Remember Club Med — all those sleek, happy people frolicking on the beach in the ads? I don’t even know if it exists anymore, but who doesn’t dream of a beach vacation in February? [OK: those of you reading from Australia and New Zealand are having beach weather now. But not those of us a 44° North latitude.] If you can’t get away, at least your food can evoke sunny climes. Breakfast in Southern France and dinner in Morocco — how does that sound? And Fasting will prepare us for future days in the sun, wearing bathing suits…hold that thought.
Chèvre & Spinach Bake: 279 calories 7.3 g fat 2.9 g fiber 13.4 g protein 39 g carbs 230 mg Calcium PB GF The goat cheese makes a sublime partner for spinach and the egg.
1 two-oz egg ¼ cup cooked spinach, drained/squeezed 2 tsp creamy chèvre cheese lemon-dill seasoning + salt + pepper 1 oz pear OR apple OR applesauce blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water 5-6 oz fruit smoothie, green smoothie or natural apple cider
Combine the spinach, cheese, and seasonings. Whisk in the egg and pour into a lightly-oiled or spritzed ramekin. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 12-15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the hot beverage and smoothie; plate the fruit. What a nice way to start the day.
Moroccan Tuna: 278 calories 1.4 g fat 7.2 g fiber 34.3 g protein 20.4 g carbs PB GF
4 oz tuna steak [When I see frozen tuna steaks at the supermarket, I get a few to freeze] Moroccan spices or a mixture of ground cumin, mint, and cilantro 1/3 cup white beans, rinsed and drained [Goya brand is always reliable] 1 slice preserved lemon OR 1 slice fresh lemon side vegetables, choose ONE: 1/3 cup peas with mint OR 1/2 cup broccoli florets sprinkled with cumin OR 2/3 cupgreen beans sprinkled with cilantro ½ of a clementine
Rub tuna on both sides with Moroccan spices. Chop the lemon and stir into the beans. Bake the tuna on a cast iron skillet for 4-5 minutes per side in a 400 degree oven. When the vegetable is cooked, drain and stir in the seasoning. Section the clementine and plate it all artistically.
This article nicely sums up what I’ve been saying: Fasting is good for you! https://www.yahoo.com/style/fasting-affects-metabolism-233917630.html summary: Health perks though that appear to come from intermittent fasting. When compared to traditional dieting, research suggests that intermittent fasting: Causes greater fat loss in abdominal area Causes less loss of lean body mass Improves cholesterol numbers and fasting insulin Decreases inflammatory markers.