The smoking stopped with 2005, so here it is May, and my girth has increased. Many years ago I used a diet program called Maximum Metabolism by a Dr. Geller...Robert, I think (the book is out on loan). It is strict as far as carbs go, but works very well and is extremely healthy - full of fruits, veggies, and a decent amount of protein. It was one of the first programs that insisted that food must be consumed often (in small quantities) to keep the metabolism running. In any case, I lost 45 pounds effortlessly within 3 months back then, so now that I'm 50 I should be able to drop a quick 10 this year...
Here are a couple recipes that are delicious dinners on the program:
Garden Minestrone Soup
1 t. Olive Oil
1/2 C. Onions, sliced
1 C. carrots, sliced
1 C. celery, diced
3 C. water
1 16 oz. can Tomatoes
1 low sodium chicken bouillon cube
1 T. chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 t. dry)
1/2 t. thyme
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 16 oz. kidney beans, rinsed & drained
1 C. broccoli flowerets
In a large saucepan heat oil over medium high heat. Add onions; cover and cook 2 minutes. Add carrots, celery, water, tomat oes, bouillon, basil, thyme & garlic, cover and heat to boiling. Uncover and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in beans and broccoli and simmer 5 minutes more.
Makes 6 servings.
Per serving: 100 calories; 5 grams protein; 17 grams carbohydrate; 1 gram fat; 320 milligrams sodium.
Mediterranean Fish Stew
1 t. olive oil1 garlic clove, pressed
1/4 t. fennel seeds
pinch hot pepper flakes
1 large tomato or 3 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/2 C. bottled clam juice
1/2 C. dry white wine
4 oz. cod or other firm-fleshed fish, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
4 oz. shrimp, peeled, deveined and split lengthwise
8 mussels (about 3/4 lb.), scrubbed
In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic, fennel and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, clam juice and wine; bring to a boil then cover and simmer 5 minutes. Increase heat to high. Add cod; cover and cook 3 minutes. Add shrimp and mussels; cover and cook 2 minutes more or until mussels open.
Makes 2 servings.
Per serving: 223 calories; 30 grams protein; 8 grams carbohydrate; 7 grams fat; 260 milligrams sodium.
These are both delicious. Some of the other recipes - like a tarragon mustard chicken dish - have become staples.
