Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

Here's what my yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating looked like...

Breakfast: I got my walk in super super early, like barely light out early. Oh that was hard. Brrrr. I knew if I didn't just get out there and do it I'd probably not be able to later. Rain clouds were looming.

I came home and made a batch of Ricotta Pancakes. I had just enough ricotta left from making my Zucchini Roll-ups (aka Pasta-less Manicotti) for dinner the other night to whip up a batch of these breakfast favs. No matter how gloomy the day is, if it starts with pancakes, it's got to be a good day.

Shelly's Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Lemon Pudding Mix, dry
1 Egg
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Vanilla)

Whiz all ingredients in mini food processor. I use whole milk ricotta, if you use part skim, drain first. Spray pan with non-stick spray. Cook on low till golden, flip, pat flat, cook till done. Serve each pancake with a drizzle of warm Sugar Free Maple Syrup, SF Jam or SF Orange Marmalade or this morning I nuked about 1/4 cup of frozen blueberries plus 1 Tablespoon of Sugar Free Torani Syrup for 1 minute. Makes 4 small pancakes or 8 silver dollar size.

These can be frozen between slices of wax paper or kept in the fridge a day or 2 and reheated (nuke 25 seconds) for breakfast during the week. Surprising good cold too. Leftovers usually get some SF jam, almond or peanut butter smeared on them, wrapped in foil and they become a great breakfast-on-the-go.

More pancakes

Lunch: Rainy and cold (well cold by Southern California standards) day here. Total soup weather.

Shelly's Black Bean Soup

2 15-ounce cans Black Beans, drained
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 large Onion, chopped
2 Green Onions, chopped
2 cloves of Garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ground Cumin
3 cups Chicken Broth/Stock
1/2 cup Salsa (used storebought Picante this time)
Salt and freshly ground Pepper
3 ounces Cotija Cheese, crumbled (I only had Feta on hand)

Saute onions in butter and oil and cook until golden about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and stir to coat the onions. Let cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly so the cumin will not burn. Add the beans, stock and salsa. Bring to a boil, partially cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently, about 1/2 hour. For a thicker consistency, remove the cover and boil some of the liquid away. Whiz up with an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender. Garnish with crumbled cheese and cilantro.

I prefer to use a spicy salsa but I had a jar of mild picante open so that's what I used this time round. I tossed a couple of tablespoons of chopped cilantro in too. It was still good but I ended up hitting my bowl with a dash of hot sauce I missed the heat from the salsa. It was a nice body warming meal before heading out in the cold.

More Soups

I ran errands all afternoon. Stressful. I was so glad to get home. Southern California drivers are not accustomed to rainy roads. This is my politically correct way of saying they drive like $&!#. I saw so many near misses and from my local twitter stream it appears as if a few across town didn't miss. In an effort to get home as quickly as I could I skipped the last stop on my to-do list, the supermarket.

Dinner: No supermarket stop, meant no chicken for dinner, the plan was Chicken Marsala. I whipped up a frittata instead, sort of breakfast for dinner which I love.

Shelly's Spinach and Mushroom Frittata

1 cup-ish of Mushrooms, chopped (I used a few Crimini and 1 Portabello)
2 cups Fresh Spinach
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
a few twists of Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Parmesan plus a sprinkle before serving
1 slice Provolone, chopped
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

In an oven safe saute pan saute mushrooms till golden. Add spinach and cover till spinach has gone limp. Add beaten egg and distribute mushroom and spinach evenly. Cook on medium heat. When eggs are almost set on bottom but still wet on top sprinkle with cheeses and seasoning. Place pan in oven and broil till the top is set and just golden. Sprinkle with a little more Parmesan. Enough for 2 or 3 people for sure.

Snacks: Oodles of coffee and a snack sized baggie of my CLICK Protein Granola while running errands.

I spent the evening curled up under the electric blanket watching mindless television while simultaneously playing Angry Birds. What can I say? I'm a multi-tasker ;)

More days in my pouch

Rollin' with the homies

The blog is nominated for a Homie for Best Healthy Cooking Blog. I'm honored to be nominated and to be part of such an amazing group of bloggers.

Though I doubt our non-mainstream niche will win I'd still love to get a vote or 2, would hate to be the last picked on the playground ;)

I especially like that being nominated means sharing with more of the world that life after weight loss surgery doesn't mean we are doomed to a lifetime of protein shakes and cottage cheese.

Voting ends March 2nd, 2012 at 11:59PM EST.

Thanks for the love,

Drum roll...

Thank you for the wonderful response to last week's The World According to Eggface I ♥ Giveaway!

The random generator has selected:

Ashley
mzzashley@xxxxx.com

Congratulations!!! You are the winner of the Bag of Love chock full of AWESOME weight loss surgery friendly favorites. Check your mail and follow email instructions for claiming your prize.

If you weren't the lucky winner this time and still want to learn about or try some of the products featured in the bag. Click on the highlighted links in the original post.

Thank you for playing everyone! Be sure to enter this week's I ♥ Giveaway! It's a BIGGIE!

Things I Heart Giveaway

Every Sunday in the month of February (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) a new SUPER COOL Eggface Giveaway will begin. The prizes are some of my absolute favorite weight loss surgery must haves. Things I heart. I hope you'll heart them too.

This week's I Heart Giveaway Prize: 10 lbs. of SEI Max Protein. Yes, you read that right 10 pounds! I figured the last "I ♥" Sunday needed to be a biggie. The winner will receive 2 - 5lb bags. 1 Strawberry and 1 Chocolate.

I use SEI Max Protein in oodles of my weight loss surgery friendly dishes... Protein Ice Cream, Protein Donuts, Protein Muffins, 5 Minute Protein Cakes, Protein Shakes and Smoothies and more. It really is one of the best tasting protein powders out there.

Here's your chance to win a HUGE supply!

Shelly's Mini Berry Protein Donuts
How to Enter: Become a fan of The World According to Eggface on Facebook and then come back here and LEAVE A COMMENT (include a name and an email addy) on this blog posting. Click on # of comments below to leave yours.

Contest periods ends: Sunday, March 4th, midnight (Pacific time)

Monday, March 5th 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 posted. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. One ENTRY per person. Winner must be a facebook fan of The World According to Eggface. 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, Alaska & Hawaii.)

Shelly's Strawberry Protein Shortcake
***Want extra chances to win?*** Do anything listed below and leave me a comment letting me know what you did! For up to four more entries per person!!

* Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway: Hey everyone enter the I heart @Eggface & @SEINUTRITION1 Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/7ndfkb9

* Post about the giveaway to your pals on Facebook or some other social networking or support forum you frequent.

If you are a blogger:

* Blog about this giveaway and include the link to the contest (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)

* Place my super snazzy badge on your site.

<a href="http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/favabean/Lolatini/buttoncleangrad.png" /></a>

Shelly's Strawberry Protein Ice Cream

P.S. Having trouble finding SEI Max Protein in your area? Head over to SEI's Facebook page and shoot them your zip code I'm sure they will help you locate the goods. Tell them Eggface sent ya.

Friday Five

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

1. Registration is now open for the 2nd webinar in the "Complexity of Obesity" fourteen-part educational series hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Obesity Prevention and Policy Management (Obesity PPM). The topic of webinar #2 is: Obesity and Addiction. It should be a pretty lively discussion. So many different theories. I have a strong personal opinion about the topic. Be sure to register for FREE to obtain the access code and then listen in on March 29th, 2012 at 8:00PM Eastern Time.

2. Walt Disney World is the happiest place on earth unless you are overweight or obese then it's a place of stereotypical stigma and bias. Not cool.

Check out Disney's hideous attempt at "helping" childhood obesity.

Sad, it sounded like a great idea but obviously they had no advisory committee working with them. I fear that the "crisis mode" we are in re: childhood obesity is making people act without thought.

I am assured the Obesity Action Coalition's Bias Busters team is on it. I will update you when I hear anything.

UPDATE: Someone at Disney pulled their head out of their... Get this... Habit Heroes Closes Following Negative Feedback. Hopefully version 2 will be helpful versus harmful.

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

Positive media portrayals of obese individuals reduce weight stigma - Hmmm perhaps something Disney needs to read
Hospital pays $178M for false advertising, inexperienced doc - Ask LOTS of Q's!
Obese children outgrowing kids' clothing and furniture - A memory is what is left when something happens and does not completely unhappen.
Elementary School helping curb childhood obesity - AWESOME!
Can you get addicted to ice cream? Maybe, study shows - Try my alternative
50 Things to do Instead of Snacking - :)

4. As bariatric surgery patients (those of us with rearranged chitlins) it is absolutely essential that we take quality supplemental vitamins every day for the rest of our lives. Weight loss surgery dramatically alters your body's ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Not taking vitamins causes bad things. It's just not an option. I wanted to give everyone a heads up on a great Celebrate Vitamin product I think will help make vitamin taking easier by including an iron supplement instead of another pill...

Celebrate's Multi-Complete contains all of the vitamins and minerals that are in the original multivitamin formula PLUS 36 mg of iron daily. As always check with your medical posse on what is appropriate for your plan and remember... this product or any containing iron should NOT be taken at the same time as calcium to prevent absorption interference.

5. If you haven't entered this week's giveaway for the Bag of Love chock full of AWESOME weight loss surgery friendly favorites you have till Sunday, midnight, pacific time click here to add your name to the hat.

Every Sunday in the month of February (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) a new I ♥ Giveaway begins. This Sunday is the last of the "I ♥" fun so I'm thinking the prize needs to be a BIG one! Plus, the blog just hit a pretty big milestone, the 7000 fan mark on Facebook, woot! Come back Sunday to get in on the celebration.

The World According to Eggface

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Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

My post weight loss surgery menu with a Mardi Gras vibe...

Breakfast: This was too die for good. Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday aka Pancake Day. I made a batch of crepes and filled them with a dollop of sweetened ricotta (sweetened with SF Torani Syrup) and topped with caramelized bananas and pecans.

Shelly's Bananas Foster Crepes

2 Eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Soy Milk (I use Silk Vanilla)
1/4 cup minus 1 Tablespoon Water
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Torani Syrup
1 Tablespoons Canola Oil
1/2 cup Spelt Flour
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. Leftovers are great reheated (nuked 20 seconds) or I have eaten them cold too.

Bananas Foster Topping

1 Banana, sliced
2 Tablespoon Pecans, chopped
2 Tablespoons Sugar-Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Torani Syrup (SF Caramel or SF Vanilla Bean would work fine too)
2 Tablespoons Sugar-Free Maple Syrup

Heat together till warmed through. Pour over crepes. Makes enough to top 4 or more crepes.

Lunch: I'm on a Greek yogurt and Fuji Apple kick right now. I do that. I'll want something 4, 5 days in a row any chance I can get it.

Shelly's Orange Almond Yogurt

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (I used plain, 2%)
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Almond)
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Orange Marmalade
a sprinkle of toasted, sliced Almonds

Mix together yogurt and syrup till well combined. Top with marmalade and nuts. Great on its own, as a sauce for a fruit salad, made into parfaits (make them in plastic cups for a great on-the-go breakfast) or as a dip for sliced fruit.

Dinner: I made up some tidbits. It's kind of a tradition to have hors d'oeuvre-y tidbits the night of the Glee regionals. After all, Glee was my first television appearance. My Mum and I were in the balcony audience, in the season one finale. So if you have a copy fast forward to the 17.19 minute mark but don't blink ;) A star is born.

I BBQ'd some Shrimp and Chicken and made up little skewers. Raw, peeled & deveined shrimp, a swipe of olive oil, Cajun spice blend, BBQ'd about 4 minutes each side. The chicken was breasts, pounded flat, a swipe of olive oil, Cajun spice blend, BBQ'd. I added some Roasted Bell Peppers and Onions to the completed chicken skewers. I also made a creole yogurt dipping sauce which was great with both. A VERY high protein meal and yummy meal. Either would be great for parties. Thinking of making them again on Sunday for the Oscars.

Shelly's Creole Yogurt Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (I used plain, 2%)
2 Tablespoons Creole Mustard
dash of Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Mix together till well blended. If you don't have Creole Mustard you could mix equal parts of any grainy mustard and prepared horseradish. Great with shrimp, chicken, beef, veggies. Lasts a day or two in the fridge.

Snacks: Too much coffee and a slice of Low Sodium Roast Beef, sample at the deli I had while picking up supplies for the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole I'm making tonight.

Spent some time thinking about last year's trip to New Orleans. After many years of sitting on park benches watching the good times roll on by me. I am thankful for the second chance weight loss surgery gave me. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good time roll!

Drum roll...

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Things I Heart Giveaway

Every Sunday in the month of February (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) a new SUPER COOL Eggface Giveaway will begin. The prizes are some of my absolute favorite weight loss surgery must haves. Things I heart. I hope you'll heart them too.

This week's I Heart Giveaway Prize: an AWESOME Pink "Bag of Love" chock full of samples of some of my favorite weight loss surgery friendly products...


1 packet Celebrate Vitamins Strawberry ENS
1 packet Celebrate Vitamins Chocolate Milk ENS
1 packet CLICK Espresso Protein Mocha
1 packet CLICK Espresso Protein Vanilla Latte
1 packet CLICK Espresso Protein Vanilla Latte All-Natural
1 packet CLICK Espresso Protein Mocha All-Natural
1 packet Chike Strawberry Burst
1 packet Chike Chocolate Bliss
1 Chocolate Peanut Butter Quest Protein Bar
1 Cinnamon Bun Quest Protein Bar
1 Chocolate Brownie Quest Protein Bar
1 Peanut Butter and Jelly Quest Protein Bar
1 Strawberry Cheesecake Quest Protein Bar
1 Peanut Butter and Jelly Supreme Protein Bar
1 Peanut Butter Cup Oh Yeah Protein Wafer
2 - 150 ml bottles of Sugar Free Torani Syrups in Sugar Free Raspberry and Sugar Free Vanilla
1 Packet Hot Hands Hand Warmers
1 MIO Pink Digital Pedometer
1 20 oz. Pink Blenderball Shaker

How to Enter: Become a fan of The World According to Eggface on Facebook and then come back here and LEAVE A COMMENT (include a name and an email addy) on this blog posting. Click on # of comments below to leave yours.

Contest periods ends: Sunday, February 26th, midnight (Pacific time)

Monday, February 27th 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 posted. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. One ENTRY per person. Winner must be a facebook fan of The World According to Eggface. 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, Alaska & Hawaii.)

***Want extra chances to win?*** Do anything listed below and leave me a comment letting me know what you did! For up to four more entries per person!!

* Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway: Hey everyone enter the @Eggface I Heart Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/7ws55xf

* Post about the giveaway to your pals on Facebook or some other social networking or support forum you frequent.

If you are a blogger:

* Blog about this giveaway and include the link to the contest (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)

* Place my super snazzy badge on your site.

<a href="http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/favabean/Lolatini/buttoncleangrad.png" /></a>

P.S. Curious about any of the great products mentioned above? Click on the highlighted links to learn more or purchase.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

A Valentine's Day (aka Singles Awareness Day) edition of a day in my pouch.

Breakfast: Celebrated with a delicious and festive breakfast (shared with my Mum)

Shelly's Raspberry Almond Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (I used 2%, plain)
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Raspberry Torani Syrup
Sliced Toasted Almonds

Mix together till well combined. Great for dipping fruit (strawberries, apple slices, banana chunks, etc.) or eating as is.

Lunch: I love making bento lunches they always make me feel like a kid at recess.

Pink Box (top left): Sliced Grilled Chicken (Breasts pounded flat, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with Greek Seasoning and BBQ'd)
Orange Box (top right): Shelly's Greek High Protein Dip for dipping chicken
Blue Box (bottom left): Cheesestick
Green Box (bottom right): Leftover Strawberries from breakfast and Mango Chunks

More Eggface Bentos

Dinner: Ate this yummy Tortilla Pizza while watching the "Glee" and "The New Girl" Valentine episodes. Don't miss Glee's Amber Riley singing "I will always love you" which had been taped for this episode before Whitney Houston's death. Awesome.

Shelly's Middle Eastern Beef and Hummus Tortilla Pizza - Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat Fajita Size Tortilla, a smear of store bought Roasted Garlic Hummus, Leftover Browned Ground Beef, crumbled Feta Cheese, a sprinkle of Za'atar. How to cook them.

Snacks: Much too much coffee including a Sugar Free Vanilla Soy Latte from Bux and a 1/2 a Peanut Butter and Jelly Quest Protein Bar while running errands.

More days in my pouch.

Hope everyone had a great day surrounded by the love of soul mates, family, pals and fur babies. Three out of four, not too shabby ;)

Drum roll...

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Sealed with a Cannoli

Just made a batch of my Strawberry Cannoli. If you are looking for a protein packed, weight loss surgery friendly, healthy Valentine dessert, this is it, but make plenty because non-ops love them too.


Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli

12 Large Red Ripe Strawberries, washed & cored
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
dash of Cinnamon

Optional toppings:
Unsweetened Coconut
Grated Sugar Free Chocolate Curls or SF Chips (Walmart)
Chopped Nuts (Chopped Pistachios, Pecans, or Hazelnuts are great)

Wash and core strawberries. Leaving a hollow in the berry. Set aside. You can buy a berry corer or I just use a paring knife.

Mix ricotta, SF syrup (I used SF Vanilla) and cinnamon (today instead of cinnamon I used 1/2 a Vanilla Bean insides, sliced down the middle and scraped) together till well combined.

Spoon mixture into a snack size Ziploc bag. Seal.

Cut end off and pipe mixture into hollowed strawberries. Dip into optional toppings.

If you are wanting to make them in advance just prep the berries and place them in a Tupperware, make the filling, place in the Ziploc and leave them separate in the fridge. Just before you are ready to serve them fill and top them or just fill them and have the optional toppings in little containers so your guests can top their own.

Getting ready to watch the Grammy's tonight, RIP :( Whitney Houston. One of the greatest voices of all time. If there really are choirs of angels in heaven they just got an awesome new member.

Things I Heart Giveaway

Every Sunday in the month of February (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) a new SUPER COOL Eggface Giveaway will begin. The prizes are some of my absolute favorite weight loss surgery must haves. Things I heart. I hope you'll heart them too.

This week's I Heart Giveaway Prize: An AWESOME CLICK Espresso Protein Prize Pack - a canister of Mocha CLICK Espresso Protein, a canister of Vanilla Latte CLICK Espresso Protein, a bottle of Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Torani Syrup, and a super cool CLICKed Out Tumbler.

If you love coffee like me, you must start CLICK'n. Each 12- 14 ounce serving contains a double shot of gourmet espresso coffee, 15 grams of protein and 23 vitamins and minerals. All CLICK products are naturally flavored, colored, and gluten-free. You can CLICK in soooo many ways... hot, cold or blended into a CLICKacchino, 5 minute cakes, protein truffles, protein fudge, protein pancakes, granola and an unbelievable, to die for, toe curling good protein ice cream, and many more CLICKtastic recipes. Espresso + Protein = Heaven in a cup. I heart it.

If you are the lucky winner of this week's I ♥ Giveaway you'll have everything you need to make these super yummy, weight loss surgery friendly, on-the-go breakfast ideas...

Shelly's CLICK'n Apple Dippers

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (I use 2%, plain)
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Torani Syrup
1-2 Tablespoons of CLICK Espresso Protein (any flavor)
1 Apple, sliced
dash of Cinnamon
Plastic cups, wrap

Mix yogurt, syrup, and CLICK together till well combined. Spoon into plastic cups. Place your apple dippers into cup, sprinkle with cinnamon if desired, cover with plastic wrap and off you go with a protein packed yummy breakfast or snack. Also great topped with my CLICK'n granola.

Shelly's Cinnamon Bun CLICKacchino

1 cup Soy Milk (any milk will do)
2 scoops CLICK Vanilla Latte Espresso Protein Powder
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Torani Syrup
a few Ice Cubes

Whiz in blender till smooth. Top with optional squirt of Sugar Free Whipped Cream and a dash of Cinnamon. This is soooo good. Vanilla, brown sugar cinnamon, coffee. Nom.


How to Enter: Like both CLICK Espresso Protein and The World According to Eggface on Facebook. Come back here and LEAVE A COMMENT (include a name and an email addy) on this blog posting. Scroll down to # of comments to leave yours.

Contest periods ends: Sunday, February 19th, midnight (Pacific time)

Monday, February 20th 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 posted. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. Remember winners MUST be a Facebook friend of both the pages 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, Alaska & Hawaii.)

***Want extra chances to win?*** Do anything listed below and leave me a comment letting me know what you did! For up to four more entries per person!!

* Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway: Hey everyone enter the I heart @Eggface & @drinkclick Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/74z8p6o

* Post about the giveaway to your pals on Facebook or some other social networking or support forum you frequent.

If you are a blogger:

* Blog about this giveaway and include the link to the contest (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)

* Place my super snazzy badge on your site.

<a href="http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/favabean/Lolatini/buttoncleangrad.png" /></a>

Friday Five

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

1. If you missed the first Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Obesity Prevention and Policy Management (Obesity PPM) webinar, "Introduction to the Complexity of Obesity." You can download the full presentation with audio from the OAC's web site by clicking this link. Don't miss this informative overview that sets the stage for the FREE 14 part series. The next webinar is set for Thursday, March 29, 2012 and will focus on the topic of "Addiction." According to the OAC website registration for the next webinar will be available soon! The series is free but you need to register for each to obtain an access code. I'll give you a heads up when it starts up again.

Thank you OAC and Obesity PPM for hosting these free webinars and for the perfect title "The Complexity of Obesity" because anyone who is fighting this war on a personal level knows obesity is more than the simple math of calories in, calories out.

Everyone that told me (I'm sure a lot of you have heard the same) things like... "Why don't you just stop eating and exercise more" or the especially lovely comment I once received, "Try shutting your pie-hole and getting off the couch" should be forced to listen and take a quiz afterwards.

2. The first winter after weight loss surgery I was freezing. I thought OK I have less insulation it makes sense but I really thought it would get better or I'd get used to it by now. I'm 5 1/2 years out now and nope, I am still a shivering icicle. The minute the temperature drops below 70 (I know I am a wimp) I'm pulling the sweaters out and huddled under a blanket.

My current favorite find are these little doohickeys: Hot Hands Hand Warmers. I bought them as sort of a joke but OMG I love them. I pop one in my jacket pocket when I'm heading out for coffee, a movie, or have to run an errand in the evening.

They are single use air-activated heat packs that contain iron, activated carbon and water. Once you rip open the outer pouch and the ingredients in the little pouch come into contact with the air, the ingredients oxidize and produce heat. It takes about 15 minutes to get to max temp and they stay warm for hours.

I used to avoid going out at night because my hands would be soooo cold I couldn't function. Now I stick my hands in my pocket and ahhhhh. I feel for the weight loss surgery post-op Mom's that need to get up at the crack of dawn and take the whippersnappers to school or sit on cold bleachers watching soccer games. Do yourself a favor and get some of these.

Look for them in the camping supply sections of stores or here is an online source. They are about 50¢ a piece. I'm sure the people I go out with are happier I found them. I complain A LOT LESS. Now if I could just win the lottery I could travel the globe and follow the summer months.

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

'Fed Up with Lunch' exposes worst school meals
New Campaign Aims to Improve Troops, Families’ Health
How metabolic and bariatric surgery treats obesity
More than half of America's pets are obese, survey shows

4. Even though I am technically Valentine-less I'm getting in the spirit. The beginning of my decorating. My homemade stuffed felt heart garland... perfect for shoving pins in. Just kidding ;)

5. I made this cool collage for my What's Eggciting? page with pictures of just a few of the giveaways I've done on the blog. Check it out...

So much fun! If you haven't entered this week's giveaway for 30 day supply of Celebrate ENS and a Valentine Pink Blender Bottle you have till Sunday, midnight, pacific time to add your name to the hat. Remember Every Sunday in the month of February (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) a new I ♥ Giveaway will begin.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

Yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating...

Breakfast: After I ate this delicious, weight loss surgery friendly, super easy breakfast, I packed up my lunch and took off for most of the day with a to-do list a mile long...

Shelly's Strawberry Almond Yogurt Parfait

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (I use plain 2%)
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Almond Torani Syrup
1/4 cup Fresh Strawberries, cut up
a sprinkle of Toasted Sliced Almonds

Mix Yogurt and SF Torani till well combined. Top with berries and nuts.

I sometimes make these Yogurt Parfaits in plastic cups the night before, cover with plastic wrap and that way in the AM when I'm in a rush I can just grab one and go. Don't forget a plastic spoon.

Lunch: I spent the day picking up special order items for a pal who is catering a big event this week. A few of the errands brought me to a town very close to the beach so I brought my super cool bento box and sat for an hour staring at the ocean before heading back home.

Pink Box (top left): Shelly's Roast Beef & Cheese Cucumber "Sandwiches" and Mustard for dipping
Green Box (top right): Leftover chopped Strawberries from breakfast
Blue Box (bottom left): Peanut Butter & Jelly Quest Protein Bar
Orange Box (bottom right): Sliced Tomato and 2 Marinated Mozzarella Balls

More Eggface Bentos

Shelly's Roast Beef & Cheese Cucumber "Sandwiches"

Slices of Cucumber
Cold Cuts (I prefer low sodium Boar's Head brand)
Sliced Cheese

1 slice of cheese and meat makes about 4 "sandwiches" you can spear them with a jazzy food pick for parties. For ease of assembly the day of a party (great weight loss friendly appetizers) or for a quickly made lunch during the week pre-cut the cucumbers the night before and place in a Ziploc baggie in fridge.

Aside: My cat Charlie just stepped on my keyboard and sent you all a message. Ready for it... 022222222222222222222222222222222222222 Wishing she could pick the winning lottery numbers.

Dinner: I came home and made a casserole. Sunday I had roasted eggplant. Just eggplant cut into cubes 1" or so (skin on), tossed on a baking sheet with kosher salt and olive oil, baked at 425 for 45-50 minutes or so (move them around every 15). It's great to have in the fridge as a cold side dish to cold cut roll-ups or reheated sprinkled with cheese or tossed with marinara and sprinkled with cheese for a sort of Faux Eggplant Parmesan. I used some in this AMAZING casserole that has become a staple post weight loss surgery dinner at my house.



Shelly's Middle Eastern Casserole

1 Onion, diced
1/2 pound Ground Beef (or Turkey or Sausage)
1 cup Roasted Eggplant (see above)
1/4 cup Storebought Hummus (any flavor, I like roasted garlic)
1 (15 oz.) can Cannelini Beans, rinsed and drained
2 Tomatoes, diced
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1 Tablespoon Za'atar, divided use (it's a spice, don't leave out)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper
2-3 Tablespoons Feta Cheese, crumbled

Saute onion till golden set aside. Brown meat till no pink is seen. Add back onion and remaining ingredients with the exception of the feta and 1 teaspoon of Za'atar. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring to combine. Spoon into a Pyrex. Top with Feta and a sprinkle of Za'atar. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. It's great on it's own like I had it last night or with sliced cucumbers dressed with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs. Leftovers reheat great the next day for lunch.

Find Za'atar (aka Zatar, Zahtar) in ethnic aisles of well stocked supermarkets, Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Persian markets, good cooking stores like Williams Sonoma, online through someplace like Penzey's, or make your own...

Za'atar

1/4 cup Ground Sumac
2 Tablespoons Thyme
1 Tablespoon Roasted Sesame Seeds
2 Tablespoons Marjoram
2 Tablespoons Oregano
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

Grind spices in a coffee grinder. I have a coffee grinder just for spices but if you use your regular one clean it really well before you make coffee or it will be an interested flavor ;) Store in a spice jar for several weeks.

Snacks: Samples at the "Costco Buffet" a hunk of ham and piece of turkey cold cut, a few of my Frozen Protein Yogurt Drops while I vegged finally in front of the TV watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Sugar Free Vanilla Latte from Bux in my travels.

A very yummy day. Today I've got some casserole leftovers makes for an easy night which is good because right around dinner time is the first of the Obesity Action Coalition's free webinar series.

P.S. For those of you who attended the Southern California Weight Loss Surgery Meet & Greet this past July or the Temecula Hoedown. We lost a friend and fellow WLSer. Virginia Little Walker lost her battle with ovarian cancer. For those that did not get a chance to meet her she was a lovely lady with a smile that lit up a room.