BREAKFAST cereals should be removed from your diet, according to a local voluntary group promoting the health benefits of low-carbohydrate eating.

Low Carb Skipton, founded by food scientist Dr Verner Wheelock, is holding a meeting to discuss the 'risks' of starting your day by eating the 'wrong foods'.

The voluntary group - which has members from around Craven, Wharfedale and the Aire Valley - will hear nutrition researchers outline the case for a low-carbohydrate/healthy fats approach to breakfast.

The meeting will be held at Skipton's Rendezvous Hotel which is owned by Malcolm Weaving, a Type 2 diabetic and supporter of the group. The event, at 7pm on Monday, is aimed at diabetics, people with other serious conditions or those who simply want a healthier lifestyle.

Along with a growing number of medical experts, the group is concerned about the high amount of carbohydrates and sugars contained in a range of foods including the average breakfast cereal.

"The spike in blood glucose levels caused by breakfast cereals is particularly worrying for diabetics, but it's also a big negative for anyone wanting to reduce their carbohydrates. Based on an increasing amount of authoritative science, it's clear we all need to be eating more healthy fats and fewer carbs," said Dr Wheelock.

Nutrition researcher Sarah Thomas, one of the speakers at the meeting, will mount the case for a low carb/full fat diet and argue that we can get all of the energy we need from a range of foods without turning to carbohydrates.

Recipes will also be handed out at the meeting for a low carb/healthy fats 'start to the day'.

Monday's meeting will begin at 7pm. For further information contact group chairman Keith Rathbone at keithrathbone@hotmail.co.uk or Verner Wheelock at verner.wheelock@vwa.co.uk, telephone 01535 636008.