and women folk do have other less startling differences in their eating preferences.  For one thing, women have no problem eating a selection of raw fauna and grasses and topped by a bland sour concoction, and littered with potpourri, with a side order of gooey soft curdled stuff, with a teaspoon of boysenberries!

Men would poke a plate of that stuff with a stick to see if it was a nesting area for pheasants before they'd think of eating it!

Women find it acceptable and even somewhat amusing to count things and keep a journal or diary. If a man has to do anything with numbers or instructions that total 3 or more, it won't happen twice. It may not the first time as in travel directions.

For ions we have attacked excess body weight using the intake of calories as a gage. Since an average women can count better than the average guy, counting calories favored the fairer sex.. Further, women get absolutely giddy when they are offered salads, vegetables and tasteless accruements. All of which are low or lower in the dreaded caloric content. So women should have no reason why they should ever worry about eating or carrying FAT!  Right? Perhaps not.

Men are mostly meat and potatoes kind of guys. Vegetable are what meat producing critters eat, salad and vegetable stuff, so why should someone eating them, have to do it too. But Fats, not the jazz singer, the blubber stuff, is what is found in the meat products so preferred by Guys.  Ergo, Guys should have a significant disadvantage over Dolls in the battle of the bulge. Right?

MORE? Surprise, surprise, there are a great deal more differences between the genders, and some of them are even anatomical! Where the fat accumulates also differs between genders.

When it comes to losing weight, women really do face a disadvantage compared to men. More than a few scientific studies have now shown that women accumulate fat faster than men and lose it at a slower pace.

When we are born, both the sexes are about the same weight. Each gender has a body fat totaling up to 12% of body weight. Things stay about the same all during adolescence. However during puberty girls get fatter, and unbelievably, boys become leaner. Girls by  the age of 18, have 20-25% body fat and boys have 15-18%.

It gets even more ominous for girls just because they are girls. We also know that adult women have a build in genetic code that is designed carry extra weight, because of  pregnancy, she would be able to cater to the additional supplies of nutrition to her baby. A women has a lower resting metabolism than men. This means that they burn fewer calories to maintain basic life functions. The differences can be quite significant. A small framed woman may need only 1000 calories to maintain normal body functions and a large framed woman may need about 1600 calories. Conversely men may need anywhere between 1400-2000 calories to carry out normal bodily functions.

Fat also settles differently on men and women. Men usually tend to store fat around their bellies whereas women store fat on their hips and thighs. Research on obesity indicates that fat deposit on the hips and thighs is more difficult to lose. Women's hormones favor depositing fat in that region and not removing it from there except during breast feeding which burns approximately 800 calories a day.

Diet & Nutrition expert Anjali Mukherjee explains:

We all can see that men have an apple shaped body with a large waist-to-hip ratio and are known to be at an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Normally, women develop a pear-shaped body with less fat deposits around the abdomen and more in the lower body parts. Such bodies even if obese do not stand a high risk for heart disease. This goes to show that two people with the same amount of body fat may have different health risks. Since excess fat in women is a part of the cosmic plan, they can gain weight even with healthier eating practices. But since fat in men was never meant to be, most men gain weight due to a rich diet or lack of adequate physical activity. Hence, obesity in men is associated with a greater likelihood of health problems than obesity in women. A point to note here is that women who have male type fat distribution (apple shaped bodies) also share the same increased health risk as men.

Men lose weight faster because abdominal fat is easy to burn than fat around the hips and thighs (the place where women tend to store fat.) This also explains why women who add on considerable weight to their lower body during pregnancy have a much harder time losing it after childbirth,... breast-feeding is an excellent way of losing weight around the hips and thighs. (mark that down guys) All this obviously means that many women who are counting calories, suffering hunger pangs and regularly following work-outs are still likely to put on extra weight or even face a tough time losing weight. This often causes anxiety and confusion.

Soooo, where does all of this fantastic information finally get to a bottom line, more aptly the waistline?

I believe the different genders being so inherently different, should attack weight loss much differently. For most men, the Dr. Atkin protein diet is a natural, especially in the early or "Induction phase".  How much easier it is for the average Guy for instance, to go on a diet where torture starts with a main course of charred RED MEAT? Later it has everything a man loves including some limited pastas and breads.. hold the potatoes!

The method I would recommend for girls is a diet called, the South Beach Diet, a modification of the Atkins Diet. The South Beach Diet was written by and designed by Miami cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatson. I can not help but think this entire concept is a knock-off of the Atkins, but it does have a few significant differences that really favor women in my opinion.  It still has most of the same restrictions in the early phase, but early and later stages allow for the more vegetables and fruits. This I believe is healthier for anyone, especially women.

This will not make die-hard Atkins Diet gurus happy, but I have watched too many folks fail after trying so hard.
I want women and men to stop counting everything, calories or carbs and everything else. I have found that the thinking and counting food and it's components, keeps the laboring thought of diet, dominating too much of their thought. Thinking about eating, and fretting about it constantly, is IMHO, why so many people fall off the wagon and eventually return to their old bad habits. Thinking about food all the time, makes you hungry, all of the time!

These two diets are not so restrictive in what they ask of the dieter to lose and maintain weight, therefore counting things is not, in my opinion, as necessary. Following the book will tell you what you what you can and cannot eat. A public school dropout knows the consequences of eating the wrong foods will reverse all the successes. The Atkins diet says you must count carbs, South Beach is not so stringent.  However, here is my disclaimer, those following the letter of the law with these diets will enjoying better results, and a faster weight loss. Use your best judgment.. Men usually don't count anything anyway, I am just removing the guilt.. :)

I believe the differences between genders will also have an effect on the continued success of maintaining a safer diet. Choosing a diet that is more compatible with your own lifestyle assures a fair chance for an on going lifelong modification to your eating habits.  The dramatic weight loss enjoyed by both Atkins, and SB in "The Induction" will slow appreciably in later stages, and so be it.. I want you to find a comfortable diet that will alter your eating habits that is sustainable, and therefore a successful healthy life.

What I can help with, and what I want to do for everyone, aside from solving all gender differences between the sexes, (ahem) is I will assist you in your planning a long term (bi-weekly) menu for success. By preplanning a menu which has been thought through, so thinking about food, and what to eat is solved, and the only thing left is shopping, warming/cooking and dinnertime.

If I can get you to set aside a couple of hours every week to prepare the foundations of your menu, I can show you how to solve the only pitfall in dieting, whichever one you choose. I give you my word. http://www.click2asia.com/lounge/index.php?y=tothepoint&id=23

[carlo3b]

Will anyone write another cookbook?

..a..YEP, I will continue to write them, however the great cookbooks are more than just recipes, they are facts, and traditions, and LOVE!
But now you have me nuts for my fall and winter soups...Yummmm.. .. enjoy

 Gourmet Lobster Bisque

Bisque is a shellfish based cream soup. Bisque differs from chowder or a stew in that bisque is smooth and usually strained where-as chowder will contain diced vegetables as well as chunks of meat or seafood. Generally bisque is made from a highly concentrated stock and is very rich in flavor. All cream soups are ruined with boiling so take special care while handling this soup.

• 1 each 2 lbs. Live lobster cull
• 1/4 lbs. Butter
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 3/4 cup tomato puree
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cubes chicken bouillon
• 8 peppercorns
• 3 ribs of celery
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon any quality Steak Sauce, (I know it's tacky, but it saves having to marinate..:)
• 1 pint heavy or light cream (heavy tends to really thicken fast so be careful)

1) In a large stock pot, combine chopped onions, celery stalks, peppercorns, bouillon cubes, and salt with 1 gallon of cold water and bring the water to a boil.
2) Add the live lobster to the boiling stock, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the lobster from the stock and place it on the side to cool. While the lobster is cooling continue to boil the stock so that it may reduce.
3) When the lobster has cooled sufficiently to allow handling, shell it over a mixing bowl or pie plate taking special care to catch all the juices. Place the lobster meat on the side for later use.
4) Return all the reserved juices, shells and otherwise inedible parts of the lobster to the lobster stock and boil until the stock has reduced by half.
5) In a separate stock pot, melt the butter, then add the flour to the butter making a roux. Cook the roux over a medium heat for about 1 minute while continually whisking.
6) Add the tomato puree and cook for an additional minute.
7) Strain the lobster stock through a fine sieve.
8) Add the lobster stock a 1/2 cup at a time while whisking smooth. When the soup reaches the consistency of a gravy, reduce the heat and add the lemon juice, salt, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, sugar, and white pepper and simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring.
9) Slowly add the cream while stirring and bring the soup back to temperature. Adjust the seasoning. Chop or slice the reserved lobster meat into desired size and add to soup. Serve at once.
Servings: About a half gallon or 8 servings

This great recipe is from Chef Carlo's new "SOUP, SEX, and the SINGLE MAN" Cookbook. This fabulous recipe was adapted from the Venus de Milo Restaurant original recipes, Providence, Rhode Island

[carlo3b]

 New England Clam Chowder

This is the original clam chowder recipe that was a 3 time first place winner at the annual Newport, Rhode Island Great Chowder Cook-Off. This recipe is also a first place winner at the Greater Boston Harbor Fest Chowder Cook-off.

• 2 cups 1/2 inch diced red, or new potatoes, (I leave the skins on)
• 5 cups fresh chopped clams, canned is fine
• 1-1/2 cups clam juice
• 4 oz. butter
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup minced celery
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2-1/2 cups light cream, (light only, you can use half and half)
• add salt if needed
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 teaspoons dry dill weed

1) Wash the diced potatoes, drain and place in a stock pot with the clam juice. Bring the potatoes to a boil, add the chopped clams and bay leaves and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
2) In a separate stock pot melt the butter and sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until the onions become transparent. Add the flour to the butter and onion mixture to make a roux and cook over a low heat for several minutes.
3) Add the hot clam stock through a strainer a cup at a time and whisk until smooth. Add the remaining potatoes, clams, and stock and bring to a simmer.
4) Add the light cream, black pepper, and dill weed and return to a simmer. Adjust the seasoning.
Serve at once with oyster crackers.
About 2½ quarts or 12 servings

This great recipe is from, Chef Carlo's new "SOUP, SEX, and the SINGLE MAN" Cookbook. This fabulous recipe was adapted from the Venus de Milo Restaurant original recipes, Providence, Rhode Island.

[carlo3b]

Cheeseburger Quiche

I love this stuff! I will have to check out what you changed from my old version.. It looks great.. Thanks :)

[dennisw]

But now you have me nuts for my fall and winter soups...Yummmm.. .. enjoy

I can't cook much but I know how to make great bean soups and splitpea soup. Bean soups are winter soups. Hor soups and hot meals are important in winter especially in poor nations without luxuriant central heat.

[reformed_dem]

Mmmmmmmmmm. Thanks. ;^)

[cherry]

why does he refer to males as "men" and females as "girls"....

[carlo3b]

 
Cream of Fennel Soup

This is truly a love-hate relationship. You either love fennel or hate it. My advice to you is try this wonderful soup first and I believe doing so will make you a lifelong fan!

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 5 fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
• 8 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup chopped fennel greens
• 1 cup heavy cream or yogurt
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1) Sauté garlic, and leeks in large soup pot until tender, approx. 5 minutes.
2) Add to the pot, fennel, and tomatoes, until the tomatoes break-down and liquefy, approx. 10 minutes.
3) Add the stock, bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
4) Puree the soup in batches in a food processor , then return to the pot.
5) Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, and boil for 1 minute only.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving cold.
Serves 4 to 6.

[carlo3b]

why does he refer to males as "men" and females as "girls"....

He = me, and I much prefer to address women of all ages as girls, as a term of endearment, unless they are teenagers. In that case, I prefer to address teenage girls as young women, or young lady. Your question really surprises me, because I have never really thought about it, and have never had anything said except an occasional giggle from, a bit more mature girls.. :)

Cherry, is my reference to women as girls somehow demeaning to ladies/women/females/??? Is this a subliminal message or a sub conscience thingy that I hold some suppressed some'thin about girls/women/females, that is unnatural/unfair/unhealthy????  GULP! ..  :(

[carlo3b]

This quick and easy dish requires no cooking, and can be served as part of an antipasto platter or as a side dish.

Olive Salad Italiano Antipasti

• 1 cup drained pimiento-stuffed green olives,
• coarsely chopped
• 2 - 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine.
Refrigerate covered for at least 2 hours, and up to 2 days before serving at room temperature.
Serves 4 to 6.

[jellybean]

It gives Boo's and Burp's a whole new meaning :)

BOO!!

[RJayneJ]

That Cheeseburger Quiche looks good. I made a copy. I've got to try that.

[.38sw]

Mmm. Pumpkin soup! Sounds good. I'll have to give that try, and substitute something else for the chicken broth (hubby is allergic to poultry products, and he doesn't have enough life insurance on him for me to start feeding him chicken).

[RJayneJ]

I guess I had better wait until I get the flaxseed then or I'll screw it up.

I have been fooling around with the baked cheese and I have an absolute favorite that is a blend of colby and Monterey jack cheese that I get at Walmart. I use a little ring off of a mason jar to space the little mounds of grated cheese. I bake them about 13 to 15 minutes at 350. They are crunchy little lacy looking things, but delicious and satisfies that craving for something crunchy. If you want them a little chewy you bake a little less and they are crunchy on the outside with a chewy center. I have been using parchment paper and that is a little cheaper than the foil and works better. I keep a plate of them laying around because my husband and son love them too.

[jellybean]

Cherry, is my reference to women as girls somehow demeaning to ladies/women/females/??? Is this a subliminal message or a sub conscience thingy that I hold some suppressed some'thin about girls/women/females, that is unnatural/unfair/unhealthy????  GULP! ..  :(

Let me answer that...NO!!

Carlo, I've known you for 3 years. You've always been a perfect gentleman. You treat everyone, especially women, with respect and go out of your way to recognize their talents. You're warm and friendly and caring. AND you've got class!! When someone attacks you unfairly, you use your humor to deflect their verbal assault.

However, you're also a man of integrity and will stand by your principles when it involves something in which you deeply believe. Your love of family, friends, country and God are well known on this site. You'll go down fighting to defend any one of those things.

I'm proud to call you FRIEND!!

[RJayneJ]

Boo!

[nycgal]

Very similar to Saganaki which is made with Kasseri cheese and served with a sqeeze of lemon. Delicious!

[SeaDragon]

That Cheeseburger Quiche looks good. I made a copy. I've got to try that.

You will like it. It went together real easy and sliced like a dream.

[lysie]

Flax muffins....

They are kind of small, but are quite filling. I would recommend using just the foil part of the cupcake liner if you are baking in regular oven.... They will stick to the paper ones. .

Low Carb Flax Seed Muffins

• 6 T butter - melted
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup whipping cream (or half and half)
• Beat these 3 ingredients together, and then add:
  • ½ cup Splenda (artificial sweetener)
  • 1 T maple flavoring
  • 1 T vanilla

Mix the following together and add to the above:
• 2 t cinnamon
• 1 t nutmeg
• ½ rounded t baking powder
• ½ rounded t baking soda
• 1 cup ground flaxseeds
• ¼ cup soy flour or Atkin's Bake Mix
• 4 oz black walnuts, chopped (optional)

Put into 12 paper cupcake liners in a muffin tin and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. You can also double the recipe and get 18-20 larger size muffins.

These have been recommended as "very good with lots of fiber". About 4 carb per muffin but over 3 is in the form of fiber. Other flavorings have been tried - banana, pineapple or unsweetened coconut also taste great. These muffins freeze well, too.

These can also be made in the microwave. In a 1000 watt microwave, 12 muffins take about 2 minutes and 10 seconds.

[jellybean]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

[tubebender]

I printed out this Clam Chouder receipe. We have some frozen calms in the freezer waiting for this. do you have one for Manhattan Clam Chouder ?

Why do cookie receipes call for unsalted butter and then say to add salt ? And for that matter why is butter salted in the first place ? Unsalted butter is had to find in Euireka so my wife uses what is available...