Low Carb/Calorie Meals

[DR]

I am thinking about doing a stint before Xmas of low calorie, low carb dieting skillz0rs.

Basically I am trying to get fit and healthy

Can anyone suggest meals which are going to be NICE and VERY filling, and also snacks which can tie in with this style of eatin?

[Rave]

I wouldn't bother with a low carb diet. Either do a no-carb diet like Atkins or just stick to watching the calories. Irritatingly, the Atkins Diet does seem to work, but I still think it's likely to be bad for you in the long run. It only works properly if you cut out the carbs almost completely.

Plain old calorie counting is still the way forward IMO. The best way to eat healthily is to cook your own meals from plain/fresh ingredients- even 'diet' ready meals tend to contain more calories than they should do. A good meal like a big baked spud filled with home made chilli will fill you up a lot more than a diet ready meal containing the same number of calories.

If you eat sensibly, then you can cut your calorie intake without suffering too much hunger. Five digestive biscuits contain 300 calories, but would barely make a dent in your appetite, so cutting out snacks like that will help you lose weight. Ultimately though, you have to accept that if you're using more calories than you're eating, your body is set up to complain about that and some hunger is inevitable. You can't lose weight without some willpower- the more you have, the easier it is.

Finally: exercise. At least three times a week.

Rich :¬)

[DR]

I have spoken to Deckard this morning - Low Calories it is...

How do I get a list of whats in what?

[Rave]

I couldn't find a comprehensive free guide to food nutritional values, but I'll google a bit longer later. In the mean time start here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/

There's some good info in the nutrition section especially.

Rich :¬)

[menthel]

Eat slow release, complex carbohydrates that the body breaks down slowly and will leave you feeling more full, eg pasta esp wholewheat. Processed bread is not that good. Taters are though!

[DR]

Before people think I am geting fat - I am not Fear not! I am trying to sort out my health etc

I am constantly feeling ill

[Rave]

Have you been to the doctor for a checkup? If you're feeling ill for no obvious reason, then it's possible there's an underlying cause. Might be worth getting a blood test to make sure.

Otherwise, eating healthily and exercising generally improves your 'wellbeing'. I've only had one cold/cough since I gave up smoking and started exercising more, and it didn't last as long or make me feel nearly as ill as they used to.

Rich :¬)