Costco - Weight Loss Surgery Friendly?

You'd think there wouldn't be a whole lot at Costco for us after we have weight loss surgery. I mean everything is in such LARGE quantities but I've found a few things that are weight loss surgery friendly and have been very helpful on my journey.

Click on the linked items to see usage ideas. Per my pal Robin's request.

Here's my Costco shopping list:

Ground Beef & Turkey (I portion out in 1/2 lb. sections & freeze)
Naked Nuggets
Tortilla Crusted Tilapia
Silk Soy Milk 3 pk (best price)
Foster Farms Turkey Meatballs
Cheeses (current favorites Wensleydale Cheddar with Cranberries & Fresh Asiago)
Quick'N Eat Fully Cooked Choice Angus Patties
Frozen Shrimp
Frozen Fruit (for Protein Shakes)
Tribe Single Serve Hummus
Dietz & Watson Cold Cuts (London Broil is great & can be frozen/defrosted for casseroles later)
Fresh Seafood (Shrimp, Scallops, Crab Legs, Clams)
Rotisserie Chicken
Eggs
String Cheese (best price)
Coach's Oats (Steel Cut - not my absolute fav McCann's but cheap on those months I need to go cheaper)
Turkey Jerky
All Natural Fruit Crunchies (purse snacks)
Canned Beans (great pantry staple)
Canned Crab Meat
Chicken Broth (best price)
Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins

If you use 0% Fage Greek Yogurt they carry a HUGE tub at a great price. I use 2%.

Non-food:
Photo developing for when you are dropping sizes.
I've gotten a few cute outfits too.

If I think of more I will add them but that's the main stuff. Well there is always the "Costco Buffet" as I call it... a sample of cheese, a hunk of meat or two and I'm full. I'm a cheap lunch date.

Have Fun.

My Trader Joe's Shopping List
My Pureed Food Shopping List

Scalloped Scallops

Spotted a cool new product at Trader Joe's the other day. Saucy Scallops with Mushrooms. $4.99 for each 16 ounce bag found in the frozen section. It's basically scallops in a creamy mushroom and cheese sauce.

You can just heat & eat. The bag suggests tossing them on some rice or pasta but since that was out for me (don't do either by choice) here's what I came up with. It's super yummy, scallops have oodles of protein (4 oz. = 23 grams), add that it's super fast to put together and you have a keeper...


Shelly's Scallop Casserole

1 Cauliflower, broken into florets
1 Yellow Onion, diced
1 (16 oz.) package Trader Joe's Saucy Scallops with Mushrooms
1/2 cup frozen Peas
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper
1/2 cup crushed Soy Crisps
2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Butter, melted
Olive Oil for sauteing

Boil cauliflower till fork tender. Drain. Set aside. Saute onion till golden.

Add scallops mixture, peas, seasonings and cook on low for 5 minutes. Add cauliflower and mix to combine.

Pour into Pyrex casserole dish. Mix butter, crushed soy crisps and cheese. Sprinkle on top of casserole. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes till golden.

I served it with a simple green salad.

Leftovers Bento

Made one of my favorite Mexican meals the other night Mmmm Crockpot Carnitas and leftovers became yesterday's lunch...


Blue Box (top left): Spinach, Cucumber, Cotija Cheese & Pico de Gallo Salad
Green Box in Blue Silicon Cup (top right): Toppings Shelly's Salsa Yogurt Dip & Shredded Cheese for Carnitas
Pink Box (bottom left): leftover Shelly's Crockpot Carnitas
Orange Box (bottom right): Shelly's Mexican Chocolate Protein Cake butterfies
Along side: Peach Green Tea Drink Stick

Shelly's Salsa Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Fage Greek Yogurt (I use 2%)
1 teaspoon Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Pico de Gallo (refrigerated salsa section - salsa is fine too)
Kosher Salt to taste

Mix together. Great to top carnitas, taco salads or use as a dip with veggies or soy crisps.


Shelly's 5 Minute Mexican Chocolate Protein Cake

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk (I used Vanilla Soy)
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Vanilla - on sale now)
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix (I use this)
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
Pinch salt
1 Measuring Cup or Microwave Safe Mug

In a measuring cup or microwave safe mug, Mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, cocoa, cinnamon, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Nuke in microwave for 2 minutes (my microwave is getting old and needs 20 seconds added now.) Let it sit for three or so minutes (it pulls away from the sides) before tipping the cake onto a plate. Yields 4-5 slices.


More Eggface 5 Minute Protein Cakes

Probably should have made doughnuts instead of cake since it is Doughnut Appreciation Day today. If you want to celebrate here's a better way than heading to Krispy Kreme.

Sunny Days

The weather has been unbelievable the past few days. Sunny, low 90°'s. Too good to stay inside. So I've been eating lunch outside. I pack my super cool Bento Box and set myself up in the sun. A yummy lunch and my 15+ minutes of Vitamin D can't beat that.


Pink Box (top left): Shelly's Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Green Box (top right): Baby Carrots
Blue Box (bottom left): Shelly's PB&J Sushi (w/SF Jam instead of Strawberries) & Cheesestick
Orange Box w/ Blue Silicon Cup (bottom right): Chickpea Hummus


Shelly's Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

1 pound Large Cooked Shrimp (21/25 count), peeled, deveined, tails off
1 Avocado, diced
1/2 cup Pico de Gayo (refrigerated salsa section)
shot of Veggie or Tomato Juice
sprinkle of Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Toss all ingredients together. For parties I like to spoon into margarita glasses.

Speaking of my super cool Bento Box... it just got cooler. Check out what I am treating myself to for Christmas. If I can wait that long. There's free shipping right now so I may just grab it. I just can't decide between the flowers and this one.

I'm glad I took advantage of the sunny days this week I hear these times they are a-changing. There's some drizzle in the forecast. I hope it clears up for Saturday. Join me at the annual Tom's Farms Event. Meet new friends, catch up with old pals. Lunch, shopping (Mmmm gourmet cheese shop, veggie stand, the best guacamole), hanging out, support group meeting, protein exchange, clothing exchange. We're in the picnic area. Starts at 9 AM. Contact Katt for more info. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Sweet Potato & Apple Bake

Tested a recipe yesterday that I will be making again for Thanksgiving. It was super yummy. Would be great for a side with pork, ham, chicken as well as with turkey on the big day.

I ate leftovers for breakfast with a dollop of SF Torani sweetened Fage Greek Yogurt. Also great as dessert with a squirt of Sugar Free Land o Lakes Whipped Cream or scoop of Protein Ice Cream.


Shelly's Sweet Potato & Apple Bake

2 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 Apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup Pecans, chopped
1 Tablespoon Butter
1/2 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/3 cup Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used a combo of SF Vanilla & SF Caramel - both on sale now)
1/2 cup Sugar Free Maple Syrup, divided use
1 Tablespoon Bird's Custard Powder
1/2 cup Shelly's Nutty Crumble Topping

Boil sliced sweet potatoes for 7 minutes till fork tender. Drain and pour in a pan. Add apples, butter, nuts and spices and cook till butter is melted.


Add Torani and 1/4 cup of maple syrup to custard powder slowly and mix to form a slurry. Pour over potatoes & apples. Toss to combine. Pour into a Pyrex Casserole Dish. Top with Nutty Crumble Topping and drizzle with 1/4 cup of the maple syrup. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes (first 30 minutes covered with foil.)

Best. Gift. EVER.

Days like yesterday make me soooo thankful I had weight loss surgery. I went to two outdoor events... a Day of the Dead celebration and a huge Street Faire. You know the kind of event where parking is gone by 5 AM and the event doesn't start till 10. Which means of course that you have to park miles away, hoof it to the good stuff then it's miles & miles of walking once you are there.

At 295 pounds I would NEVER have attempted an event like these let alone 2 in a day. I couldn't walk the length of the mall without stopping once or twice on a bench. Yesterday I walked and walked and walked... and never broke a sweat.

So this is just a public thank you to the universe, my surgeon, and myself (for finally making the choice to be healthy) Hope everyone who is considering weight loss surgery has as complication free a time as I have had. I wish you many, many, WOW moments. I'm 3+ years out and STILL having them.

Some pics of the day...

Witchy Woman

I was going to be a scarecrow again because last year I was out of town for Halloween and none of my local pals saw it in person but I was sorting through some boxes and found my old witches cape so... I put together a witch costume and made an appearance at my friend's shindig last night. Good times.

I've had that witch cape forever. Let's see I've had it (err math in the morning) at least 20 years. I was a witch in my junior year of high school. I actually found a picture. Looking at this picture is when I know having weight loss surgery was the BEST GIFT I ever gave myself. Most people look at pictures from high school or college years longingly wishing they could have that body back. Well I'll just let the picture speak for itself...

Me: Halloween 1988
¨°º¤ø„My witchy spell...
Double, double toil and trouble.
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Liberatus Eradicatum Fatum from our Assums.
Alacazam!„ø¤º°¨

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween!

White "as a Ghost" Chili

Our spookilicious Halloween Eve lunch...


Shelly's White "as a Ghost" Chili

1 Maui Onion, diced
3 Green Onions, diced
3/4 lb. Ground Turkey (about 1/2 a package)
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 (15 oz.) cans Cannelini Beans, rinsed & drained
1 (4 oz.) can Diced Mild Green Chilies
1 teaspoon Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 (15 oz.) can Chicken Broth
1 cup Water
1 Tablespoon Multigrain Pancake Mix (I use this)

Optional toppings: Shelly's Spicy Yogurt Dip, Cilantro, Shredded Cheese.

Saute onions till golden. Add turkey and saute till no pink is seen. Add garlic cook 1 minute more. Add beans, chilies, seasoning, broth & water and simmer covered on low for 30 minutes. At the 25 minute mark in a little bowl mix pancake mix and a few spoons of the chili liquid together to form a paste. Stir into chili. Continue to cook remaining 5 minutes. Serve topped with Shelly's Spicy Yogurt Dip, Cilantro, and Shredded Cheese.

Great served with Vampire Bites (aka any of my crustless quiches these are my Pizza Bites)

"Buried Alive" Cherry Chocolate Trifle

The dessert I will be eating while watching Grey's Anatomy tonight... seemed appropriate ;)


Shelly's "Buried Alive" Cherry Chocolate Trifle

1/2 a Shelly's 5 Minute Chocolate Protein Cake
1/2 cup Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding (prepared)
1 Tablespoon Chocolate Protein Powder
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Black Cherry Torani Syrup
1/2 cup Frozen Cherries, defrosted
1 Dismembered Barbie

Prepare 5 Minute Chocolate Protein Cake. Allow to cool. Slice in 1/2 and cube. Prepare pudding per package instructions. Mix in protein and cherry syrup. Spoon cherries in bottom of 2 trifle/parfait glasses top with cake cubes and pudding and insert "body parts."


For body parts: you will need to take apart one new Barbie doll or better yet dismember one of Barbie's so-called friends. Friends my ass. You know they really want Barbie to die of amebic dysentery or some other flippin' disease so they can have Ken, the Dream House & that super cool pink convertible all to themselves... the bitches.

Shelly's 5 Minute Chocolate Protein Cake

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix (I use this)
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa
1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
Pinch salt
1 - 2 cup Measuring Cup or Microwave Safe Mug

In a measuring cup or microwave safe mug, Mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, cocoa, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Nuke in microwave for 2 minutes (my microwave is getting old and needs 20 seconds added now.) Let it sit for three or so minutes (it pulls away from the sides) before tipping the cake onto a plate. Yields 4-5 slices.

Christmas is coming...

Christmas is right around the corner... 57 Days to be exact. I'm slowly starting my shopping. Ugh. Thankfully my family agreed to only shops for the kids which helps big time. My goal this year is to get active presents that will help them burn off the Christmas cookies. I was the "fat kid" I know the pain both physically and emotionally that being an overweight child and teen causes.

Any little thing I can do to help children not suffer the same fate I will gladly do... be it making fun kid friendly foods, buying my nieces and nephews gifts that will work up a sweat or just modeling a healthy lifestyle.

I stuck the gifts I've been looking at in the blog's amazon store. Here's the link if you are interested in checking it out. Also any purchases made from the a-store or amazon links garners a small % for the blog and helps keep the food porn coming. So thanks for that.

It's the Great Pumpkin Hot Cocoa, Eggface

It's National Chocolate Day! Celebrate!

Shelly's Great Pumpkin Hot Cocoa - Mix 1 Tablespoon SF Vanilla Torani Syrup (on sale now) with 1 Tablespoon of 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling) for each cup of cocoa. Spoon half in the bottom of your cup. Pour in No Sugar Added Cocoa Mix and make as directed. Top with a squirt of Sugar Free Land o Lakes Whipped Cream, drizzle of remaining Pumpkin Syrup and a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice.

Halloween Post Bariatric Surgery Survival Tips

Mmmm fall apples from the Farmer's Market and summer cherries I froze when they were super cheap... cooking this dessert made my house smell amazing.


Shelly's Apple Cherry Crumb

2 Apples, chopped
2/3 cup Cherries (I used frozen)
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Caramel - on sale now)
dash of Cinnamon

Topping
1/3 cup Raw Almonds
1/3 cup Oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Caramel)
1 Tablespoon Almond Butter
1 Tablespoon Cold Butter

Chop apples. Toss with cherries, SF syrup, and cinnamon and cook for low for 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Spoon an equal amount in each of the 4 ramekins. Set aside.

Whiz almonds in a mini food processor till fine. Add the rest of the ingredients and whiz again till thoroughly mixed. Sprinkle clumps of the topping equally over each ramekin of fruit. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden. You can eat them warm but I prefer them chilled.

Try them chilled with a squirt of Sugar Free Land o Lakes Whipped Cream, a drizzle of SF Caramel Sauce (Smucker's makes it), Warm Vanilla Custard (my favorite) or a scoop of Protein Ice Cream.

This was a great fall dessert and waaaaay better for you than those "Fun Size" candy bars. Who came up with "Fun Size?!" there's nothing fun about them 4 = approximately 320 calories.

Speaking of Halloween candy... here's a fun gadget and a few tips that help me around this time of year when those pretty little candy bars are everywhere.

Halloween: Post Bariatric Surgery Survival Tips

* Don't buy candy till Halloween Day. It's cheaper and they won't be calling to you from the cupboard a week beforehand.
* Buy the candy you hate... if you heart Snickers buy Sweet Tarts. Something you wouldn't want.
* Better yet. Buy a non-candy treat to giveaway to the trick or treaters. Do your part to help end childhood obesity. The neighborhood kids will get plenty of chocolate even if you don't pass it out.
* Eat properly (protein dense meals) and drink plenty of water. If you are full from good stuff you will be less apt to want to snack.
* Just stay away. We are always going to have temptations... foods from our former fat days that will be around, sometimes even shoved under our nose. Keep a before picture in your purse and take a glance at it. The choice is yours but know this... you can't continue the same behavior as you did before weight loss surgery and expect to come up with a different result.


Some yummy seasonal weight loss surgery friendly treats:

Shelly's Pumpkin Protein Souffle
Shelly's Pumpkin Spice Protein Ice Cream
Shelly's Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Shelly's 5 Minute Pumpkin Spice Protein Cake
Shelly's Roasted Pears with sweetened Ricotta and Caramel
Shelly's Mini Fall Spice Protein Donuts
Shelly's Apple Flat Out Pizza
Shelly's Open Faced Apple Sandwiches

Perfect Fall Dinner

Some of my weekend Farmer's Market haul (eggplant, zucchini, onions) became this unbelievably yummy casserole. I used ground beef but really you could make it with turkey, sausage, even those Morningstar textured veggie protein soy crumbles if you have vegetarians coming to dinner. It was a perfect Fall dinner.


Shelly's Eggplant & Chickpea Casserole

1/2 pound Ground Beef (or Turkey, Sausage, TVP)
1 Yellow Onion, diced
1 Medium Eggplant, diced
1 Small Zucchini, diced
2 cloves Garlic, crushed
1 (15 oz.) can Chick Peas, rinsed and drained
1 cup Diced Tomatoes, with juice (I used canned S&W)
1 teaspoon Greek Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper
2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, grated
Olive Oil for sauteing

Saute onion, eggplant, and zucchini till golden and tender. Add beef and garlic. Cook beef till no pink is seen. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, seasonings. Mix till well combined.

Pour into Pyrex casserole dish. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Glad something was perfect today... I went on a coffee date this morning. No love connection. Nice guy but not the one for me. The silver lining: being alone just means I'll be free when my soul mate finally does cross my path. I do kind of hope he jogs by me one day soon versus hobbles by me with his walker 50 years from now but whatever will be will be. I trust it will all work out. I have faith he'll have been worth the wait... and Pfizer does make that convenient little blue pill ;)

Oh Snap!

I have been totally jonesing for gingersnaps. This dessert I made the other night completely satisfied my craving. Soooo good. No seriously I am in LOVE with this pudding. So much so I ate it for breakfast this morning.


Shelly's Gingersnap Pudding

1 (1 oz.) box Sugar Free Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
1 3/4 cups Cold Milk*
3 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Gingerbread Syrup
Shelly's Nutty Crunch Topping

Mix pudding mix, milk and syrup. I shake it in my blender ball. Pour evenly into 4 individual dessert dishes. Allow to set. Top with Shelly's Nutty Crunch Topping.

*If you use Soy Milk use slightly less.

If you are newly post weight loss surgery and looking for something to sneak some added protein in you could definitely add a couple of tablespoons of vanilla protein powder to this. For every tablespoon protein added I'd just add a Tablespoon extra of milk and skip the crunch topping ;)

Party Time: Confetti Bites

My "Bites" (aka crustless quiches) are one of my favorite post-op foods. They are the perfect size. Great for breakfast-on-the-go, lunch or dinner with a salad, or weight loss surgery friendly party appetizers that both non-ops and post-ops will love. My Mum said these are her favorites. They are really family friendly. Kids love them. I think because they are tiny like them :)

These are so pretty & festive looking they would be perfect on a holiday buffet.


Shelly's Confetti Bites

2 Green Onions, diced
1 (2 oz.) jar Pimentos, drained
1 Green Chili, diced (I use Ortega Whole Mild)
1/4 cup Corn Kernels, frozen defrosted
1/2 cup Colby Jack Cheese, grated
1/4 cup Storebought Bruschetta Sauce, drained, solids only (refrigerated pasta section)
5 eggs
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
a few twists of Black Pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Spoon into lightly greased (Pam non-stick spray works great for this) mini muffin tins.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Let them cool a few moments they pull away and pop right out. Makes 24.


Other Eggface "Bites" (aka crustless quiches):

Shelly's Beef Fiesta Bites
Shelly's Italian Crab Bites
Shelly's Breakfast Bites
Shelly's Pizza Bites
Shelly's Bacon & Swiss Bites
Shelly's Stuffed Pizza Bites
Shelly's Spamtastic Bites with Tropical Dipping Sauce
Shelly's Foo Rangoon Bites
Shelly's Ham Fiesta Bites
Shelly's Philly Cheese Steak Bites
Shelly's Lovely Lox Bites
Shelly's Corned Beef Bites
Shelly's Sausage & Pepper Bites
Shelly's Denver Bites
Shelly's Beef & Bean Bites

Shelly's Spinach & Feta Bites (vegetarian)
Shelly's Artichoke Florentine Bites (vegetarian)
Shelly's Zucchini Bites (vegetarian)
Shelly's Mushroom Bites (vegetarian)
Shelly's Bruschetta Bites (vegetarian)
Shelly's Southwest Bites (vegetarian)
Shelly's Green Chili Bites (vegetarian)
Shelly's Broccoli & Swiss Bites (vegetarian)
Shelly's Confetti Bites (vegetarian)

Bites freeze great. Defrost in the fridge and heat in oven or toaster oven (preferred), or microwave. They are fine up to three days in the fridge though... if they last that long. They are great for holiday parties because tons can be made ahead and reheated when ready for serving.

Kickin' Custard Crumbles

Wednesday night. You know what that means... it's Glee night! Need to have a kickin' dessert to have during the show. This is what I came up with...


Shelly's Irish Cream Custard Crumble Cups

1 batch of Shelly's Warm Irish Cream Custard
topped with Shelly's Nutty Crunch Topping

Fill ramekins 3/4 full with Warm Irish Cream Custard. Allow to set in fridge for at least 30 minutes and top with Shelly's Nutty Crumble Topping. Serve cold with a squirt of Land o Lakes Sugar Free Whipped Cream.


Shelly's Warm Irish Cream Custard

2 Tablespoons of Bird's Custard Powder
2 cups Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Irish Cream Syrup - on sale now

Mix powder into a smooth paste with a little of the milk. Heat the remaining milk to almost boiling and pour onto the custard mixture. Return the mix to the pan and heat till thickened (it will bubble). Stir constantly. Remove from heat and put Sugar Free Syrup in. You can eat this as is warm poured over slices of my 5 Minute Cakes, Crumbs and Protein Souffles or chill it and it will firm up like pudding.


Shelly's Nutty Crumble Topping

1/3 cup Pecans
1/3 cup Oatmeal
1/3 cup Sliced Almonds
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Caramel)
2 Tablespoons Almond Butter
1 Tablespoon Cold Butter

Whiz pecans in a mini food processor till fine. Add the rest of the ingredients (except sliced almonds) and whiz again till thoroughly mixed. Pour into a bowl. Mix in sliced almonds and sprinkle clumps of the topping onto a baking sheet (I lined it with foil for ease of clean-up) and bake for 30 minutes at 350. Allow to cool.

Makes enough crumble to top 8 ramekins. Store in sealed container for several days. It's also yummy on top of Greek Yogurt or Protein Ice Cream.

I don't know what I'm more excited for now the show (FOX 9 PM) or Mmmm dessert.

Hope everyone has a great night!