Diet hints and tips

In deciding on a diet, it is essential to attempt to lower your consumption of fat, salt and refined carbohydrates.

Some low carb diet guidlines:
* Food labels can be misleading Watch out for sales blurb that boasts 'low carb' - check the nutritional information on the back of the product. Quite a few are only marginally decreased and in some instances still more than a competitors standard brand. In addition, beware of 'low sugar' and 'low fat' labels - 'low sugar' doesn't always mean 'low carb' - often the carbs are identical.

* You can create really good smoothies with reduced carbohydrate yogurt. Ok, well, it’s not technically cooking, but if you really want smoothies you can make them with low carb yogurt and fruit. Obviously, you will need to ensure you use only fruit that is low in carbohydrates and use the whole fruit as the fiber will help.

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.