Memorial Day Remembrance and Recipes

As a kid, I remember thinking it odd that people celebrated Memorial Day Weekend because Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who died serving in the U.S. military, it seemed wrong. As I've gotten older, I realize that we are not guaranteed more than today, never more apparent than last night in Manchester, England. I understand the importance of taking a weekend to enjoy family and friends and break bread well... not bread in my case ;) but sharing some yummy food. As we enjoy our BBQ's in the backyard or picnics in the park I hope we all take time to remember and honor those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all.

One easy way to help: Do you have clothing you no longer fit in? Consider donating it to Vietnam Veterans of America. The donations are sold in thrift stores across America to help fund programs for veterans of all eras.

Here's some favorite protein packed Memorial Day weekend recipes to kick off the unofficial beginning of Summer. They are all weight loss surgery friendly but your loved ones (including the kiddos) should enjoy them as well.

Build Your Own Slider

Shelly's Quinoa Patties (for your vegetarian friends and family, make extra non-vegetarian pals will love them too)

Kabobs and Skewers

Grilled Veggies

Shelly's Caprese Chicken

These next 2 are great to take to the park (no mayo to spoil) or parade watching. I love to use those take-out chinese food containers to transport, just remember to bring a fork.

Shelly's Greek Chicken Cucumber Noodle Salad

1 English or Hothouse Cucumber, spiralized
Salt to taste
1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
a few Kalamata olives, chopped
a few dashed of Oregano
Optional: Top whatever protein you want I used Grilled Chicken but would be great with Grilled Shrimp, Steak.

Dressing
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar or Fresh Squeezed Lemon
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
a few twists of Black Pepper

If you have a spiralizer, use it to cut the cucumber into "noodles" if you don't have one get one, you won't regret this purchase especially this summer. You can use a julienne peeler but it will give you strips instead. Not nearly as cool.

Sprinkle cucumber "noodles" with salt and let sit in the fridge about 10 minutes. Drain any water. Toss with veggies and dressing. Top with optional grilled protein.

Don't be afraid of carbs... I don't eat bread, pasta or rice, the simple white carbs (my personal choice) but I eat a nice amount of complex carbs a day, I just choose them wisely. Beans full of nutrients and fiber versus pasta for example...

Shelly's Award Winning Jazzy New Orleans Muffaleta Salad

Shelly's Baked Bean Casserole

Shelly's Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Eggs

A few desserts...

Shelly's Red, White & Blue Strawberry Cannoli
Shelly's Red, White & Blue Layered Protein Cake Jars
Shelly's Farmer's Market Berry Crumble
Shelly's Mini Almond Protein Muffin Strawberry Shortcakes

Need more ideas...

More Healthy Salads
More Eggface Bento Box Portable Meals
More Bariatric Surgery Friendly Desserts

I hope everyone has a healthy and safe Memorial Weekend!

"Enjoy the little things, for one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things."

~Robert Brault