Friday Five

A weekly round-up of tidbits, tips, ideas, news articles, random cool things...

1. I've thankfully hooked up with a few more sponsors, creators of weight loss surgery friendly products I love which will mean even more groovy giveaways and good stuff like that. October should be very eggciting, sorry I couldn't resist. Check back Sunday for the start of the fun! I appreciate you supporting the companies on the left they help make The World According to Eggface possible. Also, I want to state this for the record, integrity is of the utmost importance to me so you'll never find me pimping anything that I don't personally love, use or think is super groovy. No matter how many bills I have to pay.

2. Are you using Spotify? I love it. So much easier than blip.fm or youtube... create your music playlist then let it play. I use the free version so occasional commercials but still very cool. I created a playlist of favs to dance to and dance for about 30 minutes a night. If you listen to the whole list it's 1 hour. My theory on Post Weight Loss Surgery Exercise.


Usher featuring Pitbull – DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love
Usher featuring will.i.am – OMG
Ke$ha – TiK ToK
Ke$ha – Blow
Chris Brown – Forever
Chris Brown – Yeah 3x - Explicit Version
Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor
Enrique Iglesias – Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)
SexyBack - Justin Timberlake
P!nk – Raise Your Glass - Explicit Version
The Black Eyed Peas – Rock That Body
Britney Spears – Till The World Ends
Katy Perry – E.T. (feat. Kanye West)
Katy Perry – California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg)
Beastie Boys – Body Movin' (2009 Digital Remaster)
House Of Pain – Jump Around
Michael Jackson – Thriller - Single Version
Young MC – Bust A Move
Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock – It Takes Two

My dancing is well... you remember Elaine on Seinfeld ;) but I sweat so hey, raise the roof.

3. More Quest Protein Bars News: I think I mentioned Peanut Butter & Jelly flavor came out last week. This week All-Natural (no Sucralose) Cinnamon Roll came out and a little bird told me they will soon have Strawberry Cheesecake *swoon*, Coconut Cashew, Lemon Cream Pie, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. I love that Quest is making Gluten Free, No Sugar Alcohols, All Natural versions. I eat them ALL but I know some people have different needs so it's nice they are out there.

4. Some articles I read this week that were worth checking out:
What is Being Morbidly Obese Protecting You From? and Morbid Obesity as Defense Mechanism? - Mary Jo Rapini
Giving Obesity Equal Weight in the Health Care System - Christine Ferguson

5. It was National Coffee Week! So umm yeah nothing changed in my world. Slurp c[_] Celebrate...

Shelly's Mini Coffee Protein Donuts
Shelly's Coffee Toffee Crunch Protein Ice Cream
Shelly's Espresso Protein Truffles
Shelly's Banana Protein Mochacchino
Shelly's Café Biscotti Protein Shake
Shelly's CLICK'n Granola
Shelly's Caramel Macchiato Custard
Shelly's Vanilla Latte Ricotta Cream stuffed Strawberry Cannoli

Oh rumor has it Starbucks will FINALLY be giving us Sugar Free drinkers a holiday option with a Sugar Free Peppermint Mocha Latte.

Now if only I could have a Sugar Free Pumpkin and Gingerbread Latte my life would be complete. Thank you Sugar Free Torani for letting me have them at home.

Dream Big

Check out the super cool SEI Nutrition Ad for Max Protein. I am jazzed to see a nutrition company include some non-traditional body types...

Yep that's me on the left ;)

5 years ago at 300 pounds and a BMI of 54 I could not imagine I would have ever being included in something like this. There's a life lesson, all of you just starting your journey, like the ad says: Dream Big!

Thank you SEI for recognizing and celebrating the fact that athletes come in different shapes, sizes, and abilities.

National Pancake Day!

September 26th is National Pancake Day! Some of my favorite weight loss surgery friendly ways to celebrate...

Shelly's Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
Shelly's Ricotta Cheese Pistachio Pancakes
Shelly's Ricottage Pancakes with Super Special Syrup
Shelly's Chocolate Coconut Pancakes
Shelly's Strawberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Pancakes


Shelly's Caramel Apple Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Shelly's Chocolate Monkey Pancakes
Shelly's Potato-less Potato Pancakes
Shelly's Sweet Zucchini Pancakes
Shelly's CLICKcakes Espresso Protein Pancakes
Shelly's Sausage Pancake Bites

Shelly's Bacon Pancake Bites
Shelly's Savory Pesto Pancakes
Shelly's Baked Blueberry Pancake (Clafoutis -ish)Shelly's Crepes
Shelly's CLICKtastic Crepes
Shelly's Savory Garbanzo Bean Crepes


Nom nom nom.

Breakfast Parfection - Grab and Go Yogurt Parfaits

Breakfast parfaits are a quick and simple, high protein post weight loss surgery friendly breakfast. I make a few at a time in plastic cups, I cover them in plastic wrap which makes it easy on the mornings I am rushed I can just grab one out of the fridge and take off - don't forget your spoon!


Meal planning and simple preparations like this help to set myself up for success, with super yummy food easy for me to grab why would you ever want to hit a drive thru or bakery case. They also make a great snack, dessert or dinner on nights you just don't want to cook.

What you need:

The Protein: Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Ricotta Cheese
The Sweet: Fresh or Frozen Fruit, Apple Sauce, Canned in Juice Fruit
Something Fun and/or Crunchy: Nuts, Unsweetened Toasted Coconut, Granola, SF Chocolate Chips, Ground Flax, Wheat Germ, Pumpkin or Sunflower Seeds, Cereal, crumbled Protein Bar, a drizzle of SF Maple Syrup, SF Caramel Sauce, etc.
Other Stuff: Sugar Free Torani Syrups or SF Pudding Mix to change up flavors (I use about 1 Tablespoon of SF Torani Syrup to flavor 3 1/2 to 4 oz. of Greek Yogurt or Ricotta), you can add a few T's of Protein Powder to the yogurt or ricotta to make it pack even more of a protein punch, Plastic Cups, Plastic Wrap & Spoons

Parfaits pictured:

1. Frozen, defrosted Strawberries, SF Strawberry Torani sweetened Greek Yogurt, topped with Sliced Almonds

2. Fresh Mango, SF Coconut Torani sweetened Greek Yogurt, topped with Unsweetened, Toasted Coconut

3. Fresh Banana slices, SF Caramel Torani sweetened Greek Yogurt, topped with Walnuts and a drizzle of SF Caramel Sauce

4. Frozen, defrosted Cherries, SF Black Cherry Torani sweetened Greek Yogurt, topped with a few SF Chocolate Chips

5. Canned Pumpkin blended into SF Caramel Torani sweetened Greek Yogurt, topped with Ground Flax and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

The combinations are endless.

Friday Five

New feature: a weekly round-up of tidbits, tips, ideas, news articles, random cool things...

1. Honored to be a nominee for some Backstage Pass Radio WLS Awards to be awarded November 7th. I appreciate (and have already won) just being included in a community that cares so much about each other. Thank you for the nominations and votes.

2. I've been almost 2 weeks without one but finally got a shipment of Quest Protein Bars. Nom. If you haven't tried them. Do it. So good. None of that pesky chocolate coating to get all gooey in your purse or travel carry-on when out and about. If you are home... nuke 'em 10 seconds for warm, fresh baked yumminess. Oh and for those of you that are sensitive... no sugar alcohols and gluten free.

3. Heads up for all those who live near a Cost Plus World Market. I scored Sugar Free Pumpkin Torani Syrup the other day and yesterday look what I nabbed the elusive Sugar Free Salted Caramel which I reviewed last year Mmmm Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa and a flavor I have never tried, I know! Can you believe that?! It sounds delish... Sugar Free Cinnamon Vanilla. I can't wait to experiment with it. I'll let you know what it's like. It has a reddish hue so I'm thinking Red Hot candy-ish... we'll see.


4. Some articles I read this week that were worth checking out:

National Public Radio's article series: Obesity In America
The Lancet 4 part series on the Global Obesity Pandemic
Depression and Bariatric Surgery: A Cloudy Exchange
Bariatric Surgery: Some doctors believe adolescents could benefit
Diabetes Epidemic Reaches 366 Million Cases - One Death Every 7 Seconds

5. I was getting in one of my funky moods the other day and then I logged on to Facebook (or maybe it was Twitter) and saw someone announce it was the International Day of Peace. I knew what I had to do. Go to the place I feel the most peaceful...

I filled up my super cool bento box with some snacks and stared at the waves for a few hours. Free therapy. As I was leaving U2 Beautiful Day came on the radio couldn't have been more perfect. Well... OK maybe if I owned one of those houses on the hill instead of living 30 miles away ;)

Mission accomplished = me defunktified.



P.S. I heard from a little twitter birdy that Quest Protein Bars is releasing their new Peanut Butter & Jelly flavor today!

Game Day Grub

Are you ready for some football? Here's a couple of my favorite high protein, low carb game day snacks for the football fans out there. Perfect for Monday Night Football get togethers, weight loss surgery friendly but your non-op friends and neighbors watching the game will never know.

I took my Deviled Eggface Footballs and bumped up the protein and yum factor even more by adding crab.


Shelly's Deviled Eggface Crabby Footballs

7 Hard-cooked Eggs
2 Tablespoons Greek Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise
6 oz. can Crab Meat, drained
1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
dash of Creole Seasoning
Green Onion for laces

Hard cook eggs. Cool. Remove yolks and mash with above ingredients. Spoon back. Add green onion football laces. Refrigerate up to one day ahead.


Leave a few of these in the kitchen to ensure you get your share. They will disappear quick....


Shelly's Pigskin Poppers (Bacon Wrapped Sausages)

Mini Cocktail Hot Dog Sausages
Bacon slices
Optional: Sugar Free Maple Syrup

Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap a half of bacon slice around the mini sausage (or a regular Hot Dog cut in 1/3 pieces.) Place seam side down on a baking sheet that has been covered in foil. Trust me foil the pan, it really helps the clean up. Optional: You can drizzle SF Maple Syrup on the sausages or use maple bacon. I usually do half with maple and half without. Broil in the oven until golden about 14 minutes total. Flip the sausages once to ensure even cooking on both sides. Can be made in advance and reheated in oven, toaster oven or skewer several together and reheat on the grill when tailgating. I serve them with Shelly's BBQ Yogurt Dip (moisture and protein, a win-win for post weight loss surgery folks.)

Shelly's BBQ Yogurt Dip

1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
1 Tablespoon BBQ Sauce
dash Creole Seasoning

Mix together till well combined.

I use the real deal BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Rays is a fav.) I've seen Low/No Sugar sauces but I find they add a bunch of chemicals you can't pronounce so I figure the amount of sugar over 1 T in a whole recipe of dip is the lesser of two evils. If you are really sensitive to sugars post-op though skip the dip or find an alternative.

I was super impressed with the enthusiasm of the New Orleans Saints fans while I was in NOLA. I was at a restaurant while the game was on and everyone ran into the bar to cheer when they were making a run, wait staff, patrons, cooks from the back, men, women, everyone. The priority was clear. We just don't get that excited about our teams out here, makes me sad for our San Diego Chargers maybe they would do better if they were shown that kind of love. So Chargers I dedicate these yummy snacks to you.

Fall Breakfast: Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Last night was chilly enough I pulled up a light blanket. I am so ready for fall. I want to wear my sweaters, curl up with a quilt on the couch, make casseroles, heck I'll even rake leaves with enthusiasm. Summer is officially over next week but this means nada in Southern California. I watched the weather last night and by Wednesday we will be in the high 90's again Grrr. Well eating these for breakfast made me feel fall-ish at least for the morning...

Shelly's Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

1 Egg, beaten
1/4 cup Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling)
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 Tablespoon Almond Meal
3 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor I used SF Caramel)
1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
Optional: 2 Tablespoons Chopped Pecans

Mix all ingredients together. Spray pan with non-stick spray. I do 4, heaping-ish Tablespoons at a time. Makes 3" pancakes. Cook on low till golden, flip, pat flat, cook till done. Keep warm in low oven till all batter is used. Serve with warm Sugar Free Maple Syrup or smear some Almond Butter, Ricotta Cheese, or Cream Cheese in the middle of 2 and wrap in foil for a yummy Breakfast on-the-go.

Eggface Pumpkin Recipe Round-up:

Shelly's Pumpkin Protein Mini Muffins
Shelly's Pumpkin Spice Protein Ice Cream
Shelly's Pumpkin Protein Souffle
Shelly's Pumpkin Banana Protein Shake
Shelly's Great Pumpkin Hot Cocoa
Shelly's Pumpkin Protein Pudding
Shelly's Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Shelly's Pumpkin Praline Ricotta Bake
Shelly's Mini Fall Spice Protein Donuts
Shelly's Pumpkin Ricotta Pancakes
Shelly's 5 Minute Pumpkin Spice Protein Cake

More Fall Recipes

New Orleans Recap - First Trip to the Big Easy

Back from the weekend in New Orleans. Good Times. I was a good girl despite it being a vice paradise. Ate a few delicious and weight loss surgery friendly meals, low carb, high protein, steered clear of the multitude of not so good choices with no feelings of regret, the only crap calories I had was one booze drink but I walked a lot so I made up for it and drank way more water than I usually do. I'm proud of myself. Woot.

Here's how my weekend looked...

Thursday Breakfast: Shelly's Banana Foster Protein Shake and a Cheesestick on route to the airport
Thursday Lunch: Nuts and an Apple Pie Quest Protein Bar in the air
Thursday Dinner: Crab Appetizer and Spinach Side at Red Fish Grill
Snacks: Lots of coffee

Friday Breakfast: Starbucks Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Soy Latte, No Whip
Friday Lunch: Muffaletta Soup at K-Paul's
Friday Dinner: Corn Crab Bisque and Chargrilled Oysters at Acme Oyster House
Friday Late: Cherry Lifesaver Drink at Bourbon Cowboy
Snacks: Lots of coffee including a cup of Cafe Du Monde's famous coffee (no beignets) and Cheese and Salami in the Hotel Club Room

Saturday Breakfast: Starbucks Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Soy Latte, No Whip
Saturday (conference provided) Lunch: dollops of Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, Garden Salad and a bag of Kay's Naturals Cookie Bites
Saturday Dinner: 2 oz. of a 4 oz. Filet Mignon, Sauteed Mushrooms, 2 Prawns at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse
Snacks: Lots of coffee, Cheese and Salami in the Hotel Club Room

Sunday Breakfast: Starbucks Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Soy Latte, No Whip
Sunday Lunch: Nuts and a Wild Berry Quest Protein Bar in the air
Sunday Dinner: Home Sweet Home. I couldn't wait to try and recreate the Muffaletta Soup I had at K Pauls...

Shelly's Muffaletta Soup

1 head of Cauliflower, cut into florets and parboiled
1 Yellow Onion, diced
1/2 cup Smoked Ham, chopped
1/4 cup each Mortadella and Genoa Salami, chopped
1/4 cup Olive Tapenade (storebought or make it yourself)
1 1/2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 cup shredded Provolone Cheese
1 cup Chicken Broth
1 cup Milk

Boil cauliflower in salted water till fork tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside. Saute onion till golden. Add meats, cauliflower, tapenade and seasonings. Saute till slightly golden.

Add remaining ingredients. Whiz with immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender.

Simmer for 15 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. Leftovers are delicious reheated. This is just as yummy as the original if I do say so myself.

My overall review of NOLA... great people, great food, great music. I would have probably enjoyed the nightlife more in my 20's, getting too old to party hard.


Only con... a little scary in parts, the freaks come out at night. Speaking of freaks. I did kiss an alligator...



Loads more pics and stories coming. I've got to download, upload, scan and all that good stuff still.

Let the Good Times Roll

In honor of my trip to New Orleans this weekend for the Obesity Help conference. Here are my weight loss surgery friendly, healthified twists on some New Orleans classics: the Muffaletta Sandwich and Bananas Foster.


Shelly's Jazzy New Orleans Muffaletta Salad

2 (15 oz.) cans Cannellini Beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 cup Lindsay Pitted Large Black Olives, drained
1/2 cup Lindsay Manzanilla Pimento Stuffed Olives, drained
1/2 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved
1/4 of a Red Onion, diced
1/2 a Cucumber, diced
1 cup Bocconcini (Bite-size balls of Fresh Mozzarella), halved
1/4 lb. (about 6 slices) Genoa Salami, diced
1 Tablespoon storebought Pesto Sauce
3 Tablespoons storebought Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
a few twists of Black Pepper to taste

Rinse and drain beans. Set aside. Drain olives and pulse in a mini food processor till finely chopped. Pour onto beans. Dice onion, half tomatoes and mozzarella balls and add to bean & olive mixture. Dice Salami and add. Add all remaining ingredients. Mix till well combined. Best if made several hours before serving or even the night before.

Muffuletta originated in 1906 at the Central Grocery in New Orleans, created by Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant (like my Pop.) A chopped olive mixture is considered the heart of the sandwich. I adapted the sandwich into this summer salad which I entered and won first place in the Lindsay Olives Olive Lover's Salad Challenge. It's a great salad for picnics because there's no mayo and it only gets better and better by the end of the day.

In the 1950's, New Orleans was the major port of entry for bananas shipped from Central and South America. Owen Brennan of Brennan's Restaurant challenged his chef, to include bananas in a new culinary creation, Owen's way of promoting the imported fruit. Bananas Foster was the result and named for Owen's colleague and friend, Richard Foster.


Shelly's 5 Minute Banana Caramel Nut Cake with Bananas Foster Topping

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Caramel)
2 Tablespoons Banana, mashed
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Tablespoon Pecans, chopped
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
Pinch salt
1 Measuring Cup or Microwave Safe Mug

In a measuring cup or microwave safe mug, Mix egg, milk, syrup, banana and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, nuts, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined.

Nuke in microwave for 2 minutes* *Microwave wattage varies. Mine takes 2:20 but start with 2 minutes and add 20 second increments if needed. 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. The same batter can be made into muffins in the oven. Pour mixture into 12 cup mini muffins tin that has been sprayed with Pam non stick spray. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Shelly's Non-Alcoholic No Sugar Added Bananas Foster Topping

1 Banana, sliced
1 teaspoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Caramel)
dash Cinnamon
dash Nutmeg
2 Tablespoons Pecans, chopped

Heat butter and bananas in a non stick pan. Add syrup, nuts and seasonings. Toss lightly to coat and warm through. Top slices of my 5 Minute Banana Caramel Nut Cake with mixture. Also great served over Vanilla Protein Ice Cream.

or make this delicious protein shake version...

Shelly's Bananas Foster Protein Shake

8 oz. Milk (any)
1 scoop Banana Magic Chike Protein Powder
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Torani Syrup
1/2 Frozen Banana
a few Ice Cubes
Optional: dash of Cinnamon, dash nutmeg

Blend on high. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Can't wait to catch up with old pals and meet new ones. If you are attending, be sure to find me and say Hi! If you aren't attending make yourself one of the above dishes and watch the blog and tweets I'll try and make you feel like you are there through pics and stories.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Let The Good Times Roll!

Pizza and "Pasta"

Pizza and "pasta" post weight loss surgery?! Absolutely. I'm an Italian girl after all. Here are two weight loss surgery friendly, healthified versions of a couple of my pre-op favorites.

This is an adaptation of a recipe I entered in a cooking contest years ago (pre-op) and won first place. I scored some great prizes but the coolest thing about winning was my recipe was featured on the back of thousands of bags of Sargento Cheese. My pizza has the same flavor profile but a whole lot less fat and carbs. Here's the original version which is still featured on the Sargento web site. It is too die for if I do say so myself but this is a much healthier version...

Shelly's Bruschetta Pizza - Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat Fajita Size Tortilla topped with a smear of Garlic Cream Cheese (1 tablespoon Cream Cheese with a 1/2 teaspoon minced Garlic mixed in), Storebought Bruschetta Sauce (Buitoni, Contadina or Trader Joe's or just chopped Tomatoes & Basil), Fresh Basil, and a sprinkle of Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese. Here's how to make them.

In the summer almost every weekend I buy zucchini and yellow squash at the Farmer's Market, at least a few of them get this treatment... I slice them lengthwise, give them just a spritz of olive oil and a sprinkle of Greek seasoning and then grill them on the BBQ. I use the grilled zucchini in all sorts of dishes, pastaless manicotti, a few slices with a cold cut roll-up for lunch or it also makes a great tortilla pizza topping. It will last a few days in the fridge, if you are lucky and none of your non-op family members raid it in the night. It's soooo good.

This week's batch made this quick and easy "better than lasagna" pasta-less deliciousness...


Shelly's Better than Lasagna

Grilled Zucchini Slices (4 small to medium, BBQ'd)
1 cup Marinara Sauce (I use Rao's, jarred)
2 oz. Goat Cheese, crumbled
1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil, chopped
2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
1/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese

Spoon 1/2 the sauce in a shallow Pyrex casserole dish. Layer 1/2 the grilled zucchini (or summer squash, or combo) on top. Crumble 1/2 the goat cheese, sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of the Parmesan and all the fresh basil on top. Arrange the remaining grilled zucchini on top. Pour remaining sauce over and top with all the remaining cheeses. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

For those of you thinking about weight loss surgery but afraid you will be doomed to a life of tasteless, diet food... think again.