Easy Goodness

My kids have decided that they either need to get skinnier or healthier, so they are challenging each other to compete in a “4-Hour Body” competition. This is based on the book by the same name written by Timothy Ferris, the same guy that wrote the “4-Hour Workweek.”

 The idea in both books is to discover how to achieve the greatest result with the least time and effort.

The rules are not earth-shattering. Pretty much the same as any low-carb eating plan:

RULE 1: AVOID "WHITE" CARBOHYDRATES.

RULE 2: EAT THE SAME FEW MEALS OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

RULE 3: DON'T DRINK CALORIES.

RULE 4: DON'T EAT FRUIT.

RULE 5: TAKE ONE DAY OFF PER WEEK.

Personally, I think the guy is about 3/4ths lunatic, so don’t necessarily rush out and buy the book.  You can find the basis tenets here.

The recommended foods are, in a nutshell:

Greens

Beans

Lean Proteins

My family is very sick and tired of listening to me complain that my pants won’t zip up because of the mennertube*, so they have urged me to try this plan with them. I am notorious for never sticking to a diet, but my eldest has assured me that “this isn’t a diet, it’s just a healthy eating plan.”

I lasted about two days without cheating.

But during that time, I came up with a recipe that’s becoming a staple at our house. I love the idea of a healthy, no prep-time, one-dish meal.

This is so good for you… full of lean protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It will bless your body!

Plus, the time not spent in the kitchen can be used for things that bless your spirit. Go outside, sit on your porch, and just listen.

Shrimp and Lentil Salad

Bag of fresh baby spinach leaves

Can of black beans

Package of pre-cooked lentils

Chopped tomato and avocado

Virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Mild salsa (not chunky)

Bag of frozen cooked shrimp, thawed

Lemon juice

(All ingredients were from Trader Joe’s.)

Thaw shrimp

Rinse black beans in a colander

Layer spinach, lentils, black beans, tomato, and avocado on each plate. Sprinkle with oil and vinegar.  (I always do twice as much vinegar as oil.) Put a big dollop of salsa on top, arrange shrimp on top, and sprinkle with lots of lemon juice.

Voila! Bon Appetit.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend with people you love.

***************

*Mennertube: mysterious subcutaneous innertube that suddenly appears around a female's middle section following menopause.

Has anyone else experimented with the 4-Hour Body plan? 

Have any easy recipes to share?
Want to discuss mennertubes?