How this Fast Diet Lifestyle works: Eat these meals tomorrow. On another day this week, eat the meals from another post.  Eat sensibly the other days of the week.  That’s it.  Simple way to lose weight and be healthier.

This year Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is observed December 24 to January 1.  I hope no one will think it ‘cultural appropriation’ if I suggest some meals in the Hanukkah Tradition which also conform with the Fasting Lifestyle.   Hanukkah celebrates the struggles of the People of Israel to over-throw the domination of outsiders.  Many recipes contain a lot of oil to remember how one-day’s worth of sacred oil miraculously burned for 8 days. Sorry, we won’t be eating Potato Latkes today.  Other foods recall how the brave and wily Judith lulled the enemy general Holofernes into drunkenness with her salty cheese and strong wine.  Then she cut off his head, defeating his whole army. Thanks to friend Carol for her editing help.

Bleu Cheese ScrOmelette:   281 calories  10.7 g fat   0.6 g fiber   18.5 g protein  19.6 g carbs 281.4 mg Calcium    GF PB     Since eggs are pareve, you can eat them with cheese.

1 ½ two-oz 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.                                                                           3/8 oz bleu cheese [yes, you can get Kosher bleu cheese]                                                                            1 Tbsp fat-free cottage cheese                                                                                                                              3 oz strawberries OR applesauce, unsweetened                                                                                           3 oz fruit or green smoothie  or apple cider                                                                                              blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water

Mash the cheeses together with a fork or the back of a spoon. Whisk the eggs and put into a hot pan spritzed with cooking spray. Once the bottom of the eggs are set, dab on the cheese, fold and plate. Portion the applesauce, brew beverage, blend the smoothie or take it from the ‘fridge and shake it before serving. Mmm-yummy!

Salmon Roasted with Tomatoes and Parmesan: 288 calories   14.5 g fat    2.9 g fiber   27.5 g protein   7.9 g carbs   268 mg Calcium      PB GF          One of the earliest meals we made when starting the Fast Diet, this recipe hails from the Fast Diet book in a slightly altered form. Salmon is popular at Hanukkah and this is a fine way to prepare it.

4 oz salmon                                                                                                                                                             10 cherry tomatoes [5 oz]                                                                                                                                      1/2 cup peas OR ½ cup green beans OR 2 oz sugar snap peas                                                                                   seasonings to taste                                                                                                                                                  1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Spritz a small oven-proof pan with olive oil or non-stick spray. Put the salmon in the pan and sprinkle with seasonings of your choice. Arrange the tomatoes on/around the salmon.  Put the grated cheese on top and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Meanwhile steam the green vegetables. So easy.