Sampling different cuisines is something I enjoy. One of my challenges as a meal-planner is to mix it up and have a lot of variety. You don’t have to sample everything I post, but if you are an adventurous eater, then you can say, “I’ll have some of that today.”  AND you can still lose weight.

Laughing Herb Omelette 287 calories                                                                             PB

1 ½ eggs HINT: If you are serving one person, crack three 2-oz eggs into a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Whip up those eggs and pour half of their volume, into a jar with a lid and put it in the ‘fridge for next week                                                                         1/2 section Vache Qui Rit [Laughing Cow] cheese                                                                             1.5 Tbsp fresh herbs — your choice                                                                                                              3 oz apple                                                                                                                                                             ½ slice bread  Nature’s Own is still my go-to for Fast Day                                                                 5-6 oz green smoothie or fruit smoothie or natural apple cider                                              blackish tea or blackish coffee or hot water with lemon

Whisk the eggs and herbs together. Take the cheese from the ‘fridge [HINT: keep it cold so that it will slice better] and slice it into as many thin slices as you can. Spritz a hot non-stick or cast iron pan with cooking oil and pour in the eggs/herbs. When the bottom begins to set, lay the cheese slices over half the surface of the eggs. Cook to your degree of doneness, fold and plate. Slice apple, toast bread, shake up the smoothie, pour your hot beverage and laugh along with the cow.

Red Beans & Rice   280 calories   1.2 g. fat    13 g. protein    57.5 g. carb   PB    GF

This is the old classic recipe for the ‘perfect protein’. Yeah, you’re right, the carbs are way out of control, but for a once-in-a-while this is really good. HINT: This is enough for 4 servings! Either have a gathering or cut the recipe or freeze in 1 cup portions for later.

2 cups brown rice, cooked                                                                                                                        ½ cup celery, chopped                                                                                                                                 ½ cup sweet yellow pepper, diced                                                                                                              1 cup onion, chopped                                                                                                                                     2 cloves garlic, minced                                                                                                                                  ¾ cup tomato sauce                                                                                                                            oregano,   black pepper                                                                                                                                 2 cups red beans, drained and rinsed [Goya brand is very good]                                                   ½ cup green beans per serving

Cook the rice. Spritz a non-stick pan with oil and saute the celery, pepper, and onions for 5 minutes, adding a bit of water if it seems dry. Add the garlic and cook 5 minutes more. Add the tomato sauce and seasonings. Stir in the red beans and heat through. When the rice is done, add 2 cups to the mixture. Serve with the cooked green beans.