Dear Alice,

I am so nervous about the upcoming fast of Taanit Esther. I usually make all sorts of baked goods to break my fast on, and I want this year to be different. I have been following your program for a few weeks already and I don’t want to mess this up now! Please advise.

Signed,

Fasting in Queens

Dear Faster,

Here are our recommendations for breaking your fast. Please keep in mind that by saying to have one complete meal, we mean any breakfast, lunch, or dinner that is approved on our plan. For people not following our plan, consider a meal to be a portion controlled, balanced meal, consisting of a protein, a starch, and a fat.

Fasting Guidelines:

Before the fast:

Eat regularly throughout the day

Drink extra water throughout the day

Avoid salty foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, soy sauce, eggplant, and spicing your food

Have an extra serving of protein at dinner and one extra fruit

After the fast, in this order:

Drink 2 cups of water

Eat one complete approved meal

Have up to 3 fruits

Have one snack

Have one treat if needed, according to your guidelines

 

Remember, you cannot make up all the calories of one day in a short time span. If you stick to the plan above you will feel great after the fast, and won’t wake up feeling regretful and bloated the next morning.

Have a meaningful fast,

Alice

Rich and Hearty Cauliflower Soup

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 onion
  • 1 leek
  • 2 Tbsp. onion soup mix
  • Cooking spray
  • 24 oz. bag frozen cauliflower
  • 2 quarts water

 

Directions:

Chop onion and leek, and sauté on low using cooking spray for 10-15 minutes.

Add cauliflower, and sauté another 10-15 minutes

Add water and seasonings and cook approximately 45 minutes

Blend soup using immersion blender

Makes 4 servings. Count each serving as free. Enjoy!

 Tip: Avoid eating this soup before your weigh in as the onion soup mix tends to bloat people.

Alice Harrosh, Alice Harrosh is a Nutrition Counselor and Manager at Nutrition by Tanya, with 12 locations, including one on Main street in Queens! Alice knows that making healthy choices is not always easy, as she has been through the struggle herself. As an optimistic person, Alice’s favorite quote is: “It’s never too late to start eating better. If you have a bad morning, make it a better afternoon.” For more information on Nutrition by Tanya or the TAP (Tanya-approved products) food line, please visit www.nutritionbytanya.com  or call 844-Tanya-Diet (844-826-9234). For daily tips and inspiration, you may follow @nutritionbytanya on Instagram.