Laurel's Weight Loss Journey

Cool rummage sale find of the day!

2011-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

got this beauty for just a dollar!

its supposed to be for strawberries or herbs, but im gonna put flowers in it.

Eggface Blog

2010-11-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

hey do ya see the super snazzy link on the right side o this page for Eggface's blog? (it has the frying pan with egg eyes and a bacon smile) If ya do, slide yer mouse over to it and giver a click! Shelly has some super awesome recipes, tips, and insights. She too has been thru da wls and will motivate you to try some new foods or shakes or snacks that are great for us post ops. Thanks Shelly, you rock girl!

New kitchen toy!!!

2010-10-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Here it is the Xpress Redi-Set-Go Cooker w/4 Removable Cooking Pans from QVC, item #K30405

Above are the 3 pans that came with it: mini muffin, heart shape and bundt.

This is the omelet pan above, each half is almost 6" long!!

The red unit above with lid closed. Xpress Redi-Set-Go Cooker

The egg portion is HUGE! I used 2 eggs, and some pepper, beat them and poured into each half. It took about 4 minutes to cook.

There is a 1/2 slice of ham on each half of the Arnold Select Sandwich Thin. I used the whole wheat. The thin is 100 calories for the top AND bottom, with 5 grams protein! I found them at Walmart.

There is also 1/8 cup of shredded cheese in the ham.

I ate only 1/2 of the meal, and I am full! Will save the other half for another meal!

Nutritional info: the 1/2 of the sandwich I ate gave me 215 calories and 15-1/2 grams protein.

Not too shabby! and it was delicious!

My review: Yes I LOVE IT! Altho I've only cooked one thing in it, I can see it will be very useful, especially in making bariatric friendly meals for me.

Thurs, July 1st

2010-07-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

breakfast: scram eggs and a tsp of my apple mix

string cheese b4 i rode my bike for 30 min and walked some of it. been a LONG time since I rode and the legs were yelling!

lunch was grilled chicken, broccoli and shred cheese

had a protein shake, double scoop after lunch

1 fudge bar

1 bag of 100 cal apple cereal from Kay's Naturals

supper was grilled porkchop boneless yum!

now more iced coffee cuz im behind on my fluids!

day one is in! yeah! tomorrow I hope to walk in the morning.

fri june 4

2010-06-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

scram eggs for breakfast

a lovely headache is with me today

and its raining, at least i dont have to water the garden.

thursday i had the usual scram eggs at breakfast and grilled chicken with cheese for lunch. supper was a couple french fries and bite of chicken wrap at a spy job i do. of course the fries have upset my system. suppose i should have bit and spit as i talked about with a friend. ya have to taste test the food for the spy job. oh well it pays a few bucks so i'll live.

at least i didn't go nuts and eat ALL the food while spying.

so far this month i have been about 98% good when it comes to food. walked twice. have 2 more spy jobs today and a couple things to pick up at the stores.

tues june 2

2010-06-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

walked to post office and bank and back.

breakfast was a big train protein waffle with blueberries and sf syrup. piece of string cheese before walk.

Tuesday June 1st, 2010

2010-06-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Happy June first! I am starting again to get myself back where I need to be. I am bummed cuz I have gained and am near 200 again. I had to buy size 18 pants cuz the 14's did not fit anymore :(

that sucks, but its all my fault.

Had the usual scram egg breakfast, made a protein shake for later. Lunch was some chicken, a later snack was a bit more of scram eggs, and the rest of the chicken for the 4th meal. couple pieces of string cheese, 1/2 of the shake, and lots of iced coffee today! got another pot brewing now.

We went to the funeral of a dear little boy who was not quite 3 years old; Casey, who lost his battle with leukemia, but now is with God in heaven and suffers no more. What a beautiful little boy he was! The photos at the funeral home were so happy and his smile! He looks so like his mom Jenny, who was our neighbor--we met her when she was 5 years old. Please remember them in your prayers. Casey has an older brother who I believe is 5, Conner.

I would also appreciate prayers that I stay on track and can get this extra weight off and feel better about myself.

Ok gotta get going, have a blessed day!

wed march 17th

2010-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

happy st pattys day

am wearing green and deviated from the usual breakfast with a muffin in a mug with pb, sf jelly and some davinci

sat march 6

2010-03-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

9 am usual breakfast

lunch 2 pieces of chicken pizza and the rest of my steak/shrimp/broccoli from last nite

2 fudge bars

Friday March 5th

2010-03-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

7:30 usual breakfast

2 pm same for lunch

1/2 fudge bar before lunch

supper i had steak, shrimp and a small salad and some broccoli

Thurs March 4

2010-03-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

7:30 usual breakfast

1:30 lunch I had some chicken dumpling soup, and an eggs salad sandwich on wheat.

coffee and my orange drink now about 4 pm

walked with hubby and dd and dgs for half hour at school then went to the new Chinese buffet for supper. I ate mostly chicken, a few veggies, 2 bites of a donut, it all did fill me up. they tried the frog legs, i did not.

Wed March 3

2010-03-03T05:50:00.001-08:00

7:30 usual breakfast and vitamins

lunch was 2 hard boiled eggs around noon and later at 4ish a turkey and cheese unwich from JJ's.

more string cheese later.

Tues March 2

2010-03-02T05:43:00.000-08:00

8 am ususal breakfast

too early of a snack of the cinnamon apple cereal and peanuts

now drinkin coffee

had some popcorn and lunch was chicken with tomato sauce and lots of cheese under said broiler

breakdown, feel free to check the oh no box for me please

rest of cold pizza and the last 3" of the bread with pb and sf jelly

its been a strange afternoon/evening.

Happy March!! Monday March 1st

2010-03-01T05:47:00.000-08:00

7:45 same breakfast

today is a new month and we are starting over with exercise, planning to walk 5 times a week, not eating junk or soda. just had my vitamins. gonna tackle the to do list.

lunch rest of taco chicken with cheese and a bit of salsa

snacked on string cheese and part of a protein shake

supper was late and pizza with extra cheese

walked for 30 min pushing stroller

1 sf fudge bar

fri feb. 26

2010-02-26T07:10:00.001-08:00

8 ish, usual breakfast minus the cottagy cheese

thurs feb 25

2010-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

8ish usual breakfast minus cottagy cheese (and yes I realize the cottage does not have a "y", but when I type it, it does)

coffee is brewing.

lunch, i had taco chicken, shred cheese and a bit of salsa.

supper I made everyone else french toast and I had a big train sf choc chip waffle with sf syrup. the waffles i make are not the full size, about 3/4 size. while it was tasty, it did not fill me up like a dense protein like chicken would.

i had a sf fudge bar somewhere during the day and microwave popcorn.

Wed. feb. 24

2010-02-24T10:24:00.001-08:00

usual breakfast about 7:30

couple pieces of string cheese before noon

note to self: do NOT eat mcdonalds mcdouble ever again! too greasy and not to mention there is a BUN! so the 1/2 mcdouble and 1/2 fries did nothing but make me feel yucky.

oh well

supper was more string cheese, more protein shake, and 1/2 a serving of the usual breakfast minus the cottagy cheese

I have plans to start up the exercising on March 1st. doing at least 3 days a week if not 5, walking. wish me luck!

tues feb 23

2010-02-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

8ish same breakfast

popcorn before lunch and the other half of my protein shake from yest

late lunch of rest of steak from day b4 and 2 eggs.

supper was about 3 string cheese sticks and a bag of cereal and peanuts.

monday feb 22

2010-02-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

8ish usual breakfast having made a dozen eggs in it.

i tossed out all the rest of the sugar stuff in the pantry and made a big bag of all cake mixes and chips to take to church to the shopping cart for the food pantry.

1ish steak and eggs. nothing since breakfast cept coffee and flavored water. ok i just had 2 sf fudge bars (which are 1/2 of a full bar so i had a full bar's worth)

supper i had same as breakfast and cheated with a piece of cheezy garlic bread. not too bad of a cheat compared to last weeks slips.

sunday feb 21

2010-02-21T06:22:00.001-08:00

8 am usual breakfast, need to make another batch of scram eggs for the next few days and buy some more cottage cheese.

tonite is the soup meal. 1 more batch of split pea with ham to make this afternoon.

i have discovered that i have a really hard time with temptation at gas stations, with soda and donuts. i have, however, decided a few things that need to be done in my life, and want this week to start them.

another horrible day. cookies, soups with potatoes in them, it went from bad to worse.

Sat feb. 20th

2010-02-20T09:16:00.001-08:00

breakfast at 8 am usual, however fell off the wagon right after with a bag of fritoes and a tootsie pop. eating right is a mental thing, you have to THINK what you are eating. sometimes its just habit. grrrrr.

tummy is rumbling now at 11. hopefully rest of day will be better. later tonite im making split pea with ham for a soup event at an area church tomorrow.

well things went down hill, lunch was at kfc, i had grilled chicken and a diet pepsi, and a chocolate bar. piece of string cheese

supper i finished the rest of the tbone from the day b4, had 1/2 of a slice of pepperoni pizza, sip of beer and i dont recall what else.

not a good day at all.

Friday Feb. 19th

2010-02-19T07:24:00.001-08:00

8 am breakfast is the same most of the time, its just easiest to pop it in the micro and eat.

11:30 cereal and peanuts (there is a pattern here folks!)

12ish fudge bar, sf of course

2:30 turkey chili with northern beans made fresh this morning (was not that great cuz what i had didn't have that much turkey in it)

supper, i forgot when, but had a tbone, well 1/2 of it, with fried onions

and a soda :( i know boo hiss

Thursday Feb 18th

2010-02-18T06:33:00.000-08:00

8:30 same breakfast, and coffee brewing. i am not in as much pain today but around the waistband it is hurting. upper back is better right now.

10:45 had a sf fudge bar. so how many of you are reading my food journal besides Penny? LOL anyone? Buehler? Buehler?

12:30 lunch as the mex place in Kiel, El Camino. Yes, I had some chips and salsa and took the tortilla off my tostada and shell off my taco. yum!

3ish snack of bag of peanuts and bag of Kays cinnamon cereal

Last night kind of went way down hill. I made steak and shrimp for the family and after I had a diet pepsi and 2 cinnamon rolls.

tomorrow will be a new day!

wed. feb 17

2010-02-17T06:21:00.001-08:00

last nite sucked, i had bad back pains yest so went to chiro, it helped but got worse last nite again, had a pain pill cuz i could not stand it, and put heating pad on. the pain pill helped me sleep but i forgot to take my migraine med so woke with a migraine and more back pain.

8 am usual breakfast, while i am making deviled eggs for soup at church tonite. must go study sign language and the other classes, big test today and giving my talk tonite at class.

got a c on the test grrr. and had a handful of raisins, peanuts and about 6 m&ms (from trail mix) gonna go lie down on heating pad and have a sf fudge bar first. studied sign lang. am ready for class, weather is not cooperating was snowing.

2:15 ish, well i guess when you find something you like, eat it a lot. i think the chicken was grilled, or boiled, not sure, but i had cut it up into chunks, and frozen it. had about a cup, slathered with a wee bit of sgetti sauce and a ton of cheese, and broiled it in the oven. OhMyGosh! its yummy, burned the cheese a bit but added some of the Kay's Natural parmesan chips (crushed) to it. im full and not even done with it! see what a dense protein does to fill you up. i don't feel any better tho, cept the lunch is good.

2 pieces of string cheese on the way home from school, part of a protein shake.

supper was breakfast again and part of a cheese bun with pepperoni and sgetti sauce.

Tues Feb 16

2010-02-16T05:41:00.000-08:00

7 am breakfast same as yest. i made the dozen scram eggs with ham for the next few days.

now its been 30 min since i ate so i can start on the orange drink. i am bummed today due to some personal issues and trying to decide how to deal with them.

10:50 am having a bag of the Kaye's Naturals, the apple/cinnamon cereal and small pack of peanuts. wanted a crunch. making a pot of coffee, 2 scoops of highlander grog and 1 scoop of choc caramel all decaf.

1 pm finishing yesterdays protein shake

2:30 same as last nites supper the chicken, sgetti sauce and lots of cheese broiled till the cheese was crispy. I also had a spoonful of smashed taters and a couple spoonfulls of cheezy soup. and a bite of a roll. I think thats all :)

7:45 prime rib, 1 devil egg, a bacon wrapped water chestnut, 2 small slices of cheese, 1 slice of summer sausage, steamed green/yell0w beans, 5 mini carrots with dip, 1 meatball, a few bites of super thin cut carrot cake (thinnest I have ever seen a cake sliced about 1/4" if that wide), one bite of chocolate cake

Feb 15th

2010-02-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

My friend Penny suggested I blog what I eat as a diary so I am accountable and its kind of like a journal and we all know how much I "love to journal" (not!) so here I go :) (thanks Penny! are you journaling too?)

Monday, Feb. 15th

Breakfast at 7:45 am

1/2 cup scram egg

1 tbsp. apple mix (apples, splenda, sf butterscotch pudding, bit of lemon juice, cinnamon, all cooked in the pressure cooker for 15 min)

2 tbsp. cottage cheese

Also made one of my usual protein shakes, 1 scoop cookies n cream matrix, 1/2 scoop of choc matrix, 2 pieces of banana about 1" each, sprinkle of sf white choc pudding, some davinci and ice. made about a 20 oz shake, which I will later divide up into 2 servings.

Am going now to sort the bird category of the unmounteds so I can try to get my dining room table back. It's covered with rubber! Literally!

Later I will make a dozen eggs for the scram egg that I usually eat for breakfast, that will last me about 5 days, eggs are 99¢ a dozen at Kwik Trip right now! I stocked up for the deviled eggs I make for church's soup supper which starts this week with Ash Wed. services.

Midmorning I am drinking orange walmart brand of cl, and a highlander grog/choc fudge mix of decaf and skim.

11:30 2 pieces of string cheese

Lunch around 1 pm was more of my chef salad from yest. I had a hankering for turkey and salad so got a chef salad. It gave me 2 meals!

Protein coffee or most of one, around 5ish, then at 6:30 I had about a cup of diced chicken broiled with some tomato sauce and lots of cheese. 1 tsp of peanut butter cuz i was still "hungry" after and a sf fudge bar.

now i'll work on more of the orange fake cl and ice water the rest of the nite. did not get the walk with the stroller in cuz the school was busy with a tournament.

time for homework!

Fart-o-rama bean stew

2009-10-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ok so thats what I call it but its otherwise called Weight Loss Stew, but cuz of all dem beans, i call it the f-o-m. (long story on why the m and not the r)

WLS Stew!

This will help you flush out your system and jumpstart

weight loss and acts as a natural laxative. It's healthy,

delicious and filling. It also helps to avoid starvation mode and

packed with good carbs and proteins!

1 can Lima beans

1 can Pinto beans

1 can Kidney beans

1 can White navy beans

1 can Butterbeans

1 can diced tomatoes (choose your flavor)

2 cans spicy V8 juice

1 entire large cabbage - chopped/shredded into bite size pieces.

2 large potatoes, skinned, chopped.

1 large onion

2 small cans of mushrooms (or 1 large tray of fresh)

1 can green chili's diced (mild, med, hot, your choice)

1 lb lean ground turkey meat

2 precooked chicken breasts or thighs, diced -or- any other type

of MEAT leftovers on hand. Sausage? Pork? etc.

2 table spoons of minced garlic, or 8 fresh cloves

2 table spoons low carb ketchup

Various seasonings, salt, pepper, garlic, MzDash, Onion Salt, tobassco, etc.

You can also replace all the canned beans with a bag of 15 beans variety if you feel like cooking from scratch!

Grab a LARGE pot (big and deep enough to hold ALL the above

indredients) and use it to brown turkey meat, garlic (if it's minced) and chopped onions with dry seasonings of your choice.

Drain what little grease there might be.

In the same pot, add the diced potatoes, garlic cloves (if it's

fresh) and cabbage, about 3 cups of water, and the V8 Juice. Boil for

about 20 minutes, giving the potatoes a chance to cook.

Then add ALL remaining ingredients, just dump them in. If you used

fresh beans, add them "cooked" to the pot. If you're using canned

beans, just open the cans and DRAIN the juice first. Add the entire

can (with juice) of chilis, tomatoes, etc. You might have to add a

little more water, to keep it from cooking out, also don't be afraid

to SEASON it. Seasoning is our friend, and since you'll be eating

this soup for several days, 2 to 3 times a day, you want to make darn

sure you LOVE the way you've seasoned it.

About the 3rd day of eating this, I try to add a new twist to it, to

change up the taste again. Maybe a can of corn? Or some black olives?

Or a little bit of shredded cheese? Sour cream...etc. The CORE

blend of ingredients always seems to jump start my weight loss.

This is ALL I eat, 3 or 4 times a day until the pot is empty, normally lasts about 5 to 6 days. I also drink lots of water during this time.

Nutrients per 1 cup serving: Calories 280, Protein 25

gr, Fat 5 gr, *Net*Carbs 19 gr (from good [bean] carbs, after

deducting 9 gr of fiber)

Big honking edit of Laurel's here:

•I don't put in the potatoes, green chilis, mushrooms or ketchup. I buy a bag of slaw instead of hacking up a head of cabbage, cuz the first time i made it, i wasn't 1/4 of the way thru the head and chopping like there was no tomorrow and it was a pain!

•I do put in the 5 diff kinds o' beans, geo forman a chicken breast or two then pampered chef chop it into tiny pieces. I have some on hand in the fridge and might make a batch this week!

Enjoy!!!

Peanut butter wls cookies with sf choc fudge pudding

2009-09-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

The peanut butter cookie recipe that I've used for a while now (cup of lofat pb, cup of splenda, egg, shot of davinci, pick yer flavor) is the cup and the pudding is sf choc fudge. The whole family likes these...

The recipe for the pb/choc fudge pudding pie calls for double batch of the pb pressed into a pie crust, then bake and add the pudding. I wanted something more bite size so used my mini muffin pan, a pampered chef wooden thingy to make the cup, baked and topped later when cool with the pudding. YUM!

Turkey/spinach muffins

2009-09-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

These muffins are yummy! first pic is the mix, i did not use the whole box of spinach, and have enuf of that leftover for another batch! second pic is after they were cooked, last one is on the plate with parmesan cheese on top. Next batch will have cheese in them too! I did not add mushrooms as the recipe calls for, or the shallots. And substituted Kaye's Natural Parmesan protein chips for the bread crumbs for extra protein :)

Spinach-Turkey Meatloaf made in Muffin Pans (recipe from Susan Maria's bulletin board)

created by ElisaB

One 1-pound package Ground Turkey

1 package frozen Spinach, water squished out of thawed

Mushrooms, chopped, about 1 1/2 cups fresh

Chopped, minced garlic to taste

Chopped Green Shallots, 1 bunch

1 Chopped onion

Fresh Parmesian Cheese, about 1/2 cup

Italian Bread Crumbs, 1/2 Cup

2 eggs

olive oil, minimal to cook onions, mushrooms and garlic

I start with chopping mushrooms, onions and garlic and cook til soft, then set aside

to cool. I then drain out the oil I used to cook, and set aside to cool.

In a bowl I add frozen thawed spinach, package of lean ground turkey, eggs,

parmesean cheese, cooled cooked mushroon/onion mixture, italian bread crumbs, salt

and pepper to taste, and I also throw in Oregano to taste. I mix them all up like

meatloaf. I throw into VERY well PAM sprayed muffin pan and bake at 350 for half hour.

These then freeze so great and are healthy.

Makes 12 servings. Per Serving: 156 Cal; 16 g Protein; 7 g Tot Fat; 5 g Carbs;

1 g Sugar; 192 mg Sodium

Protein Ice cream....

2009-09-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

The ice cream maker came and i made the first batch of protein ice cream. yummmmy!

Info on the protein ice cream and ice cream maker can be found here on The World According to Eggface's blog.

am also making turkey spinach meatloaf in muffin tins today. pix of them later.

sometimes...and what i cooked tonite

2009-09-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

i wish i had a time turner like Hermonie so i could go back in time and do things differently.

i realize that some people and things would not be if i did that, but there are a few things I would really like to change...and i know things happen for a reason, its the reasons i just don't understand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I made chicken taco meat tonite, 6 chicken breasts, in the pressure cooker, with 1 can of low sodium chicken broth, and 1 package of taco mix. on hi for 17 min, fall apart when you look at it tender and pulled apart soo easily with the forks.

Also I baked a turkey breast in the oven. melted 1/4 stick of butter and mixed with some chicken grilling seasoning, s/p, baked it for bout hour and half.

so now i have food for a few days. I did walk the mall with Dorothy today.

exercise 9-10

2009-09-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

did 6 min on the eliptical and almost 20 on a bike for 5 miles.

missed yest's exercise cuz of life going on.

work tomorrow morning and will see what i get done tomorrow exercise wise :) am hoping to mall walk with a friend after work, then take the boy to the dr, he sprained knee and ankle on same leg yest.

Turkey Loaf

2009-09-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

LOW-CAL TURKEY LOAF

1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey

1 lg. grated carrot

1 sm. chopped onion

1/2 c. dry bread crumbs

2 lg. eggs, slightly beaten

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

Combine all ingredients. Mix lightly and press into greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. (180 calories per serving.)

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 199.2

Total Fat 7.8 g

Total Carbohydrate 12.8 g

Dietary Fiber 2.2 g

Sugars 4.8 g

Protein 20.6 g

found on a wls recipe group on Yahoo.

SF Cherry Pie

2009-09-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

It tastes good but looks strange. splenda, cream cheese (i used light), and egg. blend till mixed, thats when it looked like cottage cheese cuz the cream cheese chunked a bit. bake in graham crust, chill in fridge. top with sf coolwhip when serving. it hit the spot but im over the top full!

Meat crust pizza

2009-09-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some pix of the meat crust pizza that I just made. 1 lb ground beef, 2 eggs, and I used 1/2 cup of Kaye's Natural parmesan chips crushed. Mix all together, spread on cookie sheet, bake in 350 degree oven for 15 min. top with any pizza ingreds you want. I used pepperoni, italian sausage, homemade pizza sauce from tomatoes in my garden, and lots of cheese. I forgot the onions, oh well! then cook for another 10 min till cheese melted. After it cooled, I sliced it an you can see the last pic is 2 pieces on my plate. I had 3 pieces and am full! Yummmmy! Hubby liked it too. Next time I will use ground turkey.

Whats cooking on Labor Day?

2009-09-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here's what ive been doing today: made a big batch of sf hot chocolate for a friend and myself to split. This is the big bowl (see stove top size for reference) with all the dry ingredients in it b4 I stirred it up and then put in food processor to grind it up to a finer powder.

This made 19 cups of mix.

sugar free hot chocolate mix

1- 25.6 ounce package non-fat dry milk

2 - boxes Nestle's Quick (no sugar added)

2 - 8 ounce jars French Vanilla creamer OR 16 OZ EXTRA CREAMY CREAMER

1 1/2- cup Splenda

3/4 - cup cocoa

2 Boxes Chocolate Sugar Free Instant Pudding mix

Mix well,

I NOW RUN THIS ALL THRU THE FOOD PROCESSOR AND WE LIKE IT SO MUCH BETTER AS IT DISSOLVES BEST THIS WAY...

Store in air tight containers.

Makes 7 to 10 pints of mix.

When ready to serve, add 3 heaping tablespoons (or more according

To taste preference or size of cup) of mix to boiling water, stir well.

PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN!

2009-09-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

below is taken from the blog The World According to Eggface

an awesome blog that i came across recently.

"I know this and so I avoid my trigger foods. I hope I can always be as strong. I see post-ops further out that struggle with weight gain which scares the sh*t out of me I have to say. I think it's good it scares the sh*t out of me though... it'll hopefully keep me on my toes."

bold part I did for emphasis for us.

there is no reason on earth why we cannot be strong and say NO! to those triggers. I soooo wanted a bite of tinas first anniversary cake last nite (told her the other day to save me a bite). but i looked at mark as he held the plate at me and said "sorry i don't eat that crap anymore" and walked out of the room. ok a self-serving pat on the back BUT i said no and i meant NO! I may as well have duct taped it to my a** or in my case my tummy and hips.

Why do we even entertain the idea of considering a "bite" which could so easily turn into 2 or more and more? habit, peer pressure, one bite won't hurt, its only 5 calories. we all know they add up and up and up and so goes the weight.

Don't let someone (and that someone could be YOU) dictate what you eat or don't eat.

protein, protein, protein, oh did i mention protein?

which meds after wls can we have and not have?

2009-08-20T13:32:00.001-07:00

We have all been told not to take NSAIDS after WLS but do you really understand why and which ones to avoid? I didn?t so I did a little research. I hope this helps to clear up some of your questions. You are at risk for marginal ulcers any time you take an NSAID [anti-inflammatory medication].

Bextra is the newest, next generation of NSAIDS. It is simply an anti-inflammatory with no compound to aid in the protection of our GI systems. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (pronounced en-said) are the most prescribed medications for treating conditions such as arthritis. Most of us are familiar with over-the-counter, nonprescription NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

NSAIDs are more than just pain relievers. They also help reduce inflammation and lower fevers. They prevent blood from clotting, which is good in some cases but not so beneficial in others. For example, because they reduce clotting action, some NSAIDS, especially aspirin, may have a protective effect against heart disease. However, you may bruise more easily. NSAIDs can increase the risk of developing nausea, an upset stomach or an ulcer. They also may interfere with kidney function.

NSAIDs work by preventing an enzyme (a protein that triggers changes in the body) from doing its job. The enzyme is called cyclooxygenase, or COX, and it has two forms. COX-1 protects the stomach lining from harsh acids and digestive chemicals; it also helps maintain kidney function. COX-2 is produced when joints are injured or inflamed.

Traditional NSAIDs block the actions of both COX-1 and COX-2, which is why they can cause stomach upset and bleeding as well as ease pain and inflammation.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not just that they are ?pouch burners? as the industry wants us to believe. It goes much deeper than that. According to an article published in the June 1999 New England Journal of Medicine, NSAIDS, once absorbed into the blood stream cause a chain of chemical reactions that affect the prostaglandins and this in turn reduces the production of mucus in the GI system. The mucus is what lines our GI system and protects our pouch and intestines from damage.

If the mucus production is reduced, this would allow ANYTHING, including eating something with too sharp of an edge or foods that are extremely spicy, to inadvertently begin a marginal ulcer. The best answer is to avoid NSAIDS at all cost. Lastly, taking an H2 receptor drug such as Prilosec, Prevacid or Nexium is only a band-aid and no guarantee that it will protect you.

No-no Drugs

DRUGS THAT CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH -- NSAIDS

Advil

Aleve

Amigesic

Anacin

Anaprox

Ansald

Anthra-G

Arthropan

Ascriptin

Aspirin

Asproject

Azolid

Bufferin

Butazolidin

Celebrex

Clinorial

Darvon compounds

Disalcid

Dolobid

Erythromycin

Equagesic

Feldene

Fiorinal

Ibuprofin

Indocin

Ketoprofen

Lodine

Meclomen

Midol

Motrin

Nalfon

Naprosyn

Nayer

Orudis

Oruval

Pamprin-IB

Percodan

Ponstel

Rexolate

Tandearil .

Tetracycline

Tolecin

Uracel

Vioxx

Voltaren

COX-2 inhibitors are a special category of NSAIDs. These medications target only the COX-2 enzyme that stimulates the inflammatory response. Because they do not block the actions of the COX-1 enzyme, these medications generally don't cause the kind of stomach upset or bleeding that traditional NSAIDs do. COX-2 inhibitors also don't offer the same kind of protection against heart disease.

COX ?2 Inhibitors : [DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFE]

Benadryl

Colace

Dimetap

Dulcolax-Suppositories

Fleet Enema

Gas-X

Glycerin-Suppositories

Imodium Ad

Milk of Magnesia

Peri-Colace

Phazyme

Robitussin

Safetussin

Sudafed

Triaminics (All)

Tylenol (cold products)

Tylenol

Tylenol Ex Strength

going walking today

2009-08-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

Going walking today with a friend. Its that time of the month so im hoping it will feel good to get out and walk. Slow day today, nothing "tastes", am behind on my fluids but gonna catch up soon. then to a support group meeting tonite for year out and beyond wls'ers.

I am journaling all my food, been doing it for 4 days; so far so good! Will email it all to dietitian once a week.

How is your day going?

adding another item to the list

2009-08-11T14:02:00.001-07:00

Popcorn is the latest addition to the "do not eat again" list.

oh well sometimes you just gotta list some foods that made you think they were sooo yummmy and then when you ate them, YUCK!!!!

Will you dance with me?

2009-08-10T10:22:00.001-07:00

Will You Dance With Me?

READ THIS VERY SLOWLY.... IT'S PRETTY PROFOUND.

Too many people put off something that brings them
joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't
have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming
or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the
Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful
night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried
to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because
their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until
after something had been thawed? Does the word
'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in
silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said,
'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would
gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line.
My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had
a late breakfast, It looks like rain.' And my personal
favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We
never did have lunch together.

Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we
tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse
diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the
conditions are perfect!

We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get
Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace
the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon
when we get two more kids out of college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The
days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves
gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have
to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I
plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down
a bit..'

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend,
she is open to adventure and available for trips.
She keeps an open mind on new ideas... Her enthusiasm
for life is contagious. You talk with her for five
minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for
a pair of Roller blades and skip an elevator for a
bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I
love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply
it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate
the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the
car and bought a triple-Decker. If my car had hit an
iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you
WANT to......not something on your SHOULD DO list.
If you were going to die soon and had only one phone
call you could make, who would you call and what would
you say? And why are you waiting?

Make sure you read this to the end; you will
understand why I sent this to you..

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go
round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at
the sun into the fading night? Do you run through
each day on the fly? When you ask ' How are you?'
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the
next hundred chores running through your head? Ever
told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.' And in your
haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good
friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like
an unopened gift....Thrown away..... Life is not a race Take
it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

'Life may not be the party we hoped for... But while we are here we might as well dance!

the pb cookies recipe again :)

2009-07-16T07:57:00.001-07:00

Protein Peanut Butter Cookies--These are sooo yummy and have protein we need, don't go overboard on eating them tho!

1 cup reduced fat chunky peanut butter

1 cup splenda

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla or any flavor of davinci sf syrups

1 tbsp warm water

recipe can be doubled

Mix together, roll into balls, drop on cookie sheet and press down with fork.

Bake at 350 for about 9 minutes.

Ambulating fool!

2009-06-19T14:52:00.001-07:00

Yup that'd be me an ambulating (walking) fool!

Went for a nice walk with a wls support group friend yesterday, but it was very buggy, to the point of "don't talk!!!!" lake flies yuck! but im glad im not squeemish about them or i'd have been in big trouble. We went across a former train trestle over little lake butte des morts (im sure i spelled that wrong) by neenah. at the far side are locks where boats go from one area to another.

Today I went walking here in town with my friend Mary who we were neighbors with for many years. She has one of those cool recumbant bikes; my tires are still low from winter so we walked.

I also weeded the rest of the garden, cut down most of the rhubarb, cut up all the stalks, even vacuum sealed 2 big bags for future torte making. A big bowl of it is in the fridge for making a Father's day treat.

ok off to work on orders! whooohoo Today is my birthday and am having a sale on my other web page, take a peek if you are into stamping or have friends who are--think gifts for them!!

CowTown Stamps Blog

Carbs I ate today

2009-06-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup fritoes at vbs with taco salad (ground beef, cheese, lettuce, salsa)

cheese popcorn

2 pieces of raisin toast

i know shame on me, but hey im actually JOURNALING FOR ONCE!!!!

any credit for that? i didn't think so, oh well there it is folks.

stay tuned for updates each day on my carbs that I ate (aka stuff i should not eat)

Something I've wanted to do....

2009-06-14T15:28:00.001-07:00

is make a set of cards, similar to the old deal a meal cards, but with MY foods. The plan is to either pick at random or pick and plan ahead from this list to help me not deviate from what i should eat.

As a wls patient, i can eat protein, veggies, fruits. i do need to work on carbs, but as that's lesser of the evil vs sugar, im not gonna tackle it just yet. not a cop-out, just my way of doing stuff in an order that seems to be working for me.

so here goes the list of foods that I personally can, do, and like to eat.

Proteins:

grilled chicken (patty or in a salad)

scrambled eggs (with ham and cheese; onions/tomatoes optional)

tilapia

ground turkey (in various forms, chili, patties, etc)

cottage cheese

hard boiled eggs

turkey

chicken on da spit (rotissary)

pork

string cheese (from the dairy not the grocery)

steak (not as often as pre-surgery)

Veggies:

lettuce

tomatoes

green beans

onions

Fruits:

berries

bananas (in my protein shakes)

to be continued...after vbs tonite :)

Reflections on eating

2009-06-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

i mentioned this to a friend the other day, that part of why we are not losing is what we are eating and not exercising. basic? ya but sometimes we just CAN'T do the basics (our 5 rules for our clinic).

its not brain surgery, its just making subs, my old manager at subway told me when i was hired. ok so that analogy can work here too, my wls friends and readers; tiz not brain surgery, its just following 5 simple rules. and i will be the first to admit im NOT perfect at it, by far, but i think realizing is a good portion of the battle. aa members admit they have a problem, which is a good start; so i do admit, i have problems, snacking and exercising. the rest i think i am doing ok at (vitamins, fluids and protein first), most times that is :)

Obviously if we (me or anyone else I know or you know or you for that matter) eat carbs that don't provide us with protein and fuel that our bodies now need, we aren't gonna lose weight, we may gain and we will be unhappy!

Same goes for not exercising. ive been wearing my exercise clothes all day long and been busy and hope to get it in tonite b4 bed. if i don't exercise, i won't lose weight or stay or become toned, and of course be unhappy.

Ive heard and said myself, about every excuse there is in the books, or on the planet. but folks, thinking about exercising ain't gonna cut it! looking at the treadmill or the ball or the weights ain't gonna either.

getting off our a-double-s's and ACTUALLY MOVING will help us. walking is an awesome exercise, so is swimming, i have friends who have pools and don't use them. not saying i would if i had one but i HOPE i would!!!! maybe i need to take some friends up on their offer to use their pools....

ok enuf babble for now. not much left for me to give up cept the carbs, i will do that but wanna work on what ive done now and keep not trying stuf (almost took a spoonful of dd's ice cream today then caught myself saying I DON'T EAT SUGAR!!!!) I gotta think and remember what I have given up recently (soda and sugar) and get that in my head as DON'T TOUCH THOSE!

Have a great weekend, dh and i are going to the brewer game tomorrow so i will get lots o walking in for sure!

tues support group

2009-06-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

went to year out and beyond support group last nite, good meeting, we discussed emotional baggage. can't go into details but i am glad i went to that meeting. Afterwards went on a walk with a friend, then out to supper at mcdonalds, had the grilled chicken, tossed the bun, did not even have one bite of it!!!!!! did eat the lettuce, spot of mayo and tomato slice.

Today just had chicken at the mex restaurant in kiel with hubby and am setting down to work on my card swaps and pages with a coffee and some pink lemonade, sf of course!

exercised using the ball and weighs this morning, then made some scrambled eggs with onions and tomatoes for breakfast, and had a protein shake in there somewhere around exercise time.

water, water everywhere but too much to drink!

2009-06-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday i managed to get in 3 gallons of fluids; there is debate if that much is good or not, still getting input from dr's, nurses, dietitian etc. so scaling back today, pacing myself.

decaf coffee, white chocolate mousse with choc protein powder is soon to be in the mug.

i will savor the coffee!!

tired and sweatin...

2009-06-08T08:16:00.001-07:00

but ya i did the mill for 30 min this time, with one potty break :)

and drank the rest of yest's shake and now need to go make breakfast! couple hours late but thats ok.

i tossed out one candy bar so far that was here in my office. now there's no sugar in here but me LOL

Im working on the new me, with a new week, and new attitude.

Keep rooting for me friends!!!!

here's a pic of me that i just put on my facebook page, thought i would put it here too for the fun of it :) i had longer hair when this was taken. its from my mac's photo booth with a funky 4 shot colorful look.

More things to give up!

2009-06-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Last nite i decided after coming home from a friend's house at her son's graduation where i ate way too much and the wrong stuff, and having a low sugar before going cuz of what i ate then, that im giving up...

yup...

SUGAR!

duh! slaps for me eh?

I guess sometimes you have to go thru the consequences to see that what you did to get those not so nice consequences are not worth doing any more.

Here's what I want: to be thinner, esp the spare tires/rolls that I have around my waist. I would love to start running. Altho first I really should work up to walking DAILY outside. I also have another strength goal that im not gonna share until I can reach that goal and then really freak people out with it.

Tiz a rainy day here but am gonna get my exercise clothes on, make a shake, and start in on the strength and weights on the ball and then hit the mill running.

A new day, a new plan, please keep me in yer prayers that I accomplish my goals for the day! Thanks!

Laurel's list of foods she is no longer going to eat--EVER!!

2009-05-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

I figured its time to start typing the list instead of keeping it in my head.

These are foods Ive tried (and no im not suggesting anyone who has had wls should try these; as I've said before my head is dumb sometimes and thats my 'excuse' for lack of a better word) and they made me sick or I got it thru my thick blonde (and ya empty) head, that they are not good for me so I will not be eating them ever again.

The list includes:

•culvers custard

•mac donalds french fries

•zingers

•diet pepsi (this was a difficult one for me, but I went without it for a couple days, had some and well yuck! it just didn't taste anymore and its got too much dieuretic properties for me, and it makes me crave other stuff so buh-bye!

•reeses peanut butter cups

there are others but since i didn't write them down, ive forgotten. will add as they come to me.

Dumping is not fun, fortunately I don't need to visit "Chuff Corner" when I dump (corner in our town where we saw someone chuffing), but let's say im 'seated' for quite a while and of all the "side effects" or things I don't like about having had wls surgery, bowel issues are on the top of that short list.

Have found that chatting with other wls friends, we can encourage each other or enable each other. Many of us who have had surgery are in the same boat; I am 2-1/2 years post op or 'out' and yes old habits come back, sometimes with a vengance, sometimes that dumb brain of mine (and id suspect of others but there are precious few who I would call dumb to their face, and of course I do that :) forgets im a bariatric person and oh let's just eat whatever. duh!

Breads fill me up and I can feel da pouch swelling like a balloon. Well it probably doesn't really do that, but thats how it feels, so if i eat bread I should save it for the end of my meal.

We have 5 rules to follow, they are easy but our humanness makes them difficult sometimes.

Protein first; water; vitamins; no snacking; exercise daily. Easy peasy right? not always!

im great with the vitamins, my labs are good. I'm usually good with water, tho I forget to drink sometimes, just like I forget to eat sometimes and then I'll get a low sugar cuz duh I forgot to eat, so I have literally 5 packages of string cheese in the fridge, most are in the freezer so they don't spoil, at all times. I try to have scram eggs on hand all the time but ok Im lazy and even tho I make 8 or 12 eggs at a time, which will last me up to 4 meals, and fortunately they don't go bad unless I let them go past 4 days, just reheat in the micro, that is an easy breakfast.

Been to the store several times this weekend and did I remember the cottage cheese?? NOOOOO!!

that's my fall back on food, when all else doesn't agree with me, I eat the cottage cheese sprinkled with some sf jello, usually strawberry banana flavor--yeah it looks gross but it tastes great. On the cruise in January, I had ordered 2 entrees to try and neither did it for me and the waiter was very concerned and asked what he could get me, i told him i had a touchy tummy and said I would love some cottage cheese. well Igor was a blessing, cuz he found some for me and I was fine, other than the sea sickness, thats the part I didn't like about the cruise, but some day I'll probably go again, but not soon!

Exercise is my major down fall. I have a new set of things to do from our trainer, M/W/F, 20ish minutes doing the strength then get yer butt on the mill for 30 min at 3.6ish mph and go go go. Im building up to the 30 min, did 24 then 26 min then the headache has stopped me from doing the exercises this past friday. Tomorrow I hope to get up and just DO THEM!

I don't hate doing it, im lazy as I said before and need to get back into that routine.

The headaches, they are a mystery! ct scan normal, not even a cat in there! tho I am allergic to cats. the are not migraines, and today is day 7 of them. yippee. not as bad. Saturday I took a darvocet cuz they were soo bad, i was nearly in tears cuz im (pardon my french) freekin tired of having them! been to the neuro doc, and we've tried other meds, and she said you can come in and get a shot for the pain or try the darvocet. regular tylenol doesn't really help but i take it anyway. am seeing a chiropractor, which the neuro isn't too excited about having him jerk my neck but honestly that is helpful to me, and he doesn't jerk the neck too often :) so in the morning i will call him for an adjustment.

the pain I call "machete" cuz thats how it feels, like that bit honking knife that will hack you thru a jungle, is stuck thru my head, lately behind my eyes, and today I told DH that it felt like the knife had swelled up so it was 3" round. imagine having that in your head! not fun. Sometimes its like the steve martin arrow, sometimes its right in the top of my head going down, sometimes it moves around. I went off one med cuz we thought that was causing the headaches, due to hormonalness (new word!) but I dont think that was it, but the neuro said give it another month. oh yeeeah! another month of pain. Most of the time i just ignore it cuz only relief I really get is going to bed and sleeping. And I can't really do that all the time can I?

The darvocet got me loopy (yes, for those who know me personally, loopier than normal) and dizzy and i could not drive and well I really don't want to take that too often. it says for severe headaches, ok 7 days in a row, lasting most of the day is bordering on severe, but when i took it it was nearing the 9 on the 0-10 pain scale so I took one. I don't like that loopy feeling.

So we shall see how the day is tomorrow. exercise, call the chiro for an adjustment, work on orders and swaps and whatever else comes my way.

Thanks for reading, this is a volume! Please holler if you have questions. Would love to hear from someone, I don't get many comments on here, but hope I am helping someone :)

God's blessings, Laurel

Juicy Lucy's

2009-05-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the juicy lucy burgers! on the grill is the top pic, you can see the cheese oozing out.

its just 2 burger patties with a piece of cheese inbetween. Mark eating his, and the cheese dripping out! mine and i barely ate 1/2 of it!! and Tina holding hers.

we saw it on man v. food, i bet a turkey burger(s) would be just as good or better!

Exercise

2009-05-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Did my routine yest, am anxiously waiting on the trainer to email me my new routine, gotta email him a nudge :) then did the mill for only 15 min at 3.6 mph, i was just exhausted so gave up after 15. meant to go back but didn't. tomorrow is the next day to exercise so back i will go and hopefully get that full 30 min in pushing it on the mill!

went to the cheese factory and got more of their yummy string cheese. same price as at the grocery, diff brand than ive been buying but ooh so much more delicious!

5-25 new routine here, done tonite and 25 min on the mill. am tired but glad its done for the day.

saw the trainer yest

2009-05-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

am still on track, tho i miss a day here and there, but he said try for m/w/f and off the other days. good plan, I gotta keep at it.

2 things that i find difficult 2-1/2 years after surgery: not eating stuff i shouldn't, to test myself and the bowels. I know if ya gotta p**p you gotta but there are days when it seems like that's all I do! sorry if thats tmi. i suppose its the body's way of adjusting at this far out. idk if others this far are going thru the same thing. the food issue, i just gotta NOT go for stuff i should not eat. sometimes its like being drawn by a magnet. i guess im glad when i get sick from them and add them to my list of "don't eat again!" the list is getting larger. hubby said soon i will have gone thru all the bad foods and only have good ones to eat LOL

have a great day all!

back on track with exercise!

2009-05-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

I think im back on track with my exercise.

going for every other day doing my trainers routine he set for me, followed by 30 min of cardio-on the tread or outside or biking tho the bike tires are still flat.

I did yesterday's at 10:30 pm, i had a second wind LOL

off today and then hit it again tomorrow.

am trying to de carb and get rid of the junk and NOT buy the junk. it is harder than i thought. please keep me in your prayers that I can do this. I want to get rid of that 20 i gained and get down to my goal weight or at least in the 160s, am 187ish right now, that is too much for my liking!

Have a blessed day all!

Please pray for my friends who have lost their jobs

2009-04-22T14:44:00.001-07:00

Please can you add a couple of my friends to your prayers? They have recently lost their jobs. Geri and Joan. Thanks so much!

My headaches we think are caused by the birthcontrol pill I am on so Im going off it to see if thats the cause. It was just regulating my periods anyway (had tubal) and the ob's office nurse said that lots of women get hormone headaches! I never heard of it but am willing to try anything. I'm on day 8 of the headache now. Hopefully this will do the trick!

Am going back on the (our) pre-surgery diet, 1 cup or 3-4 oz protein, 1/2 cup veggie and 1/4 cup fruit per meal. Gotta email the dietitian and ask about veggie at breakfast LOL. Break out the measuring cups! I like the collapsable ones, they tuck into my purse or bag easily. Had Applebees last nite, their 7 oz sirloin with cheese and shrimp on top, cut in half and boxed up right away, half the veggies an the fries I brought home for the boy. The rest of the steak/shrimp was my lunch today.

Took a walk with dd Tina today and the 2 dogs, one in the dog stroller and the other walking till she got tired. Daughter Tina is expecting so I'm gonna be a grandma! We are very excited and hopefully together she and I can exercise for ourselves (and her for the baby!). The dogs did ok in the stroller so we'll do it again. Am off to paint some signs for church!

Have a great day all! Sun shining now and going to warm up this weekend--yeah!

pancakes for breakfast

2009-04-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

yup the Big Train Pancake Mix with a squirt of Davinci sf blueberry and some frozen bananas is my breakfast today. i made a double batch then i have some for other meals. they are very filling and yummy with a squirt of sf syrup! give them a try! i cannot wait for my waffle maker so I can waffle them!

Group meeting this week

2009-03-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Went to our regular support group meeting on wed this week, after going early and doing a bit of shopping at Sam's club and then walking the big mall in Appleton with a friend.

It was great to be back at group, I missed everyone but there are a few of us who email each other all the time with ideas, questions, concerns, to complain or cry on each others shoulders as needed.

If you are a new person who was at the meeting, welcome to my blog! Be sure to scroll down to the bottom and check out the older posts for the recipes

and hints and sources to buy stuff.

I am really hoping that now that the weather is "better" and spring is here, well in date only for now, that I get off my butt and get back on track. Wish I knew why its hard to get up and walk on the mill or hop on the ball or on the pilates machine for even 15 minutes. The head (mine; you can call your head own stupid if you need to) is stupid. plain and simple, it (I am) is stupid.

The stupidity is eating the wrong stuff (and wishing I would dump from it) and not dumping and thinking oh well i should be ok. but ya 20 pounds later, well I have gained 20 pounds from my lowest wt since surgery. ok its not the 150 pounds i was overweight but its on that same road, and I don't ever EVER wanna go back there.

Here, look at me then: thats me in the aqua shirt on

the end, birth mom is in the middle and my little sis is on the other end. We were in the Redwoods in northern California--oh what a wonderful place--if you ever get a chance to go DO IT!! That was in '05.

So take that pic and then look at this one: This was taken 13 months after surgery. I may have been at my lowest then, would have to look at the weight chart to see.

Far cry from wearing size 32 dress, now i can get into a 14 no problem.

Health issues? diabetes--symptoms gone BUT I can still get low blood sugar readings if I don't eat something every 3-4 hours. Like a piece of string cheese or some protein shake. That's just me tho, not everyone will have low sugar. Just be sure that if you were diabetic prior to surgery, to be aware of when you eat. I no longer check my sugars, but if I were to go without food for 8 hours, look out! I did not have sleep apnea issues, but many of my friends who did prior to surgery are off their cpap machines. My high bp is gone, tho I still have the orthostatic hyper (or hypo) tension if I squat down say to pet the dog or pick something off the floor, then stand up, I get dizzy and still after 2-1/2 years post op, need to hold onto something, chair, wall, or someone when Im dizzy so I don't fall over. I'm aware of it so I'm ok with it.

Well enough for tonite, am gonna go paint a sign for church's rummage sale. If ever you need to talk, feel free to email me. Thanks for reading and have a great rest of the weekend!

ooh its been a long time

2009-03-08T06:36:00.001-07:00

since i posted! sorry about that. I am at 185 pounds right now. my lowest was 161, i would have to look up when that was. i wasn't happy in the 170s, and of course am not happy now at this number.

i say my head is stupid and it is for eating stuff i should not and for not exercising. thats my biggest issue is that i don't want to exercise and i KNOW i need to. i don't think a 2x4 upside the head will help.

wanted to share the Big Train pancakes with you. there is a pic of the package there, they are low carb delicious tasting pancake or waffle mix. speaking of waffles, i am on waitlist on qvc for their waffle maker, thanks to my friend Bob who said he got one at walmart, not the same kind, but ive always wanted this qvc model and well its coming, idk when with waitlist but i cannot wait to try this mix in there. I make a double batch of the pancakes, put in sf Davinci syrup, and real frozen blueberries and OOOOHHH yummmmy. THE best pancakes with low carb, no sugar, and a tad of sf syrup on them, they hit the spot! when i do the double batch, i make as many as i can and put em in a lock n lock in the fridge. quick warm it in the micro meal!

i am truly hoping that when the snow is gone i get my butt outside. Ive started watching Ruby cuz i saw her on a friends facebook, what an inspiration! if you haven't heard of her, you gotta!

She puts me to shame with her exercise and attitude.

Ok off to bible study, have a blessed day all!!

awesome drawing!

2009-01-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

i could not resist posting this, someone emailed it to me...

Jesus is better than Santa

2008-12-16T06:06:00.001-08:00

Jesus is better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole,
Jesus is everywhere.

Santa rides a sleigh,
Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year,
Jesus is an ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies,
Jesus supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited,
Jesus stands at your door and knocks and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa,
Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
Jesus lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl", what's your name?"
Jesus knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly,
Jesus has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO,
Jesus offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "you better not cry!"
Jesus says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys,
Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but,
Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree,
Jesus became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord bless and watch over you and your loved ones, and may He prosper and bless tihe work of your hands in the New Year.

God bless you all.

Egg Nog recipe

2008-11-21T09:02:00.001-08:00

Someone at group recently asked for an eggnog recipe. Here is one i got off the Susan Maria web site:

(I have not tried this yet as I never was a fan of eggnog but if YOU try it, please post a comment on how it was!)

LINDA'S EGGLESS EGG NOG

One 1-ounce pgk sf instant vanilla pudding powder
1 cup half & half (can use fat free)
5 cups milk
3 tablespoons Splenda granular
1 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon brandy or rum extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In large bowl whisk together pudding powder and half & half until dissolved. Whisk in until smooth milk, Splenda, nutmeg, cinnamon, brandy extract, and vanilla. Pour into a large pitcher and allow to chill for at least 2 hours. If mixture becomes too thick add a 1/4 cup milk at a time and stir to blend. This is thick, but not overly so.

(*someone asked about sweetened condensed milk and Linda's reply was: "The sweetened condensed milk sub would make it very sweet. This recipe is VERY close to real as is. I love to use it as creamer in my coffee. I know people will want to make it with MM. That would work...just leave out the Splenda until after it's mixed and then adjust sweetener to taste.")

Breakfast Danish & Breakfast Cheesecake Cups -- both WLS style

2008-11-16T10:43:00.001-08:00

Breakfast Danish

1 egg, beaten (may use 1/4 c Eggbeaters)
2 oz low fat cream cheese, softened 10+* seconds in the microwave
2-3 drops lemon extract
2 pkgs Splenda
sugar free preserves
Combine egg, cream cheese, extract, and splenda in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on oven wattage. The edges should be firm and the middle slightly jiggly. Cool 2 minutes, and top with preserves. It really does taste just like a danish! pic below is the finished product. it DID taste exactly like a raspberry danish but i didnt have the cream cheese soft enuf to blend with the egg so it looked lumpy and i didn't eat it. *next time heat longer in microwave to soften more.

~~~~~~~~~~

Breakfast Cheesecake Cups

2 cups low fat cottage cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2/3 cup splenda
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites

** You can replace the almond extract and orange zest with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla instead.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set seven 6 ounce custard cups or ramkins in a large baking pan.

2. In a food processor, puree cottage cheese until completely smooth. Add cream cheese, Splenda, almond extract and orange zest. Process until smooth. Add eggs and egg whites, one at a time, process to incorporate.

3. Pour mixture into custard cups. Add hot water to pan until halfway up sides of custard cups. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set in the center. Chill for at least 4 hours.

Calories= 130, carbs = 6, protein = 14, fat = 8

~~~~~~~

I just got these off the Susan Maria boards, have not tried them yet, but am printing out the recipes in hopes of trying them very soon! they sound great and 14 grams protein for the custard cups! aweseome! soon as I try them I'll take pictures to post and give you my thoughts on them.

headaches are lessening

2008-11-08T04:15:00.001-08:00

I'm happy to report that the headaches are lessening in severity and in occurance!

thank you Lord!

i feel its a combo of the new med i am on from the neurologist and the adjustments im getting from the chiropractor and the massage(s) im getting.

Praying that they keep lessening!

Oh ya and I EXERCISED on friday! now there's a first in over 3 months! i did 1 round of the strength training that my trainer set up for me, using the big exercise ball and hand weights and walked on the treadmill for 15 min while watching the morning show on qvc! that was dangerous as i nearly picked up the phone and ordered some pants but i have enough at the moment LOL! Tomorrow we are gonna rake leaves with the youth group from church and I am going to try hard to do m/w/f for the exercise to get back into a routine. slow but sure but i didn't feel that horrid after.

this sounds good...

2008-11-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

"...take the CINNAMON ROLL protein, add warm water and making a paste and then added a packet of sugar free hot cider mix.

OH MY GOSH it is wonderful....warm and tastes like apple pie. YUM"

I have the cinnamon roll protein powder, its by BSN called Lean Dessert, comes in a big red cannister. looking now for a source for the sf hot cider mix. someone said dollar stores, but im not sure they carry the sf. If anyone knows, please post in the comments under this post! Thanks!

new recipe for protein shake

2008-10-20T16:04:00.001-07:00

Raspberry Mocha Protein Shake
1 1/2 cups chocolate protein shake (made with powder and water or coffee)* or a Chocolate RTD*
2 teaspoons chocolate sugar free instant pudding powder
2 tablespoons sugar free Raspberry syrup* - or to taste
1 teaspoon instant coffee crystals (if you didn't make the shake with coffee)
3-4 ice cubes

Pulse in a blender or food processor until smooth.

neurology appointment today

2008-10-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

i saw the neuro pa today, she did a skid of tests in the exam room, pokes, prods, walk here, a reflex there. she ordered a cat scan so next thursday it set up but not a guarantee that the insurance will allow it, again. so please pray that i can get it done and they can find out what is causing these headaches. im soo tired of them.

Welcome to our new friends!

2008-10-16T05:39:00.001-07:00

Thanks for stopping! Im glad you enjoyed the protein pudding from wed nite.

Have fun surfing thru all the recipes, be sure to check out the archives as some of them may be in there, I think I put them on here in August.

Please feel free to email if you have questions.

I'm heading to the neurologist today at 10 am, I pray that they can figure out the headaches! I'll post what they find out.

Have a blessed day!

headaches

2008-10-07T18:37:00.001-07:00

have been having headaches for a couple weeks, not sure what they are from, started before i got my new glasses/diff prescription. they are what i call migraines, not just a short time thing but lasting hours and sometimes all day or all night or both. this one is making me dizzy that i have right now.

am so mad, the drs nurse called saying that my insurance would not pre authorize a cat scan that was sched on this thursday.

my head aches more than it does not, and right now im sitting here dizzy and feel like im gonna fall over. our insurance policy is bare bones and id guess if i had an accident or illness not much would be covered either.

as i posted in my face book, i could just cry, tho im not sure it would help. prayers are greatly appreciated. a friend thinks it could be the artifical sweetner, tho ive been using splenda for almost 2 years since surgery, why would it suddenly do this now? it could be hormonal or it could be something in my head physically. i was really hoping the cat scan would help us narrow it down more.

sigh

vitamins

2008-09-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

People have been asking about vitamins, here is what I take: from www.bariatricadvantage.com the chewable multi vitamin and the calcium citrate (a suck on it till it softens then chew it, comes in other flavors, the chocolate is the best I've found)

From walmart the b complex and sublingal (under yer tounge) b-12.

is anyone reading this blog?

2008-09-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

no one has commented, is anyone reading this??????????????????????????????????????

maybe im still talking to myself LOL

New Recipes!

2008-09-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

BLACK CHOCOLATE SAUCE

1 cup water
1 1/2 cups Nature Sweet crystals or powder OR Splenda
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon vanilla

In a saucepan whisk together the water, NS/Splenda, cocoa powder, and salt. Bring to a
boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 3-4 minutes until thick. Remove from
heat and stir in vanilla. Makes 10 servings.

Per Serving: 32 Cal; 2 g Protein; 1 g Tot Fat; 5 g Carb; 2 g Fiber; 0 g Sugar; 0 mg Sodium

~~~~~~~

Banana Caramel Protein Shake
1 1/2 cups vanilla or banana protein shake (made with powder and water)*
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar free Banana syrup* - or to taste
1 tablespoon sugar free Caramel syrup* - or to taste
3-4 ice cubes
Garnish - Drizzle of sugar free Caramel sauce*

Pulse in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Garnish with a drizzle of caramel that will slowly sink to the bottom!

~~~~~~~

CHICKEN POT PIE IN CREPES

Crepes:
4 eggs
1/2 cup ricotta
4 tablespoons flour
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons milk

In a medium bowl beat the Ricotta with the eggs. Beat in the flour, salt, and milk. Allow
to sit for 15 minutes. Heat an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Coat with
vegetable cooking spray when hot. Pour in 2 tablespoons of batter and swirl the pan to
coat the entire surface in a thin layer. Allow to cook, without turning, until completely
done. The top should be no longer shiny and when you touch it it's not wet. The bottom
will be have a very slight golden color. If it's too dark, lower the heat. (These are
impossible to flip and they don't need to be, so don't try!) Gently loosen the edges with
a spatula and slide out of the pan onto a plate. Very lightly spray the top with
vegetable spray - this way you can stack them on top of each other.

Lightly coat the pan with cooking spray before each crepe. Proceed with above directions
until batter is gone. Allow the crepes to cool to room temperature and then wrap the
plate tightly with plastic wrap. These keep well in the fridge - unfilled - for several
days.

Filling:
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup shredded carrots
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoons Splenda
Dash grated fresh nutmeg
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup ff half & half
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 cups diced or shredded, cooked chicken

Melt butter over medium-low heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, and slowly cook until
soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for one minute. Add salt, pepper, sage,
thyme, Splenda, and nutmeg. Whisk in chicken broth and cream. Cook until bubbly and boil
for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in peas and chicken. Cook
for one minute to heat through. Makes six 2-crepe servings. (Some post ops may only be
able to eat one filled crepe.)

Per Serving: 297 Cal; 26 g Protein; 14 g Tot Fat; 17 g Carb; 2 g Fiber; 3 g Sugar; 588 mg
Sodium
Per Half a serving: 150 Cal; 13 g Protein; 7 g Tot Fat; 8 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 1 g Sugar;
290 mg Sodium

**From the gal who posted this recipe: I use a little 8 inch non-stick skillet and HEAT it over medium-low till completely hot.
THEN spray it with PAM , a good amount, - even up the sides. (Heating the pan before
spraying or adding oil, butter, whatever, keeps things from sticking.)

Pour in two tablespoons and swirl to coat just the bottom. Don't touch until the top is
completely dry. Then run a butter knife gently around the edges. You SHOULD have to only
do this with the first one. And my first one almost always breaks apart. That first one
is really just a pan-seasoner!!

Spray the pan each time...even the sides and let it get hot again before adding the
batter. When it is dry on the top, shake the pan like you are making popcorn....the crepe
should just slide around freely. I then dump it or slide it out of the pan...don't use a
spatula or anything.

I also spray each one very lightly after they are cooked, if I'm stacking them up.

the wedding was a blast--ive got allergies :(

2008-09-10T02:52:00.000-07:00

the wedding was sooo much fun! here's a pic of me and the bride...near the cake! cake and i get along too well but i tossed the rest of it that was here in my fridge. i haven't been eating well this past couple of weeks--my own fault for not sticking with what i KNOW i should eat and not eat.

You can see some of the pictures from the wedding here. They are in the folder with the bride :)

i think i have allergies :( i had Tina take all the wedding flowers up to their apartment, as i went to the flower store and it seemed worse when i got back from there so i figured, try to eliminate the flowers and see if thats the problem.

not going to doxiefest on friday/sat, just don't feel good and now the lovely suburban is acting up so she's going in on thursday. something with the radiator/coolant system, apparently you need fluid in there? lol the temp spiked and was bouncing from 0 to 260 while i was driving up to appleton on monday, we put water in and it was back to midline where it should be but its been leaking and im not driving out of state with it like that. its way overdue for an oil change as well.

i danced more than i thought i would and had such fun! Tina said it was the best day of her life, she was beaming and there were no major problems, just minor ones like there wasn't a way for us mothers of the couple to light the candles during the cermony then when pastor got me the lighter, i couldn't figure it out and at the reception during the song Forever Young by Rod Stewart, that I had everyone sing to and stand and dedicate to the couple, i dropped one of the lyric sheets on one of the candles at our table and it started on fire. Mark quickly put it out LOL I was having issues with fire that day--couldn't start one and then had too much fire! Mark of course saved that paper and showed EVERYONE and its on my new bulletin board/prayer board in the bedroom next to my desk, yes it will be scrapbooked!

I am glad all the hustle and bustle is over, but i think my not feeling well is all of it catching up with me. Im starting my new temp job this week, the computer and equipment for it are here, just need to connect with the company for passwords and then i can get working on learning the system. found some page protectors for my manual i printed out yesterday. I am looking forward to the new job!

daughter getting married today

2008-09-05T04:32:00.001-07:00

our daughter Krystina is getting married today. I am hoping to pack my cooler and have enough protein on hand for the day. when things get busy sometimes i forget to drink my fluids. will make up 3 or 4 protein shakes and when we pop home after being done at church, i'll restock.

Weather looks good and i got up at 5:30 couldn't sleep anymore. will post a link to pictures as soon as i can. Have a great day all!

ready to eat muffin

2008-09-02T07:04:00.001-07:00

here is the muffin ready to eat. i think i had to much pb in it. but yummy and i could not eat it all!

Pics of the muffin in a mug

2008-09-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of yesterday's muffin in a mug:

ingredients -- i did not put cinnamon in this one with the pb and j.

looks a bit odd b4 you mix it all up!

after cooking for 1 minute. let it rest for another minute before you plop it out.

today's muffin in a mug

2008-08-31T06:25:00.001-07:00

added 1" of cut up banana, a tsp of chunky lo fat peanut butter, splenda and cinnamon.

should have added some davinci flavors but didn't think of it.

these things are HUGE! the camera wasn't nearby but next time I'll get a pic for you. have eaten half so far and am getting full! that's a great feeling to see food on the plate and think, i cannot eat any more.

If you try some different varieties of this, please post and let us know how they turned out for you!

Muffins in the Microwave! yummmmy!

2008-08-30T06:35:00.001-07:00

I just made one of the microwave muffins with the flaxseed meal. OMG is it gooooood!

did not have any fruit to put in it, next time banana would be great. i did put some davinci syrup in, a squirt of strawberry and a squirt of banana. would be good with peanut butter and a bit of sf jelly i bet!

The recipe is below but: 1/4 cup flaxseed meal (got at the piggly wiggly for $3ish a bag), 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1 pack of splenda, 1 egg, sprinkle of cinnamon. mix it all in a microwavable mug, and cook it for 1 minute. and then let it sit, and tip it out of the cup; you may have to free it around the edges.

I just put on a tsp of 1/2 cal grape jelly juice just to give it a hint of flavor. sf would be better. I have only eaten HALF of it and im full already! i doubt i can finish it so will give the rest to Mark.

Give it a try! I'll take a picture of it next time and post on here.

Misc. WLS info and sources

2008-08-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hi All!

Here is info on the stuff i had with me or mentioned. If i forgot something, please email me and let me know.

The book and web site i had talked about and you can reach the bulletin board from there; Debbie already joined, Bob and I

were on there for a while.

http://www.beforeandafte rhelp.com

the book is: Before & After Living and Eating Well After Weight

Loss Surgery With 100 Low Carb High Protein Recipes for a Healthier, Happier, & Slimmer You by Susan Maria Leach

~~~~~~

Protein Shakes: the protein shake i made was made with Matrix 5.0 5 pound bag of protein powder. I have it in vanilla, chocolate and the cookies and cream. It also comes in orange dream, and strawberry which I didn't care for either so sold to friends who loved it. I believe there is a new banana cream (as of 6-09)have not tried that yet.

i costs about $39 for the 5 pound bag. there are 70 servings per bag. you get 23 grams protein per serving.

The place I buy this is from www.vitacost.com they have $4.99 shipping on any size order.

~~~~~~

When I make a protein shake: I add sugar free pudding to the matrix and water. you can use milk but its extra calories and some extra protein. i ONLY use water and ice. The pudding i like best is the white chocolate. i have also used banana, cheese cake (tho this doesn't blend fully all the time), chocolate fudge flavors. I usually use a full scoop and a half scoop of matrix protein powder per large blender bottle and mix about 20 oz of water. OR i use my Magic Bullet i think its 16 oz when finished with the ice and water.

~~~~~~~

Oh Yeah Bars --protein bars--they have 3 flavors that I have tried:

Chocolate and Caramel (they call it milk but to me is not milk choc but not dark but i think in between. I "think" it gave me the runs but not 100% sure (sometimes you have to figure out what you ate and what set you off)

Peanut butter and strawberry * I like this one 2nd best

Vanilla and Carmel * I like this one best

12 bars for $17.89 at vitacost.com and 22.99 at www.bodybuilding.com These are the 3 oz bars. they also have smaller ones. they have 26 to 28 grams protein in the whole 3 oz bar. GNC sells them but were more expensive if memory serves.

BB has all 3 types, vita only has peanut butter/peanuts/caramel and the choc/caramel that i have. There are also smaller bars at BB.

When i have this i will eat the whole bar as a meal substitute, which isn't too often, but if i need a pick me up, 2 bites is enough! they are BIG bars!

they contain nuts so if you have nut allergies don't eat them. I keep them in my purse as an emergency food if i don't have other options.

~~~~~~~~~

the protein bullets are 42 grams protein but $30 for the 12 of them thru BB and not avaiable thru vita. they are 3.1 ounces, i still haven't had one. they are $2.50 each so im saving them as they are costly. they come in 4 fruit flavors.

~~~~

The shaker/blender bottle I have found cheaper at GNC. www.blenderbottle.com is the manufacturer, and from them if you buy any 3 there is free shipping. so i get 3 at a time. they make great gifts for anyone, not just wls folks. mixing salad dessing, eggs, pancake batter, gravies, etc. the ball is surgical stainless steel. all parts are dishwasher safe. they have 2 sizes, regular 28 oz ($8.99) and mini 20 oz ($8.49) i think the size is a bit misleading, i think they are also counting the lid up top. will have to measure to see. i have both sizes and use both sizes. However GNC is $5ish if memory serves.

~~~~

the popcorn seasonings are from Kernel Seasons. www.nomorenakedpopcorn.com

someone on susan' bb recommended it to me cuz i wanted ranch flavor. they had a special where you buy 12 and free shipping. so i got 12, 3 ranch and a couple duplicates of others. i have apple cinnamon, choc marshmallow, ranch, parmesan and garlic, white cheddar, nacho cheddar, bbq flavors. they had a couple others.

~~~~~~

the Davinci bottles of sf syrup! i love these I have about 15 on my counter, it looks like a bar LOL they are from the manufacturer www.davincigourmet.com $7.99 reg price.

each month they have $1.00 select flavors. make sure you get SUGAR FREE! they have regular with sugar in many more flavors but i think there are 30 sugar free. pumps are $2.50. each squirt is 1/4 ounce. and i use a squirt of amaretto and one of raspberry in a 32 oz container of water and the walmart brand of the crystal lite orange drink mix. thats ALL i drink. ok sometimes i do pink lemonaide with splenda or ice water but 90% of my fluids im guzzling is the amaretto/rasp/orange mix. I buy the big containers at walmart of the drink mix i think they are $1.50 for 6 tubs that make 32 oz each. i buy a dozen containers at a time. ** That's 192 ounces for $1.50!!! 192 oz is the size of 16 cans of soda!

The davinci syrups you can find at other places, someone told me tj max but i didn't find any at the one i went to. they do not ship (the manufacturer) in winter so the bottles would freeze but i only had to wait a week or so when it was the coldest this past winter)

~~~~~

the chips i had kays naturals: www.kaysnaturals.com

10 grams protein per bag its a 1.75 oz bag.

i got the parmesan chips and have tried the wasabi, they have a bite (hot flavor!) and i think i tried the cinnamon toast pretzel sticks. i used the parmesan chips the other day instead of bread crumbs on tilapia.

Protein drinks for WLS (and the pb cookies)

2008-08-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Protein Peanut Butter Cookies--These are sooo yummy and have protein we need, don't go overboard on eating them tho!

1 cup reduced fat chunky peanut butter

1 cup splenda

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla or any flavor of davinci sf syrups

1 tbsp warm water

recipe can be doubled

Mix together, roll into balls, drop on cookie sheet and press down with fork.

Bake at 350 for about 9 minutes.

~~~~~~~

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE PROTEIN SHAKE

this recipe created by Angee

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup milk

6 ice cubes

1 tablespoon cream cheese

1 tablespoon sf cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix

2-3 frozen strawberries

Whiz in a blender until smooth.

~~~~~

GRASSHOPPER PROTEIN SHAKE

1 1/2 cups chocolate or mocha protein shake (made from powder and water or Labrada chocolate)*

1 tablespoon chocolate sauce*

1 tablespoon vanilla syrup*

1 tablespoon creme de menthe syrup*

2 ounces espresso or very strong coffee - optional

1 tablespoon whipped cream

2 teaspoons finely ground Oreo cookie crumbs

Mix well. Garnish with whipped cream and crumbs. Serve hot or cold.

~~~~~~~

Protein Pudding

16 oz container cottage chees (fat free or low-fat-- I used low-fat)

1 pkg chocolate sugar free instant pudding (any flavor will do)

1 scoop vanilla whey protein

4 tblsp. skim milk

1 tub lite cool whip

Mix first 4 ingredients with a blender (We had to add more milk). Fold in cool whip.

Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Makes 4 servings.

150 cal and 25 grams protein per serving

I thought it sounded kind of gross, but it is wonderful!

~~~~~

Chocolate Covered Banana Protein Drink

It's not really a banana.

I use 4 oz skim milk (water is fine too to avoid the calories of milk)

two scoops chocolate whey protein,

one teaspoon sugar free banana pudding mix.

40 g protein, creamy and yummy without all the carbs from a real banana (but a 1" piece of banana will not hurt you :)

Main meals for WLS

2008-08-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

main meals for wls

CREAMY GARDEN TURKEY ROLL-UPS

One 8-ounce pkg. fat-free cream cheese

1/4 cup finely shredded carrot

1/4 cup finely shredded zucchini

2 tablespoons dried NSA cranberries, chopped

1/2 teaspoon dill weed

Pinch of garlic powder

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Six ounces roasted turkey breast, deli sliced

In a small bowl combine cream cheese, carrot, zucchini, cranberries, dill weed, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Place 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture onto each slice of turkey. Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Allow to chill for two hours. Makes six servings.

Per Serving: 82 Cal; 10 g Protein; 1 g Tot Fat; 7 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 6 g Sugar; 578 mg Sodium

~~~~~

Moistest Grilled Chicken

Soak chicken in lemon juice for 30 minutes

Drain off lemon juice and pat dry

Salt and pepper both sides

Minced garlic (from a jar) rubbed into both sides

Brush BBQ sauce on both sides (low carb, low sugar)

While cooking turn often and baste with more bbq sauce.

Trust me this works! Every person who has ever had my grilled chicken always comments on how moist it is. Also, chicken on the bone cooks faster and more evenly on the grill.

~~~~~

SAUSAGE BALLS

2 lbs breakfast sausage/ground turkey

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

1 lb cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup dried onions

1/2 tsp sage

1/2 tsp marjoram

3 eggs

salt

pepper

Place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and use your hands to mix them together. Add salt and pepper in moderation, more pepper than salt. Once mix is all combined, form into 1 - 1 1/2 inch balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees, or until cheese has melted a bit out of the balls and onto the sheet. Remove from sheet and drain. Makes about 50 balls.

~~~~~

BAKED FISH AU GRATIN

Vegetable cooking spray

1 pound firm white fish fillets such as talapia, or halibut

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon flour

3/4 cup milk or fat-free half & half

1 teaspoon lemon pepper

1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and coat a long baking dish with cooking spray. Pat fish dry with a paper towel and place in a single layer in baking dish. In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for one minute. Add half & half, lemon pepper and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Spoon mixture over fillets. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove fish from oven and sprinkle with cheese, continue baking for 10 minutes more or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Makes 4 servings. Per Serving: 264 Cal; 26 g Protein; 11 g Tot Fat; 5 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 0 g Sugar; 325 mg Sodium

~~~~~~

TUNA 'MUFFINS'

2- 6oz cans or foil packs of tuna or salmon, drained

2 eggs

2 TBSP. onion, chopped fine

2 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

salt and pepper to taste

pinch Old Bay seasoning

If carbs aren't a problem for you - you can also add:

1/4 cup celery, chopped fine and

1/4 cup green pepper, minced (I omit both these and its still great)

Mix all ingredients and spoon into 6 well- greased muffin cups. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes until puffed , set and brown around the edges.

Makes 6 servings. Can be frozen. Doubles easily

Per serving: 109 Calories; 8g fat; 12g protein; 1g carb; trace of fiber; 1 net carbs

~~~~~

CHEESEBURGER PIE

Vegetable Cooking Spray

1 pound ground beef OR 1 pkg. Morningstar Crumbles

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (IF USING VEGGIE MEAT)

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon Adobo seasoning OR 1 teaspoon Taco Seasoning

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper

1/3 cup crushed cheese or buttery crackers (OR bread crumbs)

One 6-ounce can tomato soup, undiluted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a deep dish pie plate with vegetable cooking spray and set aside. Over medium-high heat brown meat or veggie meat (with olive oil) and onion and peppers. Drain if using beef. Stir in oregano, Adobo, salt, black pepper, cracker crumbs, and soup. Pour into the greased pie plate. Set aside.

CHEESE TOPPING

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (or any variety you like)

In a small bowl mix together the egg, milk, salt, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese. Pour over the burger mixture, spreading cheese to cover top completely. Bake for 30 minutes or until topping is set and golden. Makes 10 servings.

Per Serving: 318 Cal; 20 g Protein; 20 g Tot Fat; 6 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 2 g Sugar; 297 mg Sodium

This is a basic recipe...you could add any sort of veggies, different meats, interesting cheeses to make it new. Think of your favorite burger and put those ingredients in. I topped mine with spicy ketchup and dill chips. I've thought that a Teriyaki one with pineapple and red onions would be yum. A Cowboy burger with some pinto beans mixed into the meat and BBQ sauce slathered on top under the cheese. How about some blue cheese crumbled in and roasted garlic. Or do a Greek olive/feta combo. Use your imagination, kids!

Serve this with a fresh and crispy green salad and the family won't miss the BUNS!

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Tilapia

Roasted tilapia in a bag (like at Red Lobster) Lay out a sheet of parchment paper (available in your grocery store with the aluminum foil) in a cake pan. Place a few veggies (parboiled baby carrots, various colors peppers, squash, zucchini, onion, etc.) on the parchment paper. Sprinkle a little seafood seasoning on the veggies. Place your defrosted filet on top of the veggies. Rub on a teaspoon of olive oil then sprinkle more seafood seasoning on the fish. Lay another sheet of parchment paper on top and roll the two sheets together to enclose all the food. Bake for 20-30 minutes (depending on how much food is in your bag) on 350F. When you take it out of the oven, let it sit for a couple of minutes before opening the bag.

Pan fried tilapia Add 2 fat pats of butter and a teaspoon (or so) of seafood seasoning (I like McCormick's seafood rub) to a skillet. Low fire to melt butter and mix the seasoning in with the butter. Place your defrosted tilapia filet in the skillet and raise the heat to medium low. Cook, turning fish and covering with seasoned butter until fish flakes.

We get shredded parmesan cheese (which is now my all-time substitute for bread crumbs). First dip the fish in lemon juise then coat both sides with parmesan and a few spices (rosemary, salt, pepper, marjoram, a few others...whatever u like really). Put in a baking pan and surround with slices of zuchinni, tomato, onion, and mushroom. cover the veg with another thin layer of the parm/seasoning mixture and then bake! ta-da! fish. veg. no carb! hurray! and soooo tastey!

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Tuna,Chicken (ground) or Turkey (ground) Burgers

6 oz. can solid white tuna packed in water, drained

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

½ cup finely chopped onion

½ cup finely chopped celery

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 ½ teaspoons horseradish

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon pepper

Cooking spray

I don't use half of the ingredients. I just kind of make it like I do my meatloaf. Just add whatever you feel like.

I put them on my George Foreman for about 7 minutes to make sure all meat is cooked.

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Nacho Burger

1 pound lean ground meat (beef, turkey or chicken - I prefer beef)

1 large egg

1/2 small onion, diced fine

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 or 2 tsp. Taco Seasoning, more or less to taste (I like Lawry's or Schilling's in the foil packets)

1 1/2 to 2 cups salsa

1 small can chopped black olives

2 cups of Kraft Mexican Shredded Cheese (or you can use Velveeta I do)

This takes two baking pans.

Mix together ground meat, egg, onion, garlic powder, and taco seasoning until well blended. Form into 6 equal sized patties, pressed to about 1 inch thick. Place on a wire wrack (like a cake cooling rack) in a baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Remove burgers from the wire rack and place in the second (clean) pan directly on the bottom of the pan (no rack). Pour salsa over the top of the burgers, sprinkle with black olives and bake an additional 20 minutes. Top with cheese and toss back in the over for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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CROCKPOT FAJITAS

Someone emailed me and asked for this recipe. The title is a little deceptive.....doesn't really taste like fajitas but it's good, high protein and goes down the banded tummy easily (three important features nowadays, right?). Also freezes very well.

(use a large crockpot.....this makes a lot of food)

3 lb. lean boneless roast (coat both sides with chili powder and place in bottom of crockpot)

Layer the following items in order on top of the roast. Do not stir until done.

1 large onion, chopped

2 1/2 C uncooked red beans (pinto beans)

2 cans Rotel tomatoes, chopped

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can chopped green chili peppers

1 can jalapeno peppers (optional)

1 1/2 t. oregano

2 t. salt

1 C water

Cook on low for 12-14 hrs......depends on your crockpot. (You may need to add a little water during cooking if your crockpot is hotter than some....just make sure you have enough water to cook the beans!). Stir when done and shred roast with a long pronged fork.

I serve it with tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese.....all the regular tortilla trimmings....for other people, but I eat mine more like a casserole with the trimmings on the top.

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WLS Sloppy Joes

I browned a pound of extra lean ground beef, and drained off the fat. I browned it slowly so it would not get dried out and hard to eat. Then I added the packet of sloppy joe seasoning, 1 can of green chilies, 1 can of black beans (i drained and rinsed them three times so it was only the beans and not the sauce that's usually in the can with them), 1 can of tomato paste, and about 2 1/2 tomato paste cans of water. I also threw in some salt, freshly ground pepper, and garlic powder.

My best friend ate hers on an onion roll I browned in the oven, and we both put a piece of sliced cheese on top. (I just ate mine from a bowl with a spoon.)

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WLS Stew or Fart-o-rama Bean Stew (Laurel's name for it LOL)

(I got this off one of the boards im on, or here, i can't recall where but it is soooo good. I just made some today and doctored it up a wee bit with some shredded parmesan cheese) Laurel's notes are by the * behind ingredients.

This will help you flush out your system and jumpstart weight loss and acts as a natural laxative. It's healthy, delicious and filling. It also helps to avoid starvation mode and packed with good carbs and proteins!

1 can Lima beans *(i could not find these at our store, so i skipped them)

1 can Pinto beans

1 can Kidney beans

1 can White navy beans *(i used great northern beans as we had no white navy, probably the same things)

1 can Butterbeans 1 can diced tomatoes, choose your flavor

2 cans spicy V8 juice *(i used the 12 oz cans, 1 reg and 1 picante, not sure what size they meant tho)

1 entire large cabbage - chopped/shredded into bite size pieces. *(i only used 1/2 of the cabbage but they have the shredded coleslaw i a bag that has carrots and next time that'll be my choice)

2 large potatoes, skinned, chopped. *(our dietitian said not to add this as we don't do starches on our program)

1 large onion

2 small cans of mushrooms (or 1 large tray of fresh) *(i used 1 can or skip)

1 can green chili's diced (mild, med, hot, your choice) *(i skipped this cuz im not into chilis)

1 lb lean ground turkey meat

2 precooked chicken breasts or thighs, diced -or- any other type of MEAT leftovers on hand. Sausage? Pork? etc. *(i grilled 3 chicken breasts, saved 1 for a meal later and chopped the other 2 up with my pampered chef chopper)

2 table spoons of minced garlic, or 8 fresh cloves

2 table spoons low carb ketchup *(didn't find at store, didn't add, tasted fine without)

Various seasonings, salt, pepper, garlic, MzDash, Onion Salt, tobassco, etc. *(I used salt, pepper and some garlic salt)

You can also replace all the canned beans with a bag of 15 beans variety if you feel like cooking from scratch! Ava

Grab a LARGE pot (big and deep enough to hold ALL the above indredients) and use it to brown turkey meat, garlic (if it's minced) and chopped onions with dry seasonings of your choice. Drain what little grease there might be.

In the same pot, add the diced potatoes, garlic cloves (if it's fresh) and cabbage, about 3 cups of water, and the V8 Juice. Boil for about 20 minutes, giving the potatoes a chance to cook.

Then add ALL remaining ingredients, just dump them in. If you used fresh beans, add them "cooked" to the pot. If you're using canned beans, just open the cans and DRAIN the juice first. Add the entire can (with juice) of chilis, tomatoes, etc. You might have to add a little more water, to keep it from cooking out, also don't be afraid to SEASON it. Seasoning is our friend, and since you'll be eating this soup for several days, 2 to 3 times a day, you want to make darn sure you LOVE the way you've seasoned it.

*(I kept it on simmer for about an hour and half before i had lunch)

About the 3rd day of eating this, I try to add a new twist to it, to change up the taste again. Maybe a can of corn? Or some black olives? (*no corn for me)

Or a little bit of shredded cheese? Sour cream... etc. The CORE blend of ingredients always seems to jump start my weight loss. This is ALL I eat, 3 or 4 times a day until the pot is empty, normally lasts about 5 to 6 days. I also drink lots of water during this time.

Nutrients per 1 cup serving: Calories 280, Protein 25 gr, Fat 5 gr, *Net*Carbs 19 gr (from good [bean] carbs, after deducting 9 gr of fiber)

*Again i highly recommend this to try. im gonna make it for our church soup supper this fall.

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LINDA'S TACO SOUP

2 tablespoons olive oil (if using meat sub or ground turkey)

1 pound ground beef or turkey OR 1 pkg. Morningstar Crumbles

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Splenda

One 16-ounce can chili beans, undrained (NOT chili, just chili-seasoned beans)

One 15-ounce can kidney beans, undrained

1 cup frozen corn - optional

One 10-ounce can tomato soup, undiluted

2 cups water

Two 14-ounce cans peeled and diced tomatoes, undrained and pureed

One 4-ounce can diced green chiles

One 4-ounce can sliced olives

One 1.25-ounce envelope taco seasoning

2 teaspoons chili powder OR to taste

If using hamburger: In a large saucepan brown hamburger until just no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small chunks. Remove from pan and drain grease, reserving 1 tablespoon. Saute the onions and garlic with the Splenda in reserved grease, until onions are soft and golden. Return hamburger to the pan.

If using veggie meat or turkey: In a large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the onions and garlic with the Splenda until onions are tender and golden. Add turkey or crumbles and saute until turkey is no longer pink, breaking into small chunks.

Add to the meat/onion mixture the chili beans, kidney beans, corn, tomato soup, water, tomatoes, green chiles, olives, taco seasoning, and chili powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with your choice of toppings, such as tomatoes, avocados, shredded cheese, sour cream, etc. Makes 12 servings about 1 cup each.

Per serving: 241 calories, 13 protein, 25 carbs, 11 fat, 6 fiber, 800 sodium (this does not include toppings)

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Pizza Omelet

2-3 eggs

black pepper

fresh chopped Italian herbs of your choice

olive oil spray

grated mozzarella

Your favourite LC pizza toppings

Beat eaggs with black pepper and Italian herbs

Heat an ommeteet pan until it is HOT, then spray with olive oil.

Pour egg mixture into pan, tip to coat, add pizza toppings and cheese.

Turn off the heat and wait for cheese to melt and omelette to set.

Fold over and eat!

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Fried Chesse

Slice Mozzeralla chesse into 1/4 inch slices

Bath in a wash of one egg

Roll in grated parmesan cheese, seasoned with basil and garlic

Broil in the oven.

Serve on a bed of hot tamato sauce

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Mock Mexi Muffins

I fried up some hamburger (ground turkey im sure would work fine), added some taco spices (was out of cumin so just some garlic pwdr and chili pwdr). I spooned into muffin tins and then added a few shreds of cheddar and a teeny slice of purple onion. Then add some beaten eggs (which I dilute with some water) and bake. I spooned the mexi-buger into the muffin tins and then poured the beaten egg/water mixture over top...then baked. So yummy

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Homemade Cheese Crisps

I use a small nonstick omelet pan. It is important to use nonstick, don't use any oil. Sprinkle cheese (I use the italian cheese blend, and also jack cheese) to cover the bottom of the pan, not too thick, just a nice cover. Heat over med-med high heat, the cheese will bubble. I use this time to "clean up" the edges. Add several pieces of pepperoni, or one of the large slices. Keep lifting gently around the edges and when it gets nice and brown underneath, use a spatula to start "rolling" it up. Roll it all the way up, remove from the pan and cool. I blot any additional "grease" off because it makes them easier to eat. I am glad I can only make one at a time because I could eat WAY too many of these! You can also let it cool and then slice it up into "bites". They are especially good with chicken parmesan and you can use the "stick" to scoop up the extra sauce. Also really good with a side of marinara.

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These are great for when you don't have time to cook. Make ahead on the weekend and eat them all week.

1 pound of hamburger (low fat)

1 can of french cut green beans

2 c. of shredded cheddar cheese

muffin tin

Divide the hamburger into 12 muffin cups. Press the hamburger against all the sides and bottom of the muffin cups. Fill inside of hamburger cups with green beans. Add a tablespoon of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Store in baggies. (or some other container) To heat, microwave for 20 - 30 seconds on high. Great for lunch or quick dinner. Makes 12.

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Creamy Potato Chowder or Broccoli Chowder(soft-regular stage)

3 T. olive oil

3 T. butter

1 sweet onion, diced

2 carrots, shredded

5 T. flour

1 t. salt (to taste)

1/2 t. nutmeg

1/2 t. black pepper

3 c. (FF) Half & Half OR milk

1 (15oz) can chicken broth OR 2 cups homemade

5-6 c. diced potatoes (more if you like it really thick with stuff!!) OR 5-6 cups chopped fresh broccoli

In a large stockpot, heat oil and butter. Add onion and carrots and let simmer away on medium-low until onions are soft (15 minutes). Add flour and seasoning and stir well. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer over LOW heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring frequently. The long simmer makes it nice and thick and lets the flavors meld wonderfully!!! Don't be impatient! 10 servings

With fat-free half & half: Per Serving: 199 Cal; 4 g Protein; 9 g Tot Fat; 26 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 5 g Sugar; 249 mg Sodium

With regular half & half: Per Serving: 250 Cal; 5 g Protein; 16 g Tot Fat; 23 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 1 g Sugar; 175 mg Sodium

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The easiest one is Chicken Mama (I stole this from Paulas Deen's Chicken Georgia and sort of adapted it).

Take some boneless skinless chicken thighs, frozen is even OK.

Put a little oil in a big skillet that has a lid; brown the chicken thighs, dump some canned tomatoes over them (1 or 2 cans, depending on how much chicken you have -- it should be juicy).

Add seasonings, turn the heat to simmer, put the lid on and go away for 20 minutes or so.

You can make this Mexican with the tomatoes that have chilis in them and some jalapenos, you can make it Italian with basil and regular diced tomatoes, you can make it pizza flavor with oregano and italian tomatoes, goulash with paprika and plain tomatoes, etc. etc...

When the chicken is done (how long depends on whether it was frozen when you started, obviously), put a whole lot of grated cheese over the top, cheddar for the Mexican, mozzarella for the pizza flavor, etc., and put the lid back on for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts.

. Eat! I usually make rice for my kids to have this over, I just eat it in a bowl with the cheese and tomato sauce over the chicken.

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Another one is crockpot pot roast -- put a big ol' hunk of cow in the crockpot in the morning, chop up some onion and carrot if you feel like it, dump over all that some combination of "flavorful liquids" -- v-8 juice, red wine, beef stock, water and a bouillon cube, whatever sounds good. Put the lid on, turn the cropckpot on, go to work! Eat when you get home, with starch for the family if they want it. The broth is good just by iteslf, too...I always make mine really juicy!

Both of these freeze really well in those 1-cup gladware containers too, so you can have your very own frozen entrees that you know are high-protein and good for you!!

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WLS dessert recipes

2008-08-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Peanut Butter Cookie recipe is in the protein recipe section!

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LAYERED JELLO SALAD

3 small pkg sugar free jello - any flavor or combo

One 8-ounce pkg cream cheese, softened

1 cup whipping cream

3 tablespoons Splenda

1 teaspoon vanilla

Assorted fresh berries

Make one box of jello according to directions. Pour into a 9x13 inch glass pan or into a trifle dish. You can add fruit to this layer if you want. Place in fridge and let set up completely.

In blender or food processor place another pkg of jello powder. Add the boiling water and - carefully holding the lid down so that the hot water doesn't blow the lid off the blender - whiz it up till dissolved. Add the cream cheese and whiz until smooth. DO NOT ADD THE REMAINING WATER. Pour the cheese mixture over the top of the set jello. Return to fridge and chill until set.

Make the remaining box of jello according to directions and slowly pour over the set cheese mixture. Add fruit if desired. Return to fridge and set completely.

In a small bowl beat the cream, Splenda, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread over the last set jello layer. Garnish with fresh berries...you can even make a flag design!!

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Cookies & Cream Freeze 30 min Total Time:3 hr 30 min Makes:12 regular servings

8 squares (4 ounces) Valor Dark Chocolate

14 Murray's chocolate sandwich cookies

1 pkg. (8 oz.) reduced fat cream cheese

1/4 cup Splenda

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed regular is fine in stuff like this, but sugar free if you feel more comfotable

MELT chocolate as directed on package; set aside until ready to use. Line 8-1/2x4-1/2-inch loaf pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Arrange 8 of the cookies evenly on bottom of pan. Crumble remaining 6 cookies; set aside.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in medium bowl with electric mixer until well blended. Stir in whipped topping. Remove about 1-1/2 cups of the cream cheese mixture; place in medium bowl. Stir in melted chocolate.

SPREAD remaining cream cheese mixture over cookies in pan; sprinkle with crumbled cookies. Gently press cookies into cream cheese mixture with back of spoon; top with chocolate mixture. Cover. Freeze 3 hours or until firm. Remove from freezer about 15 min. before serving; invert onto serving plate. Peel off foil; let stand at room temperature to soften slightly before cutting to serve.

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Orange Dream Cheesecake

standard graham cracker crust

2/3 c. boiling water

1 pkg. sf orange jello (4 serving size)

1 c. cottage cheese

1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese

2 T. Splenda

1 (8oz) tub Cool whip

Stir boiling water into jello and dissolve completely. Cool 5 min. Pour into blender/food processor container. Add cheeses and Splenda, cover and blend until smooth. Pour into large bowl and fold in whipped topping. Pour into crust and chill for 4 hours.

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Pineapple Cheesecake

standard graham crust

2 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

1/3 c. Splenda

1 (20oz) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

2 c. heavy cream

1/4 c. Splenda

1 t. vanilla

Beat the cheese, 1/3 c. splenda and half the pineapple until well mixed. Beat in reamining fruit. In another bowl beat the whipping cream, remaining splenda and vanilla until stiff (OR YOU COULD USE A SMALL TUB OF COOL WHIP). Fold cream into fruit mixture. Chill for 6 hours

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Creamy Rich Chocolate Pie

Crust:

29 Chocolate sandwich cookies (Murrays or SF Oreos)

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Filling:

1 box SF vanilla Jello pudding

1 box SF chocolate Jello pudding

1 2/3 cups skim milk (I'm using CC)

1 cup reduced fat sour cream (I'm trying Nonfat since it's not cooking)

1 8 oz container SF cool whip

and fresh sliced strawberries for garnish

Crust:

Crush 14 of the cookies into crumbs in a food processor. Add softened butter and mix to blend. Press into bottom of a 9 inch pie pan. Place the other cookies along the edge of pie plate. Refrigerate while making filling.

Filling:

Combine both pudding mixes, milk and sour cream. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine and then on medium-high for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold half of the whipped topping into filling. Pour filling into crust and cover with plastic and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Remove pie and top with remaining whipped topping, and crumble up a cookie and the strawberries.

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SUSAN MARIA'S VANILLA CUSTARD (fiddled with by Linda!)

4 eggs, beaten

Pinch of salt

3/4 cups milk (skim 1%, 2%, whatever)

One 12-ounce can evaporated milk (skim, regular...)

1/4 cup DaVinci sugar free syrup (ANY flavor is great so far)

1/2 cup Splenda Granular

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place six 4-ounce custard cups/ramekins in a 9x13 baking pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, salt, milk, evaporated milk, syrup, Splenda, and vanilla. Pour, through a fine mesh sieve, into the custard cups. Pour very hot (not boiling) water into the baking pan coming halfway up the cups. Bake for 25-45 minutes. The time will vary depending on the humidity, altitude. They should jiggle slightly, but a sharp knife inserted into the middle comes out clean and nothing oozes out of the cut when gently pressed.

Remove from the water bath and allow to cool on a wire rack. Makes 6 servings.

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Protein Ice Cream

I count myself as the protein ice cream queen. The recipe I got from this board is:

In the blender, for each serving (I can get 3 servings in my 1 1/2 qt Rival, so I triple it)

1/3 c. cottage cheese (I've also used ricotta cheese or fage yogurt)

1/3 c. of 1 or 2 Davinci sf flavors (for instance, with LD Chocolate Coconut, I use German Choc. cake and vanilla)

1 TBS sf, ff dry pudding mix (like cheesecake flavor)

1 scoop of protein powder

1/2 c. crushed ice

1 TBS or more of egg beaters (opt. but it makes things creamier)

opt: 1" frozen banana

Blend til super-smooth. Put into ice cream maker that has been sprayed with Pam. I eat protein ice cream every night.

other options; add unsweetened coconut, frozen blueberries, sf preserves, crystal light (such as the cherry into vanilla!)

This will not fail! I have used every type of protein powder I have ever bought and it always works.

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LOW CARB VANILLA ICE CREAM from BostonKitty

1 cup water (0 carbs)

1 1/4 cup whipping cream (8 carbs)

1/4 cup Davinci vanilla syrup

1 cup isomalt (0 carbs)

1/2 tsp salt (0 carbs)

1 tsp xanthan gum (0 carbs) (provides smooth texture)

1 tsp vanilla extract (1 carb)

3 cups whipping cream (20 carbs)

Combine water, 1 & 1/4 cup cream, and Davinci syrup.

Pour 1/2 of this mixture into a saucepan and scald it (heat to about 175 degrees) until bubbles form around the edge.

Remove from heat, add isomalt, salt and xanthan gum, stirring with whisk until dissolved. -

Stir in remaining 1/2 of water/cream mixture, and whipping cream

Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Recipe makes 2 quarts. Total of 30 carbs, or 2 carbs / 1/2 cup serving This makes an incredibly rich and delicious ice cream.

Variations I've tried so far: - maple walnut; added 1 Tbl maple extract + chopped walnuts - raspberry ripple; took a cup of thawed, frozen raspberries, added a couple teaspoonfuls of SF raspberry Jello powder, cooked for a bit, & 'layered' the raspberry mixture in the vanilla ice cream when I put it in empty deli containers - hazelnut coffee; substituted Davinci hazelnut syrup for the vanilla, replaced the water with brewed decaf hazelnut coffee. Added 6Tbl Folgers decaf 'crystals'. Topped with a few toasted chopped hazelnuts.

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Mound's Ice Cream from Dangerous Curves

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

1/2 cup whipping cream

13 1/2 ounces coconut milk

1/2 cup Splenda

1/4 cup Isomalt

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 tablespoon coconut extract

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

dash salt

1 packet Nestle Choco Bake -- * see note

1/4 cup Splenda

In large bowl, combine first eight items and beat with mixer until smooth. Pour into ice cream maker and process for about a 25 minute cycle. While mixture is freezing, mix Chocobake with the remaining 1/4 cup Splenda. When ice cream mixture is almost ready, lightly dribble the chocolate into the ice cream, freezing it into little chocolate chips.

NOTES : Makes approximately nine 1/2-cup servings: Per MasterCook: Calories - 161.7; Fat - 16g, Carb - 5.6g, fiber - 0.7g, Protein - 1.5g * Pre-melted unsweetened chocolate

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OH MY GOD! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT TASTES LIKE MOUNDS ICE CREAM RECIPE

1 c. whipping cream

6 oz. coconut milk

10 oz. Half & Half

50 Equal tablets

2 T. Vodka

1 T. coconut extract

Dash of salt

1 pkt. Chocobake

5 pkts. sweetener

Dissolve the Equal tablets and salt in the Vodka and coconut flavoring. Add cream, coconut milk and half & half to the vodka/flavoring mixture. Pour in ice cream freezer and begin freezing. While mixture is freezing, Mix your Chocobake with the 5 packets of Equal. When mixture is almost ready, lightly dribble the chocolate into the ice cream, freezing it into little chocolate chips.

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Ziploc Ice Cream

Makes one serving at 6 carbs

4 oz heavy cream (4)

1 t vanilla (trace)

2 packets Splenda (2)

1 sandwich size ziplock bag

1 quart size ziplock bag

ice

4 T rock salt

Mix cream, vanilla and splenda together and pour in sandwich bag and seal. Fill quart bag half way with ice and add rock salt. Put sandwich bag into quart bag and seal. Shake bag for about 5-6 minutes (burn some calories, put your favorite song on and dance). Open bag, remove ice cream (rinse off sandwich bag before opening). Serves 1, 6 carbs.

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Cappuccino Chip Ice Cream from WillsMom

2 eggs

2 T DaVinci vanilla syrup

dash salt

1 C cold espresso or strong coffee

2 C cream

6 packets Splenda

1/3 of a Chocolove bar (dark chocolate w/cocoa bean pieces), grated

Beat eggs, salt & syrup together. Stir in remaining ingredients and freeze as your ice cream maker directs.

Carb count for entire recipe is 35 grams. If you omit the chocolate, you'll still get a tasty coffee-flavored ice cream with 25 total carb grams

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Ricotta Ice Cream

I put 1/2 cup of part skim ricotta in my little bullet (blender)

with a few Tablespoons lactaid milk

1 packet of Splenda

about 2 tablespoons SF caramel syrup (can use any flavor) (or put some fruit in instead)

blend until really smooth and freeze.

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Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt - Mark Serves 4

1 3/4 cup skim milk

2 teaspoons powdered gelatin

1 cup Splenda

1 17.6 ounce container 0% Fage yogurt

1/2 teaspoon organic peppermint extract

green food coloring

1 ounce 99% chocolate, unsweetened, very finely chopped or 1?4 cup cocoa nibs

In a large mixing bowl sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup skim milk. Heat together remaining 1 1/4 cup skim milk with Splenda. When boiling, pour into the bowl and stir until gelatin is dissolved.

Stir yogurt into gelatin mixture. Whisk in peppermint extract and enough green food coloring for desired color.

Freeze in an ice cream machine according to instructions. Stir in chocolate and serve or freeze until desired consistency.

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Suzy's recipe: (*I think)

1/3 cup lowfat cottage cheese

1 scoop of Whey Gourmet flavor of the day (sometimes I mix choc and PB flavors for a stronger chocolate flavor, and to make my PB last longer)

1/2 cup DaVinci syrup (usually caramel and one other flavor to make a total of 1/2 cup)

1 tsp vanilla

1" chunk of frozen banana

lots of crushed ice

I blend this in my personal blender and then pour it into my Cuisinart ice cream machine (which I have sprayed HEAVILY with Pam - spray the mixer blade, too)

When this is done, drizzle a teaspoon or two of strong SF Hershey's chocolate syrup over it.

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Delicious Berry Burst Sorbet - is what I call it.

Micellar Milk Protein - about 4 oz

1 sleeve of crystal light white tea with blueberry

1 pkt splenda

a few frozen berries - I use mixed berries

ice

and a little cold water to right consistency

I put this in my magic bullet and truly out comes the magic. It is incredible!!!

Sometimes I sub out the Mice Milk with cold water and a scoop of Whey Gourmet Vanilla Protein

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Ice Cream Machine Ice Cream - Low Fat, Low Carb Recipe By :Chuck Dennis

3 eggs -- beaten

18 packets artificial sweetener -- splenda or equal, equivalent to 1 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

1 Quart nonfat milk -- or whole milk

Beat into a mixing bowl, break 3 eggs, add 18 packets Equal, Splenda or whatever you are using -- equivalent to 1 cup of Sugar. Beat until well blended. Add 1 Tb Vanilla Extract and 1 cup of the Milk. Blend well. (Options: Add 1 teaspoon of either Strawberry Extract or Lemon Extract)

Pour mixture into the Ice Cream Machine and add the remainder of the quart of milk. Assemble the machine and turn it on.

Options: If you want to add some cut up pecans or walnuts or a bit of diced fruit, run the machine for about 15 minutes before adding the additional ingredients.

I like to make the strawberry flavored, adding 4 or 5 cut up Strawberryies or Blueberries and 1/2 cup of cut-up Pecans.

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Susan Maria's Cherry Clafouti

Cut into 10 wedges, each being a full serving Full portion: Calories 82, fat 2g, carbs 8g, protein 5g

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup cottage cheese or ricotta

2 large eggs

1/2 cup Splenda

1/2 cup flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

Vegetable cooking spray

1 cup pitted ripe cherries or any fruit raspberries, mixed, straw, nectarines, etc

Preheat the oven to 425.

Combine the milk, cottage cheese, eggs, sweetener, flour, and vanilla in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10-20 minutes (this is a good time to pit the cherries). Lightly spray bottom of a 9 inch round ceramic baking dish. Pour batter in dish, and arrange the cherries in the batter. Bake 30-35 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm, cut into wedges and dusted with Natures Sweet Powder (optional)

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I love the Chocolate Fudge (lean dessert protein powder) with water, blended with ice and 1T of SF/FF chocolate pudding mix, 1T PB and oh, my goodness, a chocolate pb shake, sinful. It is yummy with the chocotate fudge, blended with ice and 1T sf/ff chocolate pudding mix too.

I have blended the vanilla with water, ice, and 1T of sf/ff butterscotch pudding, it is the best shake ever, tastes very caramely, I am a nut for caramel, tastes like it came from a malt shop.

The banana creme or banana nut with water, ice and 1T of banana pudding mix, same thing, delicious!

The sf/ff pudding mix makes the protein creamy, even creamier if you use nonfat milk to up the protein count.

So far I've only made it once, just Matrix Cookies N Cream and water... two servings in my one quart maker. It was good.

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If you are planning on serving this at a party - triple the recipe! This baby is good!! Serve with a plate of Murray's sugar free double-fudge chocolate cookies or Joseph's brownie bites for an impressive dessert. (For non-ops the thin chocolate wafers like these would be fabulous.)

CHOCOLATE MINT CHEESE BALL

One 8-ounce pkg. reduced-fat cream cheese (full fat would be good, too)

1/3 cup Splenda

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

3 tablespoons finely crushed sugar-free peppermint candies

1/4 cup finely chopped sugar-free dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips

1/3 cup coarsely chopped sugar-free peppermint candies, reserved

In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese, Splenda, vanilla, finely crushed candies, and chocolate. Place in a small plastic wrap-lined bowl and chill 4 hours or overnight. Unmold cheese ball and place on a pretty plate. Gently press the coarsely chopped candies onto the surface. (The candies tend to get "wet" if left in the fridge too long. I would press the them onto the surface just before serving.)

Makes ten servings, 2 tablespoons each. Per Serving: 118 Cal; 3 g Protein; 6 g Tot Fat; 4 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 0 g Sugar; 67 mg Sodium

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LEMON BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS

Crust:

Vegetable spray

20 Murray's Shortbread or Joseph's Lemon cookies, crushed

1/2 cup almond flour

1/4 cup butter, softened

Filling:

One 8-ounce pkg. reduced fat cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup Splenda

2 eggs

2 tablespoons flour

3 tablespoons grated lemon peel

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

2 teaspoons Nature Sweet powdered or regular powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8 inch square baking pan with vegetable spray and set aside.

In a medium bowl combine cookie crumbs and almond flour. Cut in softened butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pat into the baking pan. Bake 8 minutes or until just turning golden on edges. Set aside to cool.

In same bowl beat together the cream cheese and Splenda. Add eggs and flour, mixing well. Stir in just till combined lemon peel, lemon juice, vanilla, and baking powder. Gently fold in blueberries. Pour over prepared crust. Bake 25 minutes or just until center is set. Cool completely. Dust with Nature Sweet powdered or regular powdered sugar. Cut into 14 squares.

Per Serving: 146 Cal; 4 g Protein; 10 g Tot Fat; 8 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 2 g Sugar; 78 mg Sodium

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Jello-Mousse

1 pkg SF Jello, any flavor

2/3 cup boiling water

1/2 cup cold water

Ice cubes

2 cups thawed SF Cool Whip

Stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Add enough ice to cold water to measure 1 cup. Add to gelatin; stir until ice is completely melted.

Add whipped topping; sitr with whisk until well blended

Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Also this is great if you want to add fruit! Today I made peach with a few raspberries thrown in. Just add the fruit before you add the Cool Whip

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PEANUT BUTTER FLUFF

One 8oz pkg. fat-free cream cheese

1 c. peanut butter

½ t. vanilla

1/2 c. Splenda Granular

1 small tub Cool Whip, thawed

Mix together first 4 ingredients until smooth. Fold in the Cool whip. I spoon into about 8 - 4ounce plastic cups with lids and then freeze. Or you can put into a pie plate and cut into wedges after frozen. Or put it into a graham cracker crust and chill in the fridge. This is so good frozen, though!!

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Strawberry Pie

1 Small box of sugar free strawberry jello

2 tbsp corn starch

1 cup of cold water

1 cup of Splenda or Nature's Sweet

1 quart of strawberries

6 reduced fat graham crackers

2 instant cups of fat free sugar free vanilla pudding

Sugar free coolwhip

Combine jello, corn starch, water and splenda in a small sauce pan. Heat on medium/high until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Place graham crackers in the bottom of a pie plate. Do not crush. Hull and slice strawberries. Blend with glaze mixture. Spread vanilla pudding over graham crackers. Spread Strawberry/Glaze mixture over pudding. Top with sugar free cool whip. Enjoy!!

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RHUBARB RAZZMATAZZ

brought to us by TAH

3 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)

1 pkg. sugar free raspberry jello ( I used the large box)

1 1/2 c whipped cream (3/4 c. unwhipped)

1 pkg. sugar free vanilla pudding ( I used the large box)

water as needed

Directions: place rhubarb in microwave safe bowl; cover and microwave on high 6-8 mins. or until it is soft; stirring every 2 mins. ( I did not put in microwave, I cooked on the stove until soft with a little water). Stir in jello until dissolved; cool completely.

In mixing bow, combine whipped cream and pudding. Add water as needed to make smooth like pudding.

Fold into rhubarb mixture. Spoon into pie plate, shallow bowl or individual servings dishes. Can also put into an almond piecrust (I used sugar free cookies- Murry's ) if desired. Cover & refrigerate until firm.

Per 10 servings without crust: 78 Cal; 1 g Protein; 7 g Tot Fat; 4 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 0 g Sugar; 68 mg Sodium

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RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE

1-1/2 cups sugar-free chocolate cookie or chocolate graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup butter, melted

Two 8-ounce pkgs. reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup Splenda

1/4 cup DaVinci sugar-free Raspberry syrup

One 8-ounce container Cool Whip, thawed

1/2 cup sugar-free raspberry jam, warmed

Sugar-free dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl combine cookie or graham crumbs with melted butter. Press into an 8 or 9 inch pie plate. Bake for 7 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.

In a large bowl beat together cream cheese, Splenda, and syrup until smooth. Beat in 1/2 of the container of Cool Whip. Pour filling into cooled crust. Spread warmed jam over the cream cheese mixture. Cover loosely with plastic wrap (try not to let the wrap stick to the jam – use 3 or 4 toothpicks if necessary) and chill for 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with remaining Cool Whip and chocolate shavings. Makes 14 WLS servings.

Per Serving: 182 Cal; 4 g Protein; 13 g Tot Fat; 15 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 5 g Sugar; 176 mg Sodium

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PEANUT BUTTER PIE

This pie is very rich – a sliver will satisfy any sweet tooth! If you’d rather not have the crust, simply pour filling into individual dessert dishes, garnish with chopped peanuts and chill.

Crust:

1-1/2 cup sugar-free cookie crumbs OR graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons peanut butter

2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In microwave-safe bowl melt peanut butter and butter. Add to crumbs and mix until well combined. Pat into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden. Cool completely.

Filling:

One 8-ounce pkg. reduced-fat cream cheese

1 cup creamy peanut butter

3/4 cup Splenda Granular or Nature Sweet powdered

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

One 12-ounce container (3 cups) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Chopped peanuts

Stir together cream cheese, peanut butter, Splenda, and vanilla until well mixed. Fold in thawed whipped topping. Pour into prepared pie crust and carefully smooth to edges. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for garnish. Cover tightly and freeze or chill overnight.

Makes 16 servings. Per Serving: 219 Cal; 7 g Protein; 17 g Tot Fat; 12 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 4 g Sugar; 205 mg Sodium

WLS breakfast recipes

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BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES

1/3 cup flour

1/2 cup almond flour

1 tablespoon Splenda

1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1/3 cup plain yogurt

1 egg

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/2 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup finely diced bananas

2 tablespoons sugar-free mini chocolate chips

In a medium bowl stir together flour, almond flour, Splenda, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl whisk until combined yogurt, egg, butter, milk, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir just until moistened. Gently fold in bananas and chocolate chips. Heat frying pan or griddle over medium-low and lightly grease. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls onto pan and cook, turning once.

Makes 6 servings (three pancakes each). Per Serving: 182 Cal; 7 g Protein; 10 g Tot Fat; 18 g Carb; 2 g Fiber; 6 g Sugar; 193 mg Sodium

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Cream Cheese Pancakes

8oz. soft cream cheese ( next time I will use Light)

3 eggs

2 tablespoons of protein powder (I used a plain PP)

2 teaspoons of vanilla

3 packets of splenda

Whip the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining ingredients slowly. Spray with non-cooking spray.

Pour in the batter and fry up like pancakes! You want the pancakes to be full of dry holes before you flip 'em. If they're not ready to flip, they'll break apart.

Top with butter and SF pancake syrup, or cream cheese and sugar free jam and enjoy! Apple Sauce would be good too...

My DH loved them and I have to make more!!! I put SF raspberry jam on them this morning and it tasted like a jelly doughnut!!!!!!

Total Recipe: 860 Cal; 46 g Protein; 62 g Tot Fat; 19 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 3 g Sugar; 988 mg Sodium

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Cottage Cheese Pancakes (soft-regular stage)

These are melty, cheesy, with bits of onion... really good, and almost all protein! A very surprising dish given the 5 ingredients that are used. Double or triple this recipe and serve to the family... everyone will love these!

Half a medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon butter

1 egg

1/2 cup cottage cheese

2 tablespoons flour

salt

pepper

Saute the onion in the butter until golden... allow to cool in pan. In a small bowl, beat egg slightly, blend in cottage cheese, flour, salt and pepper, and onion butter mixture. Heat nonstick skillet, spray with Pam, and place four 1/4 cup scoops of batter and spread into small pancakes. Cook until browned... flip and cook until lightly brown on other side. YUMMY! ~~~~~

CHEESY EGG BAKE

6 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup milk

1 cup cottage cheese

4 ounces cream cheese cubed

1 cup cubed sharp cheddar

In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Whisk in flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, seasoning, milk, and cottage cheese. Stir in cubed cheeses. Pour into greased 9x9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until puffed, golden and set. Makes eight servings.

Per Serving: 202 Cal; 16 g Protein; 12 g Tot Fat; 7 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 3 g Sugar; 272 mg Sodium

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Breakfast Muffins in a Minute

1/4 Cup Flaxseed Meal

1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon Splenda (optional)

1 egg

Mix everything together in a coffee cup. Cook for one minute in the microwave. Turn the cup upside down to take the muffin out. If it looks wet, let it sit for a minute or so. I have these for breakfast. You can add blueberries, or try other additions. Some people add a tablespoon of cream cheese before cooking.

Calories 195 Fat 9 gram Protein 12 gram Carbs 9 grams Fiber 8 grams Sugars 0 grams

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Berry & Cream Cheese Protein Crepes

1/2 cup of ff cottage cheese to my magic bullet or other small blender cup

one egg white or one whole egg or liquid egg white to equal one egg (I use liquid egg white most often)

2 T flour

1 t. vanilla

a dash of salt (i skip this)

Splenda to taste - I use about 2 T

Pulse until smooth (thick batter consistency)

On a hot grill (works so much better than a pan in my experience) spray the nonstick griddle with butter Pam and pour the batter out in 4 even pancakes. I didn't do anything else at this point except wait for the batter to cook to firm and then flipped the cakes over to cook the rest of the way.

I pulled these off and added whipped fat free cream cheese and sugar free preserves and folded over.

Sprinkled with a smidgen of powdered sugar to add a bit of decadence to the plate. They were perfect and so easy. When I used the bullet to mix I had very nice pancakes - Absolutely NO STRESS whatsoever with them falling apart when using the small blender to mix them.

Used frozen mixed berries with spenda to taste and simmered on stove top til thicker cosistancy.

Approx Total Stats for Entire Recipe using frozen berries and liquid egg white Calories 154 Fat 1 (healthy) Carbs 10 Protein 23

Welcome!

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Welcome to my new blog--Laurel's weight loss journey!

I started this blog to make it easier to find info and recipes I had posted on my web page CowTown Stamps.

Please email me if you have any questions!