5 years ago i had to undergo a really bad cardiac operation, they took out a cardiac valve, replaced it with some cool bionic gear and released me with loads of good hints for better food. they are similar to camel's;

1) i subscribe to everything Noel mentioned; if you follow these rules you'll be ok. but think in long terms.

2) diets are crap. what's the need of a diet actually? you'll lose huge amounts of water and regain them soon after.

3) eat fruit for breakfast, as much as you want, i usually have a choice of pears, apples, mangoes, ananas in stock. favoured drink: water, cold or hot. no joke, hot water has been tested in ayurveda for eons - it will provide you with liquid and reduce your hunger. you may add lemon juice.

4) mediterranean cuisine - lots of vegetables, fish, a little meat, many great spices. have a glass of wine or 2, if you like. many of these recipes aren't too difficult and can be prepared in 20-30 minutes. eat whatever you like, but don't eat much of it. eat slowly. if you think you are in a really bad need of Panna Cotta with raspberry sauce - eat it. but have a litre of water before. you won't eat much of it. avoid butter, dairy...i don't know who invented the fact that large amounts of yoghurt are healthy.

5) don't think too much about about eating!

[6) don't go to russia, try to avoid invitations, don't go to the bazar, don't meet friends. just don't ;) ]

jj