If you are serious about losing weight, then you really ought to consider a vegetarian weight-loss diet.

Yuk! you think. You'd rather have a full meat and potatoes meal any time, I know... But take a look at yourself in the mirror.

Now, do you know anyone who's a vegan or a vegetarian? Maybe some friends of friends someplace? Well go and take a look at them and they won't be overweight. They'll likely be so healthy they make you sick.

But that's my whole point. It's hard to get fat, or even stay fat, on a staple diet of fruits and vegetables.

Some vegetarians will eat eggs and milk products, but vegans refuse to use any animal products whatsoever. (They even wear cloth or plastic shoes instead of leather ones.)

Vegans and vegetarians can still get their proteins from pulses... beans, peas and other vegetables and fruit.

Where do you find any vegans and vegetarians to check them out? Well some religions don't eat meat. These include Buddhists and some Hindu sects, such as the Hari Krishnas. Actually the Krishnas often give away free books on vegetarian cooking, so if you can find a local temple, go and ask them. You should be able to get a cook book off them for nothing, or perhaps a small donation.

And people who are deeply into Yoga believe meat eating makes a person more violent and incites carnal desire. Not that there's anything wrong with the desire part, but most Yogis like to control those urges rather than encourage them.

So remember. As a rule, vegetarians and vegans are not overweight. They glow with health, and you can too. Just be willing to go on a vegetarian weight loss diet - and stick to it for at least six months.