Phase 2 is about an intensive altering of the body's structure converting stored fat to fuel to be transformed into muscle. It is so focused and intense that we only do it for two days. It is all about the muscle, and remember, muscle ravages calories (potential energy), so the more muscle you have, the more fat you'll burn. This recipe has soybeans in it, so it is written only for vegans on the Fast Metabolism Diet. If you are not vegan, you can still make this salad, but omit the soybeans and replace with your favorite Phase 2 protein!

Phase 2 (Vegans only) | Serves 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes (includes refrigerator time)

Ingredients

1 cup shelled soybeans (edamame)
1 cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup 1-inch pieces trimmed yellow wax beans
2 pepperoncini, seeded and diced

Dressing

½ cup peeled, seeded, diced cucumber
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon minced fresh dill
½ teaspoon stevia or xylitol
1⁄8 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Steam the edamame for 3 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.
   
   
2. Combine them with all the salad ingredients in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
   
   
3. Blend the dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth. Fold the dressing into the bean mixture. For best results, refrigerate
   for 30 minutes.

NOTE: Swap another type of bean (kidney beans work especially well) for the soybeans and this recipe also works for Phases 1 and 3.