Apple Cider Vinegar uses on P2

Hi All the Phases To Forever readers!  I had a great and all consuming summer, my hope is that you did too!  It was this time last year that I had finished losing all of my needed weight loss.  What an accomplishment!  I still pinch myself everyday and thank God for the strength to complete it!  You can do it too!  Even if you had a few set back during start up, had a little too much fun this summer or are on your very first round...You are worth every pound lost!

I have been experimenting, with Apple Cider Vinegar.  ACV, raw, unfiltered and organic version is loaded with probiotics and enzymes.  True it is great to drink and cook with, turns out it does the exterior a lot of good too. 

Have you seen the latest greatest trend in expensive spa masks, lotions and products?  It is probiotic and enzyme based products.  Costing a lot of money for a tube or treatment. 

My thoughts were, how can I get this benefit more naturally?  I started testing Apple Cider Vinegar on my skin as a toner.  Loaded with nutrients and all the benefits of the expensive brands without chemicals or the high price tags.  Results are in...amazing!

How to: use Apple Cider Vinegar as a moisturizer, toner, acne/ rash treatment and pH neutralizer. 

1 bottle- organic, raw, unfiltered, "withe the Mother" Apple Cider Vinegar. 
cotton balls

Use to treat your face and skin to a moisturizing, enzyme, vitamin and probiotic treatment your skin will love. Use after bathing or showering, before bed, over acne prone skin.  Treat your P2 "candida die off rash" which is a common appearance the  first few weeks...it also seems to be very moisturizing, which is nice during P2 when there is very little moisturizers to chose from.
Note:  Do not use on open wounds- ouch!  It does kind of stink but close your mouth, wave a little and know it will go away quick once it dries.

Lemon Cucumber Water

Sick of drinking plain water?  Haven't quite mastered the art of tea drinking?  No more black coffee for you?  Try this fresh, tasty Lemon Cucumber water that they serve in very high end spas around the world!  Drink this while sitting in your Detox Bath to keep you nice and refreshed.  Here is one fancy drink you can indulge yourself with during your Phase 2!  Sick of lemons?  Leave them out, it is very good without them too.

Photo Credit

Lemon Cucumber Water

1glass  water pitcher

1 gallon cold water  

1/2 cucumber, sliced

1 lemon, sliced

small handful of fresh mint leaves (optional)

Place all the ingredients into a pitcher, let sit in your refrigerator for 1 hour up to overnight.  Serve over ice for a cool and very refreshing drink.  Will keep a few days in the refrigerator.

Options:  Try replacing the lemon with a few slices of oranges, grapefruits, strawberries or apples!  Try other herbs you have around you as well, Sweet Basil, Rosemary or Lavender would be so good..

Radish Salad

Hello all the summertime Phase 2 followers,  I hope this summer finds you near a pool, it seems it has been hot everywhere.  I love it!  Here is a very fresh salad idea to keep you full and taste bud satisfied.  Add the pinch of ginger for an Asian flare or cumin for a Spanish taste.  Whichever you chose is delicious!  Pair up with the Grilled Ginger Kabobs or over the Fish Tacos recipe instead of wrapping it up in a veg. 

Photo Credit

Radish Salad
1 bunch radishes, sliced
1/4- 1/2 C cilantro, chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced
pinch of powdered ginger or cumin
pinch of celtic sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

Cut radishes into quarters and toss with lemon juice, cilantro, ginger or cumin (but not both!), salt and pepper. Stir and let rest for a few minutes.

 

Phase 3/4:  Add a splash of extra virgin olive oil and some chopped up cucumbers.

 

 

"Honey" Mustard Grilled Chicken and Marinade

Happy July!  I hope all of you had a safe, fun and successful Phase 2 weekend.  Grills are fired up around here and I could not be happier.  Here in the Midwest we cherish our grilling months and sometimes even trudge out in the ice and snow to get a grilled steak on a warm day of 30 degrees F.  I don't want to even think about that right now!  It is 85 and sunny today, my meat is thawing and I will be making this again even in my Phase 4 status.  Get creative and add some P2 allowed veggies over top the flame for wonderful flavored sides. 

"Honey" Mustard Grilled Chicken

1/4 C sugar free- dijon mustard

1/4-1/2 tsp stevia
2 TB chicken broth or water
1 TB apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp celtic sea salt
1/4 tsp paprika
4  boneless, skinless chicken breast

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl.  Pour over chicken and marinade in the refrigerator for 1 hour to overnight.  When ready to cook, remove chicken and grill over medium heat for 20 minutes, until cooked through.

Phase 3/4:  Add 1/4 cup mayo, plain yogurt or oil to the marinade to add in healthy fats. 

No grill?  Try this!

Need a little excitement?  Do this!

Don't let Phase 2 get in the way of summer fun. Remember to follow Dr. Simeon's full orders and sunbathe!!!  Check Pounds and Inches, it is in there I swear.  I have that part of the protocol down no problem.....no twisting of the arm, I am out in the vitamin D richness.

Have a pound dropping rest of the week!

~Natasha





Radish Mash and Radish Hash!

Happy Father's Day to all the HCG dad's out there!  Dad's who are the "Meat and Potato" type while on Phase 2 can get a special treat while staying right on coarse. 
Do you like radishes?  I did not!  I had to try a few times before I got it right.  I have to really cook mine to get the radish flavor completely out.  Now I love them. 
Try this for a nice replica of potatoes now and well beyond your Phase 2 adventures.  Many report that the men not even on the diet will fall head over heals for cooked radishes.  So even if he is not on the diet and and someone else is....you can share this one or any of the other radish dishes together.  Farmer's Markets will have these in abundance so take advantage of this fresh veggie while in season!

Enjoy your weekend and Happy Father's Day!

Radish Mash and Radish Hash
1 pound red radishes, halved
1 C chicken broth
1 C water
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp chives
1/2 tsp celtic sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic

Cover with liquid and boil over medium heat while uncovered for 45 minutes or until all liquid is almost gone.  Mash with fork or potato masher.  Eat as Radish Mash or continue with the Radish Hash!  Sprinkle a small skillet with some more salt and place the Radish Mash into the hot skillet over medium heat.  Dry fry for a few minutes until it gets a bit charred to your liking. Be mindful that this is kind of "dry frying" and it will have a bit of stick to the pan.
Served with Faux-tisserie Chicken made with Homemade Seasoned Salt and Cinnamon Apple Chips for dessert!

Grapefruit Mint Cooler

Are summer Phases well under way with everyone?  I know some that have started a round for swim suit season, is that you?  What are you favorite summer drinks?  You can make virgin margaritas with Strawberries, Stevia and ice, a Lemon Slushy or this yummy Grapefruit Cooler.  Toss in some fresh mint for a cool refreshing drink to help you get through any "snacky" moods.  Having a sweet treat drink around is helpful to not feel so left out if others are enjoying something not currently on your food list.

Photo credit

Grapefruit Cooler
(1 tall glass serving)
1/2 grapefruit, juiced
3/4 cup water
2 TB freshly chopped mint
1/8 teaspoon stevia
mini pinch of celtic sea salt

Combine fresh grapefruit juice, water, stevia, salt and mix well.  Pour over a very tall glass of ice. Insert straw and sip happily!

PS-  Another variation is to peel the fruit and mix with ice and mint in a blender for a blended version!

Black Cherry Soda

Some days Phase 2 can be hard and all you need is a little "treat" to help you feel normal again, that it won't last forever and that you can make it through this!  My encouragement to you today will be exactly that! 

You will be able to eat normal again soon.  This will not last forever.  You can make it through today and make it through the entire process.

To help you through the day, taking some time to enjoy fruity flavors will help.  Below you will find my favorite kitchen toy.  It makes healthy drinks choices in a snap.  Morning coffee, afternoon iced tea, evening hot tea, hot cocoa for the kids, even hot water for soup.  All at the touch of your fingers.  Highly recommended, especially if you have been wanting one from afar.  I love my Breville Keurig machine and I wanted to share and show you one of my favorite kitchen tools you can use in Phase 2 and beyond.   As always I will answer any questions you have about this kitchen gem.

Black Cherry Soda

2 Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry tea bags

4 ounces boiling water

1 C sparkling water

1/8 tsp stevia

1/2 lemon, juiced (optional)

Place 2 tea bags in bottom of a coffee/ tea mug.  Pour 4 ounces very hot water.  Steep 6-8 minutes.  Squeeze liquid from bags and remove.  Sweeten with stevia to taste, adding lemon juice is optional.  Fill a tall glass with ice, add concentrated tea.  Pour the sparkling water over tea and ice, stir with straw and sip happily.
Note:  If you are not a tea drinker or tea liker...give this a try along with my Faux-Fruit Punch, they don't have a "tea" taste at all.  You should be pleasantly surprised and makes a nice entrance into the world of drinking health tonic called tea!

Keurig compatible Coffee and Tea makers











K-Cup Accessories











K-Cup Coffees











K-Cup Teas

Baked or Grilled Herbed Shrimp

Good Morning,
Do you all have your herbs planted?  If not the farmers markets and produce always have fresh growing herbs showcased this time of year.  Thyme and rosemary make this a flavorful dish, letting you forget all about any list of restrictions and appreciate the wonderful flavors you can still enjoy.
This would be excellent cooked on the grill in a foiled, stainless steel pan or wooden skewers.  Toss with cooked spinach or add asparagus spears in with the shrimp for an easy and elegant meal.  Thanks to One Perfect Bite for helping create this beautiful meal Phase 2 style. 

Photo Credit

Baked or Grilled Herbed Shrimp
1/4 C water or protocol allowed chicken broth
1/2 TB red wine vinegar (make sure sugar free)
1 TB fresh lemon juice
6 fresh thyme sprigs
3 large fresh rosemary sprigs, halved
1 tsp celtic sea salt, halved
1 tsp fresh cracked pepper
1-1/2 pounds extra-large shrimp (preferably wild caught, peeled and deveined)

Preheat oven or grill to 400 degrees F.  Pour water or broth and lemon into a 9 x 13 inch, glass baking dish.  Add thyme, rosemary and pepper. Bake12 minutes or until spices become fragrant.
Add shrimp to dish and toss until all surfaces of shrimp are coated.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes, remove when shrimp are pink and firm.  Add vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt . Toss well and let rest for 5 minutes at room temperature until cooled slightly.  Sprinkle shrimp and any vegetables with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, or as needed.

Note:  This would be good cooked with fish too.

Phase 3/4:  Replace water or broth with olive or grapeseed oil.  Add the lemon peels in the baking dish too for added flavor.

Photo Credit

Sweet & Salty Asian Dressing

Wishing all of the mommies had a wonderful Mother's Day!  This great Phase 2 compliant dressing recipe is my yummy gift to you.  Have a wonderful week all, happy losing!

Sweet & Salty Asian Dressing

1/4 C water

1/4 C apple cider vinegar

1 tsp celtic sea salt

1/2 tsp stevia

1 green onions, finely chopped

2 TB cilantro, finely chopped

pinch of red pepper flakes

fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Whisk together the all of the above ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad, cucumbers, cabbage, marinade or cook your meats, etc...

Phase 3/4: Replace water with olive oil and add up to a teaspoon of sesame seed oil (optional).  Add 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds too.  Replace salt with 1 tsp organic, unpasteurized, gluten free, sugar free soy sauce. 

       

Honey Mustard Cole Slaw

How is everyone today?  The weather is finally warming here in Minnesota.  Can't wait for more sunshine and flwers!  Wishing all the mommies a Happy Mother's Day this weekend.  Take some time to treat yourself with a book, manicure, detox bath or just by giving yourself a a boost of confidence.  Tell yourself you are amazing and believe it! 
Another cole slaw recipe that will be sure to be loved.  Maybe not as much as our all time number one Asian Slaw but close.  To see all other cole slaw recipes, see here.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Photo credit

Honey Mustard Cole Slaw
(Serves 2-4)
4 cups of chopped cabbage
4 green onions, chopped
2 TB dijon mustard
2 TB yellow mustard
2 TB apple cider vinegar
2 TB water
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp stevia, powdered or liquid
fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Cilantro (optional)

Chop the cabbage and green onions and set aside in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, whisk together everything else and pour over the cabbage. Toss all to combine.  Allow the cole slaw to sit in the refrigerator for about an hour or two before serving.

Phase 3/4- Replace water with olive oil.  Add julienned veggies of your choice such as green pepper, red onion, cucumbers, alfalfa sprouts or snow peas.  Try broccoli slaw too!

Mexican Cucumber Salsa

Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

Don't let your Phase 2 successes get in the way of celebrating.  Make some stevia sweetened lemonade with a few chopped up mint leaves for a "Faux-jito".  Marinade some shrimp or any other meat with this Taco Seasonings, serve with this Cucumber Salsa!

Photo Credit

Mexican Cucumber Salsa
(Serves 1)
1 whole cucumber, diced into small cubes
2 TB cilantro, chopped
1 TB red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp garlic, minced

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp celtic sea salt

1/8 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
Add a drop or two of stevia if you desire

In a bowl, toss together the cucumber, red wine vinegar and cilantro. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, cumin, onion, salt, and black pepper. Cover, and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.         

Note: Try this with a large whole tomato, chopped.
   

Photo Credit

Phase 3/4:  Make a mix of cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, etc... then add 1/4 cup mayo or full fat greek yogurt for a creamy salad or 1 TB olive oil for a lighter taste.

Detox Bath- Take II

I was out shopping at our local co-op this week when I spied this...

Then I got home and saw this article speaking about toxins can cause weight gain.  Toxins and chemicals are all around us, it is unavoidable. 

Don't go crazy, but do what you can to help in eliminating them from your home and body.  Eating organically was a huge step for our family but the benefits it brings are irreplaceable.  Trading out the cleaning products in your home, laundry and dishwasher soaps, room sprays and deodorants, lotions and soaps are a easy switch now a days with all the wonderful and comparably priced, available products at your small and big box stores. 

Using the Detox Bath is a great way to help your body if it is feeling congested, weighted or sluggish.  Brain fog, lethargy and muscle soreness are some severe symptoms but what about just feeling tired, hormonal or just plain "a little bit lazy"!  This will help.  Trying either one will help you feel rested and give you the bounce back into your step the next morning.  I think this new Detox Bath- Take II is great for skin rashes, irritations or sunburns too.  The added vinegar helps in balancing the pH and soothing the skin.  The ginger makes it smell nice too!

Detox Bath- Take II
(Bulk recipe)
2 C epsom salt
2 C sea salt
2 C aluminum free baking soda
5 TB ground ginger
1 C vinegar

Combine all dry ingredients, store in a closed container.  During bath time, add 1 cup of dry ingredients mix and 1 cup vinegar to hot running water.  Soak 20-40 minutes.  Enjoy!

Benefits:
Epsom Salt draws out toxins from your body while relieving aches and pains.
Sea Salt soothes and heals blemishes and open wounds.
Baking Soda balances and over acidic system, leaving you refreshed, energized while softening the skin.
Ground Ginger increases circulations, aiding in the eliminations of toxins.
Vinegar soothes and soften dry, itchy skin while balancing the bodies and neutralizing the bodies pH.

Phase 3/4 recipe over at Saved by the Egg Timer today!

Hello to all the greatest and most successful HCGer's out there! 

The Phases To Forever members get a Phase 3/4 recipe today over at my Family Recipe Blog called Saved by the Egg Timer.  It is a Protein Packed Chocolate Cookie recipe that is wonderfully healthy, full of protein and healthy fats to help you maintain your amazing weight loss.  Please check it out and as always, if you have any questions about the recipe.  Feel free to ask over on PTF Facebook page where I can answer you promptly.  If your wondering, someone else probably is too!

While you are over there, check out the other P3/4 friendly recipe too!
Flavored Coffee Creamers and here
Homemade Peppermint (and sugar free) Peppermint Extract
Homemade Breakfast Sausage- minus the sugar for P3

Giardiniera

Grilled Green Beans (one of my summer fave's!)

Peach Syrup- replace sugar with 2 tsp stevia

Curried Chicken Stir Fry- serve without rice

Smokey Raspberry Jalapeno Chicken Wings- sugar free jam

and out of season but still yummy...Gingerbread Syrup

 

Wow there was a lot more than I thought there would be, hopefully you will find something that suites your taste buds.

 

Have a great weekend!
~Natasha

Tomato Turmeric Soup

Great flavor to beat the bland out of you!  Don't let bland get to you in P2, it is possible to love your meals! 
This culture cross of spices is a perfect mix.  We have Turmeric from India, Cilantro and Cumin from Mexico, Plum Vinegar from Japan to blend sweetly into this nice soup.

The flavorful turmeric boosts moods, aids as an anti-inflammatory to your skin and blood vessels, natural pain reliever and cancer cell killer.  Turmeric helps detox your liver and fight obesity.  Kick your health into high gear while enjoying every slurp. 

Tomato Turmeric Soup
(1 serving)
1 tomato, diced  (feel free to experiment and add any other kind of veggies you like such as asparagus, cabbage,  onions, radishes, spinach, fennel...)
1 green onion, sliced
2 TB cilantro, chopped
1 C of water or protocol veggie or chicken broth
1/2 C water
1 TB Ume Plum Vinegar (or vinegar of choice)
1 clove of garlic
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
Dash of salt and fresh cracked pepper
3 1/2 ounces of any protocol allowed meat you wish
 

Place all ingredients in a small sauce pan. Heat through to a simmer, add any meat that you wish.  Before I add the meat I like to blend it up in a blender or immersion style.  Enjoy!

Phase 3/4:  Saute some red onion, tomato and garlic in 2 tablespoon of grass fed butter before adding the rest of ingredients.  Use all chicken broth instead of water and add more meat.  Try adding sliced grilled steak or ground beef to the soup at the end.  Top with a splash of fresh cream. 

Lemongrass Lettuce Wraps

This is good with ANY meat! A must try, all ingredients are in the produce section of most grocers.  If you cannot find some, try different types of markets- asian and farmers markets should carry these herbs too. 

I heart lemongrass so much, what a wonderful way to welcome Spring!  This perennial herb has a lot of great uses along with health benefits.  Studies and good ole' traditional practices have proven that it helps to detoxify the bodies liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract. Cutting down on uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and toxins in our body while improving digestion, blood circulation and gastronal intestinal health.  Also said to improve our skin by reducing acne and helping to tone muscle and skin tissue. 

Who wouldn't want those benefits?  Especially while losing weight we need all the help we can get with the whole skin tightening right?  Learning this I am going to be adding more lemongrass to my meal rotations!

PS- I am working on the spring planting project I mentioned last post with the lettuce boxes.  I will post as soon as I can!  Start saving your clear plastic lettuce boxes you buy at the store, don't throw them away!



P2- please ignore the red onion in this, I am past P2 and added sliced red onion as suggested below.

Photo Credit

Lemongrass Lettuce Wraps
(Serves 1)

3.5 oz chicken breast, boneless and skinless- diced small (any meat!)
1/4 C water
1 TB lemon grass, sliced (white part only)

1/4 tsp fresh ginger, minced  (you can use powdered too)

1/4 tsp celtic sea salt

1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 TB fresh Thai basil leaves, sliced (regular basil works too)

1 TB fresh mint leaves, sliced

1 TB cilantro

few drops or pinch of stevia

1 TB water

red, butter, romaine lettuce leaves all work well.


This is what lemongrass will look like at the stores and markets if you have not used/ bought it before.

 Season the chicken with ginger, salt and pepper.  Cook chicken over medium heat in 1/4 cup water and lemongrass for 10 minutes or until no longer pink through the center. Transfer to a plate to cool.  Shred into small pieces, toss with basil, mint and cilantro.  Add the lemon juice and stevia to the chicken mixture and mix until evenly coated.

Open a a few lettuce leaves and stack; spread chicken mixture onto the lettuce leaf.  Fold and enjoy!

Phase 3/4: Cook your chicken in 2 tablespoons coconut oil instead of water. Add sliced red onion and bell peppers when cooking the chicken ,julienne some cucumbers to place on top before rolling up too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost Creamy Tomato Soup

Hello!  I have missed you!  We have been busy busy busy getting a new kitchen to create in!!! I hope that will be enough reason for you to forgive my absence. 
Today it is rainy and drab here, perfect for a warm bowl of soup.  Tomato soup is perfect to soothe away gray clouds.  I am glad it is raining in place of the snow though!  Welcome spring rains, after this year even the hardiest of Midwesterners are ready for some much needed warmth.

Hint:  My next post will be about Spring and planting herbs, herbs are so wonderful for Phase 2....it let's us feel a little like cheating using fresh herbs and does good for our taste buds.  During my Phase 2 last summer my Rosemary plant could not keep up with me!  So just a head's up- start saving those clear boxes that you buy your lettuce or spinach in (if you buy that kind).

Also:  My amazon store has been going haywire.  I will try to get things up and running again soon :)  If you have any questions about products just email me and I will give my help and suggestions.  Email address here or here.

That is all for now, have a wonderful day of scale dropping fun.  ~Natasha

Photo Credit

Almost Creamy Tomato Soup

Makes 2 servings- only one serving per day.

2 TB water

1 tsp onion powder

2 14-15 oz cans tomato puree or diced tomatoes (love Muir Glen Fire Roasted)
1/2 tsp basil

1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

1 C protocol allowed chicken broth (see here)
10-15 drops stevia or 1/4 tsp powdered stevia (optional)

2 TB milk

1/2 tsp celtic sea salt

Caution Note:  I have 2 days worth of milk in this recipe.  If you plan to eat this twice in one day, add only 1 TB milk.  If you need your milk in your coffee than just omit the milk completely.  You can also half the recipe but why cook more?

In medium sauce pan over medium heat, add ingredients up to the broth.  Simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Turn to medium-low and stir in the stevia, milk and salt.  Let cook 10 minutes.  If you used diced tomato and want it creamy then let cool and blend in a blender or leave in the pot and mix it up immersion style. 

Note:  You can choose to add any meat you want or eat on the side.  Cooked shrimp to make a shrimp cocktail soup! 

P3/4:  Use 1/2 cup heavy cream in place of milk and use olive oil in place of water. Can also replace 1 whole onion for onion powder. 

Photo Credit

Citrus 'Slaw

I am hoping you all will love this as much as I do.  I am also hoping this delight will become as popular as you have made the Asian Slaw recipe.  Great flavors and colors really make this a keeper for P2 and beyond. 

Thank you to Minced for inspiring this Phase 2 version of her recipe.  To see her Phase 4 quality recipe, see here.  Healthy, refreshing and brightly colorful to satisfy all your taste buds and senses.

Photo Credit

Citrus 'Slaw

(1-2 servings)

1/2 small red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

1 orange, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, and then thinly sliced

2 green onions, ends trimmed, thinly cut

1 1/2 TB fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/8 tsp Valencia Orange stevia (plain, liquid or powdered is good too)

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp celtic sea salt

1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

Combine the red cabbage, orange slices, and green onions in a large bowl.  Toss to combine.
Whisk together the lemon juice, Valencia Orange stevia, and ground cumin in a small bowl.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Drizzle the dressing over the slaw.  Toss to combine.  Adjust the seasoning as needed.  The slaw can be served immediately, but improves in flavor if refrigerated for 30-60 minutes prior to eating.

Phase 3 and 4:  Use lemons and/or limes. Add 1 TB of grapeseed or olive oil to the lemon juice mixture.

Fish Tacos

I read something yesterday and I thought of all of you, I started thinking and this is what I came up with.

Losing weight for our health and heart is great... But you are beautiful today, right where you are you are beautiful. Don't ever think less of yourself, don't ever judge your jean size. Your health is worth it, you are worth it... But you are beautiful right now, right where you are. 

I hope that is encouraging to someone today.  Now onto the food!  We have a special guest post today, thank you Rachel for your wonderful Fish Tacos recipe.  I know many will try this and love it as much as you do!  We appreciate your contribution and generosity to share with us!

Photo Credit

Fish Tacos
(Serves 1)
3.5 oz tilapia or any protocol white fish
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
squeeze of lemon
cilantro
green onion
any bibb lettuce (Romaine, Green Leaf....)

Season fish with chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and pepper. Pan fry over medium heat a a little water until cooked through. Divide pieces of cooked fish to two or more lettuce leaves.  Sprinkle with green onion, cilantro and squeeze of lemon.  Enjoy!

Note: This would be excellent with the Asian Slaw recipe.  In order to not mix veggies, wrap with a raw or half cooked cabbage leaf, place some Asian Slaw inside the cabbage leaf and top with cooked fish.  Shrimp or lobster would be good too!

Mixing Veggies

Good Evening Everyone! 

I wanted to address some discrediting about Phases To Forever.  There have been some postings relating to the recipes on the website not being 100% Dr. Simeons protocol by mixing veggies.  None of the recipe mix veggies with one exception of the Cucumber Salad that gives specific directions not to eat the cukes and onions at the same time/meal.  I am very careful and consider all ingredients while making the P2 meals.  Mixing veggies in P2 is not on the food list I provide and I follow the food list posted here that is copied right out of Pounds and Inches.  There is no rule bending going on at this website, part of the reason I started Phases To Forever was because in my own searching, there was no accurate recipes in one spot that followed the real Dr. S rules. 

As always- enjoy what you eat in Phase 2 by eating good flavored, tasty prepared food while following the very precise and strict foods allowed.  If there is any questions regarding this, I am always here to answer and help.

~Natasha @ http://phasestoforever.blogspot.com/

Southwestern Lettuce Wraps

Something spicy to warm you up during this week of cold and winter mayhem!  Where are you right now?  Somewhere warm and sunny?  Somewhere that is supposed to be warm and sunny but is cold and blistering?  Holed up in your house with 2 feet of snow against your front door?  Mother nature sure is grumpy this week, there was no shadow today so spring I will see you soon!  Happy Groundhog's Day.
I have a photo but cannot find it...I will post it when I find the right SD card! 

Southwestern Lettuce Wraps

1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless and cut in small pieces
2 tsp garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (less or none for mild heat)

1/2 tsp celtic sea salt

1/8 tsp chipolte powder

1/4 C water or protocol chicken broth

1/4 C fresh cilantro, chopped

squeez of fresh lemon

12 or more romaine or bibb lettuce leaves

Heat a large saute pan to medium high heat.  Add 2 teaspoons water or broth to the hot pan and add the chicken.  Cook the chicken for about 3 - 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, cumin and chipolte powder and cook for an additional 3 - 4 minutes.  Stir in the water or broth and cook for a minute or until heated through.  Stir in cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.  Measure out your 3 ounce serving and serve in lettuce leaves.

Note:  This would be excellent with any meat.  Thin sliced sirloin, shrimp, fish tacos...  If your too busy, pop the stuff in the slow cooker and it will be done when you get home!  Or use the ingredients as a marinade and grill for great flavor.  Top your wraps with some thin sliced granny smith for a nice sour crunch.

Phase 3/4:  Replace the cooking water/ broth with oil or butter.  Replace the 1/4 C water/ broth with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.  Replace the onion powder with thin sliced onion and add bell peppers.  Top with cheese, cultured sour cream and homemade salsa.

Cinnamon Apple Chips

Good Morning All,
This was my nightly treat and snack during Phase 2 and honestly, still is today.  I love this!  So simple yet so satisfying.  It will solve any desire for sweet, salty, juicy and crispy all in one sitting. 
Pick your favorite apple, mine happens to be a huge Fuji Apple, 2nd runner up is HoneyGold or HoneyCrisp...whichever is in season.  Perfect for your night in while watching a movie or bring along to an outing so you can snack.  If you still have not tried celtic sea salt...your missing out.  I never thought salt could taste so different and so good.  Same goes for Vietnamese Cinnamon, you have no idea how good cinnamon is, until you try this.  Worth it 100%!

 Let me know if you get addicted to this snack as much as I have.

Cinnamon Apple Chips

1 apple, sliced very thin
sprinkling of celtic sea salt
sprinkling of Vietnamese cinnamon
mini dash of nutmeg

To play tricks on your eyes, slice your apple thin.  Leaving you with a huge pile of apples.  Plate them and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt, cinnamon and nutmeg as you wish.  Enjoy!