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Motivation - Workout Tip Jar

For every workout (walk, bike ride, dancing, whatever) of 30 minutes or more I complete I'm sticking $1 in the jar.

Treat Yourself Save Workout Fitness Weight Loss Diet

You could use the money for a trip or a new outfit. I think I will use mine in September at the Obesity Action Coalition's "Your Weight Matters" National Convention. Sign up for e-alerts.

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Dinner and the Leftovers or Taco Tuesday and Wednesday

This Tuesday at my house was Build Your Own Taco Salad Night. I sauteed some ground beef with some taco seasoning sprinkled in... I used beef but ground turkey, shredded chicken or pork, even grilled shrimp or fish can be your protein source then I just prepped a bunch of veggies and "taco" toppings:

Weight Loss Surgery Fitness WLS Cooking Menus Recipes 
Shredded cheese, kidney beans, shredded lettuce w/ cilantro and green onions, black olives,  chopped tomato, guacamole, Greek yogurt w/ a dash of taco seasoning and green onions mixed in.

Tonight I took the leftovers (about 2 cups of "stuff") and turned them into Taco Bites, mini crustless quiches with hardly any effort. Both meals are super family and pocketbook friendly (it is tax time, ugh.)

Crustless Quiches Low Carb Eggs Dinner Lunch Leftovers Ground Beef

Shelly's Taco Egg Bites

5 Eggs, beaten
Approx. 2 cups of leftovers from Build Your Own Taco Salad Night
1 teaspoon Taco Seasoning (make your own or storebought)
dash of Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Weight Loss RNY VSG WLS Bariatric Surgery Low Carb Recipes

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

Weight Loss RNY VSG WLS Bariatric Surgery Low Carb Recipes

Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Let them cool a few moments they pull away and pop right out. Makes 24. Great for lunch or dinner with a salad, soup or veggie side dish or as party hors d'oeuvres.

Weight Loss RNY VSG WLS Bariatric Surgery Low Carb Recipes

More Eggface Bites (aka Mini Crustless Quiches)
More Ideas for Repurposing Leftovers

Repurposing: Transforming leftovers into something equally as yummy. The goal is for them to taste and look so completely different you don't realize you are having leftovers.

Mission accomplished.

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. Yesterday's menu...

Breakfast: I made one of my Make-Ahead Protein Shakes in a Baggie. I place scoops of protein powder, fresh or frozen fruit, and other additions in Ziploc baggies. When I want a Protein Shake I reach in the freezer grab an individual bag, dump it in the blender, add milk or water and whiz away. No dragging out tubs of protein or digging through the freezer or pantry to find all the components each and every time.

Weight Loss Surgery Health Fitness Workout 

I use snack size baggies, for most combos this size is plenty of room, if you add greens... to almost quote Jaws "you're gonna need a bigger bag." For each baggie: Add 1-2 scoops of your favorite Protein Powder (whatever your tub serving suggests) and then the possibilities are endless...


Frozen Fruit (cherries, mango are favs)
Fresh Fruit (hunk of banana, berries)
Veggies (spinach, carrot)
Powdered Peanut Butter
Unsweetened Cocoa
High Protein Greek Yogurt Cubes

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2013/01/high-protein-greek-yogurt-cubes.html

Be sure to write with a Sharpie marker on the bag what the flavor combo is (or not if you like a mystery.) This a great Sunday evening project to make breakfast or afternoon protein shake breaks easier during the week.

Today's baggie was a Chocolate Covered Cherry Protein Shake (Chocolate Protein Powder, Frozen Cherries, and a few High Protein Greek Yogurt Cubes.) I just grabbed the baggie out of the freezer, added milk (or water) and blend.

Workout Fitness Health Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Recipes Blog 

Eggface Grab and Go Breakfast Ideas. 

Lunch: One of my favorites: Shelly's Quinoa Burgers. I can't believe I'm actually using the phrase favorite to describe anything with quinoa in it. I was such a hater of it but I did create a couple of quinoa dishes I actually LOVE.

Weight Loss Health Food Dinner Lunch  

I served it with sliced tomatoes and a dollop of Green Onion Parmesan Greek Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Greek Yogurt, plain
1 Tablespoon Parmesan, grated
1/2 Green Onion, diced fine
Salt to taste

Mix till well blended. Great for dipping meats and veggies. 

Dinner: Shelly's Super Easy Bruschetta Chicken. I BBQ'd pounded out Chicken Breast tenders. Brought the grilled chicken inside, spooned some store bought Bruschetta Sauce on top and sprinkled with shredded Four Cheese Italian Blend Cheese, a few dashes of oregano and a few twists of Black Pepper. Baked at 350 till golden and bubbly about 20 minutes.

Weight Loss Fitness Cooking Healthy Vintage Pyrex

I ate it with Green Beans. Leftovers are great heated (or not) on top of salad greens.

Snacks: Too much coffee and a Homemade Protein Square.

Weight Loss Fitness Snack Breakfast

More Days in my pouch.

Update on me: Remember a few weeks ago I had my labs done well my primary care provider was faxed my WellnessFX™  lab results and decided that I needed to see a hematologist. I had a consult and we're going to begin a series of iron infusions on Monday. I'm just not absorbing iron, it was kind of scary low (the double edged sword of malabsorptive bariatric procedures.) Good news: I understand that I should be feeling like a million bucks again after the infusions begin and all my other labs levels were perfect. I never miss my vitamins but despite that we can end up having a deficiency in an area so get your labs done.


Drum roll...

Thank you all for entering The World According to Eggface Healthy St. Patrick's Day Giveaway.


The random generator has selected: 

Carole T.
fourmilion@xxxxx.com

Congratulations Carole! You are the winner of all the awesome healthy goodies above.You have mail!

Not a winner this time... no worries another awesome Eggface Giveaway is already in the works be sure to follow along on the Blog, Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest for the latest eggciting announcements!

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Blue Sky and Bento Lunch

We have officially had the warmest and driest winter on record in California and although I love the sunshine and blue skies the lack of rain is really affecting the crops. We grow A LOT of things in California. I'm sure the prices at the supermarket will soon reflect the drought conditions. It was 84 for a high today and tomorrow it's supposed to be 90. It's crazy, it's March! 90 degrees?!


Well despite it being still "winter" I did what you should do on a Saturday with these kind of temps. I made a picnic lunch. I filled my bento box and brought it outside on the patio and had a nice visit with Fezziwig (she started visiting around Christmas hence "The Christmas Carol" inspired name) the kitty that has adopted my yard as it's daytime hangout.


Pink Box (top left): Celery Sticks and Green Pepper
Green Box (top right): Sliced Cucumbers (my crackers)
Blue Box (bottom left): Caprese Salad (gorgeous Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Oregano, Salt and Pepper)
Orange Box (bottom right): Shelly's Pesto Parmesan Greek Yogurt Dip

Lunch was completely vegetarian but still protein packed.

More Bento Box lunches, FAQ's and an Online Source for them

My Bento Pinterest Page 

I went to the Farmer's Market this morning as usual. As soon as I got home I got a tray of peppers and onions cut up and in the oven to roast but I saved that piece of pepper to dip. It looked like a shamrock and I could use the luck ;)


Hope everyone is having a nice Saturday.



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. Yesterday's menu...

Breakfast: I had some mushrooms that needed using up so I sauteed them and they went on top of a scrambled egg with a sprinkle of cheese.


Lunch: I made a batch of one of my favorite salads to keep in the fridge. It only gets better and better as it sits. I added some chopped up, grilled chicken I had leftover from dinner the other night. I always throw an extra piece or two on the grill for salads or lunches later in the week.


I filled my bento box and went outside on the patio. I brought the computer outside and worked on a few projects and tried to avoid looking at all the weeding and tree trimming I need to do. I have been advised by my Dr's (PCP sent me to a hematologist) not to do too much physical stuff until I get my iron back up to snuff. I'm scheduled for a series of iron infusions next week. I'll let you know how that all goes. The malabsorptive component of RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery is a bit of a double edged sword. Despite taking all my vitamins faithfully and eating well (lots of iron rich foods) I am not absorbing it. Take this as a pubic service announcement: Get those labs done! Don't let it get super low like I did.


Pink Box (top left): Shelly's Garbanzo and Green Bean Salad
Green Box (top right): Sliced Strawberries
Blue Box (bottom left): Shrimp with Lemon and (in the little blue container) Cocktail Sauce
Orange Box (bottom right): a hunk of Cookies and Cream Quest Protein Bar

More Bento Box lunches, FAQ's and an Online Source for them

My Bento Pinterest Page

Dinner: I love these mini meatloaves. I make a lot of different version. This one with all the flavors of Middle Eastern Falafel is a favorite and will be in rotation for awhile for sure. I served it with Shelly's Greek Yogurt Hummus Dip (just equal parts Greek Yogurt and Hummus.) I didn't feel like anything else but it would be great with leftover bean salad above or


Shelly's Middle Eastern Mini Meatloaf

1(1.25 lbs) package Ground Turkey
1 Onion, chopped
1/4 cup Milk
1/4 cup Oatmeal, dry
1 Egg, beaten
2 Tablespoons Storebought Hummus (any flavor)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
1 Tablespoon Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
a dash of Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Saute onion till golden, set aside to cool. Soak oatmeal in milk for 1 minute (you can use almond meal or bread crumbs) Add cooled onions, soaked oats and all remaining ingredients to ground turkey. Mix till combined.


Divide into 8 equal mounds. Form into mini meatloaves or if you have this super groovy pan like me use it. I sprayed the pan with a little bit of Pam non-stick cooking spray.


Bake for 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. These freeze well either cooked or uncooked.

More Mini Meatloaves

Snacks: Lots of coffee and some Boom Chicka Pop Sea Salt Popcorn while watching American Idol (which I am only watching for Harry Connick Jr.) Yum. Oh and the popcorn was yummy too ;)


More Days in my pouch.

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Healthy Ideas for St. Patrick's Day Pinterest Page

Looking for healthy St. Patrick's Day recipes and fun and festive ideas? Be sure to check out my St. Patrick's Day Pinterest Page. Tons of high protein, no sugar added, weight loss and family-friendly recipes and ideas all the Leprechauns in your life will love...

http://www.pinterest.com/eggface/st-patricks-day/

Including...

Shelly's Corned Beef & Cabbage Bites
Shelly's Nutty Leprechaun Yogurt Dip and Fruit Salad Rainbow 
Shelly's Leprechaun Pancakes
Shelly's Shamrock Shake
and many more.


Eggface Healthy St. Patrick's Day Giveaway

Are you feeling lucky? ♧ If you are... you'll want to add your name to the hat for a chance to win these healthy, weight loss surgery friendly St. Patrick's Day goodies. It's Giveaway time!


The Prize: A tub of Chike Nutrition's brand new Mocha flavor High Protein Iced Coffee (2 Espresso Shots, 20 grams of Whey Protein, 23 Vitamins and Minerals and only 1.5 grams of Sugar, it's not available for purchase yet in this flavor, win it before you can buy it!)

60 ct. bag of Celebrate Vitamins Sugar Free Calcium Citrate Caramel (golden squares of deliciousness) Soft Chews (250 mg of calcium citrate and 250 IU of vitamin D3 in each chew)

375 ml. bottle of Sugar Free Torani Irish Cream Syrup (add a Tablespoon to your Chike Mocha High Protein Iced Coffee for a Healthier Irish Coffee!)

Power Crunch Chocolate Mint Protein Bar and a Premier Nutrition Chocolate Mint Protein Bar

20 oz. Leprechaun Green Blender Bottle Shaker

an Obesity Action Coalition "Your Weight Matters" Bracelet

an Eggface "Remember Why You Started" Bracelet

and a homemade, knitted, Lucky Shamrock Pin with a wish from me to you for good health, good luck and happiness.

How to Enter: 1.) LIKE The World According to Eggface Facebook Page  2.) COME BACK HERE and LEAVE A COMMENT on this blog posting (include a name and some email address where I can contact you if you are the winner) Scroll down to # of comments below to leave yours. That's it, easy peasy.

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

* Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway: Hey everyone enter the @Eggface Healthy St. Patrick's Day Giveaway

and/or

* Follow me on Pinterest and pin any Eggface recipe.

Contest Period Ends: Sunday, March 16th, midnight (pacific), sometime Monday, March 17th. 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 follower (aka have LIKED) the 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 contiguous United States (48 contiguous only, sorry it's a legal and $ thing.)


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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. Yesterday's menu...

Breakfast: I finally emerged from a 2 day migraine. I haven't had one of those in awhile hope it doesn't happen again anytime soon. I didn't really feel like food yet so I made myself a Protein Shake. This was delicious. I used a packet of Celebrate Vitamins ENS Vanilla Cake Batter. I figured the extra boost of vitamins was a good idea. Each shake contains a high potency multivitamin, 500 mg of calcium citrate, 4 g of fiber, and 25 g of whey isolate protein in each serving.


Shelly's Coconut Cream Pie Protein Shake

8 oz. Milk or Water (I used Soy Milk)
1 single serve packet Celebrate Vitamin's ENS - Multivitamin, Calcium, & Protein Shake in Vanilla Cake Batter flavor
1 Tablespoon Sugar-Free Coconut Torani Syrup
a few cubes of Ice

Blend on high. Top with No Sugar Added Homemade Whipped Cream and a sprinkle of toasted Unsweetened Coconut.

Lunch: Nothing like a little fresh air and sunshine to cure what ails you. I filled my bento box and took my work outside.


Pink Box (top left): Sliced Cucumbers (my crackers) and Green Pepper Strips
Green Box (top right): Shelly's Pesto Parmesan Greek Yogurt Dip
Blue Box (bottom left): Shelly's Cheesy Green Onion and Herb Egg Bites and Irish Dubliner Cheese
Orange Box (bottom right): a piece of Premier Nutrition Chocolate Mint Protein Bar

Shelly's Pesto Parmesan Greek Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Greek Yogurt, plain
1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 Tablespoon Pesto Sauce (storebought or homemade)
dash of Salt

Mix well. Great for dipping veggies, meats, as a salad dressing. 

Shelly's Cheesy Green Onion and Herb Egg Bites

5 Eggs, beaten
6 Green Onions, diced fine
2 Tablespoons Bacon Bits (or Crumbled Bacon)
1/2 cup Swiss Cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon Chives
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
dash of Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Spoon into lightly greased (non-stick cooking spray works great for this) mini muffin tin. Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Let them cool a few moments they pull away and pop right out. Makes 24. Great for lunch or dinner with a salad, soup or veggie side or as party hors d'oeuvres.

More Eggface Bites (aka Mini Crustless Quiches)
More Bento Box lunches, FAQ's and an Online Source for them
My Bento Pinterest Page

Dinner: Sometimes I just don't feel like traditional dinner foods so we have what we call "Tidbit Parties." I come up with a few high protein appetizer type foods or cold cut rollups, cheese, veggies and dip things like that and weather permitting we sit outside on the patio. Tonight I made a platter with Shrimp Cocktail (Costco) and I whipped up a few Mini Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Peppers.


Shelly's Mini Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

8 Mini Peppers
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1/2 cup Cooked Sausage, crumbled (I used this)
1 teaspoon Oregano
1/4 cup Parmesan (divided use)
a few Red Pepper Flakes
dash of Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Slice peppers in half, remove seeds and stalks. Rinse and dry. Mix all filling ingredients together except 2 Tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese.


Fill each pepper half with cheese and sausage mixture. Place on a non-stick baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes until peppers are soft and filling is lightly browned.

Snacks: More coffee than I probably should drink, a few strawberries and another piece of that Dubliner cheese.


More Days in my pouch.


Post Weight Loss Surgery Lab Work - WellnessFX

This past week I was given a great opportunity to test out WellnessFX  (Fast Company's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2014) a web-based service that offers direct-to-consumer access to advanced blood tests and online data tracking of your lab work. I was really excited to be a part of a group of post-op bariatric patients testing the service.

Here's how it works...

You visit the WellnessFX web site and choose the tests you would like to have done.
Print out a lab work order. Here's the tests that I had done...


Bring the order to your local lab (Quest, Lab Corp, depends on your state) to have your blood drawn.Yes, that's my blood.


In 3-10 days your results are ready for you online. You can print them out, have them faxed to your Dr. or purchase a phone consultation with one of WellnessFX health practitioners. The user-friendly website allows you to easily see the areas you are excelling in, as well as areas that may need more attention. You can click on each lab result to understand more about what the result means.

It puts the power in your hands to identify and hopefully reverse potential health risks long before symptoms appear. You are also sure to get the right labs done. Many post-ops get labs done but if their Primary Care Provider orders the typical lab panel for them they are missing many important areas that we often fall short in post weight loss surgery.

You will be a more informed patient and an advocate for your health. A very good thing!

So how'd I do... well all was A-OK except my iron. Seems like despite my taking it and my love of lentils and spinach I am just not absorbing it. Iron-deficiency anemia is a fairly common post gastric bypass issue and if left untreated could lead to a ton of health issues and cause damage your heart, brain, and other organs in your body. I had been feeling some symptoms lately (tired, weak, heart racing) and my WellnessFX labs confirmed it. I had WellnessFX fax the results to my Dr. and I'm awaiting her word on next steps. I am thankful I am now aware and can start turning it around.

Get your labs done!

WellnessFX Lab Packages
Blog about my experience on WellnessFX website

UPDATE: I was referred to Hematologist and received a series of iron infusions called Injectafer and all has been well for the past year with my labs. Yay!

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