The Danish Copenhagen Diet Menu (Detox and recharge your metabolism)

August 1, 2016 Update: If you have a question, and please post it in the comments OR tweet /DM me @kitmlau for quicker responses. I don’t check this as often as I should, and I’ll try to answer quicker on twitter!

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So I am trying this new diet call the Danish Diet, also known as the Copenhagen Diet, and the 13 Day Royal Danish Hospital Diet.  My sister-in-law has just completed this diet to the tee, and she has lost nearly 10lbs. This is her email to me:

亲爱的，我吃这食谱这两个星期减了7、8斤，… 有个朋友按这个食谱瘦了12斤 [Translation: My dearest, I followed this menu for two weeks and lost 9-10lbs, I have another friend who also lost over 13lbs]

After her raving reviews, I am determined to give this a try. I mean, when you hear someone who is close to you lose 10lbs in 2 weeks with a diet, it doesn’t take much convincing to try it especially if you’re a girl who already has a little bit of padding (or in my case, quite a bit of padding) that you need/would like to lose.

Base on my internet googling, the diet lasts thirteen days and promises the loss of up to twenty-six pounds. However, it is a VERY strict diet: any kind of deviation from the menu stops the diet and prevents its resumption for the following six months. If the diet is stopped after six days, it may be resumed after three months.For the diet, the green salad must be always fresh, the yogurt 100% natural, without any fruits, and hunger may be avoided by drinking water. The coffee may or may not be replaced by tea, so base on my own judgement, I am going to swap coffee out with oolong tea (which is also high in caffeine but with no additives) and cod with trout or skate.  I would only recommend this diet to people who are perfectly healthy, not pregnant, or menstruating.  As with any diets, it is highly recommended that you do not binge the day after diet, as this is the fastest way to gain the weight you lost back.

I am going to start this next Monday, I’ll post my progress in a follow up post throughout the two week, hopefully I will have enough will power and perseverance to power through the 13 days!  If you have tried this diet, and also the tomato soup 7 day detox diet, let me know which one you like more, and how it works in comparison in the comments section!

1st Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white)

Lunch: 400g of spinach (cooked), coupled with two hard-boiled eggs and a tomato

Dinner: 200g steak (any kind, grilled), with green salad, lemon juice and oil (dressing)

2nd Day

Breakfast: Coffee with single cube of sugar (either brown/white)

Lunch: 250g of ham with 1 cup of yogurt

Dinner: 200g of beef (roast) with green salad, lemon juice and oil (dressing)

3rd Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white) and a slice of plain toast

Lunch: 1 slice of ham, with 1 cup of lettuce and 2 hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: 1 tomato, with 1 piece of celery (boiled) and 1 piece of fruit (your choice)

4th Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white) and a slice of plain toast

Lunch: 200ml of any fruit juice (freshly squeezed or all natural) with 1 cup of yogurt

Dinner: 250g of fruit (assorted bowl) with 1 hard-boiled egg and a carrot

5th Day

Breakfast: 1 carrot with lemon juice

Lunch: 200g of cod (boiled) with lemon juice

Dinner: 200g of beef (roast), with butter and celery (1 piece)

6th Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white) and a slice of plain toast

Lunch: 2 eggs (cooked the way you like it) with a carrot

Dinner: ½ a chicken (boiled) with green salad, lemon juice and oil (dressing)

7th Day

Breakfast: Tea

Lunch: Water

Dinner: 200g of lamb (grilled) with one apple

8th Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white)

Lunch: 400g of spinach (cooked, coupled with two hard-boiled eggs and a tomato

Dinner: 200g of beef (roast) with green salad, lemon juice and oil (dressing)

9th Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white)

Lunch: 200g of ham with 1 cup of yogurt

Dinner: 200g of beef (roast) with green salad, lemon juice and oil (dressing)

10th Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white) with a plain slice of toast

Lunch: 1 slice of ham with a cup of lettuce and two hard-boiled eggs

Dinner: 1 tomato, with 1 piece of celery (boiled) and 1 piece of fruit (your choice)

11th Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white) with a plain slice of toast

Lunch: 200 ml of fruit juice (freshly squeezed or all natural) with 1 cup of yogurt

Dinner: 250g of fruit (assorted bowl) with 1 boiled egg and carrot shavings (1 piece)

12th Day

Breakfast: 1 carrot with lemon juice

Lunch: 200g of cod (boiled) with lemon juice

Dinner: 200g of beef (roast) with celery and butter (low-fat)

13th Day

Breakfast: Coffee with a single cube of sugar (either brown/white) with a plain slice of toast

Lunch: 2 eggs (cooked the way you like it) with carrot shavings (single piece)

Dinner: ½ a chicken (boiled) with green salad, lemon juice and oil (dressing)

Game of Thrones S3 Premier Viewing Party

I am so excited for the SEASON 3 of Game of Thrones! My friend Jena and I are both absolutely obsessed with the show, we are so obsessed that we had thought about planning a GOT preview party since LAST year!

This year I am taking the initiative in planning out the menu. We had initially wanted our guests to dress up as their favorite GOT character for this preview party, but knowing how burdensome that could be for last minute guests who just wants to show up and watch the show at the party, I’ve decided that it should be *optional*.

For the party, I didn’t want to go for a overly complicated menu because 1) execution will be difficult — I don’t want to slave away in the kitchen and not enjoy the party, 2) I need a menu with items that I can make (or purchase) ahead of time, and 3) food is not the focal of the night, the show is, and I needed to make sure it will compliment the theme.

Here’s our menu for our GOT preview party… I also got the inspiration from here.

Let me know what you think!

I tried to be witty with the menu item names

The curious case of fillet-o-fish from McDonalds

As a non beef eater, fast food choices are often restricted to the typical chicken two-way (fried, grilled), and the occasional rare turkey. I don’t usually eat fast food to begin with as I like to cook at home, but it was one of those rare moments that I was just hankering for some unknown chemical substances masked in a perfect facade of a sandwich or burger in some form, served immediately over a drive thru. So I decided to give McDonald’s Fillet-O-Fish a try. Here is a quick summary of what the sandwich consists of:

So the F-O-F contains pollock or hoki, both of which, though not exactly seafood superstars, do qualify as actual fish.

Maybe the real question ought to be: what else does the Filet-O-Fish contain besides the fish? The caloric ratio of the sandwich is 46% fat, 39% carbs, and just 15% protein. Take another look at DietRiot, and you’ll notice, in addition to the “foaming agent” dimethylpolysiloxane, several partially hydrogenated oils, which produce trans fat.

Like any fried fish you’re going to eat, it’s only going to be good if it is fresh, and it’s also the determining factor whether if it will make you come back for more. The first time I had the sandwich where Ii got it piping hot right off the drive thru, I was obsessed. Perfectly steamed buns, just the right amount of juiciness and tartar sauce, I was hooked. So hooked that the following week, I went and got another. This time the sandwich was kind of warm. Unfortunately, despite it’s pristine exteriors, it was a boner killer. Maybe because I got it at a different McDonalds, and they only gave me half a slice of cheese (seriously) instead or a full size slice of cheese, I might have been happier, and that my obsession with this sandwich might have sustained. Instead it’s like one of those things: you tried it the first time and you absolutely loved it, but the second time around it was so blah that you no longer can sustain any sort of interest to give it another go next time. Maybe someday when I am desperate for fast food again, I will give this a try. Until then, I think I won’t be eating McDonalda again anytime soon.

The Tomato Soup 7-day Detox Method

Dec 13, 2018 Update: I am not very good at responses. I’ve updated my WordPress notification so it’s now telling me someone leaves a comment and will try to respond as quick as I can!

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My friend Maisee was nice enough to give me the recipe – she has lost over 25lbs doing this detox method twice now. First time she did this detox method she lost 15lbs.  Second time she lost 10lbs.   I figured that maybe i’ll just retype the darn thing and share it with the world.  Hope you’ll find success!

Warning: If eaten alone longer than the intended 7 days, you will suffer malnutrition. I DO NOT recommend extending this diet more than 7 days at a time.   If you are determined to continue with this diet. I recommend going off for at least 5 days (eating normally but lightly), and hopping back on after 7 days.

No vegan/vegetarian substitutions.  The proteins prescribed in this diet provide specific nutrients that work exclusively with this diet.  

I do not have an opinion or recommendation on taking supplements as that is outside of the 7-day diet. 

Caffeine is ok, as long as you drink it straight and not doctored with cream and sugar.

 

Ingredients

• 1 or 2 cans of tomatoes (or equivalent fresh tomatoes)
• 6 large green onions
• 1 onion
• 1 bunch of celery
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 package of Lipton soup mix flavor of your choice
• 1 can of beef broth (or homemade stock)
• 2 green peppers
• 2 lbs. of peeled carrots

Preparation

Cut the veggies into small to medium pieces.  Combined all of the ingredients above, add enough water to cover and let the soup simmer.  Season the soup with salt, pepper, curry, parsley, bullion, or hot sauce.

Bring to boil for 5 minutes, reduce to simmer and continue cooking until veggies are soft and tender.

Detox Guidelines

This soup can be eaten anytime you are hungry, and you can eat it as much as you want.  The more you eat, the more you’ll lose.  Don’t worry about the number of calories you are consuming.  Fill a thermos in the morning if you will be away during the day, and eat it as a meal.

Beverages: unsweetened juices, tea, coffee, and water.

By the end of the7th day, if you have not cheated on this diet, you should have lost at least 10-17lbs.  If you have lost more than 15lbs, stay off the diet for at least 7 days before resuming the detox for 7 more days.  This 7-day eating plan can be used as often as you like. If correctly followed, it will cleanse your system of impurities, and promote overall well-being as never before.  After only 7 days of this process is when you will begin to feel lighter, and healthier.  You will also gain an abundance of energy, along with weight loss.  Go off the diet at least 24 hours before any intake of alcohol.

Because everyone’s digestive system is different, this diet will affect each individual differently.  After day three, you will have more energy than when you began.  By day three, you will also find that your bowel movements have been changed – if required eat a cup of bran or fiber to alleviate any discomfort.  Although you can have black coffee on this diet, you may find that you don’t need the caffeine after the third day.  Many people report improved bowel activity on this diet, and you may try 1 tsp. of red psyllium three times a day between your fruit and veggies.

This basic fat burning soup can be eaten at any time you feel hungry.  Eat as much as you want, and remember, the more you eat, the more you will lose.  You can eat broiled or baked chicken instead of beef (no skin) if you prefer, and you can substitute baked fish for the beef only one of the beef days.  You will need the high protein in the beef for all the other days.

Any prescribed medication will not hurt you on this diet.  Continue the diet plan as long as you wish and feel the difference, both physically and mentally.  However, do not continue this diet indefinitely.

Last but not least, drink plenty of water!

Forbidden Foods

During this diet, alcohol is absolutely forbidden.  You should also not have any bread, white rice, pastas, carbonated drinks, as well as any dried or fatty foods.

Directions

Day 1

Eat any fruit except for bananas.  Cantaloupe and watermelons are your best choices because they are lower in calories than most other fruits.  Enjoy only soup and fruits for this day only.

Day 2

All vegetables are allowed on this day – eat till you’re stuffed with all the fresh, raw or canned veggies you can consume.  Try to eat leafy veggies and stay away from dry beans, peas, and corn. Eat the veggies along with the soup.  At dinner time, reward yourself with a baked potato and a little butter.  No fruit for this day.

Day 3

Eat all the soup, fruit, and vegetables you want.  Do not have a baked potato.  If you have eaten as above for three days and have not cheated along the way, you will have lost at least five to seven pounds.

Day 4

Bananas and skim milk should be incorporated into your diet today.   Eat least three bananas and drink as much skim milk you can today with the soup.  Banana and milk will provide your body the missing potassium, carbohydrate, protein, and calcium to lessen your craving for sweets.

Day 5

Lean beef/red meat and tomatoes should be incorporated into your diet today.  You may have 10 to 20oz of beef and a can of tomatoes or as many as six fresh tomatoes.  You may substitute the beef with chicken breast.  On this day, eat the soup at least once, more if you like.

Day 6

Beef (or chicken breast) and veggies should be incorporated into your diet today. Eat your heart’s content of the lean beef (or chicken breast) and veggies today.  You can have two to three lean steaks if you want but must be eaten with leafy green veggies on the side.  No baked potato today.  Be sure to eat the soup at least once today.

Day 7

Brown rice should be incorporated into your diet today. Unsweetened fruit juices and veggies are also allowed today. Eat as much soup as you can today — this is it! You’ve made it! Congrats on accomplishing this diet!

Sikh Parade, Yuba City 2010

I worked at a multicultural television station for almost two years, and one of the most memorable and culturally stimulating (and grueling) experiences is the Sikh Parade at Yuba City. This year is their 31st year of the parade.  Also known as the Nagar Kitan (pronounced neh-giar kid-en), this parade/festival draw tens and thousands of Sikhs and other culturally aroused individuals alike to a weekend of worship, food, and pure cultural extraction undertaking of the senses.

Long story short, I have had the pleasure to attend this event for the past two years… and since I had to work  the last two times I was there, this year I plan on going just to enjoy myself, and eat some awesome authentic Indian food.

Did I mention its an all you can eat/drink vegetarian Indian buffet? AWESOME!

According to my friend Harvinder,  the reason that every family brings food and serves it out for free to everyone is because in their religion, the gods wanted a day on earth where no one will be hungry… all in the spirit of seva.  No matter how rainy or terrible the weather gets, which is very common in Northern California during the fall/winter seasons, that Sunday, the sun will come through for the parade.

Anyways, here’s a photo of me on top one of the trucks next to our film crew from last year’s parade…

BTW, if you plan on going, please bring something to cover your head.  You only need to cover your head when the guru is passing you during the parade, and not the rest of the event.  Reason for this is out of the respect for the religion.

This year, assuming its the first Sunday of November every year, the Sikh Parade will happen in front of the Sikh Temple Gurdwara, Sunday morning (parade starting around 9, 9:30am), November 7th, 2010. All the worship and stuff should start that Friday before.

My tips from the previous years:

• Use the restroom ahead of time.  The porta-potties get pretty beat by the time 10am comes around when there is almost a hundred thousand people using it.
• Have anti-bloating anti-gas over the counter medications handy. You will need it.
• Go for the smaller family tents, their food is better.
• Their fresh squeeze orange juice is mixed with salt.  So drink with caution.
• Their hot tea is very VERY sweet.
• Always keep a look out for the family that gives away king size Snicker bars and Starbucks Frappuccino jars.
• Not all pakoras are created equal.
• Stay away from the deep fried orange curly looking things.
• Have fun and bring lots of wet-napkins!

Home made Irish soda bread

So I watched the Food Network on a regular basis, and one of my favorite shows on there is Barefoot Contessa. And one of the things I’ve always wanted to try to make was home-made bread. I’ve attempted before on my own and failed miserably many times… it got to a point where I would give up baking bread altogether.  That is until I saw an episode on how to make Irish soda bread where immediately, I was hooked.

So after a few weeks have gone, and I finally have time to cook at home, I decided to give baking bread one more try… and the end result was quite favorable.  Except for the fact that I substituted the real butter with that I can’t believe its not butter crap, no buttermilk (replaced it with 2% milk and some white vinegar), and instead of using all white flour, I did half and half with whole wheat.  Despite all the substitutions… it turned out quite well.

Here’s the pic to prove it 🙂