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:
* Replace sugar with splenda. Most recipes that require sugar can be modified to make use of a sugar replacement instead. It is not exactly the same so you will have to do a bit of trial and error and it might not be perfect for every dish, but it gives very good results once you get the measurements right.

* Food labels can be misleading Watch out for food packaging that claims to be 'low carb' - check the nutritional information figures on the back of the tin or packet. Many are only marginally decreased and in some cases 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 identically 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.