Hearty Roasted Tomato Soup

Ingredients

- 5 Plum tomatoes cut into quarters
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 handfuls of baby spinach
- Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place tomato wedges on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 15 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.

In a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, add the onion and saute 3 minutes. Add the curry and garlic, saute for antoher 3 minutes. Add tomato wedges and water, and bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in spinach, and cook for 2 minutes or just until spinach wilts. Place ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Return to pan, season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy !

Makes 2 servings.

Lemon Pepper Flounder

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of grated lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (100 grams) flounder fillets
• Lemon wedges

Instructions


Combine first 4 ingredients. Place fillets on a nonstick baking sheet. Rub garlic mixture evenly over fillets.  Bake 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serve with lemon wedges.

Makes 2 servings.


Quick, healthy and yummy ! Enjoy!

Veal, Grapefruit and Fennel Salad

Ingredients

• 100 grams of cooked veal loin, thinly sliced
• 1 cup thinly sliced fennel bulb
• 1/2 cup grapefruit, peeled and cut into wedges
• 5 leaves of Bibb lettuce, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Mix the veal, fennel and grapefruit in a bowl. Place on top of the greens and drizzle with cider vinegar. Season to taste.

Makes 1 serving, enjoy !

Other ways to burn the calories ! NEAT !

So you’re not a fan of the gym or running 3 miles a day and even if you did you don’t have an hour a day to exercise anyway. No problem, there are other ways you can get your body moving without making it feel so “involved”, it’s called NEAT(Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis).

The concept of NEAT was proposed by Dr James Levine, who defines it as:

“…the energy expenditure of all physical activities other than volitional sporting-like exercise. NEAT includes all those activities that render us vibrant, unique and independent beings such as dancing, going to work or school, shoveling snow, playing the guitar, swimming or walking in the modern Mall.”

Here are a few suggestions to help you burn a few extra calories through NEAT :

·         Walk, walk, walk or at the very least stand. Studies show that standing burns between 10 and 50 more calories per hour compared to sitting. So if you work sitting down, find ways to stand, for instance; stand or pace while talking on the phone. Don’t talk on the phone? Then get up every 20 minutes and walk around, or do some stretches.

·         When possible don’t send interoffice e-mail or use internet messaging; instead, walk to the other person’s office and talk face to face.

·         Drink lots and lots of water. Water is good because it releases toxins, but in this case, guess what happens if you are sipping water throughout the day?? You are going to have to PEE at least once every couple hours which means you have to WALK to the bathroom !! If you are at work, make an effort and go to the restroom on another floor and use the stairs.. get creative.. walk !

·         Don’t carry your cell phone attached to your hip, leave it somewhere where you can easily hear it and walk to it whenever you need to use. This is GREAT if you are big on texts !!!!

·         Running errands? Park as far away as possible from your destination and enjoy the walk and don’t use drive-through banking or fast food—get out of the car and walk.

·         Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.

·         Preparing your own meals also helps you burn calories so; yes, even slicing your own tomatoes or mashing your own potatoes increases NEAT.

·         Put your alarm clock across the room instead of right beside the bed and start moving as soon as you get up.

·         Remember that doing a diet is not about restricting what you eat for a few days. It’s about making a decision to become healthy and to do that you must not only change what you eat but also your lifestyle. So start today, GET MOVING !!!

Time Saving Tips

1. Pre-cook about 3-4 days worth of meats. Whether its using your George Forman grill, outside grill, or slow cooker it is a good idea to have food ready at all times. You never know if you might be in a hurry at meal time.

2. Make a pot of soup and keep it in the fridge ready for a quick grab.

3. Keep Iced Fruity Green Tea and/or Lemonade in fridge ready to satisfy a sweet craving.

Homemade Diet Soda

So you crave a soda? Here is a good option:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces sparkling mineral water
• Flavored stevia to taste
• Your choice of 3-5 tablespoons fresh grapefruit, lemon, or apple juice
• (optional)

Instructions

Add flavored stevia to sparkling mineral water to taste. The most commonly
available options are orange, grape, vanilla, chocolate, and root beer. There
are many flavors of stevia on the market. Shop at your local health food
store or online to find additional flavors. Add fresh lemon or lime juices and
slices to make a lemon lime flavor. Get creative. Try combining flavors
like orange and vanilla to create a dreamsicle soda.
Makes 1 serving

Enjoy !!

Tilapia

Ingredients

• 100 grams of Tilapia fish
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic crushed and minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped onion
• Pinch of dill
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Sauté fish in lemon juice with a little water then add onion, garlic and fresh herbs. Garnish with chopped parsley. Or bake in baking dish with a little
water at 350 for 20 minutes until fish is tender and delicious. Variations: oregano, thyme, or tarragon.

Makes 1 serving (1 protein)

Shrimp and Strawberry Salad

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 200 grams shrimp, cooked
• 1 handful of strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cud sliced celery
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Lemon wedges
• sea salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice and shrimp. Let sit 5 minutes. Add strawberries, celery and green onions to the bowl, mix gently.

Spoon shrimp mixture onto the plate. Place lemon wedges alongside.Add juice from lemon wedges and sea salt to taste.

Makes 2 servings ! Enjoy !!

This is great for taking to work... no heating required !! :)

Creole Tomato Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 5 cups of water
• 200 grms of skinkess, boneless chicken breasts cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup halved Creole seasoning blend
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 1 tomato

Instructions

Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add chicken, coverm, reduce heat and simmer  20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken using a slotted spoon; set aside. Cool slightly, and coarsely chop.

Place the chicken in a large bowl. Stir in the basil and all the remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Slice

 Makes 2 servings!! Enjoy !

Skirt Steak Salad

Ingredients

• 200 grams skirt steak
• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup grapefruit wedges
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 handful watercress leaves

Instructions

Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper, and cook to desired doneness. Slice thinly and set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. Divide mixture evenly between two plates and top with the steak slices. Serve warm.

Makes 2 servings.

Going to a restaurant this weekend?

Don’t worry. Just because you are on a diet it doesn’t mean you have to close yourself to the world. Here are a few tips to help you get through it:

·         Decide where you are going ahead of time, then go the restaurant’s website and look through the menu to see what low cal choices they have. If they don’t have healthy choices and you can’t pick another place, ask for a plain grilled chicken breast or a steak with a veggie. Most restaurants can accommodate that.

·         Decide on your ENTIRE meal before you get to the restaurant. Once you get there don’t bother looking at the menu. You already know what your're, don’t temp yourself.

·         If you feel you might be too tempted at the restaurant, have a snack before you get there.

·         Bring packets of Stevia with you for the Iced tea or drink water with lime, which I find really refreshing.

·         Once there enjoy yourself. Don’t dwell on what you can’t eat; rather focus on how great you will feel once you lose those extra pounds.

·         Order fresh fruit for dessert.

·         Smile and enjoy your friends and family ! J

Miracle Noodles and the HCG Diet

What are Miracle Noddles?

If you have never heard of these noodles, you SHOULD !!  

NO Sugar or Starch - NO Carbs-No Protein-No Calories-Natural Fiber

How will Miracle Noodles help me lose weight on the hCG diet?

Miracle Noodle slow digestion and will give you a feeling of fullness. When you are full, you will eat less and snack less. Miracle Noodles make staying on your hCG diet plan a lot easier.

What Amount of Miracle Noodles should I eat on the hCG diet?

You can replace 1 meal with  Miracle Noodles or have Miracle Noodles as a quick snack.

And if you are not loosing weight on the HCG diet?

The good news is you can also use Miracle Noodles as a plateau breaker. Simply replace two meals with Miracle Noodles for a day or two, and your diet efforts should start moving the scale down again.

NEW FOOD ITEMS ALLOWED on the HCG VITA DIET PROGRAM!!

MEATS: Tuna, Albacore and Chicken Breast Canned in Water.

VEGGIES: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Green Beans, Zucchini and Alfalfa Sprouts.

FRUITS: Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Watermelon and Melon

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL HCG VITA DIET – PHASE 3!!!

1.       Avoid all starches and sugars for three weeks following the HCG phase of the diet then introduce healthy carbohydrates back into your diet slowly as you begin the maintenance phase of the diet

2.       Weigh yourself daily.

3.       Enjoy eggs, cheese, dairy, healthy fats, and more variety of non-starchy vegetables and fruits.

4.      You may enjoy an alcoholic beverage such as wine, beer or liquor with meals during phase 3. Avoid sweet mixers, liqueurs, and dessert alcohols.

5.       Avoid very sweet fresh and dried fruits due to the high sugar content.

6.       Avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes, winter squash, corn, beans, beets, and peas.

7.       Check ingredients and labels as you shop to avoid ingesting starch or sugars.

8.       Limit your use of nuts. Small amounts in recipes should be okay.

9.       Check the starch content of the nuts and remove the skins if possible.

10.   Eat organic foods as much as possible and avoid fast food restaurants and processed foods.

11.   Avoid artificial sweeteners and sodas.

12.   Do a “steak day” if you go over 2 pounds of your last Drops weight. For a “steak day”, make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid food during the day then eat a large steak with either a raw apple or tomato for dinner. You should find yourself back on track the next morning and maintaining your weight.

13.   Avoid losing weight during phase 3. You want to maintain your loss within 2 pounds of your last Drops weight in either direction.

14.   Make sure you eat enough calories. Supplement your diet with healthy fats such as olive, virgin coconut oil, avocado or flax seed oil.

15.   Feel free to take your vitamins and supplements during phase 3.

16.   Consider doing colon, Candida, or other cleanses during phase 3. Candida cleansing is particularly helpful if you have had sugar or starch cravings in the past.

17.   Drink plenty of water and the recommended teas throughout the day.

18.   Exercise in moderation. Good exercises include walking, yoga, rebounding, and light strength training.

19.   Visualize yourself at your goal weight and stay positive.

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients

 100 grams ground beef
2 medium sized tomatoes
1 serving of Melba toast crumbs
1 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 clove garlic crushed and minced
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
Cayenne pepper to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
 
Directions

 Hollow out the tomatoes, sprinkle with salt and turn upside down to drain
for 10 minutes. Brown ground beef in a small frying pan (no oil); add onion, garlic
and spices. Pack ground beef mixture into tomatoes, add small amount of
water to bottom of dish, top with Melba toast crumbs and salt, and bake in
350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Makes 1 serving (1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 Melba toast)

Need a snack ?? Jello it is !!

Now we can have SUGAR-FREE JELLO During Phase 2 of the "VITA DIET" Protocol!!!! - Up To 3 / Day!!!

No Bean Chili

 

Ingredients

1 pound lean, lean ground beef  (you can also use lean turkey if you prefer)
6 oz can Tomato paste
Minced onion (dried or fresh)Garlic (the more the better)
Chili powder
Italian seasoning
Cayenne pepper
Emeril's Bam Original Essence Seasoning
water or beef broth (to desired thickness)
salt
pepper

Directions

Brown ground beef  or turkey in a non stick pan with no oil. Stir and add spices to taste. Add tomato and broth.  Simmer, the longer it simmers the more flavorful.

During Phase 3,  feel free to add the cheddar cheese.

Number of Servings: 5

Start being healty TODAY !! Do you know how much sugar is in a Coke can?

Yummy Crab Cakes

Ingredients

• 200 grams of crab meat
• 2 Melba toast, pureed into crumbs
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dill
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

In a bowl, combine crab meat and remaining ingredients. Mix well and form into patties. Brown in nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes on each side.

Makes 2 servings. Enjoy !

5 Tips to help you complete the HCG Diet Successfully

1.       Start the diet with the full intention of completing it. Commit to it!! If you plan to fail you will, if you plan to succeed you will!

2.       Drink plenty of water to help eliminate fat and toxins.

3.       Prepare all your meals ahead of time so that they can be ready for you when you need it.  Avoid falling in the trap of not having the food ready and eating something else instead.

4.       Do the diet with a buddy !!! The buddy system REALLY works !!

5.       Use mineral make up and lotions with mineral oils. Wondering what is mineral oil?

Mineral oil is one of a number of inexpensive byproducts that are made from petroleum. Sometimes referred to as paraffin oil or Nujol, white mineral oil is composed of a blend of hydrocarbons that is not unlike that of petroleum jelly. The difference is that mineral oil is a liquid petrolatum, making it an ideal choice for a number of applications.

Perhaps the single most common use for white mineral oil is to remove makeup at the end of the day. Mineral oil has the ability to cut through the minute amounts of grease and dirt that tend to cling to makeup over the course of the day, making it possible to strip off the layer of makeup easy and prepare the face for cleansing. Along with removing makeup from the face, mineral oil is often used as a beauty treatment, as it is an excellent amplifier that helps the body to absorb ultraviolet rays without drying out the skin. While not everyone is aware, baby oil is simply mineral oil that has been enhanced with a small amount of fragrance.

You will find mineral makeup at Walmart or any drugstore, or at this website.  

http://shop.avon.com/shop/search.aspx?department=search&find_spec=mineral makeup

Most lotions are made of mineral oil, look at the ingredients to verify.

HCG Diet on the News

Caramelized Apples

Ingredients
1 apple
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 packet powdered stevia
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1 tablespoon water
English toffee stevia to taste

Directions
Slice apple into very thin slices. Arrange in layers in a round 3 inch crème Brule dish. For each layer, sprinkle generously with cinnamon, nutmeg, and powdered and English toffee stevia. Continue layering with spices until dish is full. Sprinkle lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and water over the apple slices. Bake at 375 for approximately 20-25 minutes or until apples are cooked and top is slightly crispy. Drizzle with additional English toffee stevia if desired. Serve warm.

Makes 1 serving (1 fruit) (((Phase 3 modifications: Add a small amount of melted butter to the mixture and top with a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or pecans.)))

Dr. Oz talks about the HCG Diet

Blueberry Protein Smoothie for Phase 3

Ingredients
 
 1 scoop VANILLA WHEY PROTEIN POWDER
 ½ cup Frozen NO SUGAR ADDED Blueberries
 ½ cup Oikos Greek Plain Yogurt
 ½ cup UNSWEET Almond Milk
½ cup Water
4 packets Stevia
 2-3 dropperfuls of French Vanilla Stevia (Liquid)
14 ice cubes (less if you have a smaller container than I do. Mine holds 48 ounces)

Instructions
 Add all ingredients into blender and  blend until consistency of frothy icy smoothie.

238 calories Total Fat 3.8 g Saturated 1g Polyunsaturated .3g Monounsaturated .8g Cholestrol 70mg Sodium 172.5mg Potassium 382.5mg Total Carbs 16.5g Dietary Fiber 3.5g Sugars 11.5g Protein 35.5g Vitamin A 5% Vitamin C 3% Calcium 47.5% Iron 7%

Asparagus Frittata

Ingredients

3 egg whites

1 whole egg

asparagus (allowed amount)

1-2 cloves minced garlic

1 T dehydrated minced onion

1 T water

1 t parsley

salt/pepper (to taste)

tabasco (optional)

 Directions

1. Preheat pan over MED heat.
   
2. Snap woody ends off asparagus and discard.
   
3. Snap each asparagus spear into 2-3 pieces. Add to pan with garlic & heat through until tender.
   
4. Preheat oven to 400.
   
5. In bowl, mix eggs & water. Add asparagus, minced onion, parsley, salt/pepper.
   
6. Pour egg mixture into non-stick baking dish (or dish lined with parchment paper).
   
7. Place in oven and cook 10-15 mins until done.
   
8. Top with tabasco (optional) and serve immediately.

Filet Mignon with Braised Cabbage

Ingredients:

4 oz filet mignon
1 cup Cabbage shredded
Cider vinegar
Lemon Pepper
Sweet n Low
Rosemary leaves
Instructions:
Coo the filet mignon in a stovetop grill pan.
Drizzle a little vinegar and lemmon pepper on top and sprinkle a few Rosemary leaves before grilling and make sure to not overcook. Slice very thin.

Cabbage is put in small saucepan with enough water to allow to 'braise'...adding vinegar and a packet or two of Sweet n Low to sweeten.

I like lemon pepper so I add that too. Fold the cabbage over and over to cook evenly...do not overcook.

Number of Servings: 1

 Enjoy !!
Calories per serving of Filet Mignon w/ Braised Cabbage
209 calories of Filet Mignon, (4 oz)

18 calories of Cabbage, fresh, (1 cup, shredded)

4 calories of Cider Vinegar, (2 tbsp)

Seafood Pasta

Ingredients

• 4oz Scallops, approximately 6-8 (lightly salted with sea salt)
• 4oz Shrimp approximately 6-8 (lightly salted with sea salt)
• 1/2 cup (1/3 of can) of Fire Roasted Tomatoes
• 1 Asparagus spear (Lg) 1/2 oz of fresh Baby Spinach
• 1oz of Mushrooms
• 3-4 tsp chopped Onion
• 2 cloves of Garlic
• Chopped fresh basil (2-3 lg leaves)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (2-3 stems)
• 1/2 pkg of Tofu Shirataki noodles

Directions Using a non-stick skillet in medium heat, saute the garlic and onion in a little of the juice off of the tomatoes. Then, add the asparagus and mushrooms. If the skillet gets too dry add a little water but no oil or butter. Next add the scallops and shrimp along with the basil and cilantro and cook until shrimp start to pink on both sides, then add the tomatoes. As the tomatoes continue to heat and the shrimp finish cooking pop the noodles in the microwave (in a microwave-safe container of course) for 1 minute. While the noodles are in the microwave, remove the skillet from the heat and toss in the fresh spinach. You want the spinach to be warm but not cooked. Serve over Shirataki noodles.

Cold Curried Chicken Salad

Ingredients
100 grams diced chicken
1 apple diced
Celery diced (optional)
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 clove of garlic crushed and minced
¼ teaspoon curry powder or to taste
Dash of garlic powder
Dash of onion powder
Dash of cayenne pepper
Dash of cinnamonchci
Dash of turmeric
Stevia to taste
>>>Directions
In small saucepan lightly sauté chicken in lemon juice until lightly brown,
add ¼ cup water and spices. Stir well and simmer over low heat until liquid
reduces to form a sauce and chicken is cooked well. Add water as needed to
create the consistency you want. Chill, add chopped apple and celery or
omit the celery and serve over a green salad.
Makes 1 serving (1 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit

Sample Daily Menu

Breakfast
Green Tea or Coffee

Lunch
Strawberry Crush
4 large strawberries
Crushed ice
Stevia to taste
Water
Blend strawberries, Stevia, crushed ice and water. You can add a squeeze of real lemon juice for a tart strawberry taste.

Shrimp Scampi
100 Grams of shrimp (peel shell off, weight out 100 grams before cooking)
1/4 Tsp minced garlic
3 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
Dash of onion powder, garlic, salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup vegetable broth or water (broth gives it more flavor)

In saucepan, sauté minced garlic in the lemon juice and vegetable broth. Add dry ingredients. Add shrimp and cook till pink or 5-7 minutes.

Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus spears
Salt and pepper
Sweet basil
Cut ends of asparagus, and season. On George Foreman grill, grill asparagus till desired doneness.

Snack
1 Grissini Breadsticks

Dinner
Grilled Chicken Salad
100 grams of organic chicken breast
1/4 tsp garlic
Dash of sweet basil
Dash of thyme
Dash of onion powder
Dash of salt and pepper to taste
Spinach

Season both sides of chicken breast with seasoning above. On Gorge Foreman grill, cook chicken for 3-4 minutes (depending on thickness of chicken, but do cook till done).

While that is cooking, prep Spinach. Rinse and dry, place in bowl.

Once Chicken is done, cut into cubes on a plate. Scrape juice and cubes into bowel of spinach. The natural juice from the chicken should be enough to not need any dressing.

Dessert
1 Apple
1 Grissini Breadsticks

Mexican Style Cilantro Chicken

Ingredients

100 grams cubed or sliced chicken
Chopped tomatoes
½ cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Fresh chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped onion
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ clove fresh garlic minced
¼ teaspoon chili powder
Cayenne to taste
Pinch of cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Lightly brown the chicken with a little lemon juice. Add spices, additional
lemon juice, and chicken broth. When the chicken is cooked thoroughly, add
fresh tomatoes and cilantro and cook for 5-10 more minutes.
Makes 1 serving (1 protein 1 vegetable)