What you need:
An assortment of protein bar flavors to try.
An assortment of protein shakes (Ready to Drink RTD's work great for this, cold or on ice)
Paper plates
Portion cups
A knife and cutting board if you are not going to pre-cut the bars (FYI: if you have a large group pre-cutting the samples is easier)
Snack size zipper bags for attendees to take home extras hunks of their favorite bars
A table suitable for serving food
* I like to use photo clips (place card holders) to display bar wrappers. Not only does it identify the flavor of the sample but also attendees can review the nutritional information and see important info like whether a bar is gluten free, free of artificial colors or flavors, etc. I also use them as table decorations with inspirational quotes.
* Remind your attendees via email the night before to make adjustments in their next day meal plans to account for all the "tastes" of bars or shakes they will be having.
Pictured: Premier Protein 15g. Protein + 7g. Fiber Bars: Cookies ‘n Cream, Peanut Butter Caramel, Honey Caramel, Chocolate Caramel and Chocolate Mint; Premier Protein 30g. Protein Bars: Double Chocolate Crunch, Peanut Butter Crunch, and White Fudge Raspberry; Premier Protein 30g. Protein Shakes: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberries & Cream.
FYI: My personal favorite bars of those pictured above are the Protein + Fiber Bars in Honey Caramel, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Caramel, and Cookies ‘n Cream flavors. My favorite shakes... I just can't decide. I guess Chocolate if you made me choose one but really all are great and a super convenient portable protein source.
Some other fun ideas...
Protein Swap Table: Sometimes you have to kiss some frogs before you find your prince of a protein shake or bar. As part of your regular support group meeting have a Protein Swap Table where you can leave products for others to take home and try.
Clothing Swap: One of the exciting things about having weight loss surgery is changing clothing sizes quickly but it can be expensive to buy those in-between sizes that you may only be wearing a month or so. Hosting a clothing swap with those gently worn garments can help alleviate some of that costly issue. You will want to set up some racks or tables so donations can be divided by sizes. Some may want to take unswapped items back home but some may not, so have someone willing to make a drop off at the local thrift, shelter or dress for success program.
Group Exercise: Introduce the group to a type of exercise. Contact the local health club, gym, YMCA and ask about having a class scheduled just for your group. If the gym can give your group their little sales pitch before it may even be free. It's more fun to try Yoga or Zumba for the first time with friends and if you are like me the added benefit of making it a support group event is knowing who you are accidentally kicking or falling into ;)
If you prefer the outdoors... gather the group to tackle a local hiking trail together. Lots of great hiking Apps to find a skill level that suits your needs or a trail that has some options of skill levels... or take part in a local walk or run, so many fun ones out there.
This post is sponsored by Premier Protein. For the purposes of this post Premier Protein provided me with products used. Thanks for the yummy bars and shakes. Want to learn more about Premier Protein products LIKE their Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram and tell them The World According to Eggface told you to stop by. Hope this gives you a few ideas for your support groups to try. If you try one (or more) I'd love to see pictures!
