by Concita Demicoli
Friday, 12 January, 2007

I have been browsing the net over the past few days seeing what is new in the field of diets and diet plans. A new concept which seems to be quite successful in the US is the Diet for Dummies. This diet comes complete with a personalised meal planner based on your food preferences. Apparently, the “trick” that this diet is based on is that it shocks your metabolism and makes it burn calories constantly.

I have read a number of blogs where people state that this diet has been successful for them. I would like to know whether you have tried it and it has worked. If you are trying to lose weight, don’t believe in miracle pills or miracle diet plans. The key to successful weight loss is eating at regular intervals of about 2 hours and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and low fat protein such as chicken and fish.

Exercise is a must, even though it might break your back, a walk around the block will get you going. If you are past the stage of walking, then enrol in a gym. It is not only a place for young slim people any more. People joining a gym vary from 65-year old pensioners to 50-year old housewives to 20-year old fitness freaks so there is no need for anyone to feel intimidated!

When choosing your gym make sure that it is convenient for you. Even though a gym might be Lm10 cheaper, paying less may result in you not attending as often. Ideally we should visit the gym 3 times a week with an exercise programme set on the life-style and goals you want to achieve. Make sure your gym has a qualified trainer that will show you how to use the machines as well as any exercises or workouts you should be doing.

I still believe that shying away from bread, biscuits, chocolates and crackers will reduce your waist size! So this week I shall be giving the recipe for some healthy stir fried vegetables to serve with your grilled fish or chicken.

Here is what you’ll need to make a large portion of side salad:
1 whole small cabbage or 1/2 large cabbage - shredded;
3 carrots;
2 leeks;
1/3 fresh fennel bulb;
Fresh Baby corn;
1 large green bell pepper;
1 large red bell pepper;
1 large onion;
2 garlic cloves;
Soy sauce/ Worchestershire sauce.

Start off by washing all your vegetables. Next peel the onions and slice them thinly, peel the carrots and cut them into strips. Peel the outer layers of the leek and half it, now cut it lengthwise into long strips. Try and have the same size of leeks as your carrots have been cut.

Next cut the bell peppers in half and remove the inner seeds. Now cut them into strips too.

Heat a large pot or a wok, should you have one. Start off by placing the onions and garlic over medium heat. Once the garlic softens, add the carrot and fennel. If you do not find fresh fennel, then you may sprinkle some seeds at this point.

Once the carrots soften slightly, add all the other ingredients and your choice of soy or worchestershire sauce. Mix the vegetables continuously until they are cooked but not soft. Your cabbages should be served firm.

Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

This dish does not take long to cook, it should take around 30 minutes from preparing your vegetables to serving them. Should you have any left overs, keep them in the fridge and re-heat before using. Do not keep these leftovers for more than 2 days.

Should you like to contact me, please email me on cooktalk@di-ve.com.

Source: di-ve.com