Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world.

Breakfast: I took off to the Farmer's Market without having breakfast (bad I know) I did grab a latte at Starbucks. Not sure who Mychelle is but her Grande, 3 pump Sugar Free Vanilla, No Foam, Soy Latte was tasty ;)

My Farmer's Market haul: Onions (Red, Sweet Maui and Green), Garlic, Tomatoes, Avocado, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Peas, a few Persian Cucumbers and these beautiful Berries...

They will make great breakfasts this week: a few Greek Yogurt parfaits, in a few protein shakes and topping for oatmeal.

7 Protein Packed Grab and Go Breakfast Ideas

Lunch: I made a batch of my Quinoa Burgers. These heat up great and will make a quick and easy breakfast, lunch or dinner this week. To reheat: I nuke them for a minute and usually top with a slice of cheese and broil it till it's golden and bubbly.

I had one for lunch with a little Tomato and Cucumber Salad with a sprinkle of Parmesan, black pepper, and oregano and a dollop of Green Onion Parmesan Greek Yogurt Dip.

I sat outside and grilled a bunch of chicken, some for dinner and some for Sunday or Monday meals. I admired my really great purchase. Last year, I bought this cactus for $1 at the Farmer's Market and look at it now...

Dinner: I bought a small cauliflower at the market this morning I was going to make Cauliflower Pie later on in the week but it was a little too small for that but the perfect size for making Riceless Fried "Rice."

Shelly's Cauliflower Chicken Fried Riceless "Rice"

1 small head of Cauliflower
1/2 Yellow Onion, diced
2 Eggs, cooked, scrambled
1/3 cup-ish Cooked Peas
2 Green Onions, diced fine
1 cup Grilled Chicken, chopped
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon Rice Wine Vinegar
dash of Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Saute yellow onion till golden. Set aside. Break up the cauliflower into small florets. Pulse the florets in a food processor until reduced to the size of rice grains (about 2 cups worth after whizzing.) Place in a saute pan with a drizzle of olive oil and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, the cauliflower will become slightly golden when it's done. Add onions, cooked egg, grilled chicken, and all remaining ingredients. Cook till warmed through. This serves 3-4 people. I used peas because I had leftovers but sometimes I use bean sprouts or green beans, anything you have on hand or a combo.

Cooks Note: If you have a Trader Joe's around you might want to look for pre- riced cauliflower (in fresh and frozen), Green Giant makes one (fresh) as well. I have see it at Super Targets.

Check out an Italian very similar dish I make.

Snacks: Too much coffee as usual and as I grilled the chicken for dinner I sampled this Coco Libre Protein Coconut Water. The other day I spotted this at my local health food store (Organic Roots for the locals reading) and tossed it in my basket.

I tried the Almond flavor, it also come in Vanilla and Chocolate. 140 calories, 20 grams of protein, no added sugar, 22 vitamins and minerals. It might be a few too many carbs for the early post-ops, so remember when it doubt always ask your medical team. I would think it would be a winner for the post-op runners... coconut water is full of electrolytes. Verdict: It's really tasty. I'd get it again. It's nice to have a few Ready to Drink Protein Shakes in the fridge especially when the summer heatwaves hit or in cooler on a road trip. Quick protein with no effort.

More days in my pouch.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world.

Breakfast: Shelly's Almond Joy Protein Shake. Seriously tastes just like an Almond Joy! Sooo good. I used that new Silk Almond Coconut Blend Milk.

Shelly's Almond Joy Protein Shake

1 cup Silk Almond Coconut Blend Milk (any milk will do)
1 packet/scoop Chocolate Protein Powder (I used Celebrate Vitamins ENS Chocolate Milk Flavor)
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Coconut Torani Syrup
a few Ice Cubes

Blend. I topped it with...

Shelly's Homemade No Sugar Added Coconut Whipped Cream

1 cup Whipping Cream
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Coconut Torani Syrup (any flavor will do)

Whisk till well combined. Fill whipping cream to the fill line of the whipper. Screw on the top. Insert the CO2 cartridge till it empties, unscrew that. Put the nozzle on, shake a few times and squirt away. It makes a ton, store it in the fridge for up to 10 days just give it another few shakes before squirting. Great on berries, shakes and smoothies, crepes.

I use Silk soy milk mostly, liquid cow's milk and I just don't get along post weight loss surgery (pain, cramps) I don't seem to have the same issues with cheese or yogurt (thank goodness) but something about liquid milk (ouch) so I switched to soy at about 2 weeks post-op when through a series of experiments I realized my cow's milk issue. I've tried other milks: almond (a little too sweet and thick), coconut (a little too watery) so I was really excited when I heard Silk was making a combo Almond Coconut Blend. It's delicious... now I won't be changing from soy milk (I love the protein content too much) but this is a nice change and GREAT in protein shakes and smoothies (way less calories, they have a 35 cal/serving version and the 50 calorie version I tried.)

More Eggface Protein Shakes and Smoothies

Lunch: This is a meal I make when I want something warm and satisfying like a casserole but without the 30+ minute baking time. The leftovers are great heated up too. Fezziwig the visiting cat made a cameo.

Shelly's Chickpea and Beef Bowl

1/2 pound Ground Beef
1 Onion, diced
1 (15 oz. can) Chickpeas (aka Garbanzo Beans), rinsed and drained
1 Tablespoon Hummus (storebought, any flavor)
1 Tablespoon Za'atar (Middle Eastern Seasoning. Storebought or make your own)
Parmesan Cheese for top
a few twists of Black Pepper

Saute beef (turkey or sausage can sub) till no pink is shown. Drain any fats and set aside. Saute onion till golden. Add beef and all remaining ingredients (except Parmesan) and heat till warmed through. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Dinner: A go-to dinner at my house. Foil Packet Fish. Tilapia filet (any fish will work), 1 small Zucchini, sliced , 1 green onion, chopped, drizzle of olive oil, generous sprinkle of seasoning blend whatever you like (Greek, Italian, Lemon Pepper, whatever you love) Wrap tightly in foil. Toss packets on the BBQ grill, covered for 15-20 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fish) don't lift the lid, trust me it'll be perfect every time.

Other Eggface Foil Packet Dinners

Snacks: Lots of coffee as usual and a Homemade Protein Square.

More days in my pouch.

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Eggface Favorite Protein Shakes and Smoothies Pinterest Page

Check out my Protein Shakes and Smoothies Pinterest Page for oodles of protein-packed recipes and ideas for a quick and nutritious breakfast on-the-go or as part of a weight loss or post weight loss surgery diet: 

and visit my other Pinterest Boards...

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world.

Breakfast: PB&J Oatmeal. Mixed in Strawberry Sugar Free Torani Syrup and Chike PB Powdered Peanut Butter (1 Tablespoon of each) and topped it with a teaspoon of SF Strawberry Jam (Reminded me of those Oatmeal Swirlers from the 80's, remember those?) This tasted just like a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.

Need some more protein add a few Tablespoons of protein powder and mix it in. Mmm Chike Strawberry Burst or Celebrate Strawberry ENS would be great mixed in or if you normally do a splash of milk in your oats instead of milk use a Premier Protein Strawberry and Cream Ready-to-drink Protein Shakes.

Made too much oatmeal? Make these Frozen Oatmeal Discs.

Lunch: Leftovers. Had a few things that needed using up so I filled my bento box with a mish mash of stuff and made a Greek yogurt dip (because I dip everything.) All was super tasty and packed with protein.

Pink Box (top left): Grilled Chicken (I always toss extra on the grill for lunches)
Green Box (top right): Green Onion Parmesan Greek Yogurt Dip
Blue Box (bottom left): Shelly's Quinoa Burger
Orange Box (bottom right): Tomatoes with a sprinkle of oregano, S&P.

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

Dinner:  I went to the Fallbrook Avocado Festival this weekend (it's tradition) and bought a few avocados that finally were perfect for guacamole making. Shrimp are way better than chips for dipping...

Snacks: Lots of coffee and Apple Nachos, my snack as I watched American Idol results. A great dessert but I have even had it for breakfast on occasion. Sliced Apple (I love Honeycrisp, Pink Lady or Fuji) with a variety of toppings. Totally kid friendly too. They can assemble their own "Nacho" masterpiece.

Greek Yogurt sweetened with Sugar Free Syrup (any flavor)
Chopped up Protein Bar
Nuts
Toasted Unsweetened Coconut
Unsweetened Cocoa
Powdered Peanut Butter

Looking back at the day I realized I ate two meals that traditionally would be laden with chips: guacamole & chips and nachos and not a chip was eaten. Didn't miss them either.

More Days in my pouch.

No Bake Healthy Snack: Protein Balls "Truffles"

I've made these protein balls in various forms before. I call them "protein truffles" because they are so good they deserve a fancier name then protein balls. I've made chocolate protein truffles and a combo of chocolate and coffee protein... this time I used vanilla protein powder and rolled them in unsweetened coconut. I think they look like Easter Bunny tails. A perfect protein packed breakfast-on-the-go or snack when you are craving something sweet.

Shelly's Protein Balls "Truffles"

1/2 cup Almond Butter
2 1/2 scoops (60 cc scoop) Vanilla Protein Powder (any flavor or combo of flavors will do)
1 teaspoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
1/4 cup Chopped Nuts (I used a combo of pecans & almonds)
1/4 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
1/4 cup-ish  Unsweetened Coconut for coating

Mix all ingredients except coconut together. It takes a minute or two of mixing to get it to come together but it will. Roll into quarter size balls. Roll into unsweetened coconut. Refrigerate. Makes 18-20 truffles. Keep refrigerated for several days or they can be frozen. They will defrost good as new in minutes in the fridge.

The World According to Eggface Facebook 20,000 Giveaway

The World According to Eggface Facebook page hit 20,000 likes this week! When I started blogging my weight loss surgery journey I could never have imagined that it would allow me to cross life paths with so many awesome people. I truly believe that having a support network and staying active in the community helps "keep my head in the game" so THANK YOU for sharing the road with me and for sharing the blog and Facebook page with your friends, family, support groups. I appreciate the kind shout outs. You rock! I think 20,000 Facebook pals is worthy of a celebration...

It's Giveaway Time!

The Prize: A Nike Gym Bag Hit the gym, Zumba class, or use it as your carry-on when you join me in Orlando this year at #YWM2014 and it's jam packed with some of my post weight loss surgery bariatric favorites...

Celebrate Vitamins Sugar Free Calcium Soft Chews (Chocolate... soooo yummy!)
Celebrate Vitamins Multivitamin (Chewable Grape) 60 ct.
Celebrate Vitamins Iron + C (Chewable Grape) 30 ct.

6 Single Serving Travel Packets of all of Chike Nutrition's flavors (1 each of Chocolate Bliss, Very Vanilla, Strawberry Burst, Banana Magic, Orange Creme, High Protein Iced Coffee)

1 Mini Sampler Set of Sugar Free Torani Syrups (4 - 150 ml mini bottles in SF Caramel, SF Raspberry, SF Vanilla, and SF Hazelnut)

1 Cookies and Cream Quest Protein Bar (the latest flavor)

3 Premier Protein Crisp Protein Bars (Chocolate Mint, Honey Caramel, Peanut Butter Caramel)

1 Detour Smart Bar (Apple Cinnamon)

1 Crucha-ma-me Freeze Dried Edamame (Lightly Seasoned)

1 Tub of Big Train's Fit Frappé Protein Drink Mix (Spiced Chai Latte)

1 Pret a Paquet Snack Pack (1.5 cup) with Thermo Sleeve (Great for taking your breakfast on-the-go)

1 - 20 oz. Orange Blenderball Shaker 

An Eggface "Remember Why You Started" Black Bracelet and a Red Your Weight Matters Bracelet


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.

For fun... tell me what you most want to try in the prize package or favorite item if you've already tried them all.

***Want extra chances to win?***

* Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway: Hey everyone enter the @Eggface Facebook 20,000 Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/nmxkqcl  

* Follow me on Pinterest and pin at least one of your favorite Eggface recipes or an Eggface recipe you'd like to try to one of your Pinterest boards.

Contest Period Ends: Sunday, April 20th, midnight (Pacific), sometime Monday, April 21st. 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) of the The World According to Eggface. One comment entry per person. Blog comments are moderated so there may be a slight delay (up to a few hours, especially at night if I'm sleeping Zzzz) 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.)

Good Luck and Thanks!

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world. 

Breakfast: If you haven't tried the Spiced Chai Fit Frappé Protein get yourself some. It comes in a ton of great flavors. As a drink you can make it iced or blended with ice or frozen fruit.  One of my favorite Fit Frappe flavors is Spiced Chai Latte. Chai is a traditional drink of India, flavored with black tea, vanilla, honey and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, clove. I especially love it in warm milk on a chilly evening. It's not only for drinking though... I've made waffles and crepes with it and these Spiced Chai Ricotta Pancakes, a packed with protein breakfast.

Shelly's Spiced Chai Ricotta Protein Pancakes

1 Egg, beaten
1/2 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 Tablespoon DaVinci Sugar Free Syrup (any flavor)
1 scoop Fit Frappé Spiced Chai Latte Protein Drink Mix

Mix all ingredients together till well blended. 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 Fruit. Makes 8.

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. I rarely reheat, my leftovers usually get some almond or peanut butter smeared on them, wrapped in foil and they become a great breakfast-on-the-go.

Lunch: This will be going into permanent rotation at my house. It's easy (only a few minutes to prepare), cheap (it is tax time, about $1.25 per serving), protein packed (chicken, beans, cheese, yogurt) and Mmmm tasty (onions, cumin, salsa... muy muy delicioso!

Shelly's Black Bean Burrito Bake (Tortilla-less)

1 Yellow Onion, chopped
2 Green Onions, diced (divided use)
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 (15 oz.) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (12.5 oz.) can White Meat Chunk Chicken, drained
1/2 cup Salsa (I used a Medium Roasted Tomato, any heat you prefer)
1/4 cup Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (Colby Jack)
Greek Yogurt for serving

Saute yellow onion and most of the green onion till golden, save a Tablespoon or so of diced green onion back. Add cumin and oregano and saute 1 minute. Break up chunk chicken with a fork a bit. Add all ingredients. Stir and heat till warmed through. Spoon equally into 4 shallow oval gratin dishes. Sprinkle each with a Tablespoon of shredded cheese and remaining chopped green onion. Broil a few minutes till cheese is bubbly and golden. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

More Weight Loss Surgery on a Budget Ideas

Dinner: I tossed a pre-cooked frozen burger patty on the BBQ. Topped it with sauteed mushrooms and a 1/2 a slice of Swiss cheese. Broiled it till melted. I ate it as is but it would be great with a small green salad, sliced tomatoes or veggie.

Snacks: Lots of coffee and sliced Strawberries with Homemade No Sugar Added Whipped Cream.

More Days in my pouch Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus.

Your Weight Matters National Convention Registration is OPEN!

Registration is now OPEN for the 2014 Your Weight Matters National Convention brought to you by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC.) If you are interested in Health, Nutrition, Exercise and Fitness, Support, Advocacy and Weight Bias, Weight loss and Obesity Treatments, Mindful Eating, Body Image Issues, Addiction, Family & Obesity, Emotional Health and Weight and 50+ other health related topics... this is the MUST ATTEND EVENT of the year.

Here's the link to the awesome AGENDA

Please join me...

When: September 25-28, 2014
Who: You, me, a bunch of other awesome people looking to learn about their health and a ton of world renowned experts sharing their knowledge and latest research. 
Where: at the beautiful Renaissance Orlando directly across from Sea World in Orlando, Florida (discounted conference rate of $109/night)



Link to REGISTER 

You will want to get in on the "First to SHINE" Registration Contest, which gives those who are among the first to register the chance to win a 3-night stay at the host hotel and free registration to the events! Any individual who registers before April 30 will be entered-in for a chance to win the grand prize, which includes:

• 3-night stay at the beautiful Renaissance Orlando at Sea World during the meeting

• Full Convention Registration, which gives you full access to all that YWM2014 has to offer

• Two tickets to the popular Lunch with the Experts sessions (Friday and Saturday)

The drawing will take place on May 1, so be sure to register before April 30 for your chance to win! Registration online at YWMConvention.com or by calling the OAC National Office at (800) 717-3117.

You do not have to be a paid OAC member to attend the convention... paying the $20 each year gives you a great magazine and you are contributing to the work the OAC does on behalf of people affected by obesity but not necessary at all to attend the convention.

After you register be sure to head over to the Facebook Event Page to start to get to know fellow attendees and be sure to sign up to receive email updates.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world.

Breakfast: I made a variation on my Cinnamon Apple Walnut Salad. I replaced the walnuts with pecans and used Sugar Free Belgian Cookie Torani Syrup (any flavor would be great.)

Lunch:  Chicken Salad Melt. Mixed up some Chicken Salad (canned white meat chicken, a dollop of Greek yogurt, chopped celery, chopped green onion, dash of dried dill, a few twists of black pepper), spooned it onto a thick slice of tomato, sprinkled it with a little cheese and broiled it till the cheese was melted. Soooo good.

Other Eggface Chicken Salads  

Dinner: I made a sort of Inside-Out Chicken Cordon Bleu and served it with steamed green beans.

 

For each, you will need: 1 slice of ham (look for low sodium, nitrate-free), 1/2 a piece of Swiss cheese, a few pieces of cooked chicken (I used leftover sliced BBQ chicken.)

Roll those up ham on the outside, cheese then chicken in the center. I placed 2 in an oval gratin dish (1 was plenty per person) with a veggie.

I topped the roll-ups with a mushroom sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan and placed the whole thing under the broiler for a few minutes till golden and bubbly.

Shelly's Mushroom Sauce

8-10 Mushrooms, sliced
pinch of dried Thyme
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Spelt Flour
1/4 cup Chicken Broth
1/4 cup Milk

Saute mushrooms (any, I used white because it was all I had but crimini would be great or a combo) till golden, I spray the pan with a little Pam (optional.) Add thyme, butter and spelt, mix together and cook for 1 minute. Add liquid slowly. Stir and cook till bubbling and thickened.

Snacks: Too much coffee, a Grande 3 pump Sugar Free Vanilla Soy Latte and a hunk (about 1/3) of Cookies and Cream Quest Protein Bar.

More Days in my pouch.

Update on me: I had my second iron infusion this week. This one didn't go as well as the first. I apparently have very small veins (doesn't that sound like a compliment... it's not) so they kept blowing through them. After 2 nurses, a couple of hot packs and many, many needle sticks they finally got one. For those that asked about what I'm having done... This was the 2nd of 2 treatments of Injectafer scheduled a week a part (about 1/2 hour treatment once they found a vein) then we'll do labs again in May and see where I am at and if more are needed. All my other labs are stellar so hopefully, we can get this one up and all will be grand again. Thanks for thinking of me.