PROTEIN SPARING MODIFIED FAST

Basic Diet Guidelines

YOUR DAILY PROTEIN ALLOWANCE:

ounces (cooked)
ounces (before cooking)

YOUR PROTEIN CHOICES INCLUDE (Baked, broiled, grilled, boiled, roasted,

steamed or poached; no sauces or gravies added, or fats, except where
indicated). Organic is always preferred, when possible.

Very Lean Protein:

25 Calories per ounce
FISH: (white) haddock, sole, flounder, cod, scrod
SHELLFISH: (use sparingly as they may contain small amounts of
carbohydrates) shrimp, lobster, clams, crab, scallops
COTTAGE CHEESE: plain or with chives, low fat or non-fat (2
ounces = 1 ounce protein)
EGGS: whites only (2 large egg whites = 1 ounce protein)

Lean Protein:
50 Calories per ounce
FISH: salmon, bluefish, porgies, swordfish, halibut, tuna
POULTRY: (skinless) chicken, turkey
ORGAN MEATS: liver, kidney (note: high in cholesterol)
CHEESE: those labeled fat free (note: these are often high in
sodium)
EGG SUBSTITUTES: cup = 1 ounce protein

Moderate Fat Protein:

75 Calories per ounce
HAMBURGER (extra lean and lean grades) and GROUND
CHICKEN or TURKEY
BEEF: chuck, flank, tenderloin, rump, and round
PORK: well-trimmed tenderloin, ham
LAMB: lean cuts only
CHEESE: those labeled low fat (note: these are often high in
sodium).
Note: 2 oz. grated Parmesan = 1 oz. protein; for all other
cheeses, 1 oz. = 1 oz.
EGGS: 1 whole egg = 1 ounce protein
*****DO NOT CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING ITEMS*****

High Fat Protein:

100 Calories per ounce
MEAT: fatty cuts of beef, lamb and pork; regular ground meat
CHEESE: all cheeses, unless marked fat free or low fat
Very High Fat Protein
125 Calories per ounce

Used with permission of author

MEAT: prime rib, sausage, hot dogs, bologna, salami, pepperoni,

mortadella, spare ribs, short ribs, kielbasa, pat
Fluids: You must drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses (64 ounces or 2 quarts)
of non-caloric liquid every day. This will help to keep you well hydrated and
reduce the incidence of lightheadedness.
Fluids Allowed:
Unlimited: Water (tap, spring, mineral, seltzer or soda water), decaffeinated
beverages, such as black coffee, green or black tea, herbal teas. (Limit
caffeinated beverages; see below)
Limited: Diet soda (limit to 2 cans or 24 ounces per day), regular black
coffee or tea (limit to one cup/day due to caffeine content).
Special use: Salted broth or bouillon may be used when lightheadedness is
a recurring problem. Dissolve 1 cube or packet of bouillon in 8 ounces of
hot water. Drink this slowly and then drink a second glass of cool, fresh
water. This can help to boost your blood volume and your blood pressure.
Avoid: Regular soda and tonics, alcoholic beverages, juices, milk, sport
drinks, tonic water and ade-- type drinks. Read labels carefully. Many
clear beverages contain sucrose, fructose, or corn syrup as sweeteners
(these are types of sugars).
WARNING: AVOID ALL ALCOHOL. DO NOT DRINK ANY BEER, WINE, LIQUOR,
LIQUEURS, OR MIXED DRINKS. When this diet is combined with alcohol, blood
sugar can drop and blood alcohol levels will rise rapidly, causing you to feel and
appear drunk. The protein sparing modified fast is a very low carbohydrate,
generally low caloric diet. Total calories will depend on the amount and type of
protein allowed in the diet, but in general, total caloric content will vary between
600-1000 calories/day.
Sodium (Salt): Unless instructed otherwise by your physician, you may salt food
to taste.
Supplements:
Calcium Supplement:

Multivitamin/Mineral:

Potassium Supplement: (as prescribed by physician)

Ketones: Check your urine for ketones using Ketostix (available at the drug
store). The diet is working if this test shows ketones in your urine.
Additional Items Allowed:

Used with permission of author

1 tsp. olive or flax oil daily to dress vegetables

head of lettuce with lemon juice or vinegar and oil as above
non-stick cooking spray (PAM or Mazola No-Stick, any flavor)
artificial sweeteners (Stevia, Sweet NLow, Equal [aspartame],
saccharin)
sugar-free gum or mints (up to 5 pieces per day)
soy sauce

Food Preparation Guidelines

Lightly salt all food, if desired.
All foods must be weighed and measured accurately.
Keep a daily food diary which includes: food choices, amounts, protein
ounces, and carbohydrate grams.
Steam foods in water or cook with non-stick spray.

Used with permission of author

Protein Sparing Modified Fast

Sample Menu
This is a sample menu of a 14 ounce cooked (16 ounces before cooking) protein
sparing modified fast. Please refer to the Basic Diet Guidelines handout for a
list of other acceptable foods. If you are allowed additional protein or
carbohydrate, please increase serving sizes where appropriate.
TIME
Upon rising

FOOD
8 oz. water, multiple vitamin
Prescription potassium supplement
Omelet with 2 (large) whole eggs (OR 2
whites and 1 whole egg), and 1 oz. diced
ham, cup steamed spinach and 2
cherry tomatoes, or other allowable
veggies (or see cheese and scallion
omelet recipe on page 7)
Herbal tea or decaf coffee or tea

Mid morning

Herbal tea or decaf coffee, 8 oz. water

Lunch

5 oz. broiled shrimp, sole, or flounder

cup steamed asparagus, cauliflower,
or broccoli, or other allowable veggies
1 diet soda or herbal tea
Calcium supplement, 12 oz. water

Mid
afternoon

Decaf coffee, diet soda, or herbal tea, 8

oz. water
1/ head of lettuce topped with vinegar,
8
2 sliced radishes, 1 chopped scallion,
and 6 slices cucumber or other allowable
veggies

Supper

4 oz. grilled salmon, swordfish, or lean

hamburger
1/ head of lettuce with vinegar and 1
8
tsp. oil (or 1 Tbsp. salad dressing, see
recipe on page 7) with cup chopped
peppers and cup mung bean sprouts
or your choice of other allowable veggies
Calcium supplement, 12 oz. water

Snack

4 oz. low fat cottage cheese

12 oz. water or herbal tea

TOTAL:

CARB.
GRAMS

PROTEIN
OUNCES

CALORIES

135

0
0
5
4

125
16

12 gms
CARB.

435

100

14 oz.
PROTEIN

819
CALORIES

Used with permission of author

Drink at least two quarts of non-caloric liquid each day.

Used with permission of author

Protein Sparing Modified Fast

Sample Menu
TIME
Upon rising

FOOD
8 oz. water, multiple vitamin
Prescription potassium supplement
Omelet with 2 egg whites (large), and 1
whole egg, 1 Tbsp. onion and cup
mushrooms, or other allowable veggies
from list. Cook with Pam spray.
Herbal tea or decaf coffee or tea

Mid morning

Herbal tea or decaf coffee, 12 oz. water

Lunch

5 oz. roast turkey or chicken

cup steamed green beans, or other
allowable veggies (or see recipe on page 8
for chicken and broccoli)
1 diet soda or herbal tea
Calcium supplement, 12 oz. water

Mid
afternoon

head of lettuce with vinegar, 2 sliced

radishes, 1 chopped scallion, and 6 slices
cucumber or other allowable veggies from
list

Snack
TOTAL:

PROTEIN
OUNCES

CALORIES

133

0
0
5
4

5 oz. grilled tuna, cod, or halibut

1/ head of lettuce, cup watercress, and
8
cup raw spinach with vinegar and 1
tsp. oil, (or 1 Tbsp. Salad dressing, see
recipe on page 7) or substitute other
allowable veggies from list
Calcium supplement, 8 oz. water
1 diet soda or herbal tea

250
12
0

Decaf coffee or herbal tea, 8 oz. water

1/

Supper

CARB.
GRAMS

0
2

5
3

125-250
57

4 oz. low fat cottage cheese

12 oz. water or herbal tea
12 gms
CARB

100
0

14 ounces
Protein

685-810
CALORIES

Drink at least two quarts of non-caloric liquid each day.

Used with permission of author

Protein Sparing Modified Fast

Sample Menu
TIME
Upon rising

FOOD
8 oz. water, multiple vitamin
Prescription potassium supplement
4 oz. low fat cottage cheese, mixed with
1 chopped scallion and 6 slices
cucumber
Herbal tea or decaf coffee or tea

Mid morning

Herbal tea or decaf coffee, 8 oz. water

Lunch

Tuna or salmon salad (recipe page 8)

1 diet soda or herbal tea
Calcium supplement, 8 oz. water

Mid
afternoon

Decaf coffee or herbal tea, 12 oz. water

CARB.
GRAMS

PROTEIN
OUNCES

CALORIES

100
10

0
0
5

315
0
0

1/

8 head of lettuce with vinegar, 2 sliced

radishes, 1 chopped scallion, and 6
slices cucumber or other allowable
veggies from list

Supper

snack

TOTAL:

5 oz. grilled turkey burger or lean roast

lamb
1/ head of lettuce with vinegar and 1
8
tsp. flax or olive oil, (or 1 Tbsp. salad
dressing, see recipe on page 7), and
cup chopped peppers
Calcium supplement, 8 oz. water
1 diet soda or herbal tea

5
3

250
60

1 hard boiled egg and 1 oz. non fat

cheese
12 oz. water
12
grams
CARB

125

14 ounces
PROTEIN

868
CALORIES

Drink at least two quarts of non-caloric liquid each day.

Used with permission of author

Protein Sparing Modified Fast

Recipe Ideas
Vegetable Omelet
cup egg substitute OR 2 egg whites and 1 whole egg
2 Tbsp. minced onions
cup mushrooms
Non-stick spray
Mix all ingredients. Spray a non-stick frying pan with non-stick spray. Cook
on medium heat for 5 7 minutes.
Total: 3 grams of carbohydrate and 2 ounces of protein
Cheese, Zucchini, and Scallion Omelet
cup egg substitute OR 2 egg whites and 1 whole egg
3 scallions, chopped
cup diced zucchini
1 oz. low fat cheese, shredded
Non-stick spray
Mix all ingredients. Spray a non-stick frying pan with non-stick spray. Cook
on medium heat for 5 7 minutes.
Total: 3 grams of carbohydrate and 3 ounces of protein
Salad Dressing (serving = 1 Tbsp.)
cup olive oil (or cup each flax and olive oils)
4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar (any vinegar is fine but this has the richest flavor)
2-3 Tbsp. water
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 clove fresh garlic (use either whole piece for flavor or crushed for a stronger
taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oregano, basil, parsley, tarragon or any herbs of your liking, fresh or
Dried (oregano and basil are typical of Italian dressings)
Put vinegar, water, and mustard in a jar that has a secure lid and shake well to
thoroughly dissolve mustard. Then add oil and remaining ingredients and
shake well again.
Store in refrigerator and shake well before using. It will harden when
refrigerated and will need 5-10 minutes at room temperature to re-liquefy.
(Amounts are approximate- You may wish to use more or less of certain
ingredients to your personal taste).
Total: 0 grams of carbohydrate and protein

Used with permission of author

Greek Salad
4 cherry tomatoes cut in half
cup diced red or green pepper
6 slices cucumber
1 slice red onion, separated into rings
1 minced garlic clove
Fresh or dried dill and parsley
1 oz. grated low fat cheese or 2 oz. grated Parmesan
1 Tbsp. salad dressing (recipe above)
Mix veggies and drizzle dressing over salad, topping with grated cheese.
Total: 7 grams of carbohydrate and 1 ounces of protein
Veggie Stir Fry
cup cooked bamboo shoots
cup cooked broccoli
cup cooked eggplant
cup shredded Chinese cabbage
cup zucchini
Stir fry with water. Top with olive oil, if desired
Total: 12 grams of carbohydrate to divide into meals throughout the day
Spinach Salad
cup raw spinach
cup raw cucumber
cup raw broccoli
4 raw radishes
cup raw alfalfa sprouts
cup raw Chinese cabbage
1 clove garlic raw
cup raw zucchini
Toss with 1 Tbsp. of above salad dressing.
Total: 12 grams of carbohydrate to divide into meals throughout the day
Optional: to increase protein, add cheese or chunks of chicken or shrimp if
protein allotment allows.
Tuna or Salmon Salad
5 oz. tuna or salmon packed in water (or use leftovers)
2 cups lettuce shredded
small tomato diced
1 Tbsp. raw onion diced
cup raw cucumber - diced
Mix all ingredients together. Drizzle 1 tsp. olive oil on top (if desired) and
season with vinegar and spices. (Or you may use 1 Tbsp. above salad dressing)
Used with permission of author

Total: 5 grams of carbohydrate and 5 ounces of protein

Chicken and Broccoli
5 oz. boneless skinless chicken breast
cup broth or consomm
cup broccoli
Place chicken and broccoli in casserole dish. Pour broth or consomm over
both. Season with spices. Bake, covered, at 350 for 35 minutes.
Total: 4 grams of carbohydrate and 5 ounces of protein
Fish and Spinach
5 oz. fish of your choice
2 cups raw spinach
lemon
cup broth or consomm
Place fish and spinach in a casserole dish. Pour broth or consomm and lemon
juice over both. Season with spices of your choice. Bake, covered, at 350 for
35 minutes.
Total: 4 grams of carbohydrate and 5 ounces of protein
Greek Mushroom Salad - Servings: 6
1 Tbsp. olive oil
pound mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 tsp. basil and marjoram
1 medium tomato, diced
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
cup water
1 pinch each salt and fresh ground pepper
1 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley or fresh coriander
Heat the oil on low in a frying pan, and then gently fry the mushrooms for 2-3
minutes. Do not overcook. Sprinkle in garlic and basil, and then toss the
mixture for a minute or two so the mushrooms are well coated. Add the tomato,
lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper. Stir together and cook until the tomato
softens. Remove from heat and let cool. Garnish with chopped herbs.
Total: 4 grams of carbohydrate and 1 ounces of protein per serving
Egg Drop Soup
Whip 1 egg in a small bowl. Bring 2 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add a tsp. of
olive oil to the boiling broth and a dash or two of soy sauce. Then, add 3 sliced
scallions (include 1 inch of green) and 4 snow peas cut into thirds and cook for

Used with permission of author

a few minutes. Pour the beaten egg into the broth. Turn off heat and keep
stirring mixture until egg is cooked.
Total: 2 grams of carbohydrate and 1 ounce of protein
Eliminate veggies for a protein-only snack. Add 1-2 oz. diced leftover grilled or
stir-fried chicken to increase protein content.
Protein Sparing Modified Fast
Vegetable Suggestions
Carbohydrate Allowance: 12 grams per day
1 gram of carbohydrate

3 grams of carbohydrate

cup raw, shredded Chinese cabbage

1 clove of garlic raw
cup spinach raw
4 radishes raw
1 Tbsp. onion raw
3 scallions
cup alfalfa sprouts raw
cup chopped parsley
6 slices cucumber
cup endive
4 snow peas (pea pods)

cup broccoli raw

cup cauliflower raw/cooked
cup cooked collards
cup eggplant raw/cooked
cup mung bean sprouts
cup pumpkin, cooked and mashed
cup sweet peppers raw/cooked
cup summer squash raw
1/ cup tomato juice
3
4 cherry tomatoes
small tomato
cup turnip greens raw

2 grams of carbohydrate

4 grams of carbohydrate

cup bamboo shoots raw/cooked

cup steamed Chinese cabbage
cup green or red cabbage raw
1 (7 ) celery stick
cup mushrooms raw
cup chopped mustard greens, steamed
cup zucchini raw
cup watercress

cup (6 spears) asparagus cooked

(steamed)
cup broccoli steamed
cup green or red cabbage steamed
cup leeks, chopped, raw
cup kale or Swiss chard steamed
cup mushrooms stir-fried in water,
or steamed
cup spinach steamed
cup zucchini or summer squash
steamed
cup green/yellow beans cooked
(steamed)

Used with permission of author

Marinade Recipes
For Poultry
cup wine vinegar
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. instant minced onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
cup chopped parsley
1/ tsp. thyme
8
tsp. tarragon
tsp. salt
tsp. pepper
Marinate for 1-2 hours and bake at 350
degrees for 30-60 minutes (depends on cut
of chicken).
For Poultry
1 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp. dry white wine
tsp. celery seeds
2 tsp. oregano
pepper to taste
Marinate for 1-2 hours and bake at 350
degrees for 30-60 minutes (depends on cut
of chicken)

For Fish
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. water
1 tsp. instant minced onion
tsp. powdered mustard
tsp. dried oregano
tsp. dried basil
tsp. salt
pinch ground black pepper
Spoon over fish and bake uncovered
at 475 degrees until fish flakes with a
fork.
For Fish
3 Tbsp. vermouth or dry white wine
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
tsp. salt
tsp. oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
tsp. pepper
Marinate for 1 hour and bake or broil
until flaky.

For Beef
2 small onions, chopped
cup lemon juice
cup wine vinegar
cup soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
tsp. salt
pepper to taste
Marinate beef (flank steak or tenderloin) for
2-3 hours and broil until done to your taste.

Used with permission of author

Vegetable Herb & Spice Guide

VEGETABLE

Best combined with

Asparagus

Mustard seed, tarragon, lemon juice, garlic, onion, vinegar

Broccoli

Caraway seed, dill, mustard seed, tarragon

Cabbage

Caraway seed, celery seed, dill, mint, mustard seed,

nutmeg, savory, tarragon

Cauliflower

Caraway seed, dill, mace, tarragon

Cucumbers

Basil, dill, mint, tarragon, chives, garlic, vinegar

Eggplant

Marjoram, oregano

Green salads

Basil, chives, dill, tarragon

Green or wax beans

Basil, dill, marjoram, mint, mustard seed, thyme, oregano,

savory, tarragon, lemon juice, nutmeg

Mushrooms

Sage, oregano, paprika, pepper, garlic

Onions

Caraway seed, mustard seed, nutmeg, oregano

Spinach

Basil, mace, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano

Summer squash,
yellow or green
(zucchini)
Tomatoes

Oregano, tarragon, basil

Basil, bay leaves, celery seed, oregano, sage, tarragon,
thyme, marjoram

Used with permission of author