Hi Umpa!.

I just noticed your query as to my 08/01 launch of the FTS lifestyle on the "Recipe Exchange" board.
Sorry I did not respond sooner, but I just learned how to get email notifies on replies to my posts.

Due to some family stuff that went on around here, the launch was delayed to 08/06/2010.
I weighed 315.6 pounds the day I started.
As of today, I've been living the FTS lifestyle now for 15 days.

There was a five day plateau from 08/14 thru 08/18 where I stalled at 307 pounds.
But I attribute that to previously having weighed 307 pounds for several months.
Being at that weight for so long created a "set point" (or "body memory") in my system.
However, staying true to the FTS lifestyle did win out and weight loss did resume.

I'm confident I will run into more "set point" plateaus along the way.
I will beat every one by staying committed to the FTS lifestyle.
FAT cannot withstand FTS!!!

Since I started, I have lost 9.8 pounds and weigh 305.8 pounds today!
So far, this works out to about 5 pounds per week.
I expect my weight loss rate will slow down several times before I reach my goal.
But that's ok.
I know the pounds I've carried the longest are going to be the slowest to lose due to "body memory".

Cravings for the high-carb foods I once loved, have almost completely disappeared!
And today, although they still "look" good (and are still around the house), I can say "No Thanks!" to them without any feeling of deprivation.

When I feel feelings of "hunger" or "craving", my system no longer "sounds alarms" to run to the kitchen and scarf up high-carb junk.  I now can comfortably evaluate these sensations and respond appropriately.

Except for a few days about a week into the program with some stomach/bowel detox discomfort (fixed by low-carb yogurt), the FTS lifestyle experience has been wonderful.

My energy levels are rising on a daily basis.
My mental alertness and acuity have been getting sharper by the day.
I don't feel sleepy and/or tired most all day, every day, like I used to.

I'm on a natural "high" every day, and LOVE IT!!!
And as someone who grew up in the 1960s, I can say with the authority of experience that this "high" is FAR BETTER than any high you can get from ANY drug!

I recently received microwave pork rinds sold under the Lowrey's brand.
They came packaged much like microwave popcorn and they were very good.

But I just found what I think are the best microwave pork rinds you could find anywhere!!!

These pork rinds are sold in 1 lb. resealable packages.

I spread out 2 oz. on a dinner size paper plate, set my nuke box for 2 minutes, and hit start.
Remember, that microwave ovens vary so you want to consider your first batch a test batch.

A couple of minutes later... THE BEST DOGGONE PORK RINDS THAT I HAVE EVER TASTED!!!
And much less salty than the Lowrey's brand I previously reviewed.
They also have a more "natural" rind flavor so I think they would work better in recipes.

They can be seasoned by spraying them lightly with oil, put desired seasonings in a plastic bag, put the rinds in the bag, and shake until coated (for about 10 seconds).

You can find them here:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002O5QWD8/ref=oss_product

You can also fry these rinds if you like them more oily.
Frying instructions and other information about them can be found at the manufacturer's website (Julia's Pantry):

http://shop.juliaspantry.com/MICROWAVE-PORK-RINDS_c9.htm;jsessionid=25A04705A459BCFE1E7AEC901E67B179.qscstrfrnt01

I found the shipping MUCH cheaper at Amazon.com especially if you want to order multiple packages.

Now, I'm gonna go back to the kitchen and make me another batch... MMMMMM!!!!

Thanks guys for the feedback!

And thank you Doug for the homemade Alfredo sauce recipe.
I'm going to try this out!

BTW, I too have ordered one of those "grindy things" from Sears.com.
It should be at my local Sears around the end of the month.

I have a good Oster blender but it does not do a great job of reducing things to a powder (like almonds) or a very smooth puree.
After reading a TON of low carb recipes from Doug (and elsewhere), it became evident that a good food processor will really open up many wonderful low-carb cooking possibilities.

I ordered and received a product called "Lowrey's Bacon Curls Microwave Pork Rinds" 1.75 oz. per package,, 18 packages in a box for $15.19 + $6.91 S+H = $22.10. that works out to $1.23 per package which is reasonable for that quantity of rinds.

They are very convenient (like microwave popcorn) and THEY'RE REALLY GOOD!!!... YUM!!!

The packages are very similar to those you've seen with microwave popcorn.
You just shake the package (i.e. bag) 5 or 6 times (side to side) to distribute rinds.
Place in the microwave for one to two minutes (my nuke box took 2 minutes).
And viola!!! Hot fresh non-oily pork rinds!

Try sprinkling in a little grated parmesan cheese for a taste that'll blow you away!
Although some Amazon.com reviewers claimed they were too salty, they're not too salty for my taste plain.
But taste is an individual thing (to each his own).
I would say though, avoid adding anything to them that has a high salt content.

Here's the Amazon.com link I used:
http://www.amazon.com/Lowreys-Microwave-Original-1-75-Ounce-Packages/dp/B000UPFWW6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=grocery&qid=1281558624&sr=1-1

I also have an another order out for microwave pork rinds sold in 1 lb. re-sealable packages.
With these, you need to put about 1/8th cup of the rinds into an average paper lunch sack.
Leave plain or sprinkle in cheese or seasoning or you liking.
Cook in nuke box for a minute or two then eat.
Pricewise (with S+H) they'll cost about the same as the Lowrey's rinds.
I will let you all know how these work out.

Thank you Linda and beebs!

Since I eat LOADS of green (low-carb) veggies, have 1 low-carb high-fiber La Tortilla a day, and 1 GG Crispbread cracker a day, fiber is not the problem.

I think you're right about the discomfort being due to sugar withdrawals.

I just hope it goes away soon!
I don't feel like doing anything other than my daily walks.
And who likes nausea 24/7 ?

If anyone else out there has found a way to make it subside (even a little), I would be SO grateful!

OK.. I found out the supplier will sell a 30 lb. bag for $150.00 plus shipping for about $180.00 anywhere in the continental U.S. (not Alaska or Hawaii).

This size is intended for repackage and resale. But supplier will sell to anyone.
No other sizes other than $6.50 for 10 ounces available.

BTW, the supplier has a variety of flavored seasonings for the rinds (**BBQ**, **HOT & SPICEY**,
**CHEDDAR CHEESE). Supplier says one jar of seasonsing will go a long way.

The supplier states that the rinds should not be freezen or refrigerated.
They will remain fresh for 9 months at normal room temp (around 70 degrees F.).

Thirty pounds of pork rinds is FAR more than I think I can use in 9 months.
Unless someone finds a supplier willing to sell smaller quantities, I think I will stick with the kind you have to deep fry.

I really like all the recipe ideas for pork rinds you guys are sharing.
What I don't like is the high price grocery stores charge for each bag (that's mostly air).

I found a supplier that sells cook-your-own Microwave Pork Rinds in bulk pellets that you cook yourself in the microwave (10 lb. pellets for $39.60). Ten pounds of these things will make a boatload of rinds.
The pellets keep at room temperature for nine months.
I found them at:  http://rudolphfoods.com/catalog.php?category=Pellets

I quit smoking just over 2 months ago.
I now am preparing to go after the weight I need to lose before it gets the better of me.
I weigh 314 lbs. and am 6' 1".
Before I start, I need to do a little shopping first.

Thanks!!!