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Permanent, sustainable fat loss (rather than rapid-but-temporary weight loss) is really the ultimate goal of most people trying out a diet.  Health is an integral part of fat loss however, and should not be ignored.  There is a compelling body of information that advocates low carb and/or slow carb diets as the key to fat loss, but also the key to controlling inflammation and enhancing mental clarity.

With respect to health, the Mediterranean diet has been #1 year after year.  There is an abundance of data surrounding the health benefits of this popular way of eating.

As a diet and health coach from 2012 through 2020, I have had valuable experiences in helping over 400 people to fat loss and health improvement.  The recipes shared in this category cross over and fit into all 3 of these lifestyle choices.

Each of these approaches focuses on avoiding sugar and processed foods and focusing on metabolic health through proteins, good fats and vegetables.

Included in this category are recipes and guides for the following diet plans:

A low carb diet (many nuanced approaches on this lifestyle)
A slow carb diet (aka 4-hour body from Tim Ferriss)
A Pesco Mediterranean diet with a plant-based focus
Low carb Mexican cooking

Guide to Using Dried or Canned Beans: + Fagioli Recipe

Dried beans that are cooked well can elevate the flavor of many slow carb recipes, from soups and stews to side dishes, to refried beans. But are they always best for any kind of recipe? There are some types of dishes where the flavor (and texture) shines more when you use dried beans and some …

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Comprehensive Guide to the Pesco Mediterranean Diet

Before noting health benefits or weight loss success of the Pesco Mediterranean diet, here is a summary of the key components: Jump to: Weight Loss? | Intermittent Fasting | Comparison to Other Diets | Key Foods | Recipes How is it Different from a Regular Mediterranean Diet? The traditional Mediterranean diet has been endorsed for …

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Easy Salmon Baked with Mayonnaise: + Salsa Macha

This low-carb salmon dinner comes together in 15 minutes with only 2-3 ingredients. The mayonnaise adds a creamy tang to the salmon and the optional salsa macha adds the heat and the crunch. Great weeknight dinner! Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Illustrated Step-by-Step Ingredients There are only 2 key ingredients to this recipe! You …

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Mexican Ensalada de Atun (Mexican tuna salad)

This easy Summer recipe is perfect for lunch or a light dinner when you want something quick, inexpensive and nutritious (and it’s great in any season). Ensalada de Atun is a common occurrence on the Mexican table, but the purists tell you it must be eaten with saltines (and I tend to agree)! Jump to: …

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Traditional Chile Rellenos (soft not crisp) in Egg Batter

The first time you make chile rellenos can be a bit intimidating from all the roasting, peeling, stuffing and frying. The next ten times you make them, because they were so wonderful, it will come together much easier. The key is to grab a friend or family member and enjoy the process. Just don’t rush …

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Seared Scallops with Lemon Orzo Instead of Risotto

This is an impressive dish that comes together in 20 minutes and is deceptively easy to cook. Adding a rub of ground fennel to the scallops before searing gives a subtle anise crust to the scallops, which are then served on a bed of lemony orzo. This recipe will become a food memory! Nothing melts …

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3 Seafood Platters: Tinned Fish, Cold Platter, or Seafood Tower

Those of us who like to host during the holidays will know the struggle between wanting to serve something fancy and keeping things stress free. Here are 3 DIY seafood platters that range from an easy, inexpensive tinned seafood plate to a cold platter with shellfish to a luxury platter or tower for the seasoned …

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Spanish Seafood Paellas: Valenciana & More

Looking for something different for your next family dinner or gathering with friends? Farm to Jar’s resident expert on everything Spanish, Maria, has an idea for you: a traditional Spanish seafood paella. It’s easier to make than you think and the perfect summer food for a crowd! Jump to: RECIPE | “Authentic” Paella | 3 …

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5 Easy Methods for Cooking Fish: + Red Snapper & Sour Cream Sauce

Red snapper is a popular white fish that can be cooked to tender perfection by roasting, pan frying, poaching steaming or grilling. I’ve summarized each of these cooking methods using red snapper as the example, but the methods translate to most fish. Recipe includes a velvety sour cream dill sauce. Enjoy! Jump to: RECIPE | …

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How to Make Mexican Pork Tamales: Step-by-Step

Tamales are special. While not the easiest thing to make, I can share a few methods to make it easier by revising the step where you rehydrate, deseed and roast the dried peppers, replacing this process with a homemade powdered spice blend. These Mexican pork tamales have excellent flavor and texture, while offering an easier …

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Harissa Baked Salmon – Low Carb Dinner

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, especially for people on a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.  It also lends itself wonderfully to low-carb sauces or rubs.  This harissa baked salmon is one of my favorite Pesco Mediterranean recipes and can be a quick 10-minute weeknight dinner or a fancy-schmancy dinner party dish! I made it with some …

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Easy Pork Chile Colorado with Cactus (Nopales)

This recipe for pork and nopales (cactus) is a traditional Mexican lunch or dinner. This version of Chile Colorado is made with pork and an enchilada spice blend, rather than using dried, and then rehydrated, peppers. It is much easier to use a good powdered spice blend, and the blend we used included cumin and …

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