Diets, Recipes, BMI calculator, calorie counters, and general tips to help you trim down to your ideal weight.

I have had a problem keeping my weight down since childhood, so I know how difficult it can be to just maintain a good weight, let alone lose those unwanted kilos. You may never be able to look like a well muscled athlete or a supermodel, but there is no doubt that staying fit and trim will make you look more attractive, keep you healthy, make life more enjoyable, enable you to participate in life more, and of course you will live longer and save money in medical costs. There is no down side, but you will have to be a little disciplined about how and what you eat.

On this page we have compiled information, links to healthy low fat low carb recipies, outlined weight loss strategies, and pass on many tips to help you to keep slim and healthy. We avoid wonder drugs or harsh diet plans that may damage your health, but we do inform you of some natural herbal treatments, easy diets, low fat recipes, low carb recipes, supply calculators, calorie charts etc. that you can use to help plan your weight loss.

FIRSTLY - use our BMI calculator (Body Mass index) to see exactly how overweight you are. You will need an accurate set of scales, and you need to know your height and age. After you have weighed yourself calculate your BMI by using our free excel calculator. Click BMI Calculator now

What was the result of that BMI calculation. If you are already in the correct weight range for your size and age then perhaps you need only to do a bit of tummy trimming excercise such as 10 sit ups every morning and evening, and take a short brisk 30 minute walk daily. If you are outside that acceptable range then you had better read on.

Having calculated your BMI you can now see how much you need to lose for someone of your height and age. Note that it is not an exact indicator as we are all built differently, but it is a very useful guide. Basically there are two main streams of thought in working out your weight loss strategy. You can either reduce calorie intake, or reduce your carbohydrate intake. You could use a mix of both but that becomes difficult to work out. However obviously foods that contain a large percentage of either fat or carbohydrates need to be avoided. Use our free Calorie Chart to see which foods you should be using in your meals.

If you would like someone to calculate all of this and work out your diet for you then we suggest that the tried and tested weightwatchers organisation is about as good as it gets, and you will get the results that you want for a modest price. Just click on this link (weightwatchers) and you will be taken to the weightwatchers site for more information.

However if you prefer to design your own diet plan then we have the following suggestions.

1. When you first rise in the morning you need to weigh yourself after you have been to the bathroom. This has to be a ritual. Write down your weight every day so that you can see any trend in weight loss. Note that there will be variations even when you are sticking to your diet. Later we will add an excel program where you can record your weight daily and graph your performance. that will help illustrate your weight trends.
2. Before each breakfast and lunch, consume a protein drink that will not add weight, but it will largely satisfy your appetite, and reduce your hunger. You can buy that at your local health food shop. Discuss your requirements with the staff and they will recommend the correct product. We use "Redbak CP6 Synergistic protein matrix" which is available in several flavours, blended with crushed ice and low fat milk. You will need several flavours to provide variety.
3. Better than the protein drink is a chinese herbal tea called Wulong or Oolong tea. This can be difficult to find in many areas. You could order it on line from this address if a good tea store is not available in your area. Click on Wulong to read information on this tea. This is better than the protein drink, and a lot easier to take with you if you are travelling.
4. You will need a good low fat or low carb recipe book so that you can prepare meals that you won't tire of. These can be purchased at most bookstores, but you could download recipes for free from the internet. (see below)
5. Internet Recipes - We like Anita's tried and true recipes. They are simple and easy to follow, plus information on each recipe is given in Calories, Total Fat, Protein, Carbohydrates, Sugar, % CCF, Saturated Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium, and Fibre. That makes these recipes useful for diabetics as well as weight loss and general health. You can also search by category (click here and view the recipes)
6. Alcohol intake should be strictly limited. When you do have a glass or two, make it no more than two glasses, and only if you choose the salad meal, with no dessert. Coffee and Tea are ok with very little sugar and a modest amount of milk. As the weight falls of you can increase intake to a glass every day with your evening meal or lunch, but that is all.
7. Light Exercise - exercise will burn fat faster and speed up weight loss. To really be effective you need to increase your heart rate for 20 minutes or more. Depending on your age and level of fitness that can simply be a gentle walk for half an hour. Do not overdo exercise if you are unfit or unwell. Make sure that you tailor any excercise to suit your general age and state of fitness. Overdoing excercise can be fatal.
8. Serious Exercise - there are various exercise aids or machines, but for an all weather exercise routine you still can't beat a treadmill where you can walk (or run) without exposing yourself to the sun, rain, nosy pedestrians, or any of the other unwanted elements. There are many of theses units available. Our warning regarding over sressing your body with intgense excercise still apply. Be sensible in your approach and consult a doctor if you intend to engage in serious exercise.

We are still building this page and would appreciate any contributions from readers. This is a complicated and large subject that almost everyone has their own ideas and thoughts on, however I think that there will be general agreement that a healthy fit population is more able to cope with the rigours of life and the changes that are upon us in the 21st Century.