Diet

The principles of the Flat Belly Diet are simple: Have four 400-calorie meals a day (including one snack you can consume in the morning or afternoon); eat every 4 hours; and have a MUFA-rich food (boldfaced) at each meal. This menu (get the Shopping List!) can help you lose up to 15 pounds this month:

MONDAY

Breakfast: Banana Split Oatmeal

Cook 1/2 c dry old-fashioned 1-minute oats with water (to desired consistency) and top with 1/4 c microwaved frozen strawberries, 1/4 c sliced banana, 1 Tbsp semisweet chocolate chips, and 2 Tbsp almonds. Total Calories = 359

Lunch: Mediterranean Sandwich

Spread 2 slices sesame-sprouted whole wheat bread with 2 Tbsp black olive tapenade; fill with 2 oz deli turkey, 1/4 c sliced red onion, 1/2 sliced fresh plum tomato, and 3 large romaine lettuce leaves. Serve with 1/2 cup sliced banana. Total Calories = 400

Dinner Ricotta Calzone

Mix 1/4 c nonfat ricotta cheese with 2 sun-dried tomatoes, diced; 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp minced garlic; and 4 fresh basil leaves, sliced, and stuff into 1 multigrain pita. Warm under broiler until pita is golden and cheese is bubbly. Serve with 1/2 c marinara sauce for dipping. Total Calories = 399

Snack: 1 stick low-fat string cheese, 1 pineapple fruit cup (in juice), 1 c baby carrots, and 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds. Total Calories = 340

TUESDAY

Breakfast: Vanilla Fruit-and-Nut Parfait

Mix 1 1/2 c whole grain puffed cereal with 6 oz fat-free vanilla yogurt, 1 c blueberries, and 2 Tbsp almonds. Total Calories = 354

Lunch: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Brush 4 oz organic grilled chicken breast, chilled, with 2 Tbsp marinade (such as China Blue Scallion ginger glaze); combine with 1/4 c shredded carrots and wrap in 4 large romaine leaves. Dip 1/4 c baby carrots into 2 Tbsp hummus sprinkled with 2 Tbsp pine nuts. Total Calories = 392

Dinner: California Burger

Place a veggie burger between 2 slices of sesame-sprouted whole grain bread dressed with 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 3...