Sara Solomon: What's In Your Fridge?

For many of us, the path through our day is set by the meals we eat. Not Sara Solomon. This fitness personality, author, and sponsored athlete has practiced intermittent fasting since 2012, and she's even written three ebooks on the topic. "It's my soulmate diet because it suits my schedule, goals, and eating personality," she says. "I have no issues adhering even to 20-hour fasts."

But just because she fasts the majority of her day doesn't mean her fridge is a wasteland. Sara keeps certain items stocked and ready to go for when that window opens up. Other groceries she purchases right before breaking her fast, so she can eat fresh when her appetite is high. Let's take a look.

Inside My Fridge Dr. Sara Solomon
Watch the video - 4:39

When you kick off your fast, your body gradually shifts from a state of glucose oxidation, or sugar-burning, to a state of fat oxidation, or fat-burning. By the 16-hour mark, you're in a state of pure fat oxidation and burning more energy and calories.

You've got cauliflower in your fridge for mashed faux-tatoes. Any other healthy hacks or favorite "faux-foods" you can share?

Yes, my faux cookies! They only require one ingredient, they're high in protein, and you can eat a whole batch in a minute or two. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

Quest bar 1 (any flavor)

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Directions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 400 F
2. Break 1 Quest Bar (I used cinnamon roll) into six pieces. Place these pieces into a bowl lined with plastic wrap, and microwave for 15 seconds. I recommend using plastic wrap so the Quest Bar doesn't stick to the bowl.
3. Immediately roll the warmed pieces into balls.
4. Place balls on a cookie sheet. Even though I use a Silpat baking mat, I still spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Flatten the six balls into cookie shapes.
5. Bake for 4-5 minutes. Enjoy!

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What is it about cashew milk that you like above other milk variations?

I love the taste of creamy cashew milk compared to almond milk, and it's a bonus that it has fewer calories. Plus, cow's milk gives me, um, milkarrhea.

Why Zevia over diet soda?

I drink both stevia-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages in moderation. Everything in moderation—even moderation in moderation.

A lot of people don't know that fish oil belongs in the fridge. Do you have any other tips for storing supps?

A lot of people like to store their tubs of protein powder and BCAAs on top of their fridge. That's a rookie mistake. The heat emanating from the top of your fridge can shorten the shelf life of your products. Instead, store them in a cool, dry pantry.

Kool-Aid liquid drops and Walden Farm's syrup in your Greek yogurt—very inventive. Do you have any other tips for making healthy food more palatable?

I sure do! My low calorie options for making bland food more tasty-ful include:

Aside from flax cereal, what are some goodies you stock your fridge with when you're done with your fast?

Here's a quick—far from complete—rundown of my guilty pleasures:

Your fridge is far from empty, but it's missing some basic staples. Do you shop for those right before you break your fast?

Yes! I like to walk to the grocery store an hour before I break my fast, and the reasons are twofold. First, going for a walk in the final hours of a fast is the optimal time to break down stubborn fat. Second, I buy the food I intend eat during my eating window.

I eat a lot of vegetables—I love broccoli slaw—as well as chicken, nonfat Greek Yogurt, and of course, unsweetened cashew milk. For dessert, I enjoy berries coated in a protein sauce. I'm also a fan of protein pancakes and Quest Bars.

What's your protein sauce look like?

Simple. To make protein sauce, mix 1/2 scoop of protein powder with a sparing amount of water. I use BSN Whey DNA vanilla cream. Just be sure not too add too much water, or you'll end up with protein soup.