Dieting made easy

When deciding on a weight loss program, it is essential to try to restrict your intake of salt, fat and refined carbohydrate.

Some low carbohydrate diet pointers:
* It is possible to make wonderful smoothies using low carb yogurt. Ok, well, it is not really cooking, but if you must have smoothies you can make perfectly acceptable alternatives by using low carbohydrate yogurt and your favorite fruit. Clearly, you should make sure you only make use of fruit that is low in carbs and the whole fruit as the fiber is beneficial.

* Know what is in your food Be sceptical of the food label that claims 'low carb' - check the nutritional information on the reverse of the product. Many are only a little lower and in some instances still higher than a competitors standard brand. In addition, beware of 'low sugar' and 'low fat' labels - 'low sugar' does not always mean 'low carb' - usually the carbs are exactly the same.

Lycopene foods
(includes melon, red peppers and tomato puree)

The chemical lypcopene is a natural coloring compound and one of the phytochemical group known as 'carotenids'. It is the agent responsible for the vivid red hue of a good number of fruits and vegetables.

Intrestingly, unlike many nutrients, lycopene not only survives being cooked, but is essentially strengthened by cooking.

. Its most important benefit is that it works as an antioxidant and is believed to be of use in the fight to lower the risks of cancer.

This useful phytochemical is the most powerful fighter of singlet oxygen, which is associated with skin aging. It is also believed to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.