Diet plans which recommend low carbohydrate intake was a subject of great controversy when it was first suggested by diet experts. But now it is the most common method which is being advocated in diet programs and by various diet gurus. Adding in the advertisements which are broadcasted day in and out on the TV and other media adds up to the confusion. Now we should not forget the original weight control program which consisted of a proper and balanced diet as well as thorough work out. Since people do not have time to sit and calculate the number of calories which are being consumed by them daily it is better to opt for a low carbohydrate diet plan in which the prerequisites have been properly laid out, it depends on you whether to follow it.

What if we can reduce the fat content accumulated in our body by regularly consuming diet drinks? Drinks which are low in carbohydrate. Sounds like a good idea. Now the market is vast in this field too as there are numerous diet drinks which are available. So which one among these are the best for your body. In this section we shall be looking into some of the diet drinks which are available in the states. EAS is topping the list and every American seems to know this product because it can be found even in the local Walmart unlike some special diet drinks for which we need to travel miles to get hold off. Now there is a full form for EAS and that is Energy, Athletics and Strength. The manufacturing cum research facility of the product can be found in Ohio. Now why is this product topping our list? Not because it is easily available, but because it is found to be quite effective for some of the customers. Take a sneak peek into the ingredients which are being used for the manufacture of this product and you will understand what I am talking about. We can survive only on this drink for any number of days because it contains all the essential nutrients as vitamins and minerals needed for the proper functioning of the body. And the product costs just $1.25 for one pack. About 17 grams of protein can be found in one pack and this is more than enough. Such high protein content is really helpful because they are helpful in releasing the energy which lies dormant in the fat molecules. So the higher the protein intake, the more energy being released to the body and thus effectively the accumulated fat is also dislodged.

There are many similar products available in the market along with this revolutionary product from EAS. Make sure that you are not cheated by the false promises which are found in all them. The diet drink is available in mainly three flavors and these are chocolate, vanilla as well as strawberry. Do not worry as they are just flavoring agents not the original fattening agents.

The consumption of too many carbs will result in it turning to fat rather than energy.

An average energy level, of a good cardio workout daily and a little exercise during lunch or evenings would allow for a low carb and protein intake. When shopping for the week in groceries one must take this into account when planning the week’s meals. We must be careful to consume only what is necessary not more that we need for our energy requirements.

To follow are a few ideas and recipes for a low carbohydrate diet.

As a treat once a week, a baked potato with no skin is a great idea. Removing the skin eliminates about 2/3 of the carbs. The potato has about 15 grams of carbs and if you add 2 tablespoons of yogurt (15 grams of carbs) bacon bits and chives, it is a delicious treat. It is best to eat this early in the day, as your body will have longer to burn off these carbs before bed.

Another menu idea is:

Spicy Chicken Salad

• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 small jalapeno(seeded and chopped in small pieces)
• 1 minced clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 chicken breasts

Put chicken on roasting pan. Blend all the other ingredients together, well. Pour over the chicken. Cover and place in refridgerator for 4-6 hours. Remove chicken and slice or cut into cubes. Sauté until done.

This dish is low in fat,calories and carbohydrates. Great for a light meal and even better for losing weight.

Stuffed Zucchini

• Preheat oven 350 F
• 3-4 small zucchini
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup ground turkey sausage
• 2 stalks celery
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 6 chopped button mushrooms
• 1/2 bell pepper chopped
• 1/4 cup chicken broth.

Cut both ends of the zucchini, bore out insides with small knife. Set aside. In a frying pan- sauté- olive oil, turkey sausage and vegetables until done. Using a small spoon, stuff mixture into zucchini, and place each on a baking tray. Gently cover with the chicken broth and bake until tender. This should take about 1/2 hour depending on the size of the zucchini.

Great recipe- low in fat, carbs and calories.

Stuffed Peppers with Beef

• 1 onion
• 4 bell peepers-seeded and deveined
• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• Pinch of onion salt

Boil peppers for about 2 minutes and then drain. Mix meat with egg, salt and pepper.Fill the peppers with this mixture. Slice onions and place in large kettle. Cover slightly with water and place peppers on top. Simmer until the peppers and onions are done.

This is a great fast and low carb dish. Great for nights when you don’t have a lot of time for preparing.

Creole Chicken

• 3 cups of chicken breast (cut up) easier to do when half frozen
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 1 cup rice
• 1 large canned tomato
• 1 cup okra slices
• 1 bell pepper- seeded and deveined
• Salt & pepper to taste

In a pan, put olive oil then onion. Cook onion until almost clear, then add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Add the rest of the ingredients and let simmer for approx. 1 hour or until tender.

All of the above recipes can be easily prepared and served in one dish. They are healthy, low calorie, low carb and great for helping you loose weight.

The holiday season is always a difficult time of year for those who are dieting. Attending parties or friends houses is fun but always hard when you are trying to be good. It is no doubt that the homemade goodies and treats, as the cakes and cookies are always tempting. We start to think about our New Years’ resolution and how we can start earlier. It is not as difficult as you might think to serve low carb party favourites. This can be done in a way that even your many guests will not know that the food served is for your diet. Make sure to have a bowl of chips and/or popcorn to satisfy everyone.

Hummus makes a nice vegetable dip. Place a large bowl of hummus out (which contains fewer than 5 carbs per serving) with a plate of cut up raw vegetables and whole wheat pita chips. This is a low carb appetizer that all will enjoy. Another easy idea is if you take regular sour cream and mix it blue cheese or ranch dressing and serve with cut up vegetables. Use regular sour cream as the lower fat products contain a higher carbohydrate count.

Your guests will also enjoy a plate of assorted cheeses. Blue cheese or cream cheese with an olive spread or pesto on top, look very nice on the tray and can contain between 2-4 cabs per serving. Serving these dips and spreads with cut up celery, carrots and peppers will make it a holiday favourite and yes, low in carbs.

Nuts are always great to put our. Chose a large assortment and put them in a big bowl. Almond, cashews, walnuts and any others you like, make a great finger food. All your guests can take a handful or two and enjoy this low carb treat. A tray of sliced meats can complete this spread. Slice up some turkey, chicken, salami and any others you like. Place them on a tray with pickles, gherkins and olives and serve. This is a beautiful spread for your guests as well as a great way to follow your low carb lifestyle.

We know that drinking is always part of the festive season. Drinking and dieting is a little difficult. The best drink, which is lowest in carbs, to serve is wine. A glass of red wine contains about 2 carbs per glass while a glass of white wine contains about 1 carb . Some of your guests, or yourself might enjoy a mixed alcoholic beverage instead. A great suggestion that is still low in carbs is a Vodka with diet Sprite, or Rum and diet Coke. If you want to get a little more adventurous you can serve Salty dogs. To prepare a Salty dog- salt the rim of a martini or high ball glass, add an ounce of tequila and top with a splash or as desired diet Sprite. These drinks will go well with all your party food, and keep the carb count down.