Dieting tips

In deciding on a meal plan, it is essential to also make sure you cut down your ingestion of refined carbohydrate, fat and salt.

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 pickled shallots, chives and spring onions)

The alliaceae family of vegetables is rich in allyl sulfides, a chemical which experts believe may be linked to a reduced risk of stomach and colon cancer.
Even though there is not enough, definitive proof available, allyl sulfides are also thought by nutritionalists to aid in antiinflammatory effect, arteriosclerosis and physical exhaustion.

Foods containing allyl sulfides are low in calories, so make sure you add them to your weight loss regime.