low carbohydrate meals

Indian Summer

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How this Fast Diet Lifestyle works: Eat these meals tomorrow. On Thursday, eat the meals that will be posted on Wednesday.  Eat sensibly the other days of the week.  That’s it.  Simple way to lose weight and be healthier.                                                                      Welcome to Kanhaiya L. who is now Following.

Here we are on the other side of Fall: it is darker, the color is gone from the leaves, and as Ned Stark would say, “Winter is coming.”  And yet… along comes a warm day or two to get our hopes up.  “Indian Summer,” as it is called around here, is a spell of warmer weather following the killing frost.  One can imagine the early Europeans, trying to hack an existence out of the New England landscape, going into despair as the cold weather arrived.  “This is not like England,” they’d moan. “We should have more time to get ready for winter!”  “Not to worry,” their First Nations allies [at that point in time they still had not thoroughly alienated the locals] would rejoin, “There will be more warm weather.”  And since they were correct, the Europeans dubbed it Indian Summer.  The Old Farmer’s Almanac says that it begins this year on November 12, so let’s enjoy it.                                   In honor of those warmer days, we will enjoy some foods of summer once again.  Breakfast will include melon, which is available Summer and Fall, paired deliciously with prosciutto which is the product of Autumn. For dinner, a chance to grill again by putting tuna and summer vegetables on the flames. And although we are talking about Fall in northern New England, these recipes will whisk you off to a sunny Mediterranean diet.

Prosciutto & Melon Plate:  266 calories  7.3 g fat   2.2 g fiber  23.6 g protein   36 g carbs [24 g Complex]  294 mg Calcium   PB GF  Once again the Inn at Saint Peter’s inspires a breakfast! Nothing beats the salty-sweet flavor combination of this meal. HINT: I plated everything the night before and stored the plates in zipper-close bags in the refrigerator.Prosciutto-Melon Plate

4 oz canteloupe melon [Charentais melon would be fabulous!]                                                              1 oz thinly-sliced prosciutto                                                                                                                                     ¼ cup red onion pickle                                                                                                                                        0.1 oz shavings of Parmesan cheese                                                                                                            fresh basil or mint leaves OR crumbled dried basil                                                                                                          drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction, optional                                                                                       blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water                                                                                               5-6 oz fruit smoothie, green smoothie or natural apple cider

Cut the melon into bite-sized cubes [8 pieces look well on the plate]. Cut the prosciutto into 8 long strips [mine were 1”x4”]. Arrange the melon and ham in a circle on the plate with the red onion in the center. Shave off curls of Parmesan and place them on top. If using fresh herb leaves, tuck them in here and there. If using dried herbs, rub the leaves in your palms to crumble over the plate. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if you wish. Serve with your chosen beverages. Wonderful flavors, however you combine them on your fork.

Tuna with Grilled Vegetables:  244 calories   7 g fat  3.9 g fiber  29 g protein  14.6 g carbs  [10.6 g Complex]  32.5 mg Calcium  PB GF  The recipe comes from the Fast Diet Book and it is wonderful. An exemplar of the Mediterranean Diet.tuna & grilled veg

6 oz tuna steak                                                                                                                                                          4 oz red bell peppers                                                                                                                                               5 oz zucchini  or summer squash                                                                                                                                  2 oz cherry tomatoes                                                                                                                                               1 tsp olive oil                                                                                                                                                        splash of lemon juice

Cut the peppers into long strips. Same with the zucchini. Toss all the vegetables with the olive oil. Cook the tuna and vegetables on a grill pan or grill, 3 minutes on each side. Serve with the lemon juice. Delicious and quick.

The Little Flower

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How this Fast Diet Lifestyle works: Eat these meals tomorrow. On Thursday, eat the meals that will be posted on Wednesday.  Eat sensibly the other days of the week.  That’s it.  Simple way to lose weight and be healthier.                                                                         Welcome to IBliss who is now Following.

Who is the Little Flower? Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. How did she get to be a saint? By paying attention to the little things. The petted daughter of a well-to-do family in Normandy, she grew up with a strong faith.  But at age 14, on Christmas Eve, she had an epiphany: rather than thinking of herself, she should consider the feelings of others. When she entered the convent, she sought a quiet, simple life of devotion. But she found her calling to be doing everything with joy so that others could be happier.  Her ‘little ways’ were noticed and she was asked to write down her philosophy to share with other nuns of the Carmelite order. She often used flowers as a metaphor for humility, and became known as the “Little Flower.” With my surname of Flower, it is no surprise that I would be drawn to Saint Thérèse. But the main appeal is her simple approach to happiness.  We can learn a lot from that.                                                                                                   How can you achieve your goal of losing weight? By paying attention to the little things: Fasting Days twice each week; avoiding low-nutrition foods; eating mindfully; taking time to savor the taste of food as you eat it; being happy in even small successes in weight loss.  In honor of good Saint Thérèse, our breakfast features Camembert from Normandy, of course.  And dinner evokes Springtime, when the flowers start to bloom.

Camembert Bake: 287 calories  10 g fat  2.5 g fiber  14.3 g protein  35 g carbs [32 g Complex] 241 mg Calcium   PB GF  The best-known cheese of Normandy stars in this egg dish. Easy to prepare and so delicious. I hope you will try it.Camambert Bake

One 2-oz egg                                                                                                                                                                       ½ oz Camembert                                                                                                                                                         1 tsp Dijon mustard                                                                                                                                          grating of nutmeg                                                                                                                                                       2 oz strawberries OR 1.5 oz apple slices                                                                                                                                       blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon juice & hot water                                                                                    5-6 oz fruit smoothie or natural apple cider

Cut the cheese [rind and all] into small chunks and leave to soften at room temperature. Stir in the mustard and nutmeg. Whisk the egg, then stir in the cheese mixture. Pour into an oven-proof dish that has been spritzed with non-stick spray and bake at 350 F for 12-15 minutes. When the beverages are ready, plate with the fruit.

Springtime Shrimp Salad:   192 calories   7 g fat  3.6 g fiber   17 g protein  17 g carbs   114 mg Calcium PB GF  In Spring, the clementines are decreasing in the markets and the asparagus is increasing. A salad with shrimp is delightfully delicious, even if in Autumn you have to swap out some ingredients.Springtime Shrimp Salad

2 cups mesclun OR baby greens                                                                                                                     2.5 oz cold-water shrimp                                                                                                                                     8-9 sections clementine  OR other citrus                                                                                                          1-3/4 oz asparagus  OR green beans                                                                                                                   ¾ oz mango                                                                                                                                                                  ½ hard-boiled egg                                                                                                                                                     2 tsp Spicy Aioli Dressing [see SPICYMay 23 ’18 for recipe]

Prepare all the ingredients, cutting or cooking as necessary. Combine the Dressing and measure 2 tsp into a large bowl. Toss the salad greens with the Dressing and a pinch of salt. Turn onto the serving plate and arrange the other ingredients atop the greens. Enjoy the colors and flavors of Spring. If you can, sprinkle some little flowers on the salad:  pansies, violets, flowers from herbs blooming in your garden.

Nellie Bly

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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. Simple way to lose weight and be healthier.

Nellie Bly was an intrepid investigative journalist.  Among other stories she pursued, she was sent to see if one really could go around the world in 80 days, as described in the Jules Verne book of the same title. Tomorrow is the anniversary of her return in 1890, breaking the ‘record’ set in the fictional narrative.  And so I offer meals from the ends of the earth: Europe and Asia. In other words, around the world in less than 600 calories!

‘Pan Bagne’ ScrOmelette:   303 calories   9.5 g fat   2 g fiber   15 g protein   36 g carbs   236 mg Calcium     PB   GF   Pan Bagne is a wonderful layered sandwich which we enjoy in the summer. Each of the 7 layers is a distinct yet complimentary flavor. This recipe combines several of the components, without all the oil, tuna, and bread. The result is delicious.pan-bagne-scromelette

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, crack 3 2-oz eggs into a jar with a lid and put it in the ‘fridge for next week                                         1/2 black olive, pitted and chopped       1/2 Tbsp chevre cheese                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1 Tbsp crushed tomatoes                                                                                                                                    1/2 Tbsp spinach, cooked and chopped                                                                                                         ¼ tsp dried basil           ½ oz apple                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            optional:  5-6 oz fruit smoothie or pure apple cider                                                                                                  optional: blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water

Stir and cream the olive, cheese, tomatoes, spinach, and basil until nicely blended. Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Continue whisking as you add the vegetable/cheese mixture and blend as thoroughly as possible. Scramble to taste. Brew your beverage and shake the smoothie. Slice the apple and settle in for a flavorful meal.

Chicken Stirfry:    268 calories    7 g fat    6.5 g fiber     28 g protein    21 g carbs     113.4 mg Calcium    PB GF    From the official FastDiet.com website!  The recipe is easy and delicious.Chicken Stirfry

4 oz chicken breast               1.5 Tbsp lemon juice                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2 tsp soy sauce             1 tsp olive oil  + 2 Tbsp water                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1 tsp fresh ginger, minced                                                                                                                                    1 clove garlic, crushed and chopped                                                                                                               1.5 cups cabbage, sliced       1 cup carrots, julienned                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ½ cup snow peas OR 2 oz asparagus OR 2 oz bell peppers OR 1 oz broccoli

Cut chicken into strips and marinate in lemon juice and soy sauce while you prepare the vegetables. Stirfry the vegetables in oil and 2 Tbsp water for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger. Count to 30 and add the chicken with the marinade. Stir-fry 1-2 minutes more to cook the chicken through.

Pork & Poultry

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We enjoy a variety of foods, and why not?  “Life is a cabaret, my friend” as the song says, or in a food metaphor, life is an endless buffet.  But then it comes down to the choosing: which foods? which combinations? what results from those choices?  If your goal is truly to lose weight and be more healthy, then follow along with the menus presented here.  Eat from these recipes twice a week and see the results of your good decisions.   And here’s an article from the LA Times, about eating less: http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-eat-less-feel-better-20160502-story.

Rounds:   273 calories      4.4 g fat     1.7 g fiber       12 g protein    39.4 g carbs    210 mg Calcium PB   HINT: Prepare the ham patty** the day [or more] before and use one of the ‘pan muffins’ from “Remember When…” Dec. 11, 2016rounds

1 ham patty**                                                                                                                                                                           1 pan muffin                                                                                                                                                              2 oz sliced apple, such as Granny Smith                                                                                                      blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water                                                                                   5-6 oz green smoothie or fruit smoothie or unpasturized apple cider

** Ham patty: 1.5 oz lean ham, chopped                                                                                                         ¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese, drained                                                                                                              1 egg white [1.5 Tbsp]         ¾ oz whole-grain 70-calorie bread, shredded                                                            sage, salt, pepper to taste                                                                                                                          Combine and let sit for about 30 minutes to moisten all ingredients.                                           Portion out using a 2 Tbsp coffee  measure. Makes 5 patties.                                                            Spritz a medium-hot pan with oil and cook until firm.                                                                   Freeze or store in ‘fridge.

So if both the ham patty and pan muffin were prepared before, this goes together before you can brew the coffee! Slice the apple into rounds, rather than the usual wedges. Arrange everything on the plate, heat your hot beverage, shake your smoothie. Shazam – breakfast in no time.

Chicken Provinçal: 270 cal   7.6 g fat   24.4 g protein   19.4 g carbs   GF    This recipe is from the Culinary Institute of America, with a few tweeks by me.chicken-provincal

3 oz chicken breast, boneless & skinless                                                                                                         1 Tbsp flour  + salt + pepper                                                                                                                                 1 tsp olive oil                                                                                                                                                             1 garlic clove, minced                                                                                                                                          1 anchovy fillet, oil rinsed off                                                                                                                               1 Tbsp dry white wine                                                                                                                                       ½ c tomatoes, chopped, drained,  juice retained                                                                                                            2 Tbsp chicken stock                                                                                                                                              2 cured black olives, sliced                                                                                                                                   2-3 oz broccoli/cauliflower florets

Fillet the chicken breast meat by cutting it along the thin side to create 2 slices. These will cook faster, as well as looking like more food on the plate! Sprinkle the flour over the chicken to coat it lightly. Heat the oil in a small non-stick skillet and cook the chicken on one side. Turn once to cook the other side, remove from pan. Put the garlic, anchovy, tomatoes, and wine in the pan, mashing the solids with a spoon as they heat. Momentarily, add the chicken stock and olives to warm them and cook until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the pan to heat it briefly. If the sauce is in danger of cooking off, add some tomato juices or water or more stock. Cook the broccoli and enjoy your meal from southern France.

Simple Eating

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Some recipes have become classics over the years because they are simple to prepare.  “Pasta Puttenesca” is made of common ingredients found in most Italian kitchens yet it is as beloved in restaurants as if it were exotic.  And what could be more easy than roasted chicken and vegetables?  No one ever said that preparing meals from scratch had to be difficult!  The Fasting Lifestyle likes food that is healthy, simple, and delicious.

Puttenesca ScrOmelette:   301 calories   8.5 g fat   1.7 g fiber   15 g protein   38 g carbs    233 mg Calcium   PB GF    Yup. “Puttenesca” means ‘street-walker.’ This breakfast is based on the flavors of the iconic Roman pasta dish. If you ever make a dinner with that sauce, save some out to season this breakfast.puttenesca-scromelette

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                                                                                                      1.5 Tbsp marinara sauce + 1 Tbsp marinated mushrooms + 2 tsp capers, drained + 2 black olives, chopped OR 3 Tbsp puttenesca sauce from your recipe or from a jar                                               1/2 clementine                                                                                                                                                              5 oz fruit smoothie or green smoothie                                                                                                            blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water

Whisk the sauce into the eggs and scramble or cook as a rolled omelette. Enjoy with the hot beverage, smoothie, and clementine.

Chicken/Turkey Dinner     284 calories      4.5 g fat     9.3 g fiber       31.6 g protein 34.2 g carbs      58.2 mg Calcium      PB   Perfect use for left-over roasted chicken breast. Instead of potatoes, enjoy the crunch of high-fiber crackers. So low in calories that you may even have some lovely fruit for dessert!  This is a very large meal.  If you can’t finish it all, dice the meat and vegetables; add an equal amount of flavorful chicken broth; toss in some chopped herbs and maybe a little pasta, and you’ll have a lovely lunch.chicken-dinner-w-beans-carrots

4 ounces roasted chicken or turkey breast meat, without skin                                                                                           1/2 cup [3 0z] green beans                                                                                                                            1/2 cup [2 oz] carrots, sliced as coins                                                                                                                                 2 pieces Finn Crisp crackers                                                                                                                      1/2 cup sliced strawberries [optional]

Steam or boil the beans and peas separately. After draining the vegetables, put the cooked chicken meat in the cooking water pot, off the heat and with the lid on.  This will take the chill off the meat.  Enjoy with the crackers and then savor your dessert.

 

 

 

In the Hanukkah Tradition

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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.bleu-cheese-omelette-w-s-bs

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.Roasted salmon w: yellow tomatoes & peas

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. 

French Cheeses

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We love cheese.  Often when people are thinking about dieting, they think of all the foods that will be off-limits.  Cheese, high in calories and saturated fats, is often the first to go. But in the Fasting Lifestyle, it is possible to enjoy cheese — in moderation of course.  Today’s menu features two fine French cheeses which are available and delicious.

Chevre/Spinach ScrOmelette: 289 calories      10.3 g fat      1.8 g fiber     18 g protein      29 g carbs      287.5 mg Calcium         PB GF Unbelievable how delicious this is! Wonderful rich flavors for days when the sun barely gets up in time for breakfast.chevrespinach-scromelette

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.                                                                                1 Tbsp chevre cheese                                                                                                                                                 3 Tbsp cooked spinach [HINT: I try to keep small containers of cooked spinach in the freezer. Very handy]                                                                                                                                                               pinch lemon dill seasonings + salt + pepper                                                                                                  2 oz applesauce, unsweetened                                                                                                                                     3 oz fruit smoothie or natural apple cider                                                                                                          blackish coffee or tea or lemon in hot water

Strain and squeeze the spinach to get all the water out. Chop the spinach. Mix the spinach and chevre with the seasonings in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk the eggs into the spinach/chevre and keep whisking until it is all mixed. Cook as you would for scrambled eggs in a lightly-spritzed pan. Portion the applesauce [unless you did this the night before], prep the hot beverage, shake or blend the smoothie and enjoy a really flavorful breakfast

Beet & Bleu Cheese Salad 288 calories   11 g fat   5.3 g fiber   13.7 g protein    19.5 g carb   212 mg Calcium    PB  GF      This recipe takes me back to an old restaurant 2 blocks north of Nôtre Dame in Paris. Dinner at Au Bougnat was a treat and eating this meal evokes fond memories.Beet & Bleu Cheese Salad

2.5 oz beets, cooked, skinned, sliced or cubed, cooled                                                                                1 and 1/4 oz bleu cheese, cubed or crumbled                                                                                                 1.5 oz tomato, sliced or cubed                                                                                                                          3.5 walnut halves [or use slivered almonds if you don’t eat walnuts]                                                       1 oz white beans, rinsed and drained if using canned                                                                             2.5 c. salad greens                                                                                                                                       Dressing: 3/4 tsp olive oil + 3/4 tsp balsamic vinegar                                                                        garnishes: pansy, chive, or nastursum flowers; scallions

Assemble and prep all vegetable ingredients. Whisk oil and vinegar in a wide bowl. Put greens in the bowl and toss. Place in serving bowl and arrange the other ingredients on top. Add a few garnishes. Voila! A beautiful meal.

Granny Food

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Both of my grandmothers lived to ripe old ages, and I intend to as well.  Part of my plan is to stick with the Fast Diet.  The benefits of the Fasting Lifestyle include: weight management; lower risk of heart disease; lower risk of diabetes and certain cancers; giving the body a chance to rest; and the growth of new brain cells. I know that my grandmothers did not eat the menu which I propose for today, but the breakfast does contain ‘Granny Smith’ apples!                    Read this article if you think that skipping a meal is the same as Fasting: Fasting vs. Meal Skipping: What’s the Difference and is it Safe?    http://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/fasting-vs-meal-skipping-whats-the-difference-and-is-it-safe.html/

Gravlax & Grannies: 267 calories    3.9 g fat    2.4 g fiber    15.6 g protein     43 g carbs   199 mg Calcium       PG  GF   We enjoyed an appetizer at the Inn at Saint Peters:  their Smoked Trout with Apples. It occurred to me that this could be a fine breakfast for those who enjoy a savory/seafood taste in the a.m.   I substituted mackerel gravlax for the smoked trout, just because that was on hand, but it was a grey-brown instead of the lighter hue of the trout or the pink of a salmon.gravlax-apples

1 oz mackerel gravlax or 1 oz smoked trout or 1.5 oz smoked salmon                                                                       2 oz Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced; each slice cut into 1/2-moons                                                 ¼ c blueberries, with a couple of raspberries for fun                                                                                                                                        blackish coffee, blackish tea, or lemon in hot water                                                                                5-6 oz smoothie or natural apple cider

Slice the fish with the grain to create thin slices. Arrange the fish and apples in overlapping slices around the plate. HINT: I did this the night before, covered it with clingwrap and put it in the ‘fridge. So quick the next morning!! Brew your hot beverage, blend or shake your smoothie, dish out those healthy blueberries, and breakfast elegantly.

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!mushroom-tart

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                                                                                                                                                           1/4 cup fatfree milk                                                                                                                                                      ¼ cup Gruyère cheese, grated                                                                                                                           ½ cup lowfat cottage cheese, drained                                                                                                                 1 and ¼ oz carrots, cut as you wish                                                                                                                  ¼ Arnold Sandwich Thin

Saute/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 Gruyère 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.

Easy Does It

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You are in the middle of what for some is the Mad Dash to Christmas. So we will enjoy our Fasting Lifestyle with more easy to prepare yet delicious meals. Keep calm, take it easy, and continue to eat food that is good for you.

Ham & Mushroom ScrOmelette 279 calories   8.9 g fat   4.7 g fiber    17.6 g protein    21.6 g carbs 242 mg Calcium   GF if you eliminate the breadham-mushroom-scromlette

3 small eggs of which you will use 1 ½ eggs per person 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 oz mushrooms, chopped                     1/4 oz ham [from a roast; if you use 3%-fat ham from deli, the fat will be reduced]               1/4 cup raspberries OR 2 oz applesauce              1/2 slice 70-calorie whole-grain bread OR  ¼ of an Arnold Sandwich Thin [optional]         blackish coffee or tea or lemon with hot water                     nb: no smoothie today

Chop the ham and mushrooms and combine. HINT: I did this the night before. Heat a cast iron or non-stick pan and spritz it with oil or cooking spray. Add the ham/mushroom combo and stir to heat and cook the mushrooms, if raw. Whisk the eggs and pour into the pan, stirring to distribute the ham/mushrooms. Cook to your favorite degree of doneness. Dish up the fruit, toast the sandwich bread, brew your hot beverage. What a treat!

Antipasto with chicken   287 calories    11 g fat    5.3 g fiber     22.6 g protein   29 g carbs 208 mg Calcium    PB GF – if using GF bread or eliminating   This one is a keeper. Simple, off the shelf, pretty on the plate, good to eat. The photo shows enough for 2 people. Invite a guest who is Fasting, too, or use the remainder for lunch tomorrow.amtipasto-w-herbs

2 oz roasted red pepper, without oil [I roast my own, slice and freeze them]                            2 oz mozzerella, cut into ‘sticks’ [I buy blocks of mozzerells for slicing]                                        3 oz chicken breast, cooked                                                                                                                        5 oz tomato slices                                                                                                                                             3 oz whole green beans, steamed, drained, cooled                                                                              1 ½ oz marinated mushrooms                                                                                                                  1/3 c. garbanzo beans, drained if canned                                                                                               4 black olives, pitted and sliced                                                                                                                   3 slices pepperoni, chopped                                                                                                                         1 tsp flavored olive oil, salt, chopped fresh herbs                                                                                 ½ slice 70-calorie whole-grain bread per person

Prepare the ingredients and keep separate. Combine the garbanzoes with the chopped pepperoni. On a platter, arrange the ingredients in rows as shown in the photo. Suit your own artistic nature as to what goes where. Be liberal with the fresh herbs.

Gimme a ‘C’

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A lot of good flavors have migrated North across our southern border and today’s menus feature some of them.  And they both begin with the letter ‘c’.  Here at the end of November, let us cheer for sunny tastes and give a cultural embrace to the peoples  who produced them. Fasting Lifestyle is diverse in its sources.

Carne-Green Chili ScrOmelette   289 calories   13.7 g fat   1.9 g fiber    13.6 g protein   18.6 g carbs   59 mg Calcium   GF   The directions below are for an omelette, or as the name ScrOmelette implies, you could scramble it all.carne-scramble

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.                                                                                   ½ ounce carne adavado [pork shoulder boiled with hot spices until it falls apart: make ahead and freeze for future use]                                                                                                                                ½ oz roasted green chilies, drained [Hatch brand is the best]                                                                  1 and 1/2 oz apple or unsweetened apple sauce                                                                                    black coffee or black tea or lemon in hot water                                                                                                5-6 oz green smoothie or fruit smoothie or unpasteurized cider

Whisk the eggs with seasonings to taste. Drain the chilis, if too liquidy, and stir with the carne. Put the eggs into a hot pan spritzed with cooking spray. Once the bottom of the eggs are set, sprinkle with carne and chilis, fold and plate. Slice or dish the fruit, brew beverage, blend the smoothie or take it from the ‘fridge and shake it before serving.

Cesar Salad:   233 calories   9 g fat  2.6 g fiber   24 g protein  4 g. carb   104 mg Calcium  GF Straight out of the Fast Diet book, with quantities changed a teensy bit. Delicious!Cesar Salad

1 and 1/4oz Canadian bacon  [that’s ‘back bacon’ to the Canadians]                                                                                                                                       3 oz chicken breast, left over from a roast or poached if raw                                                                    2 c chopped romaine or 2 c. mesclun                                                                                                                1 T grated Parmesan                                                                                                                                               1 tsp olive oil + ½ tsp lemon juice                                                                                                           Mexican oregano [Cesar Salad after all is of Mexican origin, not from Roman rulers]

Heat the bacon on a hot, ungreased griddle until it begins to brown. Remove and slice into strips. Cut chicken meat into strips or chunks, as you wish. Roughly chop or tear the romaine, if using. Whisk the oil and lemon juice in a salad bowl. Add the lettuce and toss to coat with the dressing. Plate the greens and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and oregano. Arrange the meat on top of the greens. Isn’t that a big meal?!