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. Today's healthy and delicious menu...

Breakfast: Every Sunday morning I try and make a couple of things to help me make the beginning of my week a little easier. This morning I tossed a couple of chicken breast in the oven (lunch/dinner helpers) and made a batch of ricotta pancakes. I ate a couple with some Sugar Free Maple Syrup before starting my big project for the day. They will make an easy breakfast tomorrow with a smear of almond butter.

Shelly's Blueberry Cheesecake Ricotta Pancakes

1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Egg, beaten
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (Sugar Free Vanilla, Caramel, French Vanilla)
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding Mix, dry
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
25-30 Blueberries (about 3 or 4 per pancake)

Mix all ingredients together. I use whole milk ricotta, if you use part skim, drain first. Spray pan with non-stick spray. Spoon a dollop of mixture in pan and pat flat. Add blueberries. Cook on low till golden, flip, pat flat, cook till done. Serve each pancake with a drizzle of warm Sugar Free Maple Syrup or delicious just plain. Makes 8 pancakes.

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. Leftovers usually get some SF jam, almond or peanut butter smeared on them, wrapped in foil and they become a great breakfast-on-the-go.

More Eggface Pancake Recipes
More Eggface Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Breakfast Recipes

I am doing a little reorganizing of my garage... little shared fact about me... I used to be the Curriculum Director of a couple of local Child Care Centers (500+ kids, 8 weeks to 12 years, 150+ staff) I have 2 racks of tubs that are from that time in my life and I really need to sort through them. I also have my Pyrex (I collect vintage Pyrex) in a couple of places and I'd like to have a dedicated cabinet for that. It hasn't been a priority but I'm really just sick of seeing it on my to-do list. Today was sort of pre-cleaning and making the workspace dust bunny free. I turned on 80's music on Spotify and knocked a lot out but before I knew it, it was well after lunch. 

Lunch: I just ended up cutting up a mango into cubes and dipping it some Spiced Chai Greek Yogurt. If you are not a mango fan this dip is also great with apple slices or topped with Protein Granola or toasted, sliced Almonds.

Shelly's Spiced Chai Yogurt Dip

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, plain
2 Tablespoons Big Train Fit Frappe Spiced Chai Protein Powder
1 Tablespoon Honey (or 1 T. Sugar Free Torani Syrup - SF Vanilla)

Mix together till well blended. The honey, mango, chai combo is perfect together sort of Indian. If you can't do honey any sweetener you use would be fine.

It was really refreshing. I sat outside looking at the clouds and breathing some fresh air... before heading back into the garage for a few more hours. I've got some project ahead of me. It's going to take a couple of weekend days. I might be listening to today's hits by the time I'm done ;)

Dinner: Thankful for yummy leftovers from dinner last night. My Sicilian Grandmother would have been proud instead of being lazy (and just making meat sauce or using store bought meatballs) I made homemade. I need to do this more, it really wasn't all that more time and so much tastier.  I use 1/4 cup of oatmeal soaked 1/4 cup of milk as the replacement for breadcrumbs and it makes a super tender meatball.

Shelly's Homemade Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles 

1 pound Ground Beef (85% is what I used, you can use whatever or turkey or combo beef & pork)
1/4 cup Oatmeal
1/4 cup Milk
1 Egg, beaten
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 small Yellow Onion, sauteed
1 teaspoon Oregano
dash Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Soak the oats in the milk for about 2 minutes. Saute onions, set aside to cool. Mix all ingredients together (including soaked oats and cooled onions) till well combined. Roll into meatballs. Saute in a little olive oil turning to brown on all sides. Pour 3/4 of a jar of tomato sauce over (I prefer Rao's Tomato Basil, it's most like my Grandma's sauce) simmer till meatballs are cooked through and sauce is warmed through.

In another pan saute the zucchini noodles (2-3 small zucchini turned into "Noodles" or "Zoodles" with either a spiralizer or julienne peeler) till tender in a little drizzle of olive oil.

Drain any liquid and add to meatballs and sauce, mixing to coat. Serve with shredded Parmesan or Ricotta Salata cheese.

More Eggface Low Carb Pasta Alternatives
More Healthy Italian Food Recipes

Snacks: Coffee (really not that much today) I am sipping on a cup as I type this... as I worked I drank water with Crystal Light Pink Lemonade. I picked up a few of the new Quest Bar Mocha Chocolate Chip flavor (when I picked these up I randomly met a blog reader at the store and had a nice chat, Hi Jennifer!) Verdict: It's yummy as a bar though I would like more coffee flavor.

I love to turn Quest Bars into cookies (better portion control, 8 cookies/bar and I eat 2 cookies as a portion and am satisfied) So 2 cookies have my name written on them later while I watch a little TV.

I'm trying to clear off my DVR because I'm thinking of axing DirectTV. I'm not a big TV watcher... I really only watch a couple of shows regularly: Amazing Race (I know I can get CBS online for a few bucks a month), but my Mum loves her General Hospital and I'd like to have my mindless Bravo and Food Network (my dirty little secret Real Housewives and Spring Baking Show.) We are in a valley so we get NOTHING on an antenna so it would be online (or I do have a Smart TV) and I don't mind a few subscriptions but you know not paying $70+ would be nice, $25-$30 maybe? Advice from those who have cut the cord is appreciated.

More Days in my Pouch

Drum roll...

Thank you to all who entered The World According to Eggface Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 Lucky Winner Giveaway

The random generator has selected: 

Andrea G.
Dreag823@xxxxxx.com

Congratulations  Andrea! You are the winner of the latest Eggface Giveaway! You have mail!

Want to learn more about any of the contents of the giveaway above: Click here for more info and sources.

Not a winner this time... no worries another Eggface Giveaway begins soon! Follow along on the Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram for the latest eggciting announcements!

Tips for a Happy and Healthy Spring!

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring. Lots of people have spring cleaning projects they do each year... cleaning the windows and attic are great but maybe consider a spring cleaning and organizing of your pantry and fridge. If items have made their way in because "they are for the kids" but honestly they probably wouldn't know if they were gone... make them go away. If the items are unopened drop them off at the local food bank. If they are opened bring them to work and leave in the break room or ask if an elderly neighbor can make use of the item (many are on fixed incomes and would love them.) Keep only the healthiest choices and make your house a safe zone as much as possible.

Eggface Post Weight Loss Surgery Pantry Essentials

Keep a list of healthy recipes you want to try. Create a Pinterest board to inspire you. Pick 1 or 2 a week to try. Hope you find a few on the blog and my Pinterest page that you enjoy. The night before you are going to make a recipe pull out the pans, measuring cups and any seasonings you'll need so when you come home tired and hungry some of your work will be done already, making it more likely to actually happen.

Has the hour change messed with your exercise schedule? Make a fitness appointment with yourself. Write it down on your calendar or put it in your phone. Set a reminder like you would for a meeting with your boss. It's that important. Is the weather unpredictable? Write down a couple of options if it rains or is too cold. I like to walk 45-60 minutes. My Plan B when it rains or is too cold... 1.) walk the mall or Lowes, or 2.) Pop in a walking DVD, or 3.) Do an App (I love Sworkit), YouTube or FitnessBlender workout.

Online Resources for Health, Fitness and Well-being
Exercise - 5 for Free 

Consider registering for the Your Weight Matters National Convention and treat yourself to a weekend of awesome evidence based health, weight, weight loss, nutrition, fitness and emotional health education and lots of motivation and inspiration this summer. Bring a friend or loved one and make it a weekend of fun and health. If you're coming alone that's great, I am too and I can't wait to meet you!

Happy & Healthy Spring to all!

Registration is NOW OPEN for #YWM2017 The Your Weight Matters National Convention!

For over a decade, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has been the voice of those affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support. While engaged in advocacy efforts, the OAC had the opportunity to speak with people across the country and so many expressed the need for evidence-based education about weight and health from a source they could trust, others expressed the need for support, the desire to connect with others and create a community. To fill this need, the Your Weight Matters National Convention was created and this year’s YWM2017 marks the 6th year of this amazing event. 

If you are long time reader you know this event is a must attend each year for me. It's my source of support and every year I come back energized in my commitment to my health and my weight loss journey.

I invite you to take a look at the YWM2017 agenda, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you are a person affected by overweight or obesity, a support person, friend or loved one, or a professional working with patients (18 CEU's offered) the speakers will cut through the often confusing health information and dig into topics like nutrition, fitness, emotional health, stress, sleep and more, that affect us all. 

Registration is NOW OPEN for #YWM2017 The Your Weight Matters National Convention! 

Register and join us in New Orleans for a weekend of awesome education, inspiration and connecting with others interested in living the healthiest life possible. Hope to see you there!

Your Weight Matters National Convention #YWM2017

August 10-13, 2017 

New Orleans, LA

For more information and to register: www.YWMConvention.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YWMConvention/

and...  for those that register between March 15-22, you will be entered into a drawing for a free 3-night stay at the Sheraton New Orleans.

Never been to an event before? Here are some first time attendee tips and I promise you, this will be an awesome weekend! I can't wait to meet you!!

Eggface and Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 Lucky Winner Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Celebrate Vitamins. I am excited to share with you some recipes using their Protein 20 line of Protein Powder.

Have you tried Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 yet? Each serving has 20 grams of 100% whey protein isolate, comes in a bunch of great flavors, 90-120 calories and only 1-3 grams of sugar per serving (varies with flavor), perfect for post weight loss surgery.

I love them mixed with almond or soy milk, a little ice and blended into a frappe-style shake, sometimes I'll add an instant coffee tube for something better than anything you can get at a coffeeshop. You can even put a couple of spoons in your Greek yogurt for an extra protein packed breakfast or make these Chocolate Mint Protein Balls for a healthy on-the-go snack... but they are great just shaken up in your blender bottle with water or milk.

Shelly's Mint Cookie Protein Shake

8 oz. Milk (any cow, soy, almond, coconut)
1 scoop Celebrate Vitamins Chocolate Mint Protein Powder
1 scoop Celebrate Vitamins Cookies and Cream Protein Powder
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
a few Ice Cubes
Optional: No Sugar Added Homemade Whipped Cream, crumbled Protein Bar or shaved SF Chocolate.

Whiz in blender on high. Top with optional items.

Shelly's Homemade No Sugar Added Whipped Cream

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

Whisk till well combined. Every batch I make a new flavor: SF Vanilla, SF Coconut, SF Almond, if you want pink cream SF Raspberry is great. 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, protein shakes and smoothies, protein cake.

Did You Know: Celebrate Chocolate Mint (or any of their flavors) makes a delicious warm protein drink on a chilly AM. Use your blender bottle shaker to mix your shake as you would normally (cold milk & protein powder), pour into a microwave safe mug and heat in 30 second increments till desired temperature is reached.

Well now it wouldn't be fair to share these yummy recipes and ways to use Celebrate's Protein 20 is without an opportunity to win some, am I right?!

It's Giveaway Time! 

If you are the Lucky Winner you will get to try ALL the awesome flavors of Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20!

The Prize: 1 bag of Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 Chocolate Mint Protein Powder
1 bag of Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 Cookies and Cream Protein Powder
6 Single Serve Travel Packets of Celebrate Vitamins other awesome Protein 20 flavors: Chocolate, Wildberry (my other very fav), Iced Decaf Coffee, Peanut Butter Cookie, Caramel Vanilla Swirl, and Unflavored
16 oz. Stainless Steel Thermal Travel Mug (take your warm protein drink with you)
Black & Green Blender Bottle Shaker

How to Enter: LEAVE A COMMENT on this blog posting (be sure to include a name and some email address where I can contact you if you are the winner) Scroll down to # of comments/post a comment below to leave yours. That's it, easy peasy.

Example: Jane Doe jdoe@someemail.com

Want an extra chance to win: Follow my Instagram page and mention in your comment on this post letting me know. P.S. There just might be something fun happening over there this week, keep an eye out!

Example: Jane Doe jdoe@someemail.com I liked you on Instagram too!

Contest Period Ends: Sunday, March 19 (11:59 PM Pacific), winner announced sometime Monday, March 20th. 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 may be chosen. 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 U.S. only (contiguous United States plus Alaska & Hawaii mailing address only, sorry it's a international law thing.)

Thank you for following and sharing The World According to Eggface and Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter social media pages with your friends, family and support groups and for checking out the great companies like Celebrate Vitamins that I feature on the blog from time to time. I appreciate it. Good Luck!

Thanks Celebrate Vitamins for partnering with me on this giveaway. For more information about their extensive line of products be sure to check them out on Facebook and please tell them Eggface sent you.

So this happened: BBC Radio

You've heard the adage "early bird gets the worm" well this morning it was "the early bird gets to chat on BBC radio about weight loss surgery." You all know I am an early riser so I logged on this morning at 4 AM. I checked my Twitter feed for the latest craziness coming from our government and I had a message from a gentleman at the BBC wanting to connect with me about a story they were doing on weight loss surgery. I replied that I would be happy to answer any questions they had or direct them to someone perhaps earlier in their weight loss journey that might fit their piece better. I was thinking this was a print piece or something in the future but anyway... long story short 4 hours later I was live on the BBC radio show, "World Have Your Say."

Here's the link to the show if you want to give it a listen, it's about 20 minutes or so. I start off and then pop in and out later.

and then later they tweeted a sound bite from the show along with some before and after photos. 

"There's a lot of blame and shame" @Eggface Does weight reduction surgery warrant sympathy? #BariatricSurgery pic.twitter.com/T91cvQRtOy

— World Have Your Say (@BBC_WHYS) March 9, 2017

I hope I represented well. Thanks to BBC Radio for giving me the opportunity to share my story and hopefully change some feelings around weight loss surgery.

Healthy Breakfast Recipe: Premier Protein Lucky Protein Waffles & Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein®. I'm excited to share one of my favorite recipes featuring Premier Protein Shakes with you

These protein packed waffles are the perfect breakfast idea for St. Patrick's Day or any day. Have the kiddos help you make this super easy recipe, just a few ingredients to measure, stir and a little magic of a waffle maker. Can you imagine them telling their pals at school they had green waffles for breakfast and since it's made with a Premier Protein Vanilla Shake that's packed with 30 grams of protein (and only 1 gram of sugar) you and your little leprechauns will be fueled with the good energy needed for a day of hunting for rainbows and pots of gold... or spelling tests and business meetings.

Shelly's Lucky Green Protein Waffles 

  

1 Premier Protein 11oz. Vanilla Shake

a few drops of Green Food Coloring

1 cup Multigrain Pancake Mix 

1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Pistachio Pudding Mix, dry

Mix all ingredients together till thoroughly combined.

Spray waffle maker with a little non-stick spray and spoon the batter into hot waffle maker, being careful not to add too much. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the waffles are cooked and slightly crispy on the edges. Follow your waffle maker's instructions (mine beeps when it's done.)

Serve plain or with warm sugar free maple syrup. Makes 8 waffle sticks. Leftovers are great reheated in a toaster oven.

Need your breakfast on-the-go: Spread a couple of waffles with almond butter, peanut butter or sugar free jam. Wrap in foil, grab a Premier Protein shake, toss them in your bag and head off to school, work or a family adventure.

More Premier Protein Recipes

Want a chance to win this great Premier Protein Prize Pack. It's Giveaway Time!

The Prize: A Reusable Shopping Bag filled with awesome Premier Protein products...

10 Premier Protein Shakes (2 of each of flavor Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberries & Cream, Bananas & Cream and Caramel)

7 Premier Protein New & improved 30 gram bars now have no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors and are gluten free (1 of each flavor Chocolate Peanut Butter, Yogurt Peanut Crunch, Peanut Butter Crunch, New Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Mint, New Dark Chocolate Almond and Double Chocolate Crunch)

16 oz. Double Wall Stainless Steel Copper Vacuum Thermal Bottle

How to Enter: LEAVE A COMMENT on this blog posting (be sure to include a name and some email address where I can contact you if you are the winner) Scroll down to # of comments/post a comment below to leave yours. That's it, easy peasy.

Example: Jane Doe jdoe@someemail.com

Want an extra chance to win: Follow my Instagram page and/or Facebook page and mention in your comment on this post letting me know.

Example: Jane Doe jdoe@someemail.com I like you on Instagram or Facebook too!

Contest Period Ends: Sunday, March 12th (11:59 PM Pacific), winner announced sometime Monday, March 13th. 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 may be chosen. 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 U.S. only (contiguous United States plus Alaska & Hawaii mailing address only, sorry it's a international law thing.)

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein® #TheDayIsYours For the purposes of this post Premier Protein provided me with products used. 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 you give these waffles a try!