MENU PLAN March Week 2

We celebrate Mardi Gras this Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”  referring to the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season which starts on Ash Wednesday.

Growing up in a Catholic family, we honored that tradition by feasting on rich pancakes and sweet syrup on Mardi Gras and eating the remaining  sweets that were in the house.  Because come next morning, it would mean fasting from sugary treats until the Easter Bunny arrived with baskets of goodies on Easter Morning.

As an adult, I continue that tradition (now minus the carb-loaded pancakes and binging on sweets).  Before I was aware that I had PCOS, I realized that at the end of Lent I felt great, I had lots of energy, no sugar cravings and fresh produce just tasted wonderful.  I could appreciate the more subtle sweetness veggies and fruits.

Even if you don’t practice fasting during Lent, consider trying a  fast from sugar and white flour this spring. You will be surprised how good you will feel.

MEATLESS MONDAY – Sweet Potatoes with Warm  Black Bean Salad

MARDI GRAS TUESDAY – Low Carb Almond Meal Pancakes – I will spice up this recipe and use Almond milk in place of the water, I’ll add some ground flax, cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg and vanilla and will use a bit of honey for a sweetener.  I will also take a bag of frozen raspberries and make a syrup by heating them up in a saucepan with a bit of maple syrup and stevia and a splash of Chambord.  I might even whip up a bit of heavy cream to dollop on top since it is Fat Tuesday!

WEDNESDAY – Jambalaya – If a recipe calls for smoked turkey sausage I like to use Trader Joe’s nitrate-free turkey kielbasa.  I also will use whole grain brown rice instead of the white and will serve with a mixed greens salad.  If observing Ash Wednesday – just use extra shrimp.

THURSDAY Beef and Bok Choy Hot Pot I’ll use brown rice noodles in this dish

FRIDAY Pineapple Teriyaki Salmon I’ll serve with green beans and brown rice.