After finishing week one of the FLAT BELLY DIET, we have found one choke-worthy recipe and many delicious new family favorites.
First, our top three surprises:
1. Pumpkin Crunch Cereal: We always thought "healthy" cereals were icky, but the FBD introduced us to a basic concept that I'm embarrassed to admit I'd never tried before. You take the most plain basic healthy cereal (Kashi 7 Whole Grain Puffs), add two tablespoons nuts or seeds (like raw unsalted Pumpkin Seeds), and add fruit (like a sliced banana). This was a yum-a-licious surprise that the entire family liked. And, the variations are endless. For example, in week two, we tried the cereal with 2 tablespoons craisins and 2 tablespoons hazelnuts. YUM!
2. Egg Beaters: They tasted just as good as the eggs we've used in the past.
3. California Burger: I've always hated veggie burgers in the past, and I honestly thought I would have to gag this one down. But, I discovered that "brand" makes a difference, and the way you dress the burger also makes a huge difference! We used Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers. Inside a whole wheat pita, we put 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup avocado, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Oh my gosh! These extra items with the veggie burger made it so delicious! This was the number one shocker for me!!
Our top three favorite meals:
1. Strawberry Chocolate Waffle: Broil 1 Kashi Whole Grain Waffle with 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips on top (until chocolate melts). Top with one cup strawberries. We've also tried fruit variations such as freshly picked raspberries and cherries. YUM!
2. Chicken Sandwich: Basic, but delicious. Spread two slices whole wheat bread with 1/4 cup avocado. Add 3 ounces organic deli chicken breast and 1/2 cup romaine lettuce. Delicious.
3. Waldorf Pita: On one whole wheat pita spread 2 Laughing Cow Light Garlic & Herb Wedges. Fill with thinly sliced apple, 2 tablespoons walnuts, and 1 cup romaine lettuce.
And, the ultimate choke-worthy meal (I want to gag just thinking about it):
Avocado and Salmon Salad: 3 cups romaine lettuce, 2 ounces salmon, 1 sliced grapefruit, 1/4 cup diced avocado, 1 tablespon rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons olive oil.
The flavors competed with each other and simply didn't blend well. We all agreed it was awful.
We really learned during the first week, that we have to let go of preconceived notions of foods. Certain foods we expected to be icky turned out to be yummy and other foods we could not wait for (Guacamole Dip) disappointed us, because we expected them to taste like old favorites (loaded with salt and other unhealthy ingredients). Once we changed our thinking, the foods tasted even better.
Oh but to have the flat belly of the beautiful people. I was admiring some men the other day on a gay website and read what they did to maintain such perfect bodies. They work out sometimes for 10-hours a day, six days a week.
ReplyDeleteI was like...really? That just made me mad. Who has time to devote to that kind of thing when bills need to be paid and you gotta have a day job?
That being said...I may try some of your recipes. Thank you.
This has been really interesting to follow! I've tried to get my husband to switch to egg-whites or egg-beaters, but he won't do it :) I'm definitely going to have to try the strawberry-chocolate waffle.
ReplyDeleteFascinating post. The plan sounds good, but I worry about adhering to a plan without extra binging at night. I suppose when you are pumped up about the plan, adherence is not difficult.
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