People who are new to Fasting often pose the questions: “Can I really eat ‘anything I want’ on a Slow Day?” and “What should I eat on Slow Days?” To answer those questions, I have decided to add some blog posts to show some of the foods we eat on what the world calls NFDs [non-fast days] but which, in our house, we call ‘Slow Days.’ This feature will appear sporadically. 

Now for the answers. Can you really eat ANYTHING you want on a Slow Day?  Not really. If you eat too many calories every Slow Day, you will not lose weight. There are many questions asked on the FastDiet Forum which attest to that. Once in a while you can splurge, as long as it isn’t everyday. For what to eat on Slow Days, Dr. Mosley recommends a Mediterranean Diet. As for how we eat, an example follows.

Jacques Pepin is a darned good chef. Perhaps it is the fact that he was formerly the Executive Chef of the Howard Johnson’s chain that caused him to promote simple-to-prepare food that is achievable for the ‘average’ cook. One such recipe, from his book Fast Food My Way, is called Summertime Pasta. [When he talks about Fast Food, he means the kind that is quick to prepare, not the type we eat on a FAST Day***. ] If ever there was a time when one wants to keep prep time to a minimum, Summer is it. It amazes me how easy this meal is on the cook and how fine it is to eat it. We dine on it ourselves and serve it to company. It is that good.

Sv 4	Sv 2
3 c. tomatoes in ½“ dice 1 ½ c. zucchini in ½“ dice 1 c. white mushrooms, ½” dice 1 tsp salt + black pepper 1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil	6 oz diced tomatoes ¾ c diced zucchini ½ c diced mushrooms ½ tsp salt + black pepper 3 Tbsp EVOO	Mix everything in a microwavable glass bowl.
6 oz pasta shells, whole wheat 2 qts water salt	3 oz shells, whole wheat 1 qt water salt	20 minutes before serving, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the pasta and cook about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain.
		Microwave the vegetables for 2 minutes or longer until they are lukewarm.
1 c. grated Parmesan cheese	½ c Parmesan	Combine the drained pasta with the warm vegetables, then stir in the cheese.
1½ c. Fresh basil leaves, shredded	¾ c. Fresh basil leaves	Plate, and top with basil.

If you wish, you can add chunks of chicken or grilled shrimp to the dish to add more protein. Delicious.

***Truth be told, I do have a version of this recipe that is fine for a Fast Day. One of these days, I will share it with you.