How this Fast Diet Lifestyle works: Eat these meals tomorrow, for a calorie total of less than 600. On another day this week, eat the meals from a different post, another day of eating 600 calories or less. Eat sensibly the other days of the week. That’s it: a simple way to lose weight and be healthier.

This time of year, there are plenty of mushrooms. IF you know what to collect, they are your’s for the taking.  Find a friend who is knowledgeable or join a mycological society that goes out for forays. Learn to identify one type of mushroom reliably and the fun begins.  Mushrooms work nicely in the Fasting Lifestyle because they are nutritious and flavorful but low in calories when used correctly. Wild mushrooms can be found at farmers’ markets, too. Eat at breakfast and dinner when they are in season. Such a treat.

Mushroom ScrOmelette     297 calories    5.8 g fat     2.4 g fiber      15 g protein     33 g carb     212 mg Calcium   NB: Food values shown are for the ScrOmelette and fruit only, and do not include the optional beverages. PB   GF Mushrooms combine well with Parmesan cheese. Apples add the flavor of Fall.

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.                 ½ oz fresh mushrooms, chopped                                                                                                                           ½ tsp grated Parmesan cheese                1 ½ oz of apple or plum    Optional: 5 oz fruit smoothie or berry-yogurt smoothie [88 calories] Optional: blackish coffee [53 calories] or blackish tea or mocha cafe au lait [65 calories] or lemon in hot water 

Chop or slice the mushrooms and saute with a little water in a skillet. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside. Now whisk the 1.5 eggs with seasonings to taste. Pour into a heated skillet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cook, tipping the pan and lifting the cooked eggs until the bottom is set but the top is still moist. Top with the mushrooms and cheese, fold and plate. Serve with fruit, plus your beverage and smoothie. You are off to a good start.

Mushroom Tart: 268 calories 10 g fat 3.2 g fiber 22.6 g protein 16.4 g carbs 241 mg Calcium PB GF – if you eliminate the Arnold Sandwich Thin or substitute 25 calories of GF bread The Gunflint Lodge Cookbook supplied this recipe. Then, of course, I altered it to suit our requirements. But mostly, it is their’s!

1 small clove garlic         ¼ cup leeks, white and/or green parts, sliced                                                                                               6 oz mushrooms, cut into chunks or slices                      2 Tbsp white wine                                                                                                                                                two 2-oz eggs                     ½ cup fatfree milk                                                                                                                                                      ¼ cup Gruyère cheese, grated           ½ cup lowfat cottage cheese                                                                                                                                      1 and ¼ oz carrots                            ¼ Arnold Sandwich Thin

Sauté/steam the leeks, garlic, and mushrooms in a little water until soft. Add the wine and cook uncovered until the liquid is nearly gone. Season with salt and pepper. Put the vegetables into a lightly-oil-spritzed baking dish, and cover with the cheese. Whisk eggs, milk, and cottage cheese together and pour over everything in the baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees until the filling is set [knife stuck into center comes out clean]. Remove from oven and cool 15-20 minutes before eating. Prepare your carrots and slice the Sandwich Thin, toasting it if you wish. A tasty Autumn meal.