The  Volumetric Diet is really quite simple.  Devised by Nutritionist Barbara Rolls, PhD, the principle "rule" of the diet is to eat lots of low density foods with high water content.  You’ll feel full while taking in fewer calories, all without feeling "deprived" like traditional diets.

It all began by observing that participants who ate a salad or soup before a meal consumed less calories.  Now Rolls recommends eating lots of low density foods.  By filling up on non-starchy vegetables, fat free milk, broth, fruit with high water content, fiber, fish and lean protein, you’ll be taking in fewer calories without feeling deprived.  Most importantly, you won’t shut down your metabolism in the process.

Start incorporating Volumetric Dieting into your day by eating a salad or a cup of soup before your regular meal.  I tried this  last night and found just eating a cup of chicken broth really cut down on the quantity of food I ate for "dinner".

This dieting trick works because lettuce has very few calories so you’ll be filling up with this low calorie food instead of the higher calorie "main course" fare.  Just be sure if you’re eating a salad that you don’t overload your salad with extra calories from dressings, bacon bits, cheeses and the like.

An article at the Independent is reporting that studies have been released showing that drinking soft drinks can not only be bad for your weight, they’re also bad for your health.

According to the article:

Research from a British university suggests a common preservative found in drinks such as Fanta and Pepsi Max has the ability to switch off vital parts of DNA.

The problem - more usually associated with ageing and alcohol abuse - can eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.

The culprit appears to be the additive sodium benzoate and when combined with the additive vitamin C causes the carcinogen benzene. 

Sodium benzoate was studied by the World Health Organisation in 2000 and at that time, it was concluded that the additive was safe, however it was noted that the available science supporting its safety was "limited".  This most recent study appears to contradict the previous findings.

If you or your family are addicted to the fizzy stuff, it’s time to replace it with a safer more healthy beverage.  There is GREAT concern for the effects on children who consume large quantities of soft drinks.

If you need SERIOUS help in the battle against the extra pounds, there’s a new diet pill on the horizon that is FDA approved!  The latest news is all about Alli, the over the counter version of Orlistat will be available in stores in just a few weeks. 

Orlistat is the prescription strength version of the drug, previously available only with a doctor’s prescription.  Now, Alli can help you lose 50% more weight than with diet and exercise alone.  Research shows that women who use Alli will lose 5-10% of their body weight in six months.

What you need to know is Orlistat only blocks calories from dietary fat.  That means loading up on fat free goodies isn’t the fast track to losing those extra pounds. The laws of nature still apply.  You still must burn more calories than you take in to lose weight.

You should also know that if you eat too much fat (more than 15 grams) you’ll experience significant discomfort in the form of gas and/or abnormal bowel movements. 

Is Alli for you?  Well, if you’re an overweight adult who is committed to making simple dietary and lifestyle changes, then Alli may be for you.  As with all medications (even over the counter ones) check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Alli.  If you’re on immunosuppressants or blood thinners, then chances are that Alli is probably not for you.