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 lower carbohydrate diet guidlines:
* Eat regular meals Most low carb recipes are, you won't be surpised to learn, low in carbohydrates. Your body needs energy, and carbs are a highly efficient source of energy. A lower carbohydrate diet requires more care in monitoring you energy intake, as the energy provided by fat or protein is less efficient.

* Food labels can be misleading Watch out for food packaging that boasts to be 'low carb' - check the nutritional information on the back of the package. Many are only a little decreased and in some instances still greater than a competitors usual brand. Also, beware of 'low sugar' and 'low fat' labels - 'low sugar' doesn't always mean 'low carb' - usually the carbs are the same.

Foods containing allyl sulfides
( includes pickled shallots, white onions and spring onions)

The onion family of vegetables is rich in allyl sulphides, a chemical which experts believe might be linked to a reduced risk of stomach and colon cancer.
Although there is insufficient hard medical proof at hand, allyl sulfides are also thought by nutritionalists to reduce symptoms with blood circulation, sterilization and diabetes.

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