Recently my roommate and I decided to start the South Beach diet. Looking to lose the "freshmen 15," I figured I would inevitably try a fad diet at some point in my life, why not try it now. South Beach consists of three phases. The first, lasting two weeks, is the strictest and is similar to the more extreme Atkins diet. For two weeks dieters can eat no bread, pasta, rice, fruit, alcohol, or anything containing sugar. This two weeks is supposed to rework the body's blood-sugar chemistry to end sugar cravings. After this two weeks is up the dieter enters the more leniant phase two. Fruits are now allowed in small quantities, as are whole grains and red wine. The dieter stays in phase two until their hit their target weight, upon which they enter phase three. Phase three has very few limitations and is more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle than losing weight.
As an avid baker, phase one has prompted some serious issues for me. It isn't easy to bake and not taste the final product. After some serious research I have found a few recipes suitable for phase one; most use a sugar substitute like Splenda and use egg over flour. Here is a recipe for a chocolate cookie that phase one dieters can eat. I haven't been able to try it yet as dorm living doesn't provide the best atmosphere for baking, but hope to experiment with it on my next trip home. And if it doesn't turn out so delicious, at least it is guilt-free. Enjoy!
30 pecan halves, chopped fine
1 egg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons sugar substitute
cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients. Drop by teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Makes 6 servings.
1 comment:
Atkins is total silliness, frankly I think you are just asking to raise your blood pressure! But this cookie sounds like very serious stuff. YUMM come over and bake them at my house plz.
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