The Food! The surprises.

No Sugar.   No Starches.  No Fat.  Whats left?.  Fruits and Vegetables.  And limited at that.  What to do?   You too will get to the point where you'll actually enjoy your diet.  And as many of my family and friends are telling me, you will keep the recipes long after you've finished with the protocol.  Hey, I didn't believe it either...at first. With a few surprises along the way. Converted!

Lets start with sugar.  I'm a chocoholic.  Danishes, Brownies, Flan, on and on I love them ALL.  Ice Cream, I'm getting excited just thinking about it.  I cover it with strawberries that have been marinated in sugar with some lemon zest, topped with chocolate fudge then nuts. Now, Dr. Simeon says, ONLY Stevia or Saccharin (pink packets). Oh lord. To continue.  I use saccharin rather then Stevia, can't handle the after taste.  Fruits have replaced my beloved sweets and satisfied my sweet tooth.  Surprise. 

Starches!  Longing, is what comes up for me.  Pasta!  Need I say more.  I live in New York City, restaurants abound.  Every cuisine.  Hello, the Food Network, Rachael Ray are headquartered in NYC.  Brunch!  Love the culinary arts, the history of recipes, where the food comes from, artistically plating.  I'm a Neuyorican (born in New York, Puerto Rican parents) rice, plantains, mofongo dishes touch my soul.
No Carbs!  The protocol replaces the emptiness with One bread stick (grissino-Italian) or One Melba toast. I wanted to laugh.  Bought them.  But, with all due respect to Dr. Simeon and his protocol., I have not been eating either.  Me!  On an absolutely No Starches diet.  Geez, I wouldn't have believed that, just a few weeks ago,

Fats.  No Olive Oil.  My life without Olive Oil.  In the backdrop of my mind I heard, "Impossible."  Easy to give up my Cuban sandwich, roasted garlicky pork, (there I go again, salivating) pizza.  PIZZA! OM.  But Olive Oil.  For my health, my body, my well-being...YES!  I tried it. A must to replace fats is herbs and spices.  Get well acquainted with Seasonings and Spices. Life and cooking does go on without Olive Oil.  Surprise.

From Dr. Simeon's protocol : The juice of one lemon daily is allowed for all purposes. Salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme, majoram, etc., may be used for seasoning, but no oil, butter or dressing. 

Refreshing!

Drinks.  Thank you Dr. Simeon for allowing Coffee.  That would have been a huge breakdown. Coffee is  more then a drink for me.  It's tradition, nostalgia, its Bustelo. (a brand of coffee found in most Puerto Rican households.)  Gave up my Wyler's lemonade for cucumber water (good for the completion, too).  I also add lemon slices to my water pitcher with out sugar.  Both on the accepted list of  the diet. Very decorative, appealing to the eye and refreshing. 

Another surprise, was a  benefit to my wallet.  Without buying all the sugar, starches and fat products my grocery bill is...less expensive. Just imagine your grocery cart without them, practically empty. Right?  Especially if you have kids.  So, Its recession prof, I'm enjoying the recipes and my abnormal reserve of fat is Melting Away .  Whats not to like?

For New York City, Washington / Hudson Heights readers;

YUM Food Program

 Just got back from picking up my 1st order from YUM Food Program, set up at the Isabella Senior Resource Center, on Broadway between 169^th and 170th Street.  Excellent!

  I ordered their Small Mix bundle at $12. The other options are; $12 All Fruit, $12 All Vegetables and $20 Large Mix (Family Size).
 
 You Do NOT have to  be a senior to benefit from buying these fresh, organic, fruits and vegetables sold slightly above wholesale.  Isabella, lends their locations and their senior volunteers to YUM.  And opens their doors to their participants.
 Until the 'farmers market' opens up again, you can benefit.  So can: Washington / Hudson Heights, residents, employees and individuals served by Isabella programs.

 Orders are placed in advance and picked up each Wednesday, 2 pm - 4:30 pm.
 
For more info on the YUM food program;  212 342-YUMM  (9866)

 They recommend you bring a small cart.  I, buying the small bundle, figured, ah, no problem.  I even had the arrogance to think that I could stop at the super market for a few things, after pick-up.  No way.  They really give you a generous amount.  If you want to know what was in the bundle call me;  (212) 927-6653.

 Almost forgot, 1st time participants receive a recycling green bag to help carry the load.
I was also given: a Contents of the Week Sheet for all bundles.  Recipe Sheets for the use of unfamiliar foods (jicama)
 and a 'What Is Sheet for the unfamiliar foods.  This week it was,’ jicama’ and what is ‘shallots’.
 All information is written in spanish and english.
 
 They welcome cash, checks and SNAP (EBT)  You pay when you place order.
 
 Strongly recommend participating in this program,

Need more info:

http://www.isabella.org/Isabella/News/Article.aspx?id=28bec134-66f3-4076-ad9f-0c829b733a90