Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

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

Breakfast: It was a gray, rainy morning and I was tempted not to go out but it's Farmer's Market morning. I had to get my supplies for the week and I am proudly the Mayor of the market on Foursquare and I have to defend my reign. Glad I did. This was my reward...

I brought them home and made Greek Yogurt and Berry Breakfast Parfaits. I make a few in plastic cups and cover with plastic wrap so I have a quick grab and go breakfast or easy snacks during the week. If there's good stuff like this in the fridge ready and waiting, there is no reason to reach for not so good choices.

I took this one with me when I took off on errands. It actually turned out to be quite a nice day. The sky was beautiful, big dark rain clouds mixed with patches of blue. I was watching for a rainbow. No luck.

Lunch: Got home and made Lentil Lettuce Tacos with leftover Lentil Burgers. Butter Lettuce "shell", reheated Lentil Burger 1/2 per taco, a few sauteed Mushrooms, and a dollop of Greek Yogurt (seasoned with salt, pepper, & oregano). These were so good.

Dinner: Quickie Chicken Parmesan - I nuked those Hillshire Farms Fully Cooked Garlic & Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts. Placed them on a foiled lined baking sheet.

Topped them with a spoon of Marinara, shredded Mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and Oregano and broiled them till the cheese was all melty and sauce was hot. Super easy, tons of protein and very little cleanup.

I served them with some sliced Cucumber, sprinkle of Oregano, and a dollop of plain Greek Yogurt.

Snacks: Oodles of coffee (with Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup & a splash of Vanilla Soy), some Krave Lemon Garlic Turkey Jerky (love this), and a Celebrate Vitamins Vanilla Cake Batter ENS Protein Shake.

More days in my pouch

Your Weight Matters Magazine

Thanks "Your Weight Matters" Magazine for the shout out...

Your Weight Matters Magazine just one of the great benefits you get with your $20/one-year Individual Membership in the Obesity Action Coalition.

Zesty Game Day Bites and a Giveaway

Next Sunday I hear there is some big game on TV. Kidding. The Baltimore Ravens versus the San Francisco 49ers. I keep up. I'm not a huge football fan but somehow I usually watch the big game. Here's a recipe that would be a perfect Super Bowl Sunday snack.

A packed with flavor version of my Bites (aka mini Crustless Quiche.) Oodles of protein, vegetarian, kid-friendly, healthy and delicious.

Shelly's Zesty Game Day Bites

2 Green Onions, diced
1/2 cup canned Del Monte Diced Tomato with Green Chilies
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
1/2 cup canned Black Beans, rinsed and drained
5 eggs, beaten
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.

In this recipe I used new Del Monte Southwestern-Style Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes. Del Monte was kind enough to provide me a sample of each of the new flavors. They are delicious. A nice way to zest up a dish. I can see mixing these into my mini meatloaves, casseroles or soups.

To celebrate the new flavors Del Monte is launching the "Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Sweepstakes" on Pinterest, a chance to share entertaining tips and recipes, featuring the new Del Monte Southwestern-Style Petite Cut® Diced Tomato varieties. One lucky winner will take home an exciting entertainment package including: a Sony® 55” LED TV, Bose® home theater system and Sony® Blu-ray player (ARV $4,779.00 USD). I entered, you should, too. I hope one of my readers is the lucky winner of that.

Want to make my Zesty Game Day Bites? Here's a chance to win the same gift pack I was provided by Del Monte... It's Giveaway Time!

The Prize: 1 can of Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, 1 can of Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies and a $25 Visa gift card to buy the rest of the supplies to make my Zesty Game Day Bites or whatever your heart desires.

How to Enter: Like The World According to Eggface and Del Monte 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.

Feel free to post how you think you'd use either of the new flavors in your Game Day celebration. Looking forward to reading the ideas.

Contest periods ends: Thursday, January 31st, midnight (Pacific time)

Friday, Feb. 1st I'll draw a name using a random number generator and announce the winner here on the blog! I will also email the winner at the address provided. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. Remember winners MUST be a Facebook friend of The World According to Eggface and Del Monte. 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.) The Del Monte products, information and two gift packs have been provided by Del Monte.

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

* Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway: Hey everyone enter the @Eggface @DelMonteFoods Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/beqptjf

Obesity Action Coalition Your Weight Matters Convention 2013

Save the date! August 15 – 18, 2013

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Second Annual "Your Weight Matters" Convention is being held this year in Phoenix, Arizona.

August 15 – 18, 2013
Phoenix, Arizona
at the Arizona Grand Hotel

It's going to be a weekend full of educational sessions by the country’s leading experts and thought-leaders in weight, health, fitness and wellness, evidence-based strategies for losing weight and keeping it off, advocacy training, group fitness classes, a chance to renew your commitment to your health with others on the same path, lots of freebies and TONS OF FUN!

The resort itself is awesome! Great rooms and meeting facilities. AAA Four Diamond rated. It's named as one of top destinations for hiking and mountain views by National Geographic magazine, there's a 7-acre water park (Travel Channel's Top 10 in the US), athletic club, spa, golf course, pools and patios. Enjoy the summer sun, soak up the vitamin D and make new friends. If you are bringing the family for some fun in the sun they will love it too.

I'll be there. Come hang out!

The OAC will be unveiling additional 411 on their web site (cost, ticket info, agenda, etc.) in the coming weeks (sign up for email updates) but for now, mark your calendars and make plans to attend!

Follow the OAC on Facebook and on Twitter - the official convention hashtag is #YWM2013 and there is a Facebook Event page where you can RSVP, chat about the event, make friends with other attendees, etc.

and follow me on Facebook and Twitter for updates and info as it comes. I'm serving on the Conference Planning Committee so I'll be chatting about it A LOT.

Meatless Monday - Lentil Burger

This was yesterday's lunch. It would be perfect for a Meatless Monday lunch or dinner. Meatless Monday is a movement to help people reduce the consumption of meat and saturated fat. My meatless meals don't always work out on a Monday, you know how that goes, repurposing leftovers rule in this economy but it worked out this week.

You can buy veggie burgers at the store but the list of ingredients is usually a mile long with lots of fillers and usually includes rice which I do not eat. These are delicious, simple and rice-less.

Shelly's Lentil Burger

1 cup Cooked Lentils
1 Green Onion, chopped fine
1 Egg, beaten
2 Tablespoons Chickpea Flour (aka Garbanzo Bean Flour)
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
a few twists of Black Pepper

Mash the lentils a bit but not too much, you want some whole lentils. I used precooked lentils, if you are using dry, soak, cook, cool before using. Mix all ingredients together. Spray a non-stick saute pan with Pam or drizzle a little olive oil. Using a 1/4 cup measure form patties, press down slightly. Cook on medium heat till golden brown about 5 minutes, flip, cook till golden brown. Makes 5 patties.

I served them with a dollop of Cucumber Yogurt Dip. You could also melt cheese on the top under the broiler and serve with caramelized onions or mushrooms like a patty melt wrapped in lettuce or served on top of some mixed salad greens.

Shelly's Cucumber Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Greek Yogurt
1 Green Onion, chopped fine
1 Tablespoon Fresh Mint, chopped
1/2 Cucumber, grated and drained
1/4 teaspoon Oregano
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
zest and juice of 1/4 of a Lemon
Salt to taste
a few twists of Black Pepper

Grate cucumber with a Microplane or box grater. Allow to drain in a strainer.

Mix drained cucumber with remaining ingredients. Great to dip chicken, beef, fish, veggies.

Other Eggface Meatless dishes

A day in my pouch

My yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating...

Breakfast: Farmer's Market morning so I was out the door with my blender bottle filled with a Celebrate Vitamins ENS Strawberry Shake.

I love these ENS shakes. 25 g. of Protein + Vitamins (multivitamin & calcium) + 4 g of fiber in each serving and it's really yummy. If you are a newer weight loss surgery post-op these are awesome.... always run things by your medical posse but I think they will agree. I love them mixed with soy milk (any milk will do) for even more protein but you can do water (less cals) or I mix it into plain Greek yogurt or make my High Protein Greek Yogurt Cubes.

It was an absolutely beautiful day. We went from highs in the 30's last week (rare in these parts) to kissing the 80's today. I would kind of like a happy medium I mean it is winter after all. I like my sweaters and casseroles (I made one for dinner regardless.)

Lunch: The good weather does have it's benefits. I walked to the lake with my computer (free wifi) and my super cool bento box in hand and soaked up some of the sun.

Pink Box (top left): Red Bell Pepper Strips
Orange Box (top right): Shelly Lemon Dill Yogurt Dip for dipping Peppers and/or Shrimp
Blue Box (bottom left): Cooked Shrimp with Lemon and (in the little blue container) a little Cocktail Sauce
Green Box (bottom right): a few Dried Cranberries, Silvered Almonds and a couple of Sugar Free Chocolate Chips (Walmart)

Did you know? Red peppers have twice the vitamin C content of green peppers. Also, one large red bell pepper contains three times the vitamin C of an average orange.

More bento lunches

Dinner: Bought a huge bag of zucchini and crookneck squash at the Farmer's Market for $3 so I sauteed that with onion and made a quickie casserole.

Shelly's Turkey Bolognese Casserole

1 Yellow Onion, diced
4 medium Zucchini or Squash (any summer variety will do), sliced
1 1/2 cups of any Meat Sauce (I used 1 defrosted package of Trader Joe's Turkey Bolognese Sauce)
1 teaspoon Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper
2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/3 cup Mozzarella, grated

Saute onion till golden. Add squash. Cover and stir occasionally till fork tender. Add sauce and seasonings. Cook till warmed through. Pour into a Pyrex casserole dish (I collect vintage Pyrex dishes - if you do too you'll love this Pinterest board) Top with cheeses. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes till it's all bubbly and golden brown.

Snacks: Starbucks Sugar Free Vanilla Soy Latte and 2 of my Chocolate Protein Muffins

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

Let's see what's going on that I can update you on...

My Mum is feeling better every day. Thank you to those who have emailed or Facebook messaged me. It was a hard few weeks for both of us but the smiles and laughs are back.

I hope I'll be announcing the Obesity Action Coalition Convention date and location very soon. I'm so excited. You are going to love it. Please come if you can it's going to be a GREAT event. Tons of health, weight loss, fitness, and advocacy education, and opportunities to bond with people who "get it" and we'll get to hang out! Here's the only picture I have from last weekend. This was at dinner the last night. Your OAC National Board of Director's (minus a couple of sick ones)

That's me down front (the shorties) in the black sweater and jeans
I am very excited about something happening in February I've been working on. Keep watching.

That's about all I can think of now that's new. I'm off to chop some veggies and prep a bit for a few days worth of meals. I pull out any gadgets and pans I might need so they are easily accessible. Plan a few days worth of meals. Set myself up for a successful week. Sunday's are perfect for that. Here's to week full of healthy choices.

Understanding Your Weight-loss Options

I wanted to share a great resource with you, especially those looking into whether weight loss surgery is right for you. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) created an awesome brochure. It is the most comprehensive and well-balanced look at all the most common weight-loss options available today: behavior modification, commercial diets, drug therapies, surgery. They talk pros, cons of each... it's great!

Here's the link for the PDF copy online or you can request a hard copy to share with a friend, family member, or your primary care provider: Understanding your weight loss options brochure

I highly encourage you to join the OAC Community.

The way that the OAC builds our voice is through building our community which increases our voice. From helping to improve access to obesity treatments for the millions who need it, to creating awareness of the disease of obesity, to fighting the unfair bias, stigma, and discrimination those affected face, to educational efforts like this cool brochure, advocacy training, educational convention, etc. etc. They rock. I am honored to be serving on the National Board of Directors. In fact, that's where I was this last weekend at the annual strategic planning meeting in Phoenix. We got up to date on the hurdles and advocacy efforts ahead and planned all sorts of awesome for the year (hopefully I'll be announcing the location and date for this year's OAC "Your Weight Matters" Convention very soon.) I'm excited to take an even more active role in the OAC and you will hear all about it along the way.

So my join the OAC PSA is done ;)

OK one last thing... I love the saying "sticks in a bundle are unbreakable" I really believe that when we join our voices together for a cause, anything is possible. One person on the street corner saying something needs to change is great but 50,000+ people and the powers that be will have to listen. Help us have a louder voice by becoming a member.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

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

Breakfast: Simple, just a dollop of Pineapple Cottage Cheese (Fresh & Easy brand) with a couple of fresh Raspberries and a sprinkle of Almonds for crunch.

Lunch: Haas Avocados have been super cheap and absolutely fabulous lately. I made one of my favorite post weight loss surgery lunches. My California Roll Salad (riceless)

Dinner: I made a batch of mini meatloaves I love these. I have several versions Italian, Mexican, Bacon Cheeseburger, these have a lot of Middle Eastern flavors onion, garlic, sumac, tumeric. I served them with some chick peas (canned rinsed and drained, dash of Za'atar, little bit of butter, nuked about 2 minutes.)

Shelly's Middle Eastern Mini Meatloaf

1 Yellow Onion, diced
1 1/4 pounds Ground Beef (you could use Turkey too, Beef was on sale)
2 Tablespoons Ground Beef Kabob Seasoning Blend*
1/2 cup Tomato, diced and seeded
1 Egg, beaten
1/4 cup Almond Meal
1/4 cup Milk
a few twists of Black Pepper
Butter/Oil for sauteing

Sprinkle beef with kabob seasoning about an hour or 2 before and set aside in the fridge. I use Sadaf brand (*most Middle Eastern food stores, section will carry, or here is an online source or make your own it's just onion powder, garlic powder, sumac, parsley, salt, pepper, and turmeric.) Saute onions till golden. Set aside to cool. Add all ingredients to beef. Mix till combined. Divide into 8 equal mounds. Form into mini meatloaves or if you have this super groovy pan like me use it (spray with Pam.) Bake for 45 minutes in a 350 oven.

Serve with Shelly's Minty Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Greek yogurt, plain
squeeze of lemon
1 teaspoon dried Mint
dash of salt
a few twists of Pepper

Mix till well combined. Serve with meatloaf (or great with fish or veggies)

Snacks: Too much coffee, Edamame and a few hunks of cheese.

More days in my pouch

Challenge Mean!

Today James Zervios, Director of Communications for the Obesity Action Coalition wrote a blog entry on the Obesity Action Coalition Blog that made me recall an incident I wanted to share with all of you...

Pre-weight loss surgery I was walking in a mall and I heard a group of teenage boys making moo-ing sounds. I still can remember the sadness and hot feeling that took me over. I tried to pretend I hadn't heard it, that they weren't talking about me though the fingers pointing in my direction removed much doubt. I looked straight ahead and put a little more spring in my step to get away. I left the mall, sat in my car and cried. I was having a pretty great day till then. I was getting my exercise in by walking the mall because it was raining out and then BAM, those boys happened.

Challenge Mean.

When you come across weight bias, hate and nastiness whether on a thread on Facebook, in a newspaper article, on a TV show, in line at the grocery store, please challenge it. Those boneheads that spewed the nasty may not get it or care but somewhere there is a girl sitting in a car crying that would say thank you. She was not strong enough then to do it herself but... I AM NOW!



P.S. More than 2/3 of adults - 190 million people - are overweight or obese. In fact, chances are one of those boy's mom, sister, grandmother, uncle, or pop are one of those 190 million.

Health & Fitness Goals: Define the New You in 2013

Last month, I took part in a fun and motivating video/photo project with Big Train. Read all about it, enter their giveaway, and check out the video...



I love the song they chose. It was a rainy gray day in Southern California but you wouldn't know it. It was very motivating, everyone sharing a goal for the year.

What's your 2013 health and fitness goal?

High Protein Greek Yogurt Cubes

Last year I shared these Frozen Protein Drops I make. I've changed them a bit over the year, thought I'd show you the latest version. I love to make my protein shakes and smoothies in the blender. I sometimes add ice or frozen fruit but lately I've been adding these high protein yogurt cubes. They make your shakes frothy and smoothie shop frappe-like and the bonus is a little added protein boost.

Shelly's High Protein Greek Yogurt Cubes

Plain Greek Yogurt
Ice Cube Tray

Optional additions:
Any Protein Powder
Chopped Fruit
Sugar Free Torani Syrup
Sugar Free Pudding Mix
Powdered Peanut Butter
Unsweetened Cocoa

You can flavor the yogurt with any of the optional additions. This batch pictured I mixed a few Tablespoons of protein powder (I used Celebrate ENS) into the Greek yogurt first and also placed some chopped fruit in each compartment. It's fun to come up with combinations. Chocolate protein flavored yogurt and chopped bananas is a favorite, another is Sugar Free Coconut Torani flavored yogurt.

Sometimes I make them with just the yogurt and a little Sugar Free Torani syrup mixed in to taste, about 1 Tablespoon syrup to 3 oz. yogurt works for me or I mix in some powdered peanut butter or sugar free pudding again just to taste but again about 1 Tablespoon to 3 oz. yogurt is about what I use.

Tap on counter to pop any air bubbles and place on a flat surface in the freezer. Freeze till set (a few hours at least) and pop them out of the tray.

I store them in a gallon Ziploc bag and toss a couple in the blender when I make a shake. You can also just eat the cubes as is when you want a little icy treat. 2 or 3 cubes makes a healthy snack. Way better than digging into a carton of Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream.

You're Invited: Torani Twitter Party

You are invited! Join me The World According to Eggface, The Fit Cook, and Torani we're hosting a Twitter party this TUESDAY 1/8 at 9pm EST! (that's 6 PM PST)

We’ll be sharing tips and fun ideas about using Sugar Free Torani Syrups.

Lots of Sugar Free Torani and Mr. Coffee prizes will be given out.

All the details are online here. You need to register (FREE), tweet, and follow the hosts. All those details are in the link.

Hope to tweet you there! @Eggface

The "I Promise" Body Image Jar

You know how your mother taught you... "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything." This should be especially true when you're talking to yourself.

I need to get better at this. So from now on any negative comment I say about my body is going to cost me. If you catch yourself being unkind to yourself... put some $ in the jar.

Self-Care Tips for the Weight Loss Surgery Post-Op (& Others)

Quick & Healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu

Heads up on a cool new product. After my Mum's recent fall I needed some SUPER quick protein-packed meals. We had enough stress going on that I just didn't want to have to think about much more. This week's savior has been Hillshire Farms Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breasts. They come in three flavors: Original, Italian Style and Garlic & Herb.

I found them in the refrigerated meat section near bacon in my supermarket. They come in a box and inside are two microwave-safe pouches. You just toss the pouch in the microwave and nuke for 60-65 seconds, let it stand in microwave for 1 minute then carefully remove chicken from the pouch (it gets steamy so be careful.)

Each breast is 120 calories and 19 grams of protein.

They are great for a quickie stir fry, just slice and toss in a pan with some chopped veggies and a dash of soy sauce OR chop them on top on top of salad greens with a dollop of salsa and sprinkle with cheese for a easy taco salad OR make my Quick & Healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu with them...

Shelly's Quick & Healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu

1 Hillshire Farms Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast (any flavor, I used Garlic & Herb)
2 or 3 Mushrooms, sauteed
1 slice Deli Ham
1 slice Swiss
dash of Oregano
a few twists of Black Pepper

Saute mushrooms till golden. Set aside. Cook chicken per package instructions.

Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Top chicken with a slice of ham, the sauteed mushrooms, and place Swiss on top. Sprinkle with seasonings and place under the broiler till cheese is bubbly about 2 minutes.

They would be great with any hot veggie side. I served it with sliced cucumbers and a dollop of Greek yogurt with a dash of oregano.

If I still worked in an office these would be especially great. I remember everyone converging on the one microwave in the lunch room, all trying to heat lunches at the same time and having to wait up to 10 minutes per person. If you didn't get in first you had to scoff your food down before your break was over. Not OK post weight loss surgery. Eating fast = the kiss of death. These are so quick to prepare, you'll be 19 grams of protein up before your coworker figures out the instructions on her TV dinner. Check them out on Facebook and tell them Eggface sent you.