CHAPTER THIRTEEN

fast day snacks


There’s little point in grazing on a fast day—it would soon eliminate the point of the exercise. But some people need a little lift, particularly in the early days when your appetite is adjusting to the new regimen. If tummy rumbles get the better of you, reach for one of these Super Snacks. It’s best to avoid easy carbs and go instead for fresh, raw ingredients. Have them prepped and handy in the fridge. Nuts, though high in calories, are full of protein and good fats, and just a few will help you feel full.

• A handful of almonds, 80 calories for 6

• Crudités: carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks; raw bell pepper strips; watercress; radishes; cherry tomatoes—about 40 calories per serving (a medium bowlful)

• 1 tablespoon hummus, 56

• 10 fresh strawberries, 30

• 2 ounces/60g pitted cherries, 23

• 31/2 ounces/100g blackberries, 25

• 31/2 ounces/100g blueberries, 57

• 1 tablespoon cottage cheese, 40

• 1 ounce/25g Edam or reduced-fat cheddar cheese, 85

• 1 cup/10g air-popped popcorn, 59

• 10 shelled pistachios, 60

• 1 apple, sliced, including skin and core, with a squeeze of lemon juice, 48

• 21/4 ounces/60g plain edamame, steamed and served warm with a little coarse sea salt, 84

• 1 medium hard-boiled egg, 75 calories

• 2 hard-boiled quail eggs, 60

• 1 tablespoon shelled pumpkin and/or sunflower seeds, 90

• A few frozen grapes, 60

• 1 sugar-free gelatin snack, 10

• 1 cup of miso soup, 32

• Something tasty or crunchy from the fridge. A bite of pickled guindilla pepper, cucumber, or jalapeño; or a few cornichons, 8 to 10 calories