WHAT TO EAT IF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT

Ready for Summer?

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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.

Yeah, I know:  we are only two weeks into Spring, is it really time to think about Summer?  Yup, you bet. Think about the clothes you will be wearing. And how you want to look while wearing them.  Now think about what you’ve been eating lately…  Is there a disconnect between your wishes for a Healthier You and what you are doing about it?  Have you ever calculated your BMI? That can be an eye-opener. Do you know how many calories to eat daily if you want to get to your Target Weight? This link will help you: https://thefastdiet.co.uk/how-many-calories-on-a-non-fast-day/ Time to get started!  Today’s meals are full of summer ingredients and flavors. Get on board with Fasting.  This article will give you some more tips about getting ready for warmer weather: http://www.today.com/health/slim-down-summer-3-tips-long-term-weight-loss-success-t89401

Mediterranean Bake: 138 calories 2 g fat 1.4 g fiber 10.4 g protein 8.4 g carbs [7.5 g Complex] 55 mg Calcium PB GF Oh! Those sunny flavors!

Mediterranean Bake

one 2-oz egg                                                                                                                                                                 3 Tbsp Mediterranean Vegetables  see  SIDEKICKS II Oct 4, 2017 for the recipe                                         1 Tbsp chèvre cheese                                                                                                                                            salt  +  pepper  +  large pinch of herbes de Province                                                                                     2 oz applesauce/apple/melon                                                                                                                             Optional: blackish coffee [53 calories] or blackish tea or lemon in hot water Optional: 5-6 oz fruit smoothie or berry-yogurt smoothie [88 calories]

Set the toaster oven at at 350 degrees F. Spritz a ramekin with oil or non-stick spray [this was baked for two servings in a 5×7″ oven-proof dish] and spoon in the Med. Veg. Pop the ramekin in the warming toaster oven for 30 seconds to warm the vegetables. Whisk the egg with the cheese and seasonings. Pour in the egg mixture over the vegetables and bake in the toaster oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on how you like your eggs. Brew your warm beverage; shake and pour the smoothie; plate the fruit. A fine way to anticipate the joys of Summer.                                                                                                                                     

Pomelo/Grapefruit-Shrimp Salad:   255 cal    6.3 g fat   3.7 g fiber    22.3 g protein     28 g carbs 93.5 mg Calcium     PB GF     The pomelos were ripe in our son and daughter-in-law’s garden, so I used some to make this meal. The recipe is from Hot Sour Salty Sweet by Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid. If you can’t find pomelos, use grapefruit instead. I’ll be perfectly honest: although I enjoyed this meal and found it to be delicious, my chief taster thought it was bitter. Some people are more sensitive to certain tastes than others. Next time, I’ll use grapefruit.

pomelo-shrimp salad w: chips + romaine

1 Tbsp fish sauce                                                                                                                                                   1.5 Tbsp lime juice                                                                                                                                               1.5 tsp brown sugar                                                                                                                                                      1 cup grapefruit or pomelo segments                                                                                                                    1 Tbsp unsweetened coconut                                                                                                                                1/4 oz dry roasted peanuts                                                                                                                                    2 tsp chopped shallot                                                                                                                                                  1/2 cup fresh mint                                                                                                                                                  1/4 tsp Thai chile sauce  or Sriracha                                                                                                                    3 oz shrimp, cleaned — I used tiny cold water shrimp. If you use larger shrimp, cut them into smaller pieces.                                                                                                                                                1 large leaf romaine lettuce                                                                                                                             some chopped scallion

Mix the fish sauce, lime juice and brown sugar in an oven-proof bowl.    Add the shrimp and let marinate.     Toast the coconut in a dry skillet until just beginning to brown. Peel and segment the pomelo/grapefruit and remove pulp from the membranes. Put the shrimp and marinade into the microwave and heat until cooked. Gently combine the shrimp, marinade, pomelo, coconut, peanuts, shallot, mint, and chile sauce in a wide bowl. Put the lettuce leaf on the plate and fill it with the salad. In the photo, you see some colorful chips. Those are veggie chips by Terra which add a nice crunch and a few more calories to the meal. Omit if you wish, but do not substitute potato chips!

Western Med.

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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.chevre-spinach-bake-w-pear

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 GFMorrocan Tuna w: beans, clementines

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.

Resolutions

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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

Here we are again, New Year and a slew of resolutions.  This year, the most important one is to be more healthy.  But that has several sub-sets: more exercise, losing weight, eating more healthy food.  I can’t help you with the exercise, but here is where I urge you once again not to use this blog as a Food Porn site, but to start eating the food.

Why should we Fast?  Read what Dr. Michael Mosley says: “We all know how you are supposed to lose weight: eat low-fat foods, exercise more… and never, ever skip meals. This has been standard dietary advice for decades and though it may work for some people, levels of obesity continue to soar. So is there an alternative? We think there is. Intermittent fasting. Based on the work of leading scientists from around the world, this is an exciting new alternative to standard dieting.

“Intermittent Fasting does not mean stopping eating entirely. It means reducing the amount you eat, but only for quite short periods of time.

“In The Fast Diet  book I outline my experiences of trying different forms of intermittent fasting, before settling on what I called a 5:2 regime. With 5:2 intermittent fasting you eat normally five days a week and diet two days a week, cutting your calorie intake for those two days to a ¼ of their normal level. This means that on, say, a Monday and a Thursday you will eat 500 calories if you are a woman, 600 if you are a man.

“If you stick to this plan then you should lose around 1 lb (0.46kg) a week if you are a woman, slightly more for a man. Success also depends on not over-eating on your normal days.

“You should not only lose weight but also enjoy a wide range of health benefits. Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and their cholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity.

“As one of the medical experts I interviewed put it: ‘There is nothing else you can do to your body that is as powerful as fasting.’ “    Want more info? go to  http://the fast diet.co.uk

So why not start today?  A traditional dinner for New Year’s  in Germany and the Alsace-Lorraine region of France is sauerkraut with sausages.  The sausages represent abundance.  In the American South, collard greens are eaten on New Year’s for good luck.  Put them together, and you’ll have an abundance of good food and a head-start on the rest of your life.

Sauerkraut and Sausage:  255 calories   5.7 g fat  12.6 g fiber   21.3 g protein   33.5 g carbs   196.4 mg Calcium                  GF  PB

sauerkraut-sausage-w-collards 1.5 cups sauerkraut, canned or bagged or fresh                                                                                              2 tbsp caraway seed                                                                                                                                              2 oz applesauce, unsweetened                                                                                                                            1/2 cup onions, chopped coarsely                                                                                                                          1 Dakin Farm cob-smoked chicken sausage with apple [OR any other flavorful sausage with 110 calories]    leave whole or cut into 1/2″ chunks                                                                                                                                                1.5 cups raw collard greens, chopped or cut cross-ways in 1/4″ slices [chiffonade]                             salt and pepper to taste.

Thaw the sausage if it is frozen.  Combine the sauerkraut, caraway seed, applesauce, and onions in a saucepan large enough to hold the sausage, if left whole.  Cook slowly, uncovered until half of the liquid is gone.  Add the sausage, cover, and continue to cook until everything is hot and the onions are tender.  Meanwhile, add 1/2 cup water to the greens in a skillet along with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder.  Cover and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

 

 

Something Veggy

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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 post is for all the veggie-lovers and plant-based dieters who wish they could follow the Fasting Lifestyle but thought the plan couldn’t accommodate them.  This doesn’t pretend to be a posting for vegans, but there are lots of vegetables on the menu today.

Zucchini Egg Soufflé:   299 calories    7.2 g fat      1.8 g fiber     19.7 g protein    23.6 g carbs      109 mg Calcium   PB GF   When zucchini are plentiful, this is a good way to use them.Zucchini Breakfast Souffle

¼ cup zucchini, grated, steamed, patted dry                                                                                                 ¼ cup fatfree cottage cheese, strained to drain out extra liquid                                                                one 2-oz egg                                                                                                                                                              2 tsp Parmesan cheese                                                                                                                                   pinch garlic powder                                                                                                                                              a few strawberries, or rasperries, or blueberries                                                                                         5-6 oz fruit smoothie or green smoothie or natural apple cider                                                                       nearly-black coffee or tea; or lemon in hot water.

Grate the zucchini on a box grater and steam it over water or ‘saute’ it in a pan with enough water to prevent sticking. Transfer it to paper towels to dry off excess liquid. HINT: steam it the night before and let it drain in a strainer over night. Combine with the cheeses and garlic, and stir in the egg enough to break the yolk and mix all ingredients. Bake at 350 until puffed and starting to brown. Prep your beverages, add the fruit, and there you are: enjoying your veggies.

Red Beans & Rice    295 calories     1.2 g. fat    13 g. protein    57.5 g. carb   PB GF      This is the old classic recipe for the ‘perfect protein’. I used to be afraid that we wouldn’t like it, since it sounds bland, but it is good. Yeah, you’re right, the carbs are way out of control, but for a once-in-a-while this is really good. And besides, these are complex carbs, the best kind. HINT: This is enough for 4 servings! Either have a gathering or cut the recipe or freeze for later.Red Beans & Rice w: gr. beans

1 and 3/4 cups brown rice, cooked                                                                                                                                                          ½ cup celery, chopped                                                                                                                                                      ½ cup sweet yellow or other color pepper, diced                                                                                         1 cup onion, chopped                                                                                                                                            2 cloves garlic, minced                                                                                                                                         ¾ cup crushed tomato                                                                                                                                              oregano +   black pepper                                                                                                                                       1 and 3/4 cups red beans, drained and rinsed [Goya brand is very good]                                      per serving:    ½ cup green beans or peas

Cook the rice. Saute the celery, pepper, and onions for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 5 minutes more. Add the tomatoes and seasonings. Stir in the red beans and heat through. When the rice is done, add 1 and 3/4 cups to the mixture. HINT: if there is extra rice, it freezes well. Serve with the cooked green vegetable.

 

Saint Hubert

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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.

Tomorrow, November 3rd, is the feast day of St. Hubert.  According to his legend, he was hunting deer one day in the 7th century A.D. when he espied a stag with a crucifix in his antlers.  This vision was enough to convert the young Frenchman, who went on to become a bishop and a saint.  Deer hunting is a tradition around here and sometimes we are lucky enough to be gifted with some venison, since we don’t hunt.  Mushrooms are commonly found in hunters’ food, so we’ll have some of them, too.

 

Ham & Mushroom ScrOmelette   279 calories   8.9 g fat   4.7 g fiber  17.6 g protein   21.6 g carbs   242 mg Calcium   PB  GF– if using GF bread   Ham and mushrooms are so good together that you owe yourself this treat.

ham-mushroom-scromlette

++3 two-oz 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 unsweetened applesauce ++++ ¼ of an Arnold Sandwich Thin  OR 1/2 slice 70-calorie multi-grain bread ++++ blackish coffee or tea++                                                                                         

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!

Venison Salad: 291 cal      GF      If you have access to venison, this is a great way to celebrate St Hubert’s day.  Farm-raised venison is available on line and in some stores.

venison-salad-w-tomatoes

++3½ oz roasted venison  ++++¾ oz marinated mushrooms  ++++ 1 oz roasted red pepper without oil++++ 1 slice dried pear  ++++ 2 cups lettuce ++++1 tsp olive oil +  ½ tsp balsamic vinegar +++3 oz broccoli ++++ 2 oz tomatoes ++

Slice the roasted venison into pieces less than 1/2” thick. Whisk the olive oil and vinegar together, then toss with the lettuce and mushrooms. Place on a salad plate. Arrange the meat on the salad and arrange the red pepper and broccoli on top. Dice the pear and sprinkle over all.

Boo!

~ me ~ Leave a comment

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.

OK, let’s have some fun with food for Hallowe’en.  Since it is a Fast Day, we won’t eat the candy [you may have some tomorrow], but here are some meals in holiday colors and in keeping with the calories and protein of our Fasting Lifestyle.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Hash:  284 calories  5.6 g fat   7.6 g fiber    18.1 g protein   43.3 g carbs  278.3 mg Calcium   GF  PB   Old friend and fellow bell-ringer Jane Winslow proposed this breakfast and she was right: it is really good.sweet-potatoblack-bean-bake½ c. diced sweet potatoes                                                                                                                                     2 Tbsp yellow onion, diced                                                                                                                                 ¼ red pepper, sliced                                                                                                                                             salt & pepper  +  ¾ tsp paprika  +  ¼ tsp cumin                                                                                                     ½ cup spinach roughly chopped                                                                                                                           ½ c. [3 oz] black beans, rinsed and drained if canned                                                                              one 2-oz egg

Spritz olive oil on medium heat in a large pan. Add sweet potatoes, onion, red pepper, seasonings, and a little water. Cook for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring. Add spinach and cook for an additional five minutes. Lastly, add the black beans and stir until all ingredients are well-blended. HINT: prep this far the night before. Heat before topping with a poached or fried egg. 

Sausage-Stuffed Squash: 286 calories   6 g fat   7.4 g fiber   19 g protein   35.5 g carbs   274 mg Calcium PB GF I always liked the idea of eating Hallowe’en dinner out of a pumpkin, ‘tho I never tried it. Here the vessel is a small winter squash, filled with soy-based sausage stuffing.sausage-stuffed-squash

½ of a 4” diameter winter squash, halved, seeds removed, and baked                                                  2 Boca brand breakfast sausage                                                                                                                         ¼ cup sauce for pasta puttenesca [tomato sauce with black olives and anchovies]                           2 Tbsp low-fat ricotta                                                                                                                                               ½ oz mozzerella cheese, grated  or non-dairy cheese, if you prefer

Clean the seeds out of your squash half and bake cut-side down in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until flesh is soft. HINT: this can be done the day before or hours before. Chop the sausages and combine with the sauce and ricotta. Spoon into the squash bowl and top with the grated cheese. Heat at 350 for about 25 minutes to warm it all.

 

 

 

East & West

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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.

To divide the world into “East” and “West” is a Euro-centric construct, based on where you happen to be standing [or where you were born].  I raise the issue to get us thinking about variety in our diet: Asian food? European food? Together on the same day — why not? The Fasting Lifestyle embraces lots of cuisines.  Enjoy your food, enjoy the world, enjoy Fasting.

Ratatouille ScrOmelette   285 calories   9.4 g fat   2.8 g fiber    18.1 g protein   31 g carbs   297 mg Calcium PB GF, if using GF bread or no bread    This is one of my favorites!Mediterreanian 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                                                                                                           1/4 cup Mediterranean Vegetables, drained + chopped                                                                           1/4 oz mozzerella cheese, grated                                                                                                                        ¼ slice multi-grain 70-calorie bread OR 1/4 Arnold Multigrain Sandwich Thin                            blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water                                                                                5-6 oz green smoothie or fruit smoothie or unpasturized apple cider

HINT: the night before, thaw the Mediterranean Vegetables which we prepared June 1st “Because Its June!” Heat a cast iron or non-stick pan and spritz it with oil or cooking spray. Add the prepared vegetables and stir to heat . Whisk the eggs and pour into the pan, stirring to incorporate the vegetables. Cook to your favorite degree of doneness. Sprinkle the cheese on top while still warm or add to the eggs while still cooking. Dish up the fruit, toast the bread, brew your hot beverage, and pour the smoothie.

Shrimp Spring Rolls   281 calories   6.5 g fat   4.5 g fiber   22.4 g protein   29.4 g carbs   126 mg Calcium   GF    PB                           This is the same recipe as the Shrimp with UdonNoodles but without the noodles. The Spring Roll wrappers look like 8” disks of opaque plastic, but after soaking for 10-15 seconds in water, they become clear and very pliant. If you are not accustomed to wrapping spring rolls or egg rolls, you might want to practice using wonton wrappers which are easier to manipulate.Shrimp Spring Rolls

3 oz raw shrimp, cut in half across the body                                                                                                         2 oz carrot, peeled and sliced into thin coins                                                                                                 2 oz green cabbage                                                                                                                                                  1 1/2 tsp soy sauce.                                                                                                                                                              1 tsp olive oil                                                                                                                                                              1 oz chopped green onion                                                                                                                                      2 oz broccoli, steamed                                                                                                                                                                Thai hot chili sauce                                                                                                                                                 3 eight-inch Spring Roll wrappers             

Chop and prepare all the ingredients and put them in small dishes near the stove-top. Heat a cast iron skillet or wok until hot and add the oil. When it is hot, add the carrot and cabbage. Stirfry for 3 minutes on heat high enough to keep the vegetables sizzling. If the pan becomes dry, add some water. This is supposed to be a no-no in stir-frying, but we are cutting down on oil, OK? Add the shrimp and stirfry about 1 minute, until it is cooked. Add the scallion or cooked broccoli and soy sauce. Stirfry a bit longer until all is mixed and warm. Take off the heat. Remove the cooked mixture to a bowl. [if you want to, run it briefly through the food processor. This step is optional but it can make the mixture easier to roll.] Wipe out the pan and put a mere film of oil on it. Turn on the heat to medium-low.

Put a pie plate of warm water on the counter. Add one of the spring roll wrappers. When it is clear, remove it and lay it flat on a dish towel. Spoon 1/3 of the mixture onto the wrapper. Roll up a bit, then fold in the sides, then finish rolling. Put the roll in the warm pan. Repeat with the other rolls.    In the pan, turn the rolls until they are warm and slightly browned.   Serve with a dollop of hot sauce.

For Gunn & Grommet

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“How about a little cheese, Grommet?” Wallace the claymation character would ask.  “Many’s the long night I’ve dreamed of cheese,” sighed Ben Gunn in Treasure Island. And today they shall be satisfied!  Cheese provides necessary protein and Calcium and it tastes good too. Since the Fasting Lifestyle does not ban it, let us enjoy it.     Welcome to LSM, a fellow cheese-lover, who has resumed Fasting with renewed resolve.

Cheese Omelette  303 calories    10.1 fat   1.8 fiber     15.6 pro    28.7 Carb    232 mg Calcium  GFcheese omelette w: applesauce

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.                                                                               ¼ oz cheese such as Cheddar or Gruyere                                                                                                       1 and 1/2 oz apple                                                                                                                                                          blackish coffee or blackish tea or lemon in hot water                                                                                     5-6 oz green smoothie or fruit smoothie

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

Quesadillas 295 cal  9 g. fat  2.7 g fiber  18.8 g protein  31.4 g carb  211.5 mg Calcium   GFchicken quesadillas w: zucc+yam

2 six-inch corn tortillas HINT: Read the package! Make sure that each tortillas is 65 calories each or less.                                                                                                                                            ¾ oz monterey jack cheese, grated                                                                                                                   2 Tbsp non-fat cottage cheese                                                                                                                            2 Tbsp tomato salsa – drain it if it is very liquid                                                                                              large pinch Mexican oregano                                                                                                                                  1 oz [¼ cup] cooked shredded chicken breast                                                                                                    2 oz broccoli, steamed HINT: You could also serve with a slaw made of grated jicama and carrot seasoned with Salsa Verde.  -OR-  Steamed sweet potatoes and zucchini, as seen in photo above.

Heat a cast iron skillet and warm the tortillas on both sides until they are warm, pliant, and beginning to brown in spots. Remove and keep warm in a tea towel. Combine the cheeses, salsa, and oregano. Spoon half of the cheese mixture on each tortilla, then top with shredded cheese. Cook the broccoli. Fold over the tortillas and cook on both sides in the hot skillet until hot and toasty and melty. TIP: I sometimes need to put something on top of the folded tortillas to keep them folded as they begin to cook. No problem after they are flipped.

Read this before the upcoming weekend to help yourself to stay on track.    https://www.yahoo.com/health/how-screwy-weekend-eating-may-wreck-your-110056343.html

New Year’s Resolutions

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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.

Let’s resolve to be healthier this year. Let’s resolve to eat better this  year.  Let’s resolve to lose some weight, and be healthier, and eat better this year.  That sure sound like following the Fasting Lifestyle.  How? prepare the following meals tomorrow.  That means eating the 300-calories-or-less breakfast. Skip lunch but drink lots of water.  Black coffee and tea are fine too. Then eat the 300-calorie-or-less dinner, again with water. Next Sunday, read the next blog in the series and Fast again. Rinse and Repeat.

Basquaise Omelette:     147 calories…    8 g fat… 2 g fiber… 10.4 g protein… 9 g carbs… 80.5 mg Calcium… NB: Food values shown are for the Omelette and fruit only, and do not include the optional beverages.   PB GF  This recipe, full of the flavors of the Basques region of SW France, comes to us from Salute to Healthy Cooking, published by the French Culinary Institute. Wonderful book from which we cook all year long. Note that this is a baked omelette, so the method is a little different. Faites bien attention.

Basquaise Omelette

3 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 and 1/2 Tbsp tomato sauce ++++  1 and 1/2 Tbsp bell pepper, chopped ++++ ½ clove garlic or big pinch granulated garlic ++++ 2 tsp parsley, chopped ++++ 1 tsp Parmesan cheese, grated ++++ 2 oz apple or 3 oz melon or 2 oz pear ++++ Optional: blackish coffee [53 calories] or blackish tea or mocha cafe au lait [65 calories] ++++   Optional: 5 oz fruit smoothie or berry-yogurt smoothie  [88 calories]

Heat the oven broiler. In an oven-safe skillet, put the tomato sauce, peppers, garlic, parsley, and 2 Tbsp water. Cook gently until the veg are soft and the water is evaporated. Remove from pan. Add a spritz of non-stick spray and heat the pan. Whisk the eggs with 2/3 of the tomato mixture and pour into the pan. As the eggs cook, gently lift the edge of the eggs and let uncooked egg flow underneath. Do not flip or fold the eggs. Top the eggs with the cheese and put the skillet under the broiler to finish cooking. Prepare the fruit and beverages. Slide the omelette onto the plate and top it with the remaining tomato/pepper mixture. Alternately, if you prepare the omelette in an 8″ cast-iron skillet, you could serve it from there, as shown in the photo.

Pork Somen Noodles   260 calories…   6 g. fat…   11 g. protein…     28.8 g. carb… PB Found on the back of a bag of somen noodles, this recipe is quick and easy and good to eat. HINT: this is enough for TWO. Dine with a friend or enjoy for lunch another day.

pork somen noodles

2 oz somen noodles ++++ 1 qt water ++++  1 tsp oil ++++ 1- 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded OR 1 cup snow peas ++++ 1 cup carrot, shredded ++++ 2 scallions, sliced diagonally ++++ 4 oz roasted pork tenderloin,  sliced into matchsticks   HINT: this uses pork which was cooked previously.  OR you can use raw pork** ++++ 2 cloves garlic, sliced  ++++ 2 Tbsp soy sauce

Heat the water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 3 minutes. Drain, rinse, and cool. Slice the pork into 1/2” rounds, then slice cross-wise into sticks. Heat a heavy frying pan or wok. Add the oil and heat it. Add the cabbage, carrots, and scallions. **If using raw pork, add it now.  Stirfry for 1 minute. Then add 1-2 Tbsp water and continue to stirfry for 1 minute more. Add the cooked pork, garlic, noodles, and soy sauce. Saute until contents are warm.

Christmas Eve

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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.

Just today I was asked if I would be Fasting this week of Christmas. Well, I’ll admit that I’m glad that Christmas will be on a Friday, not Thursday. Fasting can occur as usual on a special day with a little thought. plan A: If you know you must go for the whole Feast for dinner,  have a regular Fast Day until then: a 300 calorie breakfast, no lunch, lots of water, and be sensible in eating at dinner.  plan B: French toast for breakfast and seafood chowder for dinner. The chowder [first posted November 25, 2015] is what we eat on Christmas Eve every year — delicious, out of the freezer [if you made a batch before Thanksgiving in November], and something that you look forward to, instead of feeling deprived.

French Toast    300 caloriesChristmas Tree French Toast

HINT: This recipe makes 4 [four] slices of French Toast. Prepare all 4, but put the other 2 in a bag in the freezer for a really fast breakfast later.                                                                                                         4 slices 70-cal whole grain bread, with a Christmas Tree cut-out                             one 2-oz egg                                                                                                                                    2 Tbsp fat-free milk                                                                                                                  2 oz strawberries, fresh or unsweetened frozen                                                                   1 and 1/2 tsp maple syrup                                                                                                         one 60-cal sausage — I like Al Fresco brand sage breakfast links                         nearly black coffee or tea or lemon in hot water                                                      green or fruit smoothie or natural apple cider

THE NIGHT BEFORE: Whisk the egg and milk together. Cut the pieces of bread into Christmas Tree shapes, using a cookie cutter. [This step is important for the calorie count to come out right, so don’t skip it even if it seems too much like ‘crafty food.’  Feed the remaining bread to the birds or save for preparing Stuffed Clams, [Aug. 9 , 2015] Put the tree-shaped bread into a rimmed pan which is just big enough for the 4 bread pieces. Pour the egg/milk mixture over the bread, making sure it is all wetted. Let stand OVERNIGHT. Also combine the strawberries and syrup in a microwave-safe bowl.

The next morning, cook the batter-soaked bread in a hot non-stick pan with a spritz of non-stick spray. Cook until browned on both sides. Cook the sausage, too. Mash the berries a bit and add the maple syrup.   Warm the mixture a little and smear onto the plated toast. Enjoy with the sausage, hot beverage of choice, and green smoothie.

Seafood Chowder   275 calories  11 g. fat  15 g protein   16 g carb  GF This makes 10 one-cup servings. It freezes nicely, but it is great fresh! My husband found the recipe in Yankee magazine. He prepares this every year. It is wonderful. The directions look long and involved but the results are worth it.Seafood chowder on Wedgewood tile

4 strips thick-cut bacon, diced                                                                                     1 medium Spanish onion, finely diced                                                                                   1 pound baking potatoes, peeled + cut in ½” cubes                                              2 pounds steamer clams in their shells                                                                            one lobster, 1 and ½ pounds                                                                                                                                1 pound scallops                                                                                                                            1 pound shrimp, peeled                                                                                                                                      1 quart whole milk                                                                                                                   4 Tbsp butter                                                                                                                                   2 sprigs parsley, finely chopped                                                                                         ¼ tsp paprika plus salt + pepper to taste

In a medium skillet or saute pan cook the diced bacon until brown and crisp. Remove bacon and reserve. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp fat and add the onions. Cook slowly over low heat, stirring, until translucent [10 mins?]. Set aside with the bacon in a large bowl.

In a separate saucepan, cover cubed potatoes with salted water and boil until almost tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and add to the bacon/onions.

Put clams in a large pot and add 1 quart water. Heat to boiling, cover, and cook until clams open, about 3 minutes. Remove the clams but leave the liquid in the pot. Strain the liquid through a sieve lined with paper towel. Remove the clams from their shells and cut them into smaller pieces if necessary. Add to the potatoes, onion, and bacon.

Put the strained clam broth back into the empty pot and bring to a boil. Add the lobster head-first into the boiling broth. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Remove lobster and let cool. Crack the shell to remove the meat. Cut the meat into 1/2” chunks and add to the previous ingredients.

Heat the broth until boiling. Add the scallops and shrimp. Reduce heat to low. Simmer about 3 minutes, until the scallops + shrimp are just cooked through.

Add all the previously cooked ingredients, along with the milk, butter, parsley and seasonings. Heat until steaming but not boiling.

Cover and cool. Let the pot sit in the ‘fridge or on a cool back porch for 12-24 hours. This really enhances the flavors. When ready to serve, heat to steaming hot but do not boil. Freeze what is left over in freezer containers which are the same size as a serving.