Diet tips

In planning a meal plan, the important thing is to try to cut down your ingestion of fat, salt and refined carbohydrates.

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.

Foods containing allyl sulfides
( includes eschalot, chives and spring onions)

The onion and garlic family of foods is high in allyl sulfides, a chemical which experts believe may be linked to a reduced risk of stomach and colon cancer.
Although there is very little real proof published, allyl sulphides are also thought by nutritionalists to reduce symptoms with blood circulation, sterilization and diabetes.

Foods containing allyl sulfides are also low in calories, so should be included in your weight loss regime.