You might not accept that you can lose weight while on a eating plan which includes black bean tostadas but it is possible. The key is to not eat black bean tostadas or other high calorie tacos, tostado, tortilla every day but in moderation.

For example, I allow myself high calorie food one meal per week. I eat a low calorie diet for 6 days of the week, say 1500 to 2000 calories each day, and then one day, I eat whatever I want – within moderation of course.

I have been using this method for the last 4 weeks and it has aided me to lose 5 kilos. I have not increased my exercise habits or taken any vitamins or diet aids. I have only been conscious of what I eat most days of the week and then eat whatever I feel like one day of the week.

I also feel it helps to have some support when trying to lose weight and for that I registered with the Biggest Loser club. They have many tools to enable you to monitor your progress and achieve your goals.

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On my one day off|non diet day|free day per week, I like|prefer|tend|usually like to eat southwestern food. I never imagined|thought|believed I could lose 5 kilos while eating southwestern meals but am very pleased|happy|glad|elated to see it is possible|does work|can work|can happen. If you would like to try|want to try|feel like trying some southwestern food, I suggest|advise|propose you make black bean tostadas which is one of my favourite|most admired|most adored|best loved southwestern recipes.

Black Bean Tostadas

Posted by LuAnn at recipegoldmine.com 7:19:26pm 4/11/03

Original recipe based on several sources.

Makes about 16.

Tostada Shells, prepared according to package directions
Shredded romaine lettuce

Chunky Guacamole Relish
3 tomatoes, diced
1/2 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 or 3 shakes red pepper sauce
3 avocados, cubed
Salt to taste

Creamy Cilantro Sauce (See Note)
1 (12 ounce) package silken firm or extra
    firm tofu (may substitute sour cream)
2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice (may
    use 1 tablespoon each)
1 large handful cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons minced dried onions
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Refried Black Beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 (30 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
Salt to taste

8 ounce queso fresco, crumbled (optional)

Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Finely shred, placing in a bowl; set aside.

To make the Creamy Cilantro Sauce: Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend or process until smooth and creamy. If available, place into a squeeze bottle. Chill until ready to use. (Leftovers may be refrigerated and used as dressing or dip).

To make the Chunky Guacamole Relish: In a bowl stir together the tomatoes, onion, lime juice, onion powder, garlic powder and red pepper sauce. Gently fold in the avocados. Taste and add salt to taste, stirring as little as possible so as not to mash the avocados. Allow to stand at room temperature if preparing tostadas now, otherwise refrigerate until nearly ready to assemble tostadas.

To make the Refried Black Beans: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Saute chopped onion in hot oil until tender. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder and oregano; stir and cook for about 2 minutes. Add rinsed and drained beans. Cook until hot, mashing with a potato masher. If necessary, add a little water to moisten to desired consistency. Taste and add salt if necessary.

To assemble the tostadas. Spread prepared tostadas with a liberal amount of prepared Refried Black Beans. Sprinkle with shredded lettuce. (Note: If desired, shredded lettuce may be stirred into the Guacamole Relish). Top with a spoonful of Chunky Guacamole Relish. Squeeze or dollop top with Creamy Cilantro Sauce. If desired, crumble Queso Fresco over Sauce. Eat over a large plate with a napkin handy! Enjoy!

NOTE: The Creamy CIlantro Sauce also makes an excellent dip for tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

You can vary|alter|change|adjust|adapt the recipe to make it a little|a little bit|quite a bit healthier or with fewer|less|not so many calories as this can help|aid|assist you to lose 5 kilos quickly|rapidly|easily. It worked|did work|was successful for me and could help|aid|assist you to lose weight too|also|as well%.