Weight loss hints and tips

In planning a meal plan, the most important step is to make efforts to lower your intake of fat, salt and refined carbohydrates.

Some low carbohydrate diet pointers:
* Understand the food labels Don't believe sales blurb that claims to be 'low carb' - check the real nutritional information on the rear of the tin or package. A good number of are only slightly lowered and in some instances still greater than a competitors standard brand. In addition, beware of 'low sugar' and 'low fat' labels - 'low sugar' does not always mean 'low carb' - often the carbs are identical.

* Replace sugar with a low carb substitute such as splenda. Many recipes that require sugar can be adapted to use splenda instead. It is much lighter so you will need to do a bit of trial and error and it may not work in every case, but it does bake up nice once you have it cracked.

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

The onion and garlic family of foods is high in allyl sulphides, a chemical which experts believe might be linked to a reduced risk of stomach and colon cancer.
Although there is precious little scientific proof available, allyl sulfides are also thought by many experts to help with blood circulation, sterilization and physical exhaustion.

Foods containing allyl sulfides also help you lose weight, so are ideal for including in your weight loss program.