For the past month or so, I've been on a diet specifically designed for MS patients. It's called the Swank Diet (named after the doctor who designed it, although I like to pretend that Hilary is on it, too). It's basically a really low-fat diet with some insanely restrictive rules that make eating out next to impossible. Do I feel better?? Of course I do... Anyone who eats healthy foods is going to feel better. I have no idea if it will actually do anything to help my MS (and honestly I'm pretty skeptical), but it certainly can't hurt. When I started the diet, I learned very quickly that it's actually the FAT that brings flavor to many meals. Who knew? I was really thankful to find a few websites and blogs by other swanky folks who have figured out how to modify recipes to make them "legal" and found creative ways to make them flavorful. There are so many fat free options out there now that it's actually fairly simple to follow the rules. I wouldn't recommend fat free shredded cheddar, though... I don't trust a cheese that doesn't melt.
One of my favorites lately is a ground turkey meatloaf. I'm all about recipes that are comfort foods turned healthy. Eventually I'll probably go to a modified version of this diet, but for now I'm trying to do it right. If I were to do it long-term, I wouldn't be allowed red meat or pork for a year. Can you imagine?? I haven't started dreaming of bacon wrapped filet mignon quite yet, but I think that will be my cue to call it quits. So far I only miss cheese. A lot. We'll see how long I can take this... I once gave up meat for Lent (trying to fit in with my Catholic friends?!) and binged on more ham than anyone should consume in a single sitting come Easter morning. Let's hope my return to cheese doesn't go the same way.
Here's the turkey loaf recipe in case anyone is interested. Let me know what you think!
Swanky Meat Loaf
1 lb. Extra Lean (98% fat free) ground turkey
1 jalapeno, diced (I remove the seeds first -- Leave them if you enjoy eating fire)
1 small yellow onion, diced or grated
1/4 bell pepper (red or green)
1 packet of taco seasoning
2 egg whites
1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 c. ketchup
Preheat oven to 375. Combine first seven ingredients in a large bowl. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray then place the mixture into the pan. Spread ketchup on top of mixture and bake 35-40 minutes. Enjoy!
Oh, I feel your cheese pain!! Did you know that soy "cheese" and almond "cheese" don't melt either? I gave up dairy, and I really miss cheese the most. I cheat every so often, but for the most part, I'm dairy free. A word to the wise: You may or may not need to stock up on Lactaid when you bring cheese back. Because I've eliminated dairy from my diet, my body no longer knows how to digest it. So when I do cheat, it's stomache cramp central, owwwww!
ReplyDeleteSara, I have to admit I took Em's birthday off of this diet (the only day I've done that) for some serious cupcake and cake pop binging!! It's funny b/c I stopped craving fatty and sweet stuff after not having it for a while. The days after her birthday were brutal! Especially since we still had a few left. :}
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer...love your blog! So funny we both put something about the Swank diet on the same day!!!!!!!!! We must be kindered spirits!
ReplyDeleteKaren, We took my daughter to get a McDonald's cheeseburger today (trying to make up for taking her to a canceled swim class!) I looked at the menu and told my husband, "Look at all of the things I can't eat!" :} I think eating out is by far the hardest part. I'm getting a little tired of ordering shrimp cocktail! I'm excited to read about what you make!
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