I have to admit, I am getting a little tired of meat recently. I don't think I could handle the Atkins diet because it seems mainly centered around protein (meat).
As fellow HCG dieters on the Simeons protocol are aware, other than white flesh fish, certain types of seafood, chicken (white meat only), and lean steak like filet, we aren't allowed other types of meat.
So there is only so much one can take.
I have been looking at tofu as an option. However, most I found were too high in fat and calories. I stumbled upon low fat, low calorie tofu which is 40 calories and 1.5gm of fat in 79 grams. I used a small skillet and toasted the tofu on both sides and put some no calorie spray butter on them.
Miracle noodles or shirataki noodles are a good substitute for pasta. Not that they taste like the real thing, but they do help with the craving and contain tons of fiber. I heated the noodles in a sauce pan with this all purpose dressing and marinade I have concocted:
1-2 tsp light soy sauce
1-2 tsp rice vinegar
1-2 tsp Mirin (fortified sake)
1-2 tsp chili sauce (can use hot or mild to taste)
Wisk together and serve with the tofu and noodles, cucumber salad, steak salad, grilled chicken salad, etc...really the uses are endless.
*This is my go-to salad dressing!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Week 3 Re-Cap
It is typical to see a huge weight loss in week 1 and then for the body to adjust and have smaller, but hopefully consistent losses in the remaining weeks. This is exactly how I am responding to the diet. Luckily, it still puts me within reach of my goal of losing 20lbs by the end of the month. So another 3 lbs down this week!
I went out with a friend of mine this weekend to look at wedding dresses. She recently became engaged and is on the hunt for the "the dress". We stopped for lunch between boutiques and I had the seared tuna salad with dressing on the side. I was worried I would stall or gain, but neither happened. It was a small variation from the diet, but one that didn't cost me anything. I ended up losing another pound that day!
With my parents coming in town, I am still planning on sticking to the protocol as closely as possible. I know we will be going to out to eat, hopefully it will not effect my loss.
So moving on the week 4. I have another few pounds to lose before I make it to my first goal!!! This diet is strict but does allow you to think of food differently. It allows your body to reset and rid itself of the toxins found in prepared and processed foods. I am finding the diet easier to do this time around and am less tempted to cheat. Hopefully I can keep it up and when December rolls around be in the last phases!
I went out with a friend of mine this weekend to look at wedding dresses. She recently became engaged and is on the hunt for the "the dress". We stopped for lunch between boutiques and I had the seared tuna salad with dressing on the side. I was worried I would stall or gain, but neither happened. It was a small variation from the diet, but one that didn't cost me anything. I ended up losing another pound that day!
With my parents coming in town, I am still planning on sticking to the protocol as closely as possible. I know we will be going to out to eat, hopefully it will not effect my loss.
So moving on the week 4. I have another few pounds to lose before I make it to my first goal!!! This diet is strict but does allow you to think of food differently. It allows your body to reset and rid itself of the toxins found in prepared and processed foods. I am finding the diet easier to do this time around and am less tempted to cheat. Hopefully I can keep it up and when December rolls around be in the last phases!
Chilled Strawberry or Blueberry Soup
It is summer in southern Florida. Though not as hot as our hometown of Memphis, TN with heat indexes in the 117-120 range, it is hot enough to warrant cooking without turning on the oven or stove.
So, I went in search of a HCG diet friendly chilled fruit soup, made some adjustments, and came up with this quick snack, dessert, or side.
The modifications for the OWL plan is the addition of 3 tsp of fat free, plain Greek yogurt and the use of blueberries which are not allowed on Simeons protocol.
1/2 cup thawed strawberry blueberries (no sugar added) and their juice
3 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp orange zest
1-2 tbsp no calorie sweetener (to taste)
1 tbsp fat free half and half
Combine blueberries, lemon juice, orange zest, sweetener, and half and half in food processor. Blend until smooth. Strain mixture through and mesh strainer. Chill in fridge until ready to serve. This would count as 1 serving of fruit.
*I made this last night and it was a nice treat. I mixed in the Greek yogurt after blending and it added just enough creamy texture to make it taste decadent when it really wasn't!
So, I went in search of a HCG diet friendly chilled fruit soup, made some adjustments, and came up with this quick snack, dessert, or side.
The modifications for the OWL plan is the addition of 3 tsp of fat free, plain Greek yogurt and the use of blueberries which are not allowed on Simeons protocol.
1/2 cup thawed strawberry blueberries (no sugar added) and their juice
3 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp orange zest
1-2 tbsp no calorie sweetener (to taste)
1 tbsp fat free half and half
Combine blueberries, lemon juice, orange zest, sweetener, and half and half in food processor. Blend until smooth. Strain mixture through and mesh strainer. Chill in fridge until ready to serve. This would count as 1 serving of fruit.
*I made this last night and it was a nice treat. I mixed in the Greek yogurt after blending and it added just enough creamy texture to make it taste decadent when it really wasn't!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Week 2 Re-Cap
A few ups and downs this week. The diet went well though. I had about 3-4 days where the scale didn't move. I was frustrated but worked through it.
I find that one of the staples of this diet is my morning coffee with vanilla flavored sugar-free syrup (has splenda in it) and 2 tbsp of fat-free half and half. Since breakfast is omitted (unless you use a piece of your allowed fruit), coffee or tea takes it's place.
I know that research states metabolism works better when you eat breakfast, but this diet doesn't allow for it and I haven't been one to eat breakfast all of the time anyways.
I am adjusting well to the no carb issue. I know carbs are allowed on the modified OWL plan, however, I am really trying to follow the Simeons protocol as closely as possible so I can get the maximum benefit from this diet.
I have been having issue with getting to the 500 calorie mark as I normally not hungry enough to consume it all or my food choices/combinations do not add up to enough. I am working on adding in additional protein though.
In 13 days I have lost 13.5lbs. This is substantial for me and my sluggish metabolism! So week 2 is in the books. I am hoping to at least remain consistent and by the end of this month have lost at least 20lbs. It seems like a logical goal as the protocol states that one can lose 20 lbs in 23 days. The 23rd day of being on this diet will be July 27th.
Moving on to week 3!
I find that one of the staples of this diet is my morning coffee with vanilla flavored sugar-free syrup (has splenda in it) and 2 tbsp of fat-free half and half. Since breakfast is omitted (unless you use a piece of your allowed fruit), coffee or tea takes it's place.
I know that research states metabolism works better when you eat breakfast, but this diet doesn't allow for it and I haven't been one to eat breakfast all of the time anyways.
I am adjusting well to the no carb issue. I know carbs are allowed on the modified OWL plan, however, I am really trying to follow the Simeons protocol as closely as possible so I can get the maximum benefit from this diet.
I have been having issue with getting to the 500 calorie mark as I normally not hungry enough to consume it all or my food choices/combinations do not add up to enough. I am working on adding in additional protein though.
In 13 days I have lost 13.5lbs. This is substantial for me and my sluggish metabolism! So week 2 is in the books. I am hoping to at least remain consistent and by the end of this month have lost at least 20lbs. It seems like a logical goal as the protocol states that one can lose 20 lbs in 23 days. The 23rd day of being on this diet will be July 27th.
Moving on to week 3!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Fish with Tomato Broth
This is my own creation.
There are any modifications between Simeons' protocol and the OWL diet, except if you add the Caponata sauce I found at the market the other day (Sabra brand, I believe it is 30 calories for 2 Tbsp and 1.5 gm of fat-if stalling do not use!)
White fish (I am using corvina) 100gms-100 calories
14 grape tomatoes-approx. 40 calories
Shirataki Noodles (like miracle noodles, made of fiber)-20 calories for half a bag
1/2-1 tsp Ms. Dash Table Blend or Lemon Pepper
Sliced lemon-3 slices
Soy Based Butter Substitute Spray
Fresh Basil (optional)
1-3 oz (your preference) of baby spinach leaves (3oz=20 calories)
Spray baking dish lined with foil with non-stick spray, add lemon slices to bottom of dish.
Place fish on top and add seasoning
sprinkle 1-2 tbsp water over fish and bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until translucent (I usually bake more than one portion at time, so cook time will be less if only making one serving)
Sautee grape tomatoes with a few sprays of non-caloric soy based spray (ex.I Cannot Believe It's Not Butter) over medium high heat, add black pepper and other seasoning you prefer to taste (garlic power, salt, etc). Sautee until tomatoes burst and give off some liquid. Add some water 1-3 tbsp to make a broth. Add in spinach just to wilt.
Prepare Shirataki noodles per package instructions. You can add 1-2 tsp of tomato paste if you like to make a little sauce.
Pour tomato and spinach broth over noodles and place fish on top. Add fresh chopped basil as a garnish for color and additional flavor.
*Feel free to squeeze fresh lemon juice over top of fish or serve with a wedge of lemon.
There are any modifications between Simeons' protocol and the OWL diet, except if you add the Caponata sauce I found at the market the other day (Sabra brand, I believe it is 30 calories for 2 Tbsp and 1.5 gm of fat-if stalling do not use!)
White fish (I am using corvina) 100gms-100 calories
14 grape tomatoes-approx. 40 calories
Shirataki Noodles (like miracle noodles, made of fiber)-20 calories for half a bag
1/2-1 tsp Ms. Dash Table Blend or Lemon Pepper
Sliced lemon-3 slices
Soy Based Butter Substitute Spray
Fresh Basil (optional)
1-3 oz (your preference) of baby spinach leaves (3oz=20 calories)
Spray baking dish lined with foil with non-stick spray, add lemon slices to bottom of dish.
Place fish on top and add seasoning
sprinkle 1-2 tbsp water over fish and bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until translucent (I usually bake more than one portion at time, so cook time will be less if only making one serving)
Sautee grape tomatoes with a few sprays of non-caloric soy based spray (ex.I Cannot Believe It's Not Butter) over medium high heat, add black pepper and other seasoning you prefer to taste (garlic power, salt, etc). Sautee until tomatoes burst and give off some liquid. Add some water 1-3 tbsp to make a broth. Add in spinach just to wilt.
Prepare Shirataki noodles per package instructions. You can add 1-2 tsp of tomato paste if you like to make a little sauce.
Pour tomato and spinach broth over noodles and place fish on top. Add fresh chopped basil as a garnish for color and additional flavor.
*Feel free to squeeze fresh lemon juice over top of fish or serve with a wedge of lemon.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
HCG Phase 2 Legal "Cookies"
Giving up most carbs (pretty much all of them!) and sugar is not easy. I like sweets, I won't lie. I like to have a treat every now and again. Deprivation hasn't yet been a factor (but it is only the start of week 2!). Husband has been very supportive and I really don't feel I am missing out on much.
However, I was watching my daughter eat an Oreo today and it hit me that I wanted a cookie!
So off I went in search of "legal" phase 2 (very low calorie diet phase) desserts. There aren't many, but I did find a forum hcgdietinfo.com with a recipe for legal meringue cookies.
I just took them out of the oven. Not bad. I haven't tasted them...... yet.
3 egg whites (each egg white is 17 calories)
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp salt
1-2 tsp splenda (stevia is bitter) OR 1-2 tsp flavored sugar free syrup
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)
*I added 1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)-20 calories for 1 tbsp, so 5 calories for 1 tsp
On a cookie sheet lined with foil or a silicone pad place 2 tsp of the mixture on the sheet spaced evenly apart, just like when baking cookies.
In a 250 degree oven bake for 20 minutes. Don't open the oven door!
Allow to cool and hopefully enjoy!
I will report back after the taste test. Not that I would eat the whole sheet tray in a sitting, but with the added cocoa powder they are about 56 calories for all of the cookies! Seriously!
UPDATE:
I didn't care for the first batch. So I tried again. This time I experimented with flavored sugar free syrup. I had a Kahlua flavored one. So I mixed in a tsp and whipped up the next batch.
I also used a sandwich bag and cut off the corner and piped the cookies on the cookie sheet. I sprinkled the tops with a little splenda before baking but didn't use any in the meringue mixture itself.
These turned out much better. The texture and flavor were fuller but the meringues are still so light!
However, I was watching my daughter eat an Oreo today and it hit me that I wanted a cookie!
So off I went in search of "legal" phase 2 (very low calorie diet phase) desserts. There aren't many, but I did find a forum hcgdietinfo.com with a recipe for legal meringue cookies.
I just took them out of the oven. Not bad. I haven't tasted them...... yet.
3 egg whites (each egg white is 17 calories)
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp salt
1-2 tsp splenda (stevia is bitter) OR 1-2 tsp flavored sugar free syrup
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)
*I added 1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)-20 calories for 1 tbsp, so 5 calories for 1 tsp
On a cookie sheet lined with foil or a silicone pad place 2 tsp of the mixture on the sheet spaced evenly apart, just like when baking cookies.
In a 250 degree oven bake for 20 minutes. Don't open the oven door!
Allow to cool and hopefully enjoy!
I will report back after the taste test. Not that I would eat the whole sheet tray in a sitting, but with the added cocoa powder they are about 56 calories for all of the cookies! Seriously!
UPDATE:
I didn't care for the first batch. So I tried again. This time I experimented with flavored sugar free syrup. I had a Kahlua flavored one. So I mixed in a tsp and whipped up the next batch.
I also used a sandwich bag and cut off the corner and piped the cookies on the cookie sheet. I sprinkled the tops with a little splenda before baking but didn't use any in the meringue mixture itself.
These turned out much better. The texture and flavor were fuller but the meringues are still so light!
HCG Calamari Steak and Cucumber Salad
I love calamari. Ever since we moved to Florida there are lots more fresh seafood options. Not only are there more options, our local market is right around the corner! Doris Italian Market has to be my most favorite find in this city! It has fresh, local produce and lots of fresh seafood and great deals on meat as well.
Anyways, my fish guy at Doris' turned me on to calamari steak when Doris suddenly stopped carrying the calamari rings I really liked.
The calamari steaks are even better!!!
So the recipe is simple and no need for modification between the Simeons protocol and The OWL diet.
3.5oz calamari steak-70 calories!
6oz peeled and thinly sliced cucumber(see my recipe for cucumber salad)
1 tsp pepper
Using a non-stick skillet, pepper both sides of the calamari steak and cook 2-3 minutes per side.
Slice the calamari in strips and place over the cucumber salad.
Calamari is so low in calories, you can splurge and have a little extra without the guilt!
Anyways, my fish guy at Doris' turned me on to calamari steak when Doris suddenly stopped carrying the calamari rings I really liked.
The calamari steaks are even better!!!
So the recipe is simple and no need for modification between the Simeons protocol and The OWL diet.
3.5oz calamari steak-70 calories!
6oz peeled and thinly sliced cucumber(see my recipe for cucumber salad)
1 tsp pepper
Using a non-stick skillet, pepper both sides of the calamari steak and cook 2-3 minutes per side.
Slice the calamari in strips and place over the cucumber salad.
Calamari is so low in calories, you can splurge and have a little extra without the guilt!