1. Mark your calendar: October 29th through November 4th is National Obesity Care Week. Each day has a special focus and different activities will happen each day. For example, there will be a tweet chat about weight bias on Monday night. Sign up to hear about all the week's activities.
I'll be headed to Washington DC that week to represent the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and help raise awareness so be sure to follow my tweets for my DC adventures (Warning: I am slightly more political on Twitter.)
2. Heads up: If you are an Amazon Prime member I just spotted this groovy thing where you can order samples (there are tons of protein bars and protein powders, a great way to try before you commit to a large quantity) and they give you credit for the same amount you spend so basically they end up being free samples. Not a Prime Member? Give it a try with this Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
3. Good reads: Some articles that you shouldn't miss:
Abdominal Pain in the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patient (Good to know)
Health Plan Enrollment: Time to Ask About Obesity Care (Open Enrollment begins November 1st, Tell a friend that has obesity care exclusions that now might be the chance to get some coverage)
U.S. Obesity Rates Have Hit An All-Time High [Infographic] (Nothing we didn't know but making it government official)
Fat Shaming - A New Perspective (It doesn't work, in fact, it can have the absolute opposite effect and cause more damage, stop it! The article has comments from Dr. Scott Kahan, who I am honored to serve with on the OAC.
4. Spotted on the shelf: a little something to spice up your lunch: Starkist Tuna Creations Bold Singles with Sriracha or Tapatio Hot Sauce with Lime. The Tapatio was great with a little chopped avocado and tomato. It mellows the spice out a bit too. They also come in a few other Bold flavors I haven't tried yet: Hot Buffalo Style, Jalapeno, and Thai Chili.
Starkist also makes a Selects Tuna Packet with Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sun-dried Tomato which is a new favorite of mine. They are slightly higher in calories and fat but if you are having dry skin issues the EVOO will help that from the inside out. It's great on top of a salad or Cannelini beans and no dressing needed. Soooo good.
I found them all at my nearby Super Target for around $1.49 each. They make a quick and easy lunch, a great protein source to keep at your desk at work or taking with you traveling. I also have a few packets in my emergency disaster kit.
5. Giveaway Time: There's still time to get in on my latest Instagram giveaway for a bunch of fun bariatric surgery friendly products: protein, vitamins, shaker bottles, shake making supplies and more. Ends on Sunday, the winner will be announced Monday. Don't have an Instagram account. It's free to start one.
