theworldaccordingtoeggface

A Couple of Berry Good Breakfasts

2013-06-16T10:13:00.003-07:00

Went to the Farmer's Market yesterday, my usual Saturday morning routine. This week's haul: onions, mushrooms, tons of zucchini, tomatoes, and one of these gorgeous 3 packs of mixed berries. Mine had strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. This morning I cleaned them and most have been turned into breakfasts and snacks for the week.

These Berry Greek Yogurt Parfaits are a great grab and go breakfast. Sometimes I mix protein powder into the yogurt this was just Greek yogurt sweetened with Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup and a scraping of a Vanilla Bean. One is berries, yogurt and topped with a sprinkle of almonds. The other has no nuts.

I put them in a plastic cup and cover them with plastic wrap. Grab one and a take off out the door. I love to take them on my walk and then find a park bench to sit and eat it. Just having them already assembled in the fridge makes making good choices easier.

I also made a batch of Protein Muffins.Which takes all of 15 minutes from beginning to eating a warm from the oven muffin. I toss 2 in a snack size baggie and you have another great grab and go breakfast or snack. I often take these when I know I am going to a coffee shop. There is not a whole lot of choices in the bakery cases for us but I never feel left out with my special muffin stash. You might want to take an extra one to share with a friend... otherwise you get "Ooooh what's that?" and suddenly you are muffin-less.

Shelly's Berry Almond Mini Protein Muffins

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Almond Torani Syrup
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Almond Meal/Flour
a few Fresh Berries (I used 6 raspberries and 12 blueberries)
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
Pinch salt

In a measuring cup mix egg, milk, syrup and oil (applesauce or cottage cheese can sub for oil but 1 T divided between 12 muffins is really not a lot) and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, almond meal, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined.

Pour into a non stick mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Drop a berry or 2 in each muffin. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Makes 12. Cooks note: Almond meal/flour is just finely ground almonds... meal = ground with skins on, flour = ground with skins off, they are interchangeable in most recipes, you can certainly make your own with a coffee grinder.

A little meal planning and prep on Sunday makes for an easier week.

Planning for success
A day in my pouch (need ideas)
Bento Box Lunches (lots of lunches)

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there. My father died at 67 years old of obesity-related sleep apnea and heart failure (I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea at 35 years old.) His death was definitely one of my a-ha moments and started me on my journey to getting healthy.

Go for a walk with your Pop today, cook him a healthy meal, lead your family in good health by living your life as an example.

Your Weight Matters Convention Reminder

2013-06-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

We're at the 2 month mark now before the "Your Weight Matters" Convention, August 15-18 in Phoenix, AZ and I want to make sure everyone knows about this GREAT event and makes plans to attend.

The nation's leading experts in weight and health will be presenting more than 40 different evidence based, educational topics from losing weight, maintaining weight-loss, the emotional weight loss journey, nutrition, fitness, all the latest information and research. These are member requested topics... the stuff we all want to know about. Information and tools to help us battle obesity and win! The convention is presented by the Obesity Action Coalition so you will also learn how you can get involved on a national scale (or from your home) in advocacy efforts to help to create awareness of the issues those affected by obesity face.

Beyond all the AMAZING educational offerings, is the opportunity to connect and hang out with an AWESOME group of people that all understand the physical and emotional issues those affected by obesity face. Obesity can be isolating, I spent a lot of years saying, “No, sorry I can’t join you” and sitting on the sidelines watching my life go by. The sense of community and vibe at this convention is welcoming, understanding and safe. Being surrounded by people who “get it” is one of the best feelings in the world. We HAVE A BLAST. We dance and laugh and exercise together. One of the nights we're going to dress in wacky beach outfits. Some brave souls will go sliding down the waterpark ramp and floating down the lazy river (part of the resort amenities.) I will be indoors in the AC chatting with all my new pals, sharing stories and sipping iced tea.

Invite your friends and family... this is not just for people that have had weight loss surgery. It is for EVERYONE that is concerned about their health and weight. Just a 5-10% weight loss can have a significant impact on your health. My obesity related health issues were all resolved within my first 35 pounds lost. So if you have friends and family that want to get healthier this is for them too. Get 10 people to say you sent them and you are in a drawing to win airfare, three-nights hotel stay and full registration (there's also 2 other prizes which means there are crazy good odds of winning, the 411 on the contest.)

Here's some info to help you make your decision to go...

The Official Invitation Video
The Agenda
My Convention Attendance Tips

REGISTER NOW! Trust me, it will be life changing. Hope to see you there!

A day in my pouch

2013-06-13T21:59:00.002-07:00

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts (I try and post them every few days) to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world. I didn't realize till just now that I had an entirely vegetarian day...

Breakfast: Store-bought Pineapple Cottage Cheese with a few Raspberries and a sprinkle of Pistachios and Almonds during a phone meeting discussing the Your Weight Matters Convention details (I'm on the planning committee.) Are you coming? CNN will be there. So exciting! I love that more people will hear our stories and learn what WE ALL LIVE AND KNOW to be true that weight and obesity is more than "just stepping away from the table." There are still tickets available. I hope you will consider making the trip.

Lunch: Leftovers. I made a version of my Cauliflower Pie, one of my favorite post-op dinners and heated up a piece for lunch. My cauliflower was on the small side and I had some mushrooms that needed using so I decided to throw them in. Delicious.

Shelly's Mushroom Cauliflower Pie

1 head of Cauliflower, cooked and mashed
1 Yellow Onion, chopped
8-10 Crimini Mushrooms, sliced
3 Eggs, beaten
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (divided use)
1 Tablespoon Oregano
1/4 teaspoon Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Chives
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Topping
Marinara Sauce (I use jarred - Rao's is my fav)
Cheese

Break up cauliflower florets and cook in salted water till fork tender. Drain. Mash. Saute onion and mushroom till golden. Mix remaining ingredients together (hold back 1 Tablespoon of the Parmesan.) Pour into a 8 x 11.5 x 2 (2 qt) Pyrex casserole dish that has been sprayed with Pam non-stick cooking spray. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes and place under the broiler for 5 more minutes to brown.

When done I cut the pie into squares (I get 8-10 squares from the pie.) You can eat it as is but I top each square with a Tablespoon of Marinara Sauce and a sprinkle of cheese and it goes back under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Mmmm. Nuke to reheat.

Dinner: Grilled some zucchini to have on hand in the fridge. It makes a great quick dinner just topped with cheese and placed under the broiler or if you have more time turned in Pastaless Manicotti or Lasagna. Tonight I chopped a few pieces as a Tortilla Pizza topping. Shelly's Grilled Zucchini Tortilla Pizza - Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat Fajita Size Tortilla topped Italian Blend Cheese, Grilled Zucchini and a sprinkle of Italian Seasonings. 375º for 10 minutes in the oven.

More Eggface Pizza

Snacks: Too much Coffee and a super secret taste test I can't blog about yet. I was creating my entry for an upcoming cooking contest and had to have a few bites to make sure it was contest ready. I think it's a winner (and it's weight loss surgery friendly of course.) I'll tell you all about it in a few weeks. My goal is to win at least one cooking contest a year. Last year I won 2. My biggest win $$ last year was Silk Milk's Holiday Contest. Wish me luck.

More days in my pouch

National Get Outdoors Day Bento

2013-06-09T08:03:00.001-07:00

I found out that yesterday was National Get Outdoors Day, that's great because I actually spent most of it outside. I started my day at the Farmer's Market getting supplies for the week. This week's haul: strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, onions, yellow squash, zucchini, mushrooms, cauliflower (Mmmm I'm going to make Cauliflower Pie this week) and some chili lemon almonds. We have a local almond grower that makes these yummy flavored almonds, a few I can't have because he adds sugar but the chili lemon, applewood smoked, wasabi and simply roasted are favorites.

Nothing I bought needed refrigerating quick so I took a nice long walk around Old Town. It's the touristy area in my town where the market is held each week. The other day in Trader Joe's I overheard a woman talking about a great consignment shop and I went searching it out. I found it. I bought a pretty summery blouse (originally $75 for $10.99, Woot!) you'll see me wearing in Phoenix if you are joining me at the Your Weight Matters Convention. I did stand in the store for a few minutes coveting a little green purse but I was good. No $$ for frivolous.

Speaking of walking and money... If have some extra coins jingle jangling in your pocket or under your couch cushions I'll take 'em! I'm walking in the Walk from Obesity because I can! I once couldn't say that. Thank you to some of my rock star readers and pals who have already donated: Deann Burch, Doris Fiallo, Mike Hodges, Lea Crosetti, Kris Harvey, Laura Jones, Lois Lothrop, Janice Lambright, Jean Haller, Eva Weber, Jessica McKean xo. Can't be there I will walk for both of us. Click on the link to head over to my donation page. Every penny counts and any donation is happily accepted.

Make a Donation!

I came home grilled some of the zucchini, made a few antipasto skewers, filled my bento box and head outside again to eat my lunch. I sat on the patio, tried not to look at the lawn (aka dead weeds) that need cutting and enjoyed the beautiful day.

Pink Box (top left): Little Antipasto Skewers (Cherry Tomatoes from my 2 plants, Basil, Fresh Mozzarella, Turkey Cubes, Spanish Olive)
Green Box (top right): Grilled Zucchini (swipe of Olive Oil, sprinkle of Greek Seasoning and BBQ'd)
Blue Box (bottom left): Yellow Pepper Strips
Orange Box (bottom right): Pesto Yogurt Dip (Greek Yogurt and a little Pesto Sauce mixed in)

More bento box lunches

Want a bento lunchbox like the one above. Here's a link. I've also seen these and these recently and thought they were a cool alternatives. As always thanks for purchasing through the links on the blog which helps the blog continue doing it's thing.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend and spending at least some of it outdoors.

Lotsa Love for Leftovers 8

2013-06-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Post weight loss surgery when you eat out in a restaurant it's a given there will be a lot of leftovers or waste. I hate wasting food. Sometimes I have no choice if I'm headed to a movie or I'm too far from home but if I'm heading home right after a meal you better be sure the leftovers are coming home. Those leftovers can be "repurposed" and transformed into a bunch of great meals.

Repurposing: Transforming leftovers into something equally as yummy. The goal is for them to taste and look so completely different you don't realize you are having leftovers.

I pretty much know my capacity so I remove what I know will be coming home before I start eating. I ask for a box when I order, they look at you weird but I just say, "I'm not terribly hungry and I know I will need a box so can you just bring it with the food."

I had an appointment that ran late and I didn't feel like cooking the other last night... actually the cooking is really never the issue it's the cleaning up that I hate. I stopped at a chain BBQ joint and got the Brisket Dinner (BBQ Brisket and 2 sides) I chose beans and corn on the cob as my side. I ate the corn and a few pieces of Brisket and I was full. I also had a few pieces of Burnt Ends (aka nuggets of BBQ gold) they were sampling a new appetizer and brought me over a few to try.

This is what came home...

I repurposed the meat leftovers above into this oh my gosh to die for Bean Casserole for dinner tonight. It was sooooo good. You would never know it was leftovers.

Shelly's BBQ Brisket Baked Bean Casserole

4 slices Bacon, cut in half
1 cup of Leftover Cooked BBQ Tri Tip or Brisket (even Pulled Chicken or Pork would be great)
1/2 a Maui Sweet Onion, diced fine
1 Granny Smith Apple, diced fine
2 cloves Garlic, crushed
2 (15 oz.) cans Cannellini Beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
a few twists of Black Pepper
Olive Oil for sauteing

Saute onions till golden. Add apple and saute till they start to give a bit. About 5 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients including the leftover BBQ meat (except bacon) mix to combine.Pour into Pyrex casserole dish. Place bacon slices across top. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

I use the real deal BBQ sauce (they do make no/low sugar ones) I figure 1/2 cup spread out over an entire dish (a good 6 portions for non-ops) really just gives the beans the taste. I don't have issues with it but if you do there are some products out there. I use a combo of two BBQ sauces (a brown one and a redder one.)

More ideas for repurposing restaurant leftovers

Lotsa Love for Leftovers 1
Lotsa Love for Leftovers 2
Lotsa Love for Leftovers 3
Lotsa Love for Leftovers 4
Lotsa Love for Leftovers 5
Lotsa Love for Leftovers 6
Lotsa Love for Leftovers 7

More Strategies for Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Nom Alert - Celebrate Vitamins New Soft Chew

2013-06-05T11:39:00.001-07:00

At the last weight loss surgery event I attended I got a chance to sample the latest bariatric multivitamin option from Celebrate Vitamins and now I'm happy to share they are available for purchase and to try before you buy sample packs (I love that they do this.) Celebrate Vitamins understands our rearranged guts and absorption issues and design products with that in mind. These NEW Multivitamin Soft Chews were developed to match the same level of vitamins that are found in Celebrate's chewable multivitamin and well they taste GREAT! If you have to have something every day for the rest of your life it's nice to look forward to it. Orange is like a 50/50 Creamsicle Bar. Also available in Very Berry.

Check them out:

Supplement Facts (as always print and share with your bariatric team for there thumbs up)

While at the last event my pal and fellow blogger Beth made a wacky video review of the then super secret taste test. If you want a chuckle:

Check out Celebrate Vitamins on Facebook (tell 'em Eggface sent you)

If you are not taking your vitamins post weight loss surgery. Here's my soapbox PSA: It's not an option. You must. So many post-operative issues and complications can be avoided if we just make sure to take our vitamins every day. Off soapbox.

Convention Attendance Tips

2013-06-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

I've been to a lot of weight loss, health, fitness, nutrition conferences and conventions in my almost 7 years post weight loss surgery. I thought I would share my experiences and some tips to help you plan for and get the most out of the next one you attend.

Convention Attendance Tips

* Introduce yourself to as many people as you can. I just go up to a table or group and say "Hi, I'm Michelle." Trust me it will go well! Make a goal of meeting at least 10 new people. Find me. I want to meet everyone. This is the BEST PART of a convention for me... putting faces to names, meeting people who "get it" and are on the same road. The personal connections you make at these events are awesome and life-changing.

* Bring "business cards" with your contact info: email, Facebook page, twitter handle. You will meet tons of people and you'll be constantly writing your info down or looking for a pen or paper. It's way easier. Put your before and current picture on one side or an inspirational quote. You can make your own using any word-processing software and some perforated paper, use a local company or check out an online service like Moo.com (Get 10% off your first order) Exchanging cards with a photo also makes tagging people on Facebook with photos you've taken easier.

* Look over the agenda the night before and highlight the sessions you are planning on attending. There's not a whole lot of time between sessions, so you want to know where you are headed and this will give you more time to run to the restroom, chat with new pals, take a picture or two or grab a drink. Mark the vendors and exhibitors booths you absolutely don't want to miss.

* When you are in the sessions: take notes (web addresses to read more later) and snap pictures of slides that will help you recall those great tips and information you want to take home and apply. Stand up and ask questions.

* This is a chance to try something new. Break out of your comfort zone. You don't dance... dance at the evening mixer. Not a joiner... try a group fitness class. I wore my first dress in years at a convention last year.

* If you are bringing a laptop or smart phone charge it at night in your room (plugs are not always available near your seat) and be sure to silence your settings. You don't want "Call Me Maybe" going off during a session.

* Tweet using the official convention hashtag. All social media savvy conventions will have one. Not only does it help the convention planners see what you are enjoying: "I'm loving Dr. X's session. Great tips! #YWM2013" or "Just tried a sample of XYZ at Booth #5 Delicious! #YWM2013" but it's also a great way to find friends and connect: "Heading to coffee shop. Anyone want to join me?" #YWM2013"

* Wear comfy shoes and comfy clothing. Hotel conference rooms are notoriously chilly (even in the middle of summer) so bring a light sweater if you are sensitive to that.

* I usually toss a healthy protein snack in my bag, nuts or protein bars are great (not too noisy or messy to eat.) I always have a bottle of water and travel packets of protein are great just in case the meal is not your cup of tea. Some conventions provide water (some have coffee and tea) ask the convention planners what will be available if that info is not available online.

* Most conventions will give you a "swag bag" with goodies and information inside upon registration. Visit the vendors in the exhibition hall and score even more samples. Make another visit just before the exhibition hall closes. Most companies don't want to pay to ship product home so they are liberal with their samples an hour before closing up shop. Save a little room in your luggage to bring home your goodies or use the hotel business center to mail stuff home.

* Complete the post-conference survey. Take a few minutes to let the convention planners know about your experience, what you loved, what could have been better, the planners review those surveys so you can help mold and shape future events.

Upcoming events I will be attending and/or speaking at:

Fitbloggin'13 - Portland, OR
The "Your Weight Matters" Obesity Action Coalition National Convention - Phoenix, AZ #YWM2013
ObesityHelp National Convention - Anaheim, CA

Find me and say "Hi!"

Sunday Brunch: Big Train Chocolate Chai Crepes

2013-06-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

I had one single packet of Big Train Spiced Chai Fit Frappe left in my protein stash. I could have just mixed it with milk or water and drank it but Sunday mornings I have the time to get a little more in-depth with breakfast. Here's what I made instead...

Shelly's Chocolate Chai Protein Crepes

2 Eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Soy Milk (I use Silk Vanilla)
1/4 cup minus 1 Tablespoon Water
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Vanilla)
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
1/2 cup Spelt Flour
3 Tablespoons Protein Powder (I used Big Train Spiced Chai Fit Frappe)
1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa (baking aisle)
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
dash of Salt

Blend all ingredients on low till thoroughly combined. Pour into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for a half-hour.

Spray a non-stick 8 to 10 inch crepe pan with Pam. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan and twirl it around to spread the batter in a thin circle. Cook till top appears dry and flip. Cook a minute or so on other side. Repeat till all batter is used.

While you are making them you can keep them warm in a low oven 200 degrees or nuke for 20 seconds before serving. Makes 8-10 crepes depending on size of pan. Yes, you can use a fry pan but crepe pans with their shallow sides make the process so much easier. They are under $15 usually. Leftovers are surprisingly good cold or you can nuke them for 20 seconds or so. The keep great in the fridge for a couple of days. Mmmm smeared with almond butter, wrapped in foil, this will be a yummy breakfast on the go.

This morning I topped mine with Ricotta (1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese sweetened with a Tablespoon of SF Apricot Jam) and chopped Strawberries from the Farmer's Market. Other great toppings or fillings: Greek Yogurt, Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Sugar Free Jam, Cottage Cheese, SF Maple Syrup, Homemade No Sugar Added Whippped Cream.

Own a waffle maker? Big Train Spiced Chai makes to die for waffles.

Your Chance to Win An All-Expense Paid Trip To #YWM2013

2013-05-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a chance to go to the Obesity Action Coalition's 2nd Annual "Your Weight Matters" Convention FREE. Just refer 10 or more individuals to attend this year’s Convention and you will be entered to win an ALL-EXPENSE PAID TRIP to Phoenix, AZ for the Convention (airfare, three nights hotel stay and Full Event Registration).

Complete details on the contest, including the official rules, may be found by CLICKING HERE. Please feel free to share this PDF with anyone else who wants to actively recruit attendees. The contest ends on July 15, so get started today!

Convention Web Site
Convention Invitation Video
Other Tools to Help you Spread The Word

The Convention is taking place this year August 15 – 18 at the beautiful Arizona Grand Resort & Spa. The 3-day educational event is designed to bring together all individuals who struggle or are concerned with their weight and health (umm yeah pretty much EVERYONE.) The country’s leading experts will give you the RIGHT tools to be successful in your lifelong journey.

The Your Weight Matters National Convention is the largest National meeting dedicated to providing evidence-based strategies for individuals impacted by excess weight and obesity. It is proudly brought to you by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), as a National non-profit organization, the OAC is dedicated to helping the millions of Americans impacted by excess weight and obesity through education, advocacy and support.

A day in my pouch

2013-05-28T18:53:00.002-07:00

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts (I try and post them every few days) to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world. My Memorial Day...

Breakfast: I had a Celebrate Vitamins Vanilla Cake Batter ENS Shake. I point a lot of newer post-ops toward this shake. Not only does it taste yummy but it has some added vitamins and fiber and in those early weeks all the added good stuff the better. If you are early on looking for a liquid protein source hit the Celebrate Vitamins website and print out the stats to bring to your next Dr. appointment for their thumbs up. For us old timers, it just tastes great. Comes in Vanilla Cake Batter (my fav to shake up in my blender bottle), Chocolate Milk (my fav in Frozen Yogurt Cubes) and Strawberry (my fav mixed in Greek yogurt.)

Spent most of the holiday doing laundry and cleaning bathrooms. Ohhh the glamorous life.

Lunch: I eventually thought I needed to do something outside the house so I packed up my bento box with some goodies and took off to the park for a walk and some fresh air.

Pink Box (top left): Mango Slices and a dollop of Pineapple Cottage Cheese
Green Box (top right): Sliced Tomato and Fresh Basil
Blue Box (bottom left): Ham Roll-ups, Mustard, Olives
Orange Box (bottom right): Individual Fresh Mozzarella Ball (LOVE these)

I love these individual fresh mozzarella balls that BelGioioso makes. Have you seen these?! So perfect for us. Each bag contains 6 - 1oz individually packaged fresh mozzarella balls. I don't know about you but I can go a little overboard with fresh mozzarella so these will keep me on the straight and narrow. Look for them in your deli fridge section.

More bento box lunches

It was gorgeous out and I stayed most of the afternoon at the park. Worked on my computer a bit (thank you City of Temecula for your free wifi) and enjoyed the day.

I got home and did a little gardening. I've given up on the grass. It's dead and patchy already. I'd have a water bill through the roof if I wanted a lawn but I deheaded roses, weeded and picked the first tomatoes!

Dinner: I BBQ'd some Beef & Mushroom Kabobs. Cubes of Top Sirloin I marinated overnight in a little Greek Seasoning, a Tablespoon of Olive Oil and a Tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar. Toss meat cubes till coated. Refrigerate. Assemble kabob skewers alternating meat and mushroom and BBQ'd them about 8 minutes (4 and flip.)

I served them with a Greek Yogurt Dip (just Greek Yogurt, Greek Seasoning, Dried Mint, Salt & Pepper) and made a meatless batch of my Garbanzo and Green Bean Salad and a handful of fresh picked, warm from the sun cherry tomatoes grown by yours truly.

Snacks: Too much coffee and for dessert I made a batch of my Fluff Stuff. I was planning on making Red, White & Blue Strawberry Cannoli which has become a tradition but the strawberries this week were not the best. The past few weeks they have been great but this week not so much, must be a lull in the local crops.

Shelly's Fluff Stuff

1 cup Boiling Water
1 box (4-serving size - the small one) Sugar Free Orange Jello Mix
3 1/2 oz Greek Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Vanilla but any fruity flavor would work too)
1/2 cup Mandarin Orange Segments (in 100% juice), drained

Pour boiling water slowly over jello mix. Stir till dissolved. Set aside. Mix yogurt & syrup together till well combined (If you want to boost the protein even more you can mix a few Tablespoons of protein powder into the yogurt and syrup Mmmm Chike Orange Creme would be great in this one.) Add to Jello mixture.

Beat with an electric mixer till well combined. I use this gadget.

Place in fridge for 1 hour. Remove from fridge and beat again for 5 minutes till fluffy. Fold in fruit. Put back in fridge and allow to set fully (about 2 hours.)

I served a scoop with a squirt Homemade No Sugar Added Whipped Cream. You can use any fruit (fresh, frozen defrosted or canned drained), any Jello flavor, any Torani Syrup flavor.

No Sugar Added Homemade French Vanilla Whipped Cream

1 cup Whipping Cream
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free French Vanilla Torani Syrup (any flavor will do)

Whisk till well combined. Fill whipping cream to the fill line of the whipper. Screw on the top. Insert the CO2 cartridge till it empties, unscrew that. Put the nozzle on, shake a few times and squirt away. It makes a ton, store it in the fridge for up to 10 days just give it another few shakes before squirting. Soooo good.

More days in my pouch

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Memorial Day is about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. I honor them and all military and their families ✰✰✰ Thank you.

What happens in Vegas...

2013-05-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Why do I go to Vegas? I hate it there. The smoke and all the bells and whistles and lights give me an instant migraine. After 2 days in Vegas, I feel like I need 4 on a beach, breathing clean air to purge my body of the crud. The day before I left for Vegas, I went to Urgent Care and dealt with a sinus and ear thing that was going on. They irrigated my ear (that's a pain I don't ever want to feel again) and sent me off with some spray. So yeah, I'm not a happy girl right now. Sore throat, cough, nose, ear, head thing.

So the Vegas event... I sampled some new products that I'll be telling you about in the future. I hung out with some pals, made some new ones, we took a lot of pics and laughed a lot. The evidence...

I went to a great session by Dr. Yoni Freedoff (Weighty Matters) I really enjoyed. He went over all the traditionally held diet myths and blew them out of the water. Dr. Freedoff has a book coming out next year I believe. Trust me you'll want to buy it. Here's my favorite slide from his presentation...

TRUTH.

You may NEVER be what a BMI chart says you should be (BMI charts are whack) but if you are making healthy choices in food, moving your body, working on the head stuff, trying to do your best each day and enjoying those choices you are doing GREAT! IMHO.

Carnie Wilson (of Wilson Phillips) was the Keynote Speaker on Saturday night. I also donated a little extra to attend a more intimate lunch with her. She was lovely, very real (dropped a few f-bombs) made us laugh and tear up too. I enjoyed her story and I gained a new respect for her. She is fighting all the same demons many of us are fighting and she is doing it with a TMZ camera man in the bushes. She was inspiring and a highlight for me. Carnie, Dr. Freedoff's talk and seeing pals were worth the price of admission.

This event was a fundraiser for the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA.) The organization was created to fund surgeries for those that have been denied or have no insurance. I am someone who was turned down repeatedly for weight loss surgery, even though I had a BMI of 54 and I was told by my doctors that the painful, debilitating, and life threatening conditions impacting my health would be potentially relieved and that having weight loss surgery was the best option for me. I understand that pain and hopelessness. I remember sitting in a parking lot crying when I received my insurance denial letter. I was devastated. You guys know my story. I ended up self-paying. It took me months of saving to get the money together to go to Mexico alone and have open RNY in June 2006. I was scared but I knew it was something I had to do. Weight loss surgery saved my life.

I was asked by my friend Beth to join her and another pal Nicole on stage to present a check for $1000 to the WLSFA. These were monies raised by a group I belong to on Facebook. The WLSFA accepted the donation, among a few other donations and the evening continued. It's my understanding that the donation was returned and my friend (and her husband who was not in attendance) has been banned from attending future events. Not sure what happened with that?! In any community, there will be different personalities, not everyone needs to be pals, I am certain not everyone thinks I am the cat's pajamas but personal feelings about members of the community should NEVER cloud the mission and goal of helping people receive the lifesaving gift of weight loss surgery. It's too important.

Well... on a happier note. I actually lost a pound in Vegas. All that walking I guess. I had a pair of cute pink high heel shoes on to meet Carnie. They were really torture devices. I ended up with HUGE blisters. I am a flip flop girl. I am not meant to wear heels and I here and now vow I will never torture myself again. So if you see me in a pretty dress at a future event and look down and see flip flops you will know why.

Speaking of hanging out in the future. Whatcha doing in August? or October? Come hang out with me.

Flying High and Low

2013-05-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Last week was a busy week. I had two back to back plane trips. I had to share these pictures of two of my favorite non-scale victories post weight loss surgery. These NEVER get old... being able to put down the tray table on a plane and using a seat belt with out an extender.

Pre weight loss surgery I dreaded flying. Before I even left the house, size 26/28 garments took up a lot of room and when you have only a few stores to shop in, that may not be in the city you are traveling to all the "just in case" items have to be packed. There was no such thing as a little carry-on for me, even weekend trips turned into several suitcase productions. I'd get to the airport where if I was traveling with others the comments would start "Wow!?! you pack a lot" "You do know it's just for the weekend right?" Ummm yeah. Thanks.

On to the ticket counter...now I never actually had them make me pay for another seat but I've had a few threats of it and comments like: "Will one seat be adequate for you ma'am?" I stopped flying when this started.

We're off right? wrong. Upon entering the plane, I would discreetly ask the flight attendant to give me a seat belt extender and often it was passed quietly to me but every once and awhile I'd get a flight attendant who would call down the length of the plane to her co-worker "Janet do you know where the seat belt exxxxxtttteeeennnnddderrrr is?" Can I die now?

OK I've got my extender and heading down the aisle. Here come the stares and nasty looks by the people that saw me coming. You could just read their face, "Please don't let her have seat 9B" and then "Damn!" with a look of disgust when you do indeed have seat 9B. BE KIND TO EACH OTHER, since 93 million Americans are affected by obesity chances are one of them is your mom, grandma, pop, uncle, best friend, daughter. Think about them being on the receiving end of those looks.

Finally you are snug as a bug in your seat and ready for takeoff. It's all good until drinks and food begin. Try balancing a cup of coffee and a hot meal on your lap because the tray table down and my body in the seat weren't happening at the same time. I prayed no one was sitting next to me or someone I knew so I could share their tray table. Now I won't even begin to talk about if God forbid I had to pee.

I am thankful those painful memories are memories but so many of my friends are still living it. I'd like to see airlines stop overbooking flights so that reasonable accommodations can be made for situations like someone needing a little extra space. I once had to sit next to a woman with very strong perfume (a migraine trigger for me), another time I had a very tall man's knees pressed into the back of my seat for 6 hours. I would have loved to have moved seats but the plane was overbooked. Save a few seats for situations instead of cramming us in like sardines. We are people. We come in different shapes and sizes.

Your Weight Matters Convention - Save $$

2013-05-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

I believe one of the best ways to keep your head in the game is to keep connected with others on the same path. Gain support and top notch education this summer at the Your Weight Matters Convention presented by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)

Nab the EARLY BIRD PRICES through today!

Watch the video below to see what it's all about and share this AWESOME event with others in your circle...

Drink More Water

2013-05-16T03:51:00.001-07:00

Water is so good for you. I know this, I just wish I enjoyed it more but I struggle every day to meet my daily intake goals. Here's my latest attempt to try to drink more water...

I mark time lines on the side of the bottle to make me more mindful and accountable and I put one of the reasons we should drink water on the top as motivation.

Natural appetite suppressant

Reduces the risk of kidney stones and UTI’s
Improves skin complexion

Prevents constipation
Aids in digestion
Helps headaches
Prevents memory loss
Flushes by-products of fat

Boosts your immune system

Prevents cramps

More water tips

Drum Roll...

2013-05-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you for entering the Eggface Protein Packed Travel Giveaway

The random generator has selected:

Jennifer S.
plynsn316@xxxxxxx.com

Congratulations!!! You are the winner of the a super cool Nike Workout (or Carry-on) Bag filled with some of my post weight loss surgery bariatric favorites to travel with...

Not a winner this time... No worries... several AWESOME Eggface Giveaway's are already in the works. Be sure to follow along on the Blog, Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest for the latest eggciting announcements!

A day in my pouch

2013-05-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts (I try and post them every few days) to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world. My yesterday...

Breakfast: Made my Buttercrunch Ricotta Pancakes. I make a lot of different protein pancakes but I think these are my favorite.

Lunch: Had some errands to run that brought me near the beach. Packed up my bento box and ate lunch staring at the waves for some free-ish (1/4 a tank of gas) therapy.

Pink Box (top left): Shelly's Dilly Egg Salad
Green Box (top right): Cucumber "Crackers"
Blue Box (bottom left): Lipton Tea & Honey Lemon Flavored Ice Tea Packet (you add them to a water bottle, 20 cals) and a hunk of a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Quest Protein Bar
Orange Box (bottom right): Muenster Cheese

Shelly's Dilly Egg Salad

4 Hardboiled Eggs
1 Green Onion, diced fine
2 Tablespoons Greek Yogurt
1/2 teaspoon dried Dill
pinch of Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Whiz eggs in a mini food processor or mash with a fork till desired consistency. Add eggs to remaining ingredients and mix together.

More bento box lunches
More Eggface egg dishes

This was my lunch time view. Ahhhh.

Dinner: Came home after errands, one of which was stopping at Costco for a tray of their cooked shrimp. Ate a few with a few more Cucumber "Crackers" and a dollop of Greek Guacamole.

Shelly's Greek Guacamole

1 ripe Avocado, mashed
1-2 Chopped Tomatoes
2 Tablespoons Black Olives, chopped
2 Tablespoons Crumbled Feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
Sprinkle of Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Scoop the flesh out of the avocados into a bowl. Mash avocado till partially mashed but still some chunks. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Makes enough for 2 or 3 people.

Snacks: Lots of coffee including a Sugar Free Vanilla Soy Latte at a coffee shop tweet stop and in the evening sometime I ate a leftover pancake from breakfast, cold from the fridge they are yummy too.

More days in my pouch

Next week I'll be in Vegas for the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America Meet & Greet. I hope to see some of you there. Come find me and say hi! Looking forward to meeting Carnie Wilson and hearing Dr. Yoni Freedoff speak. I understand there are still tickets available so come hang out.

I also wanted to remind anyone thinking of attending the Obesity Action Coalition "Your Weight Matters" Convention in August that EARLY BIRD pricing continues for just 9 more days. Get in on it. It's going to be AMAZING and provide you with awesome tools for continued success in your health & weight loss goals. I can't wait!

Cinco de Mayo Eats: Mini Chili Cups

2013-05-06T20:26:00.003-07:00

I made these little Tex-Mex inspired Chili Cups last night for Cinco de Mayo and The Amazing Race (my favorite show) finale night. Way better than a huge bowl of chips and queso or a ginormous burrito the size of my forearm which is what I would have probably eaten pre weight loss surgery. Portion controlled, protein packed and delicioso!

Shelly's Mini Chili Cups

3-4 Tortillas
1/2 cup Cooked Chili (leftovers are great for this)
2-3 Tablespoons Shredded Cheese (I used Colby & Jack)

Optional toppings:
Hot Sauce or Salsa
Chopped Avocado or Guacamole
Shelly's Cilantro Lime Yogurt Dip

Spray mini muffin tin with Pam non-stick cooking spray. Using a biscuit or cookie cutter (or 1/3 cup metal measure) to cut circles from tortillas. You'll need 3 or 4 depending on the tortillas you use. I used Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat, fajita size tortillas and needed 4 but had lots of leftover bits.

Place the cut circles in the muffin tin and bake for 5 minutes at 375. Spoon about a teaspoon of chili in each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese.

Continue baking at 375 for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Remove from tin. Top with optional toppings. You can fill them with anything that would go in a taco. I've done shredded cooked chicken, refried beans, taco meat in the past. Excellent party or game day appetizer. For lunch or dinner I'd serve with a green salad. Would even be great for breakfast with an egg.

Shelly's Cilantro Lime Yogurt Dip

1/4 cup Greek yogurt (2% plain)
1 Tablespoon Cilantro, chopped fine
squeeze of Lime juice
dash of Kosher Salt

Mix together. Also great to dip meat, fish, veggies or thinned with a little more lime juice and used as a salad dressing.

The Eggface Protein Packed Travel Giveaway

2013-05-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

It's May already!? This year is flying by. Speaking of flying... I've got a couple of fun trips coming up this month. I'll be blogging about them and sharing pictures of course. Since having weight loss surgery I always have a few quick protein sources in my carry-on bag. If my flight is delayed, I arrive at my destination too late to get something from the hotel restaurant or the room service menu is filled with unhealthy choices... I just pull one of my single serving protein packets out, grab a bottle of water from the vending machine and I'm good to go.

Do you have a trip coming up? Let's do a Giveaway to get you prepared for it!

The Prize: a super cool Nike Workout (or Carry-on) Bag filled with some of my post weight loss surgery bariatric favorites to travel with...

7 Celebrate Vitamins Chocolate Milk flavor single serving packets of ENS (contains a high potency multivitamin, 500 mg of calcium citrate, 4 g of fiber, and 25 g of whey isolate protein in each serving) Great mixed in Greek yogurt (also comes in Strawberry & Vanilla Cake Batter flavors)

3 Chike Nutrition single serving packets of High Protein Iced Coffee (contains 2 espresso shots, 20 grams of whey protein, 23 vitamins & minerals & only 2 grams of sugar in each serving)

3 Double Chocolate Vanilla Crunch Soft Baked Pure Protein Bars

3 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Quest Protein Bars

1 Black 28 oz. Blender Bottle Shaker

How to Enter: LIKE the following 3 Facebook Pages The World According to Eggface, Celebrate Vitamins and Chike Nutrition then COME BACK HERE and LEAVE A COMMENT on this blog posting (include a name and some email address where I can contact you if you are the winner) Scroll down to # of comments below to leave yours. That's it, easy peasy.

I'd love to hear if you have a fun trip coming up or a place you would love to go as I read the comments :)

***Want an extra chance to win?***

* Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway: Hey everyone enter the @Eggface Protein Packed Travel Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/bnhdbz2

Contest Period Ends: Sunday, May 12th, midnight (Pacific), Monday, May 13th I'll draw a name using a random number generator and announce the winner here on the blog! I will also email the winner at the address provided. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. Remember winners MUST be a Facebook follower of the pages listed above. One ENTRY per person. Blog comments are moderated so there may be a slight delay (up to a few hours) in seeing your comment/entry post. Giveaway is open to anyone in the United States (48 contiguous only.)

Good Luck and Safe Travels,

Gift ideas for the weight loss surgery post-op

2013-05-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day, Birthday, Anniversary, Just Because gifts. Here's a few gift ideas for the weight loss surgery post-op to help support and celebrate our healthy new lifestyle changes.

1. Clothing Store Gift Cards - One of the wonderful but expensive things that happens when you lose 100+ pounds is the need for an entire new wardrobe. Shopping for new threads can be fun and a thrill but it can get $$$ expensive.

I went from a size 26/28 (some 30/32 blouses) to my current size 4. I needed pants, shirts, bras, underwear, pj's, jackets and every event that came up I no longer had a closet full of garments to choose from something had to be purchased. I donated most of my old threads or made stuff out of them but one pair of pants I keep around to remember.

2. Fitness Stuff - What better way to support your loved ones healthy lifestyle changes then with some cool exercise gear. I love my Nike Fitness Walkman MP3 player and you'll need an Itunes card to download a workout playlist. A Fitbit or pedometer, a bicycle, new sneakers (I lost an entire shoe size), a Blender Bottle, DVDs, a fitness magazine subscription, a snazzy new workout bag, sessions with a personal trainer or my most recent purchase a kettlebell (tons of free kettlebell workouts online.)

3. Cooking Gadgets - If your post-op is a foodie like me... a good blender (Oster Beehive is my old standby favorite), a cool blender (the Oster My Blend Blender) or a really really $$$ cool blender (for making protein shakes.) Already have a blender there's always an ice cream maker (for making protein ice cream), a mini food processor, a bento box, or my very well used 12 or 24 cup mini muffin tins (for making bites and protein muffins.)

4. Experiences - Many of us affected by obesity had to say no to a lot of fun things in our lives because we knew we wouldn't fit or physically couldn't take part... hot air balloons, horseback riding, roller coasters and amusement park rides, bumper boats, gondolas, sporting events or concerts (I could never buy a concert shirt) in those tight stadium seats, trips without a seat-belt extender to cities with lots of walking.

5. Makeover/Queen for the Day - Hair, make-up and of course lots of photos. I had a makeover in NYC as a post op and it was such a great experience. I was always the one behind the camera (avoided photos like the plague) so it was great fun to get the star treatment for the day and an "after" picture taken.

Can you still take your post op for dinners out? Sure! I would just suggest to let them pick the location. It may not be the same birthday dinner joint they have been going to for years. Some menus are more easily adaptable and some are just grease laden white carb horror shows.

I hope this gives you a few ideas. You could always just ask them what they want ;)

Fellow post-ops: Feel free to add what you would most like to receive as a gift in the comment section.

Bento Box Bonanza

2013-05-02T08:37:00.003-07:00

The weather has been so beautiful the past few days, I've been bringing my bento box lunch outside...

Pink Box (top left): Turkey and Cheese Cold Cut Skewers
Green Box (top right): Cucumber "Crackers"
Blue Box (bottom left): Red and Green Pepper Strips
Orange Box (bottom right): Shelly's Hummus Yogurt Dip (just equal parts Greek Yogurt & Hummus)

Pink Box (top left): Strawberries with No Sugar Added Homemade French Vanilla Whipped Cream
Green Box (top right): Cucumber "Crackers"
Blue Box (bottom left): Shelly's Awesome Guacamole
Orange Box (bottom right): 1/2 a Hardcooked Egg

No Sugar Added Homemade French Vanilla Whipped Cream

1 cup Whipping Cream
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free French Vanilla Torani Syrup (any flavor will do)

Whisk till well combined. Fill whipping cream to the fill line of the whipper. Screw on the top. Insert the CO2 cartridge till it empties, unscrew that. Put the nozzle on, shake a few times and squirt away. It makes a ton, store it in the fridge for up to 10 days just give it another few shakes before squirting. Soooo good.

Pink Box (top left): Leftover Shelly's Bruschetta Pancake
Green Box (top right): Tomato Basil topping for Bruschetta Pancake
Blue Box (bottom left): Turkey and Cheese Cold Cut Skewers
Orange Box (bottom right): Shelly's Triple Chocolate Mini Protein Muffin

Shelly's Triple Chocolate Mini Protein Muffin

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
3 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa (Hershey's, baking aisle)
1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
Pinch salt

Mix egg, milk, syrup and oil (applesauce or cottage cheese can sub for oil but 1 T divided between 12 muffins is really not a lot) and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, cocoa, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Pour into a non stick 12 cup mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam.

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Allow to cool for a minute or two before removing from pan. Dip in SF Chocolate Glaze. Glaze will harden as they cool or speed it up in the fridge.

Sugar Free Chocolate Glaze

1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Chocolate Chips (Wal-mart)
1 teaspoon Canola Oil

Nuke in microwave for 45 seconds. Stir till smooth.

More of my bento box lunches

I highly recommend heading outside for a break mid day. My work has me staring at a computer screen for a big portion of the day. Taking an outside break even if it's only 15 minutes... breathing fresh air, soaking in some sunshine and Vit. D is therapeutic. It makes me happy.

Get a super groovy bento box of your own.

Build Your Own Salad Bar Night

2013-04-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun lunch or dinner idea that is not only weight loss surgery friendly but also something the whole family can enjoy together. Build Your Own Salad Bar Night. Set out an assortment of salad items and let everyone create their own yummy masterpiece.

Top Row from left to right: Hardboiled Eggs, Shredded Cheese, Cooked Shrimp
2nd Row: Chickpeas, Salad Greens and Shredded Carrot, Grilled Chicken
3rd Row: Cucumbers, Artichoke Hearts, Tomatoes
4th Row: Red Walnuts & Almonds, Shelly's Healthified Ranch Dressing Dip (recipe below)

The standard rule is the darker the salad greens the more vitamins and minerals they have so I usually do half Spring Mix or Mixed Baby Greens and a little Baby Spinach added in.

I make sure every salad has some sort of lean protein (Chicken, Fish, Turkey, Shrimp, Tuna, Crab, Hardcooked Egg) and I aim for that. Tip: If you are grilling on the weekend, toss an extra piece or two of chicken on the grill for your Salad Bar night.

I love to add beans (Chickpeas, Black Beans, Kidney Beans) for even more protein but they are carby, they're good carbs but you know, factor them in your day.

I add veggies... raw, cooked, pickled. This is a great way to use leftovers like peas, corn. Tip: Leftover salad items can be tossed into soups or casseroles through out the week.

Top with something fun like a sprinkle of Nuts, Seeds or Cheese. Don't go crazy, they add protein but a little goes a long way, measure. Tip: Shred cheese versus hunks or cubes.

You can turn a healthy salad into "I might as well have eaten a greasy burger and fries" with your salad dressing choice, those calories and fat grams add up quickly. I rarely use dressing especially if you have something like sliced Avocado or Tomatoes which gives the salad plenty of moisture. If I do have "dressing" I make my own with Greek Yogurt. If you do use the regular in the bottle stuff watch those portions, measure it out don't just pour. Tip: Salsa is also a great dressing substitute.

Shelly's Healthified Ranch Dressing Dip

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
1 teaspoon Dry Buttermilk Powder
1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Dried Chives
a few twists of Black Pepper
Salt to taste

Mix till well combined. For dip use as is. For dressing thin with milk. You can find Dry Buttermilk Powder near regular powdered milk.

Post weight loss surgery Dr's meal plans vary on when salads can be introduced. I was cleared for it at 8 weeks but as always when in doubt as your medical posse for the thumbs up.

What are some of your favorite salad bar items? Feel free to leave your favs in the comments.

A day in my pouch

2013-04-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts (I try and post them every few days) to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world.

Breakfast: My new favorite breakfast. Seriously I want to eat this every day.

Shelly's Cinnamon Apple Walnut Salad

3 oz. Greek Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor I used SF Sugar Free Cinnamon Vanilla)
dash Cinnamon
1 Apple (Pink Lady, Gala or Fuji are my favs), chopped
2 Tablespoons Walnuts, chopped
1 Tablespoon Dried Cranberries

Mix yogurt, SF syrup, and cinnamon together till well blended. Toss with apple, walnuts, and cranberries. Makes enough for 2 people.

I used California Red Walnuts in this. If you can find some use those. So good. If not, regular are fine.

Lunch: It was Earth Day so I tried to spend as much time outside as I could. Filled my bento box and took lunch outside...

Pink Box (top left): Shelly's Melted Turkey & Cheese Roll-up
Green Box (top right): Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli
Blue Box (bottom left): Hardboiled Egg on a Stick
Orange Box (bottom right): Shelly's Pineapple Orange Protein Mini Muffin

More bento box lunches

Dinner: Spotted these the other day at Trader Joe’s and tossed them in my cart. Trader Joe's Thai Lime Shrimp Skewers, they come uncooked. I just grilled for a few minutes each side on the BBQ. The box contains five skewers of five shrimp for $5.99.

They are quite tasty. Seasoned with kaffir lime leaf and other spices. Super quick protein source. Each skewer is 40 cals, 8 grams of protein, 0 carbs, .5 grams of fat.

They would be excellent on top of a simple salad. I ate them as is.

Snacks: Coffee and few more Strawberry Cannoli

More days in my pouch

Where's Eggface?

2013-04-20T22:53:00.001-07:00

When I'm not posting here on the blog

I'm on Facebook

or Twitter

or Pinterest

and I have a YouTube Channel (one of these days I'll make some videos)

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though they know you are slightly cracked. Thank you for sharing the blog and related pages with others. xo

A day in my pouch

2013-04-16T11:59:00.001-07:00

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts (I try and post them every few days) to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world.

Breakfast: The last of this week's Farmer's Market Strawberries with Mango, a dollop of Pineapple Cottage Cheese and a Tablespoon of Slivered Almonds.

Lunch: These savory pancakes are so good, kind of a potato-less potato pancake. They are soft & loaded with yummy protein so early post weight loss surgery people should have no trouble with them minus the bruschetta topping of course.

Shelly's Bruschetta Pancakes

1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 teaspoon Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1/4 teaspoon Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Bruschetta Topping

2-3 Tomatoes, chopped
Fresh Basil, finely chopped
dash of Oregano
Salt to taste
a few twists of Black Pepper
drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar

Mix together Bruschetta Topping and set aside. Mix pancake ingredients together. Spray non-stick pan with Pam. Cook on low till bubbles appear, flip. Cook till done. Makes 8 pancakes. Top with Bruschetta Topping.

I used whole milk ricotta if you use part skim. Drain through a sieve lined with a coffee filter for several hours or overnight in the fridge. These pancakes can be made ahead and reheated.

More Eggface Pancakes

Dinner: I spotted these pre-cooked Ball Park Burger Patties in the freezer section of the supermarket the other day. I don't eat a lot of beef but every so often I feel like a burger (I can eat about 3/4 or so.) These were an easy meal. I tossed them on the BBQ for 3 minutes or so, flipped them and topped with a slice of good ole' American cheese and cooked till the cheese melted. I served them with a dollop of my Garbanzo and Green Bean Salad

Mum and I ate dinner outside, talked about the tragedy that had unfolded earlier in the day at the Boston marathon. I don't care what your "cause" is... senseless violence is not a way to spread your message. "An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind." We also remembered our lovely trip to Boston a few years ago (thank you again for helping make that memory happen.) Prayers, good thoughts to ♥ Boston.

Snacks: Lots of coffee and few pieces of Krave Lemon Garlic Turkey Jerky. Love this jerky. Check them out on Facebook and tell 'em Eggface sent you.

More days in my pouch

A day in my pouch

2013-04-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts (I try and post them every few days) to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world.

Breakfast: My Mum was scheduled for a bunch of lab work and had been fasting so I didn't want to cook anything and make the house smell yummy. That's torture. I had made Pineapple Orange Protein Mini Muffins the night before so I tossed 2 in a Ziploc baggie in my purse and ate them while she was in getting the vampire treatment. I took her out for a well deserved latte after.

Shelly's Pineapple Orange Protein Mini Muffins

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
1 Tablespoons Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Almond Meal (Almond Flour)
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (any will do)
Pinch salt

1/4 cup Crushed Pineapple, well drained
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Orange Marmalade

Mix marmalade and pineapple together and set aside. In a measuring cup or bowl, mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, almond meal (FYI almond meal/flour are interchangeable one is ground with skins on, one without), protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined.

Pour into a non stick 12 cup mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Spoon a dab (about 1/2 teaspoon) of pineapple orange mixture on top of each muffin. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Makes 12 moist, delicious, mini muffins.

Lunch: Bento lunch with an accidental Asian theme.

Pink Box (top left): Cooked Shrimp Cocktail with Lemon & Cocktail Sauce
Green Box (top right): Wasabi Almonds
Blue Box (bottom left): Steamed Edamame
(bottom right): Mandarin Oranges

More bento box lunches

Dinner: I tossed a couple of Chicken breasts on the grill (swipe of Olive Oil, sprinkle of Greek Seasoning) and while they were cooking I steam sauteed some Bok Choy. I cooked the Bok Choy till almost tender. To my 2 lbs (sounds like a lot but like spinach it goes to nothing) I added a Tablespoon of crushed Ginger and a Tablespoon of Soy Sauce and put the lid on till completely tender.

Snacks: Took my Mum for coffee after her testing. I had a Sugar Free Vanilla Soy Latte.

and later I made a batch of Protein Ice Cream. Protein Ice Cream Making 101 Tips

I was in the mood for something chocolate-y. So I took my plain chocolate protein ice cream base and jazzed it up with the addition of 1/2 a chopped up Pure Protein Double Chocolate Vanilla Crunch Protein Bar. Soooo good.

Shelly's Double Chocolate Vanilla Crunch Protein Ice Cream

1 cup Vanilla Soy Milk (or Regular Milk 2% or above for best results)
2 scoops of Chocolate Protein Powder (any brand you love)
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Vanilla)
1/2 Pure Protein Double Chocolate Vanilla Crunch Bar, chopped fine (any protein bar you love would work)

Mix together milk, protein and syrup. I used this gadget to mix it up. It makes it airy and lump free. If you don't have one just toss it in a blender on super high. You want it fluffy almost double in size. Pour into an ice cream maker. Follow your machine's instructions for freezing. 5 minutes before it's done add bar bits.

You can eat it right away it is soft serve-ish. Use it at this stage for Protein Ice Cream Cake making.

If you want scoops put it in the freezer to set for an hour. After that hour it will be hard (like rock hard - this is do to the lack of fat content) just nuke it 25 seconds to bring it back to scoops. Pictured is a double batch Note: If you double the batch, don't bother doubling the protein powder, we can only absorb so much and 2 scoops is plenty.

It was a pretty yummy day.

More days in my pouch