WLS Friendly Trim the Tree Party

Yesterday we started decorating for the holidays. We put my Spotify Christmas list on and I unwrapped all the ornaments and spread them out on the coffee table. Every ornament on our tree has a story and a memory attached to it and as we unwrap them each year we remember and tell the stories again. My favorite part.

We ate dinner earlier but it wouldn't be a party without a holiday snack so I set up this Holiday Drink Toppings Bar.

I had a basket of choices of drink mixes (NSA Cocoa, Fit Frappe, etc.), my Keurig, mugs, and oodles of weight loss surgery friendly toppings to jazz up our creations.

Toppings:
Crushed Sugar Free Starlight Mints
Cinnamon Sticks
Nutmeg
NSA Malted Milk Powder
Sugar Free Torani Syrup
My Homemade No Sugar Added Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream (I use this groovy gadget)

Some other topping ideas: crushed nuts, grated SF chocolate, SF ice cream toppings, unsweetened coconut, powdered peanut butter.

Here's my creation...

Shelly's Peppermint Snowball

1/2 packet of Vanilla Fit Frappe
about a cup of Hot Water
A squirt of NSA Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
Sprinkle of crushed SF Peppermint candies

Add 1/2 contents of a Fit Frappe Packet to about a cup of hot water. I used my regular cup setting on my Keurig. Mix till dissolved. Top with whip and peppermint.

We're almost done with the tree. We did more talking and story telling than the actual hanging of ornaments so I'll snap a picture of the finished product later on when hopefully the last is hung.

Get Cooking with Eggface Giveaway

I love to cook. It's my creative outlet. I was scared that having weight loss surgery would put an end to my days in the kitchen but happily it did not. I actually get to be even more creative by analyzing a favorite recipe and seeing where I can make changes to make a healthier version of a pre-op favorite. I think if you have read the blog for any length of time you know that cooking and having fun in the kitchen does not end with surgery. In fact, it gets even better. To celebrate that...

It's Giveaway Time!

The Prize: A bunch of fun stuff for the kitchen including a Cup Grater, Spatula, Colander, Egg Slicer, Mini Measuring Cup, 12 cup Mini Muffin Tin, Julienne Peeler (you must make my Pasta-less Turkey Bolognese) and a few ingredients I use in my post weight loss surgery baking: Multigrain Pancake Mix, Almond Meal, and 1 Mini Sampler Set of Sugar Free Torani Syrups (4 - 150 ml mini bottles in SF Caramel, SF Raspberry, SF Vanilla, and SF Hazelnut) PLUS... an email gift card for $25 to Amazon.com

How to Enter: Like 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. If you are a post-op and have a favorite post weight loss surgery food, I'd love to hear what it is (leave that in the comments too.) Scroll down to # of comments to leave yours.

Contest periods ends: Sunday, December 2nd, midnight (Pacific time)

Monday, December 3rd. 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 The World According to Eggface. 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.)

Shelly's Pumpkin Protein Mini Muffins
***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 Get Cooking with @Eggface Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/cauu9jf

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

Shelly's Mini Enchilada Cups

Shelly's Shrimp Alfredo Pasta-less Zucchini Pasta
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!)

Shelly's Pancake Bites
Good Luck!

Friday Five

A weekly round-up of tidbits, tips, ideas, news articles, random cool things from the weight loss surgery world...

1. This made me giggle yesterday (read just after I'd done something very similar before we ate.)

2. The World According to Eggface would like to invite you to click on any of the Amazon links over on the left hand side of the blog (or the banner below) when doing your Cyber Monday (and beyond) shopping.


The links credit a small % of ALL Amazon purchases (not just the pictured items) to the blog so click and shop away. So whether you are buying a tub of protein, my ultimate favorite cooking gadget, my cat's favorite toy ever, or a bicycle, it all counts. Thank you ♥ for helping keep this blogger blogging.

Oh one more shopping related heads up for those that wanted to try the new Big Train Spiced Chai Latte flavor they are having a Black Friday special this weekend only free shipping. Read my review of the flavor.

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

10 Reasons to Walk Your Way to Health - I love my daily walks. It's my me time.
7 Transformations: We're gastric graduates (but it's still a learning curve) - I love looking at before & afters
Surgery saves the life of obese RI man - Amazing story

Parents Must Read: Weigh In - Talking to your children about weight and health
Doctors, Nurses, Medical Professionals Must Read: Preventing Weight Bias: Helping Without Harming in Clinical Practice

There's a new advocacy issue up on the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)'s Legislative Action Center that needs YOUR help! Contact your state legislators to see where they stand on treating obesity seriously and if they would be willing to participate in a caucus on obesity treatments. It took a couple of minutes, simple form, you type in your zip and it will send it to your reps, send as is or adding to it and making it a little personal is even better. Easy peasy and a minute later I got back this confirmation: Your e-mail message was sent to: Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA 49th)

and have you added your "A-ha" moment yet. Amazing shares.

4. I finally found the cinnamon flavor Laughing Cow Cream Cheese wedges. They have regular and strawberry too.

I tasted them at Fitbloggin' in Baltimore a few months ago but they were nowhere to be found in Southern California. I finally spotted them. I bought 2. So far I tried them smeared on apple and celery sticks. Yum.

5. Be sure to stop by the blog Sunday when the holiday fun begins. It's another AWESOME Eggface Giveaway! What will it be?! I will spill this much... it's HUGE!

A Thanksgiving day in my pouch

Mmmm my tasty post weight loss surgery Thanksgiving day menu...

Breakfast: I made my Buttercrunch Ricotta Pancakes for breakfast.

I took off for a long walk around the lake near my house. I figured I'd get exercise in before the post turkey tryptophan coma kicked in. It was a beautiful day.

I came home and started the feast preparations. We ate at 3-ish so it was lunch/dinner. This year's feast...

Lunch/Dinner: Turkey, Roasted Butternut Squash, Quick Spinach Gratin, a plop of Cranberry Sauce.

Shelly's Quick Spinach Gratin

1 Yellow Onion, diced
4-5 Mushrooms, sliced
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Spelt Flour
dash Nutmeg
dash Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 cup Milk
1 pound bag frozen Spinach, cooked
2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/2 cup Shredded Gruyere (or Jack or even Mozzarella would work)

Saute onions and mushrooms till golden. Add butter, spelt, and seasonings. Cook for a minute or so till golden. Add milk and Worcestershire sauce slowly. Stir till thickened. Add spinach and cheeses. Stir till combined and cheeses are melted.

Roasted Butternut Squash: Preheat oven to 425. Place cubed squash on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with Kosher Salt. Toss to coat. Bake for 45 minutes turning 2 or 3 times during cooking. I cheated and bought already cubed & peeled squash from Costco (I've seen it at Trader Joe's, regular supermarkets) because I value my fingers and butternut squash is a pain in the you-know-what to chop up.

After dinner I removed all the meat and Tupperwared it for the next few days of easy meals. I have some fun things planned for those turkey leftovers. I put the bones in a pot with water and set it going for stock. Strained it and picked off a little more meat for what will be the start of a soup.

Snacks: Lots of coffee and for dessert I debated making my usual Crustless Sweet Potato Pie but decided I would make that this weekend and instead I made a version of my Fluff Stuff. It was super refreshing, a nice light finish to the day and bonus it's protein packed.

Shelly's Thanksgiving Berry Fluff Stuff

1 cup Boiling Water
1 box (4-serving size - the small one) Sugar Free Strawberry Jello Mix
3 1/2 oz. (about half a small container) Greek Yogurt
1 single serve packet Celebrate Vitamin's ENS - Multivitamin, Calcium, & Protein Shake in Strawberry flavor
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup
1/2 cup leftover Cranberry Sauce

In a quart sized bowl pour boiling water slowly over jello mix. Stir till dissolved. Set aside. Mix yogurt, ENS & Torani syrup (I used SF Vanilla or any fruit flavor would work) together till well combined. 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. Add cranberry sauce. Put back in fridge and allow to set fully (about 2 hours.) I served a scoop with a squirt Homemade No Sugar Added Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream. The protein and the fruit are optional and can be omitted but try it with.

Now I'm sitting here listening to Phillip Phillips new CD. It's awesome. I'm a huge Dave Matthews Band fan and it feels a little like DMB meets Mumford & Sons. So if you like either of those two you'll love this.

Ooh you have to see the Fall wreath my Mum made me before it gets packed away tomorrow. I'm going to clean the house and get ready to pull out the Christmas stuff this week. Is it just me or is this year flying?

Hope everyone had a lovely day filled with family, friends and good eats.

More days in my pouch

Thankful

It's almost Thanksgiving. Remember in elementary school when we cut out paper turkey feathers and wrote what we were thankful for on each one.

On my feather: I am thankful for the second chance at a healthy life weight loss surgery has given me and the support of friends & family both in real life & across cyberspace. That's a big feather I better write small ;)

Happy Thanksgiving Friends.

Drum roll...

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Obesity - Public Service Announcement

I like this PSA. It's non judgmental, doesn't place blame. It just makes you think and offers a link to a great website with lots of suggestions for making healthy changes.



Wow and I used to carry around 150+ extra pounds for YEARS.

Obesity happens one pound at a time. So does prevention.

For fun: What have you lost?

A day in my pouch

My yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating...

Breakfast: I had some leftover browned ground beef and onions from making a taco salad the other night. I used it up for breakfast and made breakfast bowls. Shelly's Cowboy Breakfast Bowl: Scrambled Egg, leftover browned ground Beef (or turkey) and Onions, shredded Cheddar Cheese, a splash of Cholula Hot Sauce (my favorite.)

This was a protein packed, warm breakfast on a chilly, gray morning. Sometimes I do things like this for dinner too.

Lunch: Rotisserie Chicken (quick go-to meal), sliced Cucumber & Tomato with salt, pepper & oregano, and a yogurt dip to dip it all in.

Shelly's Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Greek Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Greek yogurt (I use plain, 2%)
1 Tablespoon Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped fine
1 Tablespoon fresh Basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
dash of Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Mix till well blended.

Dinner: One of my favorites. Shelly's Pasta-less Turkey Bolognese (Zucchini & Onion)

If you don't have one of these zucchini pasta making gadgets ask Santa to put one in your stocking.

Snacks: Too much coffee including a Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Soy Latte at Starbucks (they have that holiday BOGO deal going on 12/15-18 from 2-5 PM), a cheesestick, some cucumber slices "my crackers" and one of those little Tribe hummus cups I reviewed the other day.

More days in my pouch.

Meditation and a Chai Latte Giveaway

Yesterday was all about peace, tranquility and soothing the soul.

My day began with a taste test of Big Train's latest Fit Frappe flavor: Spiced Chai Latte. Chai is an ancient traditional drink of India, flavored with black tea, vanilla, honey and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, clove. Drinking chai is supposed to warm and sooth the soul and create a sense of well being.

Just opening the packet you are transported. It's an exotic spice market, it's Christmas, it smells wonderful and it tastes AMAZING. If you love Chai you will flip for this. If you've never had Chai but love egg nog, spice cake, flavors like that, try this. If you hate Chai... move along nothing to see here.

I tried it first cold over ice. A cup of water and a 1/2 a packet of mix (per package directions), shook up in my blender bottle shaker 30-60 seconds. Poured over ice. Delicious. Perfect when you are traveling or out and about. Toss a packet in your purse or carry-on, bring your blender bottle and buy a bottle of water at your destination.

Being the experimental cook I am, I did a second test. Second round was 1/2 a packet of mix with a mixture of water and soy milk (about 1/4 cup of each.) It's a little creamier and bonus even more protein. If you have access to milk and can spare the few added calories, this is the way to drink it cold.

Then I tried it hot. A cup of hot water (I used my regular cup setting on my Keurig) and 1/2 a packet of mix, stirred till completely dissolved. OK I feel like I need some harp music or something. Hot = Zen in a cup. It was perfection. If you want a protein drink for icy cold mornings or warm yummy drink before bed this is it.

You can also make it like a Frappe (hence the name) with water or milk and ice in a blender but it was 60 degrees that day for a high and anything below 70 and I'm wearing layers so we'll have to wait for the next warm day for that taste test.

Here's the link for the nutritional info and ordering 411.

The afternoon I spent in class, learning a variety of meditation techniques. Meditation is purported to help us to calm our mind, relax our body, de-stress and gain a sense of peace and balance in our daily life. Sold. I spotted a local meditation class and decided this was something I needed to try. I really enjoyed the class. Some of the techniques I loved, some I think I will need to try a few times, some weren't for me. I'm going to seek out more classes and practice. Will let you know periodically how it's going.

I love the fact that since having weight loss surgery I am free of all medications in my system. Before surgery I was on 8 different prescriptions. Overall my health has improved greatly but my mind never quiets, between being an insomniac and having a self-diagnosed case of adult ADHD I really need something to help me chill. I knew if I went to a doctor and complained about my unquiet mind and lack of sleep he'd break out a prescription pad before I stopped speaking. I'm not anti-drugs, for some they are absolutely needed. I just have found that once I'm taking something, I stop knowing what are the original symptoms and what are side effects of the medication and sometimes, the side effects from the treatment seem worse than the original issue. So if things like a day at the beach, meditation, breathing techniques, massage, and exercise can help keep me stay free of pharmaceuticals I am all for that.

Oh and Dr. Eggface, Google MD. prescribes a Big Train Spiced Chai Latte so...

It's Giveaway Time!

The Prize: A variety pack of all of Big Train's Fit Frappe Flavors (1 packet each of Mocha, Espresso, Vanilla Latte, Vanilla, Chocolate) and 3 packets of the BRAND NEW flavor Spiced Chai Latte and a groovy Big Train Clear Acrylic Tumbler Cup to drink them in.

How to Enter: Like The World According to Eggface and Big Train 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, November 18th, midnight (Pacific time)

Monday, November 19th 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 The World According to Eggface and Big Train. 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 @Eggface @BigTrain Try New Chai Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/a74ferx

* 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>

Good Luck! Namaste.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

My yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating.

Breakfast: I made a batch of these yummy muffins. They take less than 15 minutes to whip up from start to mouthful o' muffin. I had a ton of errands to run so I threw 2 in a baggie and was on my way. They make a great on-to-go breakfast or to have as a snack when I go to Starbucks with pals since they have nothing in the bakery case for us.

Shelly's Mini Ginger Apple Protein Muffins

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Gingerbread Torani Syrup
1/4 of an Apple, grated
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Almond Meal
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
1/2 teaspoon Ginger, ground
Pinch salt
a few toasted Almonds for the top

In a measuring cup mix egg, milk, syrup (FYI: SF Gingerbread Torani is included in this great holiday set), grated apple 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, ginger, 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. Optional: Place a few toasted almonds on top of each muffin. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, until knife inserted comes out clean. Makes 12. They freeze well. Wrap in plastic and toss in a freezer Ziploc. Defrost in fridge. Keep several days (if they last that long) in the fridge.

Lunch: Came home and assembled a few tidbits. Cold Cut Roll-ups (Turkey & Swiss), sliced Tomatoes sprinkled with salt & oregano, Almonds, Hummus to dip everything in. I love lunches (or dinners) like this I call them "carpet picnics" because I usually eat them sitting on the living room floor watching TV.

Cool Product Alert: I've purchased the little classic version cups in the past but these are even cooler. Tribe Hummus Snackers Variety Pack: 4 individual cups in 4 different flavors (Classic, Roasted Garlic, 40 Spices, Roasted Red Pepper.)

I love hummus but I can never decide which flavor to get. I usually go with Roasted Garlic then add my own stuff to it, which is yummy but not that convenient when you want a grab and go snack. These are perfect for picnics and bento lunches. Local peeps: I found them in the deli department refrigerator case at Henry's/Sprouts. Maybe hit Tribe up on Facebook and ask them where to find it in your zip code. Tell 'em you saw it mentioned on www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com I think the variety pack is new, it's not even listed on the website yet (just the Classic & Roasted Garlic 4 packs.)

Dinner: A little Middle Eastern -ish, a little Greek -ish. I skewered boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces (tenders), swiped them with a little olive oil, sprinkled them with a little Greek seasoning and BBQ'd them. I served them a mint yogurt dip and this yummy side dish.

Shelly's Spinach and Chickpeas

1 Yellow Onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 pound-ish Fresh Spinach
1 (4 oz.) can Diced Mild Green Chilis, drained
1 head of Roasted* Garlic
1 (15 oz.) can Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans), rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon Za'atar
Salt to taste
a few twists of Black Pepper

Roast* garlic, remove roasted cloves from head of garlic and whiz with green chilies till paste is formed. Set aside.

Saute onion till golden. Sprinkle cumin seeds on top. Cook for 1 minute. Add spinach. Cover and cook till wilted. Add garlic chilies mixture and chick peas. Cook for 15 minutes, covered on low stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper and Za'atar.

Shelly's Mint Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Greek Yogurt (Plain, 2%)
1/2 teaspoon Za'atar
1 Tablespoon fresh Mint, chopped
dash of Salt

Mix together till well blended. Great for dipping chicken skewers or veggies.

Snacks: A Sugar Free Vanilla Soy Latte from Bux while I was out and about and a Honeycrisp Apple with a little dab of Peanut Butter nuked for dipping for dessert.

More days in my pouch

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

My yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating.

Breakfast: Faux Fried Egg - Pineapple Cottage Cheese with half a Peach (Ricotta Cheese sweetened with SF Torani with an apricot half works too)

Lunch: When I was in Dallas at the Obesity Action Coalition Convention I ate at this quick serve restaurant called Zoe's Kitchen. Thank you to my pal Kaitlin for bringing me. It's a franchise so by the list of locations some of you will have these in your neighborhood. Lucky ducks. Temecula needs one. I'd totally be a regular for their "Protein Power Plate" (Flat Grilled Chicken, Caramelized Onions, over a Marinated Slaw) but till one comes to my 'hood I just had to recreate it at home. It will be a reoccurring meal at my house.

I slightly caramelized a few onions. Slice a few yellow onions and cook them low and slow in a drizzle of olive oil, stirring occasionally till they get golden brown. Set aside. I tossed a couple of chicken breasts, pounded flat, swiped with a little olive oil and sprinkled with Greek seasoning on the BBQ.

Shelly's (Zoe's Knock-off) Marinated Slaw

1 - 10 oz. Bag Shredded Angel Hair Cabbage
1/4 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
3-4 Green Onions, chopped fine
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Champagne or Red Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon Greek Seasoning (Oregano, Black Pepper, Garlic, Sage blend)
dash of Salt

Mix all ingredients together and let sit for a half hour or so. Makes a family size amount.

To assemble the Protein Power Plate: you need dollop of slaw, top with a spoon of caramelized onions and top that with some grilled chicken. Soooo good.

Dinner: Mini Meatloaf and Sliced Tomatoes (just sprinkled with salt, pepper, and oregano)

Shelly's "With the Works" Turkey Mini Meatloaves

4 strips Bacon, cut in half, uncooked
1 Yellow Onion, diced
1 1/4 pounds Ground Turkey, the average weight of 1 package
1/4 cup Oatmeal, dry
1/4 cup Milk
1 Egg, beaten
1/4 cup chopped Dill Pickles
1 Tablespoon Prepared Mustard (Yellow or Dijon)
1 Tablespoon Ketchup
1/2 teaspoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
a few twists of Black Pepper

Saute onions till golden. Set aside to cool. Soak oats in milk for 1 minute. Beat egg. Add egg and soaked breadcrumbs to ground turkey. Add cooled onions and all remaining ingredients. Mix till combined.

Divide into 8 equal mounds. Form into mini meatloaves or if you have this super groovy pan like me use it. Top with a 1/2 a slice of uncooked bacon. Bake for 45 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Remove portion from pan. Top with 1/2 a slice of American Cheese and place under the broiler till melted.

These freeze well. I wrap them in foil and then place them in a freezer Ziploc bag. I defrost in the fridge and then nuke. I have found the trick to eating leftovers as a post-op is to keep things moist. I love this microwave steamer gadget for that. You put a couple of tablespoons of water in the base and it steam heats the food. Totally keeps foods from drying out. One of the best post-op gadgets in my kitchen.

Leftovers are great as is or you can crumble the meatloaves up and use as a soup start for Minestrone.

Snack: Oodles of coffee and a Cracked Black Pepper Cheesestick. I finally found this flavor. I love the Tomato Basil one. These are tasty too.