Since bursting onto the diet scene last year, the 5:2 diet has been the biggest thing to hit the weight loss scene since the low carb craze.
But unlike low carb, you don’t have to banish food groups or deprive yourself to make it work! Our food director Jennene Plummer has devised some hearty winter menus carefully balanced for your 500 calorie ‘fast’ days. Here’s a taste!
Preheat oven to moderate, 180C. In a small ramekin combine 2 halved cherry tomatoes and 20g sliced leg ham. Break 1 egg over this and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons grated low fat parmesan cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes until egg is set. Sprinkle with chives to serve.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 sliced onion (35g), 1 chopped carrot (70g), 1 sliced celery stalk and 1 tablespoon barley (15g). Pour over 2 cups chicken stock. Bring to boil on high, stirring. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15-20 minutes until barley is tender. Add 30g chopped chicken breast, 1/2 cup chopped zucchini (65g). Simmer a further 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked. Season to taste. Serve sprinkled with 2 teaspoons chopped parsley.
Preheat oven to moderate, 180C. In a bowl, combine 50g lean beef mince, 1 small grated zucchini (70g), 2 small chopped green onions, 2 teaspoons currants and 1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry paste. Season to taste. Fold 2 sheets filo pastry sheets in halves, spray lightly with oil and layer together. Cut in half. Spoon mince mixture onto each pastry half, roll up firmly into a sausage shape, folding ends in. Bake on a baking paper lined oven tray 15-20 until golden and cooked through. Serve with steamed beans or broccoli
