Weight loss hints and tips

In planning a meal plan, the most important step is to make efforts to lower your intake of fat, salt and refined carbohydrates.

Some lower carb diet pointers:
* Eat regular meals Most reduced carbohydrate recipes are, you won't be surpised to learn, low in carbs. We all need energy, and carbohydrates are a very efficient energy source. A low carb diet requires more care in monitoring you energy levels, as the energy provided by protein and fat is much slower acting.

* Read food labels Be sceptical of food packaging that claims to be 'low carb' - check the nutritional information figures on the reverse of the tin or packet. Some are only marginally lowered and in some cases still higher than a competitors standard brand. Also, beware of 'low sugar' and 'low fat' labels - 'low sugar' doesn't always mean 'low carb' - usually the carbs are exactly the same.

Carotenoid foods
(includes cilantro, turnip greens and winter squash)
These colorful healthy plants are rich in the carotenoids believed by nutritionalists be a key nutrient in minimizing the risk of cancer, particularly those cancers involving the lung, esophagus and stomach. Most are low in calories, so you should add them to your weight loss regime.