Can food intolerance be the real cause of weight gain? Health and fitness expert JJ Virgin reveals in the above video which foods to eliminate that will have you losing weight in just days. Here are three recipes from 'The Virgin Diet.'
THE VIRGIN DIET SHAKE
INGREDIENTS
- 1 to 2 scoops vegan pea-rice protein powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons* fiber (fiber blend, chia seeds, hemp seeds, freshly ground flaxseed meal or nut butter)
- 1/2 to 1 cup organic frozen berries
- 1 cup liquid (water, unsweetened coconut milk** or coconut water)
OPTIONAL
- Add 1 cup frozen chopped spinach or fresh kale-you won't even taste it!
VARIATIONS
- If you like your shake thinner
- 1 to 2 scoops protein
- 1 serving fiber
- 1/2 cup organic frozen fruit
- 10 ounces liquid
- If you like your shake thicker
- 1 to 2 scoops protein
- 1 serving fiber
- 1 serving chia, hemp or freshly ground flaxseeds
- 1 cup organic frozen fruit
- 8 ounces liquid
- Ice cubes
* I really want you to pump up your fibre so build up to those 2 tablespoons per shake.
** I recommend So Delicious unsweetened coconut milk. If you use the canned coconut milk, choose the light version and dilute 1/4 cup coconut milk to 3/4 cup water.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH "PASTA" WITH MEAT SAUCE
Yes, there really is such thing as guilt-free pasta! I promise you won't even miss the noodles, and neither will your thighs.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 2 minced cloves garlic
- 1 pound ground, lean beef or turkey
- 1 large jar organic marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
FOR FUN VARIATIONS
- Add chopped sundried tomatoes packed in olive oil (drained), sautéed mushrooms, sliced olives and/or quartered artichoke hearts.
DIRECTIONS
- You can bake or boil the spaghetti squash to get it ready to be your “pasta”:
- To bake it: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pierce the shell several times with a large fork and place in baking dish. Cook squash approximately 1 hour, until flesh is tender.
- To boil it: Cut squash in half and take out the seeds with a large spoon. Heat a pot of water big enough to hold the squash halves. When the water is boiling, drop the squash in and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on its size. When a fork goes easily into the flesh, the squash is done.
- Whether you bake it or boil it, let it cool for 10 to 20 minutes so it will be easier to handle before cutting in half (if it isn't already) and removing the seeds (if you didn't already). Pull a fork lengthwise through the flesh to separate it into long strands.
- Sauté onion, red pepper and garlic and set aside. Brown the meat and drain well. Add sautéed vegetables and garlic, marinara sauce and seasoning blend. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve 2 cups “pasta” topped with 8 ounces meat sauce.
THE STOUP:PART STEW, PART SOUP
- Chicken or veggie broth
- Add lentils, legumes, brown rice or quinoa
- Add nonstarchy veggies (load up!)
- Add chopped protein
- Serve with a side salad with extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice and a tablespoon of chopped walnuts
