Pumpkin Spice Up Your Breakfast with Premier Protein

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein®. I'm excited to share these new recipes featuring Premier Protein 100% Whey Protein Powder and Premier Protein Ready to Drink Protein Shakes with you.

Friday is the first official day of fall and while it has been much cooler this week I hear summer might try to dig its heels in and make a final stand next week. Ugh. I am longing for fall... cozy sweaters, changing leaves, comfort food casseroles, crisp-see-your-breathe air on an early morning walk, and pumpkin spice everything! Here are 5 ways to pumpkin spice up your breakfast this fall all featuring Premier Protein with its 30 grams of protein per serving, so you'll get a good protein-packed start to the day and have plenty of energy for those walks, raking leaves, or heading off to work or school.

Shelly's Pumpkin Caramel Pecan Protein Waffles

1 (11 oz.) Premier Protein Ready to Drink Caramel Shake, divided use
1 cup Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling)
1 1/2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 Tablespoons Pecans, chopped

Mix all ingredients together (save back 2 Tablespoons of shake for use in dip recipe below) 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 waffles with a dollop of Caramel Cannoli Dip and a drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup. Leftovers are great reheated in a toaster oven or pan. Breakfast-on-the-go: Spread a couple of waffles with almond butter, peanut butter or sugar-free jam, wrap them in foil, grab a Premier Protein shake, toss it all in your bag and head off to school or work.

Shelly's Caramel Cannoli Dip 

1 cup Ricotta Cheese
2 Tablespoons Premier Protein Ready to Drink Caramel Shake
1 Tablespoon Sugar-Free Coffee Syrup (or sweetener of your choice)
a few dashes of Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together till thoroughly combined. If you are a bariatric surgery post-op this recipe alone is great during the pureed food stage or for later post-ops topped with some Pumpkin Spice Protein Granola (recipe below.)

Shelly's Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

I have been obsessing over these Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls for a couple of weeks now. These are great to take on a walk or drop in a snack-sized baggie to have when you hit a coffee shop with friends. You'll have something that is way better than the sugar bombs in the bakery case.

Shelly's Caramel Pumpkin Protein Shake 

1 (11 oz.) Premier Protein Ready to Drink Caramel Shake
2 Tablespoons Pumpkin Puree, not pie filling
1 Tablespoon Sugar-Free Butterscotch Pudding Mix, dry
dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice
a few Ice Cubes

Blend on high till well combined. I topped it with another dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice.

Shelly's Premier Protein Caramel Pumpkin Pudding Jars

6 - 4 oz. jars (or clear cups)
1 3/4 cups Premier Protein Ready to Drink Caramel Shake, chilled
1 - 1 oz. small package Sugar-Free Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (dry)
1/4 cup Pumpkin Puree
1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
Optional Topping: Premier Protein Pumpkin Spice Protein Granola (uses 1/2 a batch)

Pour the chilled shakes, pumpkin, spice and pudding mix into a shaker bottle. Shake for 3 minutes or until thickened slightly and place in the fridge for about 5 minutes to thicken further.

Spoon the protein pudding into each jar.

To serve top with Pumpkin Protein Granola. These Pudding Jars will store in the fridge for several days but they will not last long. Hide yours behind an old jar of pickles or olives in the back of the fridge to be sure you get one because non-ops love them too.

Shelly's Pumpkin Spice Protein Granola

1/4 cup Oatmeal, dry
1/4 cup Premier Protein Vanilla Whey Protein Powder, dry
1/4 cup chopped Nuts (I used a combo of pecans and almonds)
1 Tablespoon Sugar-Free Syrup (or Sweetener of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 Tablespoon Almond Butter
1 Tablespoon Butter

Mix all ingredients together. Squeeze together with your hands till clumps form. You need to use your hands for this one. If your almond butter is on the loose side add a little more protein, if it's on the drier side add a little more syrup until clumps form.

Place on a non-stick sprayed, foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cool.

The 6 pudding jars use 1/2 of this batch of granola, store the remaining in an airtight container for several days. It's delicious sprinkled on Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or on top of that Caramel Cannoli Dip (recipe above) or put it in a baggie and it makes a great airplane snack.

Make Ahead: These pudding jars are great to make on Sunday. Scoop some cooled granola into snack sized baggies for each pudding jar and be sure to have a plastic spoon ready.

You'll have a quick grab and go protein packed breakfast ready each morning.

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.

Costco Shopping List - Weight Loss Surgery Friendly?

You'd think there wouldn't be a whole lot at Costco for us after we have weight loss surgery. I mean everything is in such LARGE quantities but I've found a few things that are weight loss surgery friendly and have been very helpful on my journey. Click on the linked items to see usage ideas and recipes.

Here's my Costco Shopping List:

Premier Protein Shakes (ready to drink kind, watch for sales every few months)
Ground Beef & Turkey (I portion out in 1/2 lb. sections & freeze)
Frozen Freeze Portions (Tilapia, Salmon)
Tortilla Crusted Tilapia
Silk Almond Milk 3 pk (best price),  Blue Diamond Shelf Stable Almond Milk
Foster Farms Turkey Meatballs
Cheeses (current favorites Wensleydale Cheddar with Cranberries & Fresh Asiago)
Quick'N Eat Fully Cooked Choice Angus Patties
Frozen Shrimp
Frozen Fruit (for Protein Shakes)
Tribe Single Serve Hummus
Dietz & Watson Cold Cuts (London Broil is great & can be frozen/defrosted for casseroles later)
Fresh Seafood (Shrimp, Scallops, Crab Legs, Clams, SALMON)
Rotisserie Chicken Best, biggest & cheapest!
Eggs
String Cheese
Coach's Oats
Turkey Jerky
All Natural Fruit Crunchies and Almonds (purse snacks)
Canned Beans (great pantry staple)
Canned Crab Meat
Canned Chicken
Chicken Broth (sometimes Bone Broth too)
Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins
Madras Lentils
Mini Peppers
Mushrooms (big ones to stuff)
Fresh Mango
Fuji, Pink Lady or Honeycrisp Apples
Driscoll's Raspberries
3 packs of Hothouse Cucumbers (my crackers)
If you use 0% Fage Greek Yogurt they carry a HUGE tub at a great price. I use 2% more.
Cello Cheese Whisps
Pro-Go Egg, Cheese, Nut Boxes
Kellogg's Special K Crustless Quiches
Crystal Light Drink Sticks Variety Tub

Non-food:
Photo printing for when you are dropping sizes
I've gotten a few cute outfits, underwear, socks
Lowest prices on prescriptions (P.S. You don't need a membership to get prescriptions, buy booze or get your eyes checked, little-known facts)

If I think of more I will add them but that's the main stuff. Well, there is always the "Costco Buffet" as I call it... a sample of cheese, a hunk of meat or two and I'm full. I'm a cheap lunch date.

My Weight Loss Surgery Pantry Essentials
My Trader Joe's Shopping List
My Liquid Stage Shopping List 
My Pureed Food Shopping List

September is Self–Care Awareness Month

September is Self–Care Awareness Month, a month designated to remind us that taking care of ourselves, first and foremost, is essential. You can't be the best friend, mother, father, girlfriend, employee, boss, daughter, or son if you don't first start making sure your tank is full. I've said this before on the blog but it bears repeating like the flight attendant says, "put your oxygen mask on first before helping others."

For those of us that have had bariatric surgery, this is a reminder to...

• Plan some healthy meals: head over to Pinterest create a board and save some recipes you want to try. Check out my Pinterest Page for some ideas.

• Incorporate some fun movement: Is there a new type of exercise you want to try, find a class. I highly recommend Pound or Yoga. Plan a family hike? Here are 5 Free Exercise Ideas. 

• Is it time to get your annual labs done? Make that appointment now. Be sure you requesting a bariatric panel (includes more than regular panel, things like iron, ferritin, and B12) 

• How are you doing on Vitamins? Are some running low, order refills. Not loving your vitamins consider ordering a sample pack to try some new flavors, types. Celebrate Vitamins has a great sample pack you can order. 

• Find time to do some things YOU love to do. Put "ME TIME" on the calendar. Seriously, make an appointment and treat it like an appointment with a VIP (Very Important Person) because that is what it is! 

and self-care doesn't have to be expensive. Here are a few ways I practice self-care:

• Turn up the music and dance. 3-4 songs = 10 minutes. If you do this 3 times in a day you have a 30-minute workout. I love Spotify.

• Catch a sunrise or a sunset (bonus if you can get both in a single day) or spend some time looking at the starry night sky (make some wishes.)

• Research a place you hope to visit one day (or just learn more about.) 

• Find a few favorite quotes and write them on pieces of paper. Look at one each morning.

• Drink more water. Add sliced fruit, drink packets or Celebrate Vitamins Essential Multi 3 in 1 Vitamin Sticks.

• Eat a meal outside a few times a week. Fresh air and yummy healthy food is the best combo. I love my Bento Box lunches Check out my Bento Box Pinterest Page.

• Give yourself a DIY Spa Day. I'd love to do the real deal spa weekend but that's not in my budget $$$ so if it's not in yours try this alone or with someone you love.

• Grab a box and fill it with stuff to donate. Free up some space, it's good for others and the environment too.

• Start the day with your favorite song. It's amazing what music can do to your mood. 

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

*** Now head over to my Instagram account to enter to win a super cool Self Care Kit: a few things to get you started taking care of and celebrating YOU!***

The Prize: For US Mailing Addresses Only

Some great items from Celebrate Vitamins (sponsored):
30 Stick Variety Pack  Celebrate Vitamins Essential Multi 3 in 1 (Multivitamin, Calcium Citrate, and Fiber) in Citrus Splash, Wild Cherry, and Raspberry-Lemonade flavors.
7-Single Serve Packets (a week of yum!) of Celebrate Vitamins Protein 20 (20 grams of whey protein isolate, 1-3 grams of sugar and only 90 -120 calories per serving) in Chocolate Mint, Peanut Butter Cookie, Iced Decaf Coffee, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate, Caramel Vanilla Swirl, and Wildberry.
Celebrate Vitamins Shaker Bottle
Celebrate Vitamins "Celebrate Life" Mug
and a few more goodies:
A super cool Bento Box (take your lunch outside)
Aloe Socks (after your DIY spa day put these on they will change your life)
Spotify Premium Service Gift Card (create a favorite songs list) and
Earbuds (take a walk with your new playlist)

To Enter: Head over to my Instagram for complete rules on how to enter this giveaway. Don't have Instagram it's free to start an account.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

Healthy Snacks: Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls

To stay on track, I always have some fun protein-forward snack around. Preparation is key to making better-for-you choices. An hour spent on the weekend planning, prepping or making a few items makes it so much easier during the week when life gets busy. Mix it up, hit up Pinterest and create a board of ideas you want to try and you'll be able to try something new when you find a little time to whip something up. Here's my Pinterest page for some inspiration.

This week with all the Pumpkin Spice talk starting I modified my Apple Protein Ball recipe. These come together in no time and are perfect for tossing in a snack-sized baggie in your purse or a container in your office desk when the candy, donuts, brownies or whatever other treat someone brought to the break room are calling you.

Shelly's Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls 

1/2 cup Dehydrated Apples (you want the crunchy dehydrated type, freeze dried not dried)
3 Dates, whole, pitted
1/4 cup Protein Powder (I used Premier Protein Vanilla 100% Whey Protein Powder)
1/4 cup Oatmeal, dry
1/4 cup Coconut Flour
1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/4 cup Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor, SF Pumpkin Spice, SF Caramel, SF Salted Caramel are my favs for this)
2 Tablespoons Almond Butter
2 Tablespoon Pumpkin Puree (not Pie Filling)

Whiz everything in a mini food processor till mixture comes together like a soft dough. Roll into quarter sized balls. Makes 16-18.

Optional: You can roll them in toppings to change them up. This time I made some with chopped walnuts, pecans, and almonds, and a roll into some pumpkin spice sugar (1 teaspoon Coconut Sugar or you could use Sugar Substitute & 1/4 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice) Other topping ideas: SF Chocolate Chips, Unsweetened Toasted Coconut, Crumbled Protein Bars.

More Eggface Snack Ideas (Savory & Sweet)

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