Sacred Heart Medical Diet

This 7-day eating plan can be used as often as you like. If correctly followed, it will clean out your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well-being. After only 7 days of this process, you will begin to feel lighter by at least 10 pounds and possibly 17 pounds, and experience an abundance of energy.

SOUP:

·         1 or 2 cans of stewed tomatoes

·         3 plus large green onions

·         1 large can of beef broth (no fat)

·         1 pkg. Lipton Soup mix (chicken noodle)

·         1 bunch of celery

·         2 cans green beans

·         2 lbs. Carrots

·         2 Green Peppers

Season with salt, pepper curry, parsley, if desired, or bouillon, hot or Worcestershire sauce. Cut veggies in small to medium pieces. Cover with water. Boil fast for 10 minutes. Reduce to simmer and continue to cook until veggies are tender.

This soup can be eaten anytime you are hungry during the week. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want. This soup will not add calories. The more you eat, the more you will lose. You may want to fill a thermos in the morning if you will be away during the day.

DRINKS:

·         Unsweetened juices

·         Tea (also herbal)

·         Coffee

·         Cranberry juice

·         Skim milk

·         Water, water, water

DAY ONE

Any fruit (except bananas). Cantaloupes and watermelon are lower in calories than most other fruits. Eat only soup and fruit today.

DAY TWO

All vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with fresh raw, cooked or canned veggies. Try to eat green leafy veggies and stay away from dry beans, peas or corn. Eat veggies along with the soup. At dinnertime tonight reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Don't eat any fruits through today.

DAY THREE

Eat all the soup, fruit and veggies you want. Do not have a baked potato. If you have eaten as above for three days and not cheated, you should find that you have lost 5-7 pounds.

DAY FOUR

Bananas and skim milk: Eat at least 3 bananas and drink as much milk as you can today, along with the soup. Bananas are high in calories and carbohydrates, as is the milk but on this particular day, your body will need the potassium and carbs. Proteins and calcium to lessen the cravings for sweets.

DAY FIVE

Beef and tomatoes: you may have 10 to 20 ounces of beef and a can of tomatoes, or as many as 6 tomatoes on this day. Eat the soup at least once today.

DAY SIX

Beef and veggies, eat to your heart's content of the beef and veggies today. You can even have 2-3 steaks if you like with green leafy veggies but no baked potato. Be sure to eat the soup at least once today.

DAY SEVEN

Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juice and veggies, again, be sure to stuff yourself and eat the soup. You can add cooked veggies to your rice if you wish.

By the end of the 7th day, if you have not cheated on this diet, you should have lost 10 to 17 pounds. If you have lost more than 17 pounds, stay off the diet for two days before resuming the diet again.

This diet is fast. The secret lies within the principle that you will burn more calories than you take in. It will flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well-being. This diet does not lend itself to drinking any alcoholic beverages at any time. Because of the fat build-up in your system. Go off the diet at least 14 hours before any intake of alcohol.

Due to the variety of digestive systems in individuals, this diet will affect everyone differently. After day three, you will have more energy than when you began, if you do not cheat. After being on the diet for several days, you will find that your bowel movements have changed. Eat a cup of bran or fiber. Although you can have black coffee with this diet, you may find that you don't need caffeine after the third day.

The basic fat burning soup can be eaten anytime you feel hungry during the seven days. Eat as much as you wish. Remember the more you eat, the more you will lose. You can eat broiled, boiled or baked chicken instead of the beef. Absolutely no skin on the chicken. If you prefer, you can substitute broiled fish for the beef on only one of the beef days. You need the high protein in the beef for the other days.

Continue on the diet as long as you wish and feel the difference both mentally and physically.

DO NOT - DO NOT

No bread, alcohol, carbonated drinks (including diet drinks). Remember, absolutely no fried foods.

DO - DO - DO - DO

Drink plenty - at least 6 to 8 glasses - of water a day, as well as any combination of the following beverages: black coffee, unsweetened fruit drinks, cranberry juice and skim milk.

This diet comes from the Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital that is used for overweight heart patients in order to lose weight rapidly, usually prior to surgery.

1 large baking potato
Butter or creme fraiche, as an accompaniment

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Poke holes in potato and wrap in foil. Bake in oven for 45 to 60 minutes until tender.
Serve with butter or creme fraiche.

Minestrone Siciliano

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/minestrone-siciliano-recipe/index.html

Recipe courtesy Mario Batali

Show:  Molto Mario

Episode:               Minestrone

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon

1 large onion, cut into large dice

1 celery stalk, cut into large dice

1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2 moon shapes

1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

1/4 cup boiled ham chunks or end of prosciutto, large dice

4 medium tomatoes, fresh or canned, peeled and roughly chopped

1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian parsley leaves

6 cups hot vegetable stock or chicken stock

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 small zucchini, medium dice

3/4 cup arborio rice

2 yellow, red, or orange bell peppers, roasted, cored, skinned, seeded and cut into strips

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

6 fresh chopped basil leaves

In a heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until hot, but not smoking. Add the onion and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Lower the heat to low, and add the celery, carrots and garlic. Allow to simmer over low heat until the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the ham pieces and cook 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes and the parsley. Cook for 5 more minutes so that the flavors meld.

Add the hot water or stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, and add the zucchini and the rice. Bring back to a boil and then lower the heat so that the liquid is simmering. Let simmer gently until the rice is cooked, about 40 minutes. Remember to stir the soup occasionally. Add more water or stock, if necessary.

When the rice is cooked, add the roasted peppers and remove the soup from the heat. Stir in Parmesan, to taste, and top each serving with some chopped basil.

Chicken, Charred Tomato & Broccoli Salad

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eating-well/chicken-charred-tomato-amp-broccoli-salad-recipe/index.html?rsrc=like

Recipe courtesy EatingWell.com

Chicken, Charred Tomato & Broccoli Salad

This simple but substantial main-course salad gets its goodness from smoky skillet-blackened tomatoes and a dressing prepared right in the pan—maximizing all the flavor from the tomatoes.

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed, or 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (skip Step 1)

4 cups broccoli florets

1 1/2 pounds medium tomatoes

2 teaspoons plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 cup lemon juice

Place chicken in a skillet or saucepan and add enough water to cover; bring to a simmer over high heat. Cover, reduce heat and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, shred with two forks into bite-size pieces.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add broccoli and cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.

Meanwhile, core tomatoes and cut in half crosswise. Gently squeeze out seeds and discard. Set the tomatoes cut-side down on paper towels to drain for about 5 minutes.

Place a large heavy skillet, such as cast-iron, over high heat until very hot. Brush the cut sides of the tomatoes with 1 teaspoon oil and place cut-side down in the pan. Cook until charred and beginning to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Brush the tops lightly with another 1 teaspoon oil, turn and cook until the skin is charred, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate to cool. Do not clean the pan.

Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil in the pan over medium heat. Stir in salt, pepper and chili powder and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Slowly pour in lemon juice (it may splatter), then remove the pan from the heat. Stir to scrape up any browned bits.

Coarsely chop the tomatoes and combine them in a large bowl with the shredded chicken, broccoli and the pan dressing; toss to coat.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional Analysis Per serving                 Calories 231

Carbohydrate Servings 1               Carbohydrates 8 g

Protein 24 g        Fat 11 g

Saturated Fat 2 g              Cholesterol 60 g

Monounsaturated Fat 8 g             Dietary Fiber 3 g

Sodium 460 mg                 Potassium 619 mg

Exchanges 1 1/2 vegetable, 3 very lean meat, 2 fat           Nutrition Bonus Vitamin C (110% daily value), Vitamin A (50% dv), Selenium (30% dv), Potassium (18% dv).

Try our Fat & Calorie Calculator for additional information.

Vegetable Lover's Chicken Soup

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eating-well/vegetable-lover039s-chicken-soup-recipe/index.html?rsrc=like

Recipe courtesy EatingWell.com

Vegetable Lover's Chicken Soup

Classic comfort food is yours, in just slightly more than half an hour. Serve with some crusty whole-grain bread or Garlic-Tomato Toasts and top with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

8 ounces chicken tenders, cut into bite-size chunks

1 small zucchini, finely diced

1 large shallot, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 plum tomatoes, chopped

1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons orzo or other tiny pasta, such as farfelline

1 1/2 cups packed baby spinach

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Add zucchini, shallot, Italian seasoning and salt and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are slightly softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, broth, wine and orzo (or other tiny pasta); increase heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender, about 8 minutes, or according to package directions. Stir in spinach, the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices from the chicken; cook, stirring, until the chicken is heated through, about 2 minutes.

Carrot Soup

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/carrot-soup-recipe/index.html

From Food Network Kitchens

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium Spanish onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

10 medium carrots (about 1 3/4 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch slices (see note)

8 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 7 minutes. Add the carrots and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until somewhat tender, about 3 minutes more.

Pour in the broth and the sugar. Season the soup with the salt. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, covered, until the carrots are very soft, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Working in batches, transfer the carrot mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.

Return the carrot puree to the pot and reheat over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice and season with pepper. Divide among warm soup bowls and serve immediately.

Cook's Note: Choose carrots with perky green tops for optimum flavor.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-tomato-basil-soup-recipe/index.html

, 1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, All rights reserved

Show:  Barefoot Contessa

Episode:               Feel Good Food

This recipe is available for a limited time only. Why?

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice

4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 quart chicken stock or water

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.

In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold.

Cold Cucumber Soup

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/cold-cucumber-soup-recipe/index.html

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2004

Show:  The Essence of Emeril

Episode:               Summer Entertaining

Cold Cucumber Soup

6 pounds cucumbers (about 6 cucumbers), peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped (12 cups)

2 yellow bell peppers, stem and seeds removed, coarsely chopped

4 green onions, chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, minced

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill

3 to 4 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste with 1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 cups plain yogurt

3 cups sour cream, divided

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons minced fresh chives

Combine the cucumbers, bell peppers, green onions, jalapenos, cilantro, mint, dill, garlic, Essence, salt, cayenne, yogurt, 2 cups sour cream, olive oil, and white wine vinegar in a large bowl. Working in batches, puree the ingredients in a blender until very smooth. Transfer the soup to the refrigerator until well chilled, at least 2 hours. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup, with each bowl garnished with a dollop of the remaining sour cream and some of the minced chives.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped yellow onions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne
2 pounds zucchini, trimmed and chopped
3 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
Chopped cilantro, garnish
Fried pappadums, or toasted pita triangles, accompaniment

In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the curry powder, salt, and cayenne, stir, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the zucchini, reduce to medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the zucchini is very tender, about 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat. With a hand-held immersion blender, or in batches in a food processor, puree the soup. Return to medium heat and stir in the cream. Simmer for 3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning, to taste.

Pour into a clean container and let cool slightly. Refrigerate until well chilled, 4 to 6 hours.

To serve, ladle into large cups, garnish with cilantro, and serve with hot pappadums or pita toast. This soup may be served hot or cold.

1 clove garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties, roughly chopped
1/2 pound cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped
2 scallions (white and green), roughly chopped
1/4 jalapeno, stemmed and chopped with seeds, if you like the heat
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (1/2 small bunch)
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 1/2 cups chilled tomato juice
4 ice cubes

On a cutting board, lightly sprinkle the garlic with a pinch of the salt and smash it into a paste with the side of a cook's knife.

Mix the garlic, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, scallion, jalapeno, parsley, and mint in a large bowl. Season with the salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the olive oil and sherry and toss well.

Add half of the vegetable mixture to the blender and pulse. Add half of the tomato juice and 2 ice cubes. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for the flavors to come together.

Divide among chilled soup bowls and serve.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 russet potato, peeled and diced
Pinch dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
4 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
1 (16-ounce) package frozen broccoli, thawed
2 to 4 tablespoons cream or half-and-half, optional
Freshly ground black pepper
Optional toppings: shaved Parmesan, shredded cheddar or crumbled bacon

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the potato, thyme, salt, and broth and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered until the potato is fork tender, about 10 minutes. Add the broccoli and simmer for 3 minutes.

Puree the soup in batches in a blender or with an immersion blender. Return soup to the pot and add the cream. Bring to a simmer, taste, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve with optional toppings.

2 quarts chicken or well flavored vegetable stock
1/4 cup flour
3 medium leeks, sliced crosswise, white part only
Small bunch of celery, sliced crosswise, inner stems only
1 cup fresh green peas
Pinch sugar
salt and white pepper to taste
Small head romaine, inner leaves, shredded
3 slices white bread, 1/4 inch diced
Butter or vegetable oil, for frying

Stir about a cup of chicken stock into the flour to make a smooth paste. Bring the remaining stock to a boil, whisk in the flour paste, and continue stirring until the soup thickens. Add the leeks, celery and peas with the sugar, salt and pepper. Cover the soup and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Five minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the lettuce. Croutons: Trim the crust from the bread and cut it into 1/4 inch dice. Heat enough butter or oil in a frying pan so that the croutons will float. Fry the croutons over medium heat until they are evenly browned on all sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. To serve, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Spoon it into bowls and serve the croutons separately.