Losing weight

Recognise the difference between hunger and thirst. At times when going through a hectic day, you imagine you feel hunger but if truth be told you just need a restorative tumbler of water or cranberry juice. The feelings of hunger and thirst are quite alike, but one can result in weight gain and the alternative is fine.

Some low carbohydrate diet guidlines:
* You can create really nice smoothies with reduced carbohydrate yogurt. Admittedly, you can't really describe it as cooking, but if you are missing your smoothies you can throw them together with reduced carb yogurt and fruit. Obviously, you will need to make sure you use only fruit that is low in carbs and use the whole fruit as the fiber is important too.

* Make low carb bread crumbs for deep fried foods. Whilst you can sometimes buy low carb breadcrumbs, you can make them at home by using reduced carbohydrate bread. Simply toast the reduced carb bread in your oven on a sheet of baking paper. Once it is quite hard and crispy, process it in the food processor or blender. To store, keep in an airtight jar or container.

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

The onion, leek and garlic family of foods is rich in allyl sulphides, a chemical which experts believe might be linked to a reduced risk of stomach and colon cancer.
Even though there is not much scientific proof at hand, allyl sulfides are also believed to aid in antiinflammatory effect, arteriosclerosis and physical exhaustion.

Foods containing allyl sulfides also have a low calorie count, so should be included in your weight loss program.