Another Diet...Is this THE ONE?

Here I go again....a new diet.  I've tried many of them and they work until I get bored with either the food, the incessant measuring and tracking, the deprivation or the planning....to name a few.  My friend recommended The 17 Day Diet and is already into the second cycle.  Boredom is not an issue because every 17 days you change up the foods you eat.  During the first cycle you're basically eliminating simple carbs, but the only foods you have to measure are the dairy and the oil.  Pick up the book so you understand the details. I picked it up at Borders during it's 'Going Out of Business' sale and saved a few bucks.  So I'm into Day 7 and it's working....I've lost about 3 pounds and I'm not bored (yet).  Today at the supermarket I found tilapia on sale, so that is the star of tonight's dinner: Tilapia with Basil Pesto and Red Pepper and Cauliflower Stir-Fry.

Tilapia with Basil Pesto

Makes 4 servings

Basil Pesto, recipe follows

1 pound tilapia fillets (about 4 fillets)

1. Make Basil Pesto; reserve 2 tablespoons for this recipe, then freeze remaining in 2 tablespoon amounts for the next time you make this recipe.



2. Place tilapia on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray (I usually line with foil then spray for easy clean up).  Spread pesto evenly over fillets. 

3. Bake at 450 degrees F. for 10 minutes or until fish flakes when tested with a fork.

Basil pesto: Put 3 cups fresh basil leaves, 2 garlic cloves and 1/4 cup olive oil into blender.  Blend until smooth.  Stir in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.  Makes 1/2 cup pesto.

Red Pepper and Cauliflower Stir-Fry

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1 head cauliflower

3/4 cup fat free chicken broth

3 red bell peppers

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 bunch green onions, diagonally sliced

1. Cut up cauliflower into bite-size florets.  Place florets and broth in 4-quart pot.  Heat to a boil; reduce heat.  Simmer for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp.

2. Remove stem and seeds from bell peppers and cut into strips.

3. Heat oil in large skillet.  Add peppers and stir-fry for 3 to 4 mintues or until tender crisp.

4. Add cauliflower with any remaining cooking liquid and green onions.  Cook, uncovered, for 5 more minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Season with ground black pepper if desired.
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