Montignac claims that calories are irrelevant, since it's when the insulin level is boosted that the body makes the fat. The proof is in the pudding. I'll see soon enough whether or not I lose weight eating nuts and fruits without resraint

I don't have any beef stew, but a variety of crock pot stews made using lots of vegetables, including potatoes (and yams, parsnips, turnips, and some with soy-based 'meatballs'). And you are welcome to them - if you don't like them you can always toss them.