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My First Ice Cream Cone since Surgery

Ice Cream Cone

I did it I had my first Ice Cream Cone since my Gastric Bypass Surgery !! I have heard so many times that Ice Cream will throw you over the edge and make you have dumping, but I ate it and survived !!!

This is kinda a funny story…My daughter and her BFF had a fight at the end school – you know 11 year old drama. The drama to me was so silly and not something I wanted to see end a friendship built over so many years, but they were both being so stubborn and not wanting to be the one to give in. That is girls for ya right?

So me and my daughter’s BFF’s mom were trying to think of how we could end this – sooo I called her and said meet me at McDonald’s because I was going to take my kids for ice cream – I would go first and then they would show up like it was a coincidence. I know sneaky of me right?

So we did just that – and of course when the girls saw each other they hugged as if nothing happened. Mission accomplished !! But then my daughter said to me “You set this up didn’t you?” Rut Roh – she was on to me. I denied it, but later confessed and was happy she was not mad at me. High Fives for me !!!

So anyways I was really craving an Ice Cream Cone and toyed with the idea of getting one. I have read over and over that Ice Cream is one of those foods that will cause dumping syndrome, but how would I know if I was going to be one of those who have it if I did not try. So I decided to take my chances.

So I was handed my Ice Cream Cone and the workers were looking at me funny when I scrapped 1/2 of the ice cream into the garbage. They asked me if something was wrong with it – ha ha. It shocked me that I even did that, but I did not want to over do it. So I ate my ice cream cone as I chatted it up with my friend and my daughter and her BFF hung out like nothing ever happened between them – it was so nice to see and made us very happy.

Now after I finished my cone I did feel a little hot flashes, but could not figure out if it was from the ice cream or the heat outside. I had no other major symptoms of dumping at all. I am not sure if McDonald’s Ice cream is filled with the same amount of sugar as regular ice cream from the store, but all in all I enjoyed it and was happy I had no bad reactions.

The thing is that if I never tried it I would have never known if I could handle it – so sometimes you just have to take the plunge – think the worst will happen and be happy when it does not.

So far as I get brave and try things with sugar I seem to be lucky that I have had no reaction or dumping,. BUT that does not mean it will never happen. I hope it never does – but I may not have encountered the food that does not agree with me totally.

It seems for me that when I have heavy carbs that is the thing that makes me feel sick and I am happy about that because carbs have always been the thing that I would eat the most – sugar for me is a treat and I am thankful I am not one of those who is a sweet freak.

So my Ice Cream was a success as well as reuniting Best Friends. The next day they went to the town pool and spent the day together !!

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Stuffed Grape Leaves and I love each other

Stuffed Grape Leaves

I know I am 100% Italian, but sometimes I really think I am adopted and Greek. I love Greek food, but I love nothing more than Grape Leaves they are a true love of mine.

Have you ever had Stuffed Grape Leaves also known as Dolmas? The Grape Leaves I love are stuffed with a mixture of rice, spices and packed in a oil. I love the ones that come in a can and I eat them cold just as is. Ohhhh so good, but an acquired taste none the less.

Me and Grape Leaves go way back to when I lived in NY. There was the best Greek restaurant there I would frequent often (very often) – I am also a HUGE fan of Greek Salads as well as Gyros. Boy do I miss that place. When I moved from NY to Florida I missed my Greek food fix so much I would have my father who still lived there ship me their special dressing and cans of the Grape Leaves since they were very hard to find where I was living. Crazy right.

The worst was when I was prego with my son – of course I had to crave them of all things. My hubby found a place about 40 minutes from where we lived and would drive there to buy cans so I could get my fix and my father would also ship them to me as well. That is how much I love them.

The first time I ventured to have some was a couple weeks ago when out shopping with my son. They had them at my grocery store at the salad bar so I got a couple to see how I would handle them as a treat. I handled them well, but did not handle the fact I did not get more – they were sooo yummy.

So they other day I went out for a day of shopping with my sister and she took me to this Greek Place here in PA where I live now. I got myself a Gryo – did not eat it all at once, but boy was it tasty (not as good as NY, but tasty). On the counter they had cans of Grape Leaves, so I got one – how could I walk away from it.

I opened that can the next day and they were completely gone in just 2 days. I was in heaven – complete bliss with every bite !!! OH how I have missed eating them. While they are not high in protein I did not care one bit !! 4 Grape Leaves had 8 grams of fat, 160 calories, 20 carbs and only 2 grams of protein. Ya know what that did not matter – what mattered was that I was able to indulge on an old favorite with no issues. I am now sad because I have no more, but it was a treat and ya know what I will do it again for sure!!

So just because you have Gastric Bypass Surgery does not mean that you will never be able to eat some of your favorite foods ever again. In time you can try them while you hope and pray you have no bad reaction. I am just glad my old favorites are not sweets and chocolate or I would probably be in trouble. I have yet to have anything high in sugar and for all I know I will be able to handle it, but high sugar items scare me. I so do not want to experience the “I want to die dumping”.

Have I mentioned how much I love Grape Leaves? I really really do !!

See we can still have love affairs with our food, even after surgery.

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My thirteenth week after Gastric Bypass

Lavender Garden

Week number 13 – sounds scary right? If your superstitious I guess. Well this week was not too bad at all, hubby was finally home from the hospital and it was beautiful out and I started doing my yard work.

Yes this week started my job of Yard Slave. We have a nice bit of property and as soon as it gets warm out the outside work begins At the beginning of my week I had 4 yards of Mulch delivered and was ready to go.

The weather could not have been more beautiful – just the right temperature. I like to get my mulch done when it is cooler because I hate to sweat too much – so it was perfect and it meant I would be getting in lots of exercise which I normally hate doing. So it was really a win win – yard starts to look great and I get in a work out.

Oh and that is a photo of my new Lilac Bush I planted in the yard – so excited !!!

Here is what I ate so you can see each day for the thirteenth week:

(I am not gonna add the times on – just the order in which I ate)

April 16th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Bite of my daughter’s Bagel (I could not resist)
  • 1 Cube Steak with Ketchup
  • 2 Slices of American Cheese
  • SF Ice Pop
  • Omelet with American Cheese
  • 2 SF Ice Pops

Today was so nice out that I ordered 4 yards of mulch and had it delivered. It was time to start getting some yard work done. I was outside almost all day working my butt off (oh how I wish it worked that way – lol). I was so proud that today was the first day I was able to get in over 64 ounces of fluids – thank you hard work !!

April 18th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Gyro – Small
  • Protein Shake
  • Piece of a Tuna Sub
  • Piece of a Tuna Sub
  • SF Ice Pop

Once again I was outside all day working on the yard and mulching. Today we ordered out for lunch and I decided to get a Gyro. It was not a large one, but I was able to eat the whole thing. Yes I did have a small belly ache, but I ate 2 Papaya Enzymes afterwards and that helped. It was so damn good. My daughter had gotten a Tuna Sub for her dinner and I ended up eating a piece of that at two different times – not a huge amount, but that was also delish !!

April 18th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Piece of Tuna Sub
  • Cheese Its
  • 4 Corn Nuggets
  • Salad with Feta Cheese & Blue Cheese with Italian Dressing

So once again I was out doing yard work all day and then some food shopping. It seems I did not eat too much today now that I am typing it up. I did snack on a bit too many Cheese Its while taking a break from my work and guess what? I think I had mild dumping. I felt my heart race a bit – no sweating, but I felt like crap. I had to sit and rest a bit until it went away. I guess that is what I get huh? Not a good food day for me at all.

April 19th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Handful of Cheese Its
  • 1/2 Chicken Sandwich with 1/4 Pickle
  • Few French Fries
  • 1/2 Hot Dog in a Roll
  • Handful of Smoked Almonds

It was yard work all day yet again and also a conference at school for my daughter. Yup I went for those Cheese Its again even though I felt like crap the day before eating them, but I only had a few this time. I made Hot Dogs for dinner and decided to eat 1/2 of one which I did and I seemed to handle it. Again – not the best food day and it seems I did not eat enough yet again.

April 20th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 4 Small snack sized Turkey Sausages
  • Protein Coffee
  • 1/4 Pickle
  • Cheese Its
  • 1 Slice Swiss Cheese
  • A couple fork fulls Green Beans
  • 1/4 Pickle
  • 2 Slices of Salami
  • 1/2 Chicken Sandwich with 1/2 Pickle

More yard work today and some consignment shopping. I had lots of stuff to drop off (fat clothes – woo hoo) and I bought some treasures as well. Gosh as I keep typing in what I have eaten I am seeing I am not eating enough at all. Ugh !!!

April 21st

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 Slices of American Cheese
  • Fresh Veggies – Broccoli, Tomatoes, Celery & Carrots with Ranch Dip
  • 1/2 Chicken Sandwich with 1/2 Pickle
  • Grapes
  • Spicy Shrimp Dinner with some White Rice
  • Handful of Smoked Almonds

And the yard work continues on… I am working hard. For dinner hubby made this Sweet Chili Spicy Shrimp dish which I loved even if my mouth was on fire. I was very nervous my stomach was not going to be able to handle it, but all was good. By this day my body was starting to really feel all the yard work exercise and I was so sore. I knew it was going to rain tomorrow so I was looking forward to a nice break.

April 22nd

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 3/4 cupish Corned Beef Hash topped with a Fried Egg
  • Handful of Smoked Almonds
  • Grapes
  • Protein Coffee
  • 2 Slices Muenster Cheese
  • Handful of Cheese Its

Thank God for rain – today I got to be lazy. I slept until 10:30 and played on the computer and laid back in bed and caught up on some of my shows. Even with a lazy day I still did not eat enough – seems to be an evil pattern forming.

I was so busy this week working outside and enjoying the great weather that it seems I forgot to eat. Funny thing is that I feel like I am pigging out all day, but when I sit and type in my food journal I notice that I am really hardly eating at all. I tried hard to get in a protein shake as much as possible – which I now mix with my coffee for that extra kick – it still does not seem to be enough.

On the plus side I had gotten in all my fluids almost each day I was out doing yard work and I got lots of exercise. That is good right?

So how did my Weigh In go? Not at all like I thought it would with all that moving I did. I only lost 1 lb. Am I happy about that? Heck no – I am pissed !! I worked like crazy all week and to see only 1 lb on the scale is depressing I am not gonna lie.

I am going to contact my nutritionist to look over my food journals and tell me what I am doing wrong. I have a good feeling I know what she is gonna say – I am not eating enough at all. I will let you all know if I am right. For now I just have to try and re focus on Week 14. Sadly it is freezing and rainy out – so my yard work is on hold. I guess I may have to use the treadmill this week.

I hope my nutritionist can shed some light on this slow weight loss, because I am really getting frustrated – it is going on too long now.

Stay Tuned….

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My twelfth week after Gastric Bypass

Week 12

Week 12Another week down, but this was one Crazy Week for sure. Things were all off for me this week between my daughter getting her braces on and my hubby ending up in the hospital.

So my week started off with my daughter getting her braces put on on Monday along with this crazy herbst appliance that will pull her bottom jaw forward to correct her overbite. She did great and was so excited to finally get them on, but Tuesday when she was due to go back to school from spring break she needed another day off due to soreness.

Then on Wednesday I had to bring my hubby to the ER for a bad Asthma Exacerbation. I think he caught my son’s virus and it went right to his lungs. It is a very long story, but my husband has COPD among other lung issues that steamed from a dust exposure at work 5 years ago and when he gets sick it effects his lungs very bad. It makes his breathing horrible and takes him 2 times longer to recover.

So I brought him to the ER Wednesday evening and they admitted him and did not let him go home until Sunday. So needless to say my week consisted of driving back and forth to the hospital, stress and having my eating schedule all off. I did the best I could under the circumstances. If anything I did not eat as much as I should have, nor did I get in all my protein or my liquid daily.

Here is what I ate so you can see each day for the twelfth week:

(I am not gonna add the times on – just the order in which I ate)

April 9th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Picked at some Green Beans
  • Watermelon
  • 1/4 Cup Smoked Almonds
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer
  • Handful of Special K Cracker Chips – Sour Cream & Onion

Today my daughter got her braces put on. We were exhausted from Easter Sunday and being up so late, but we got her to the orthodontist on time. She was so excited. After we got home we all relaxed and I made sure she was comfortable – yup I was playing nurse. Seems playing nurse and taking care of everything I forgot to really eat today.

April 10th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Flounder with Tarter Sauce
  • 1 SF Tastykake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar
  • Bite of Feta Cheese
  • 1 Cup Three Bean Salad
  • 1/4 Cup Smoked Almonds
  • SF Ice Pop

So today I had my daughter home from school due to her mouth being so sore – so I got to play nurse for another day. I played nurse in between working and I also polished my nails with a Strawberry design. Not a bad day today – just average I guess.

April 11th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1 Cup Three Bean Salad
  • 1 Cup Three Bean Salad
  • Handful of Special K Cracker Chips – Sour Cream & Onion
  • 2 Slices American Cheese
  • A couple bites of the kids Macaroni Cheese
  • Cup of Tea with Splenda

Today I just worked and took care of hubby who was not feeling great. Later in the early evening my hubby started to get worse with his breathing and I knew I was going to need to take him to the ER at some point. About 8:30pm we decided it was time because he was getting worse. So off to the ER we went as I drove like Mario all the way. When we got there it was packed, but due to his distress and condition they took him in immediately. It was a long night in the ER and when they said they were going to admit him I left and that was around 2:30 am – I was exhausted. By the time I got home it was about 3:00am and while laying in bed I saw something roll across my bedroom floor with a line up of cats following it. I turned on the light and I see that my son’s hamster Felix had escaped from his cage – just what I needed at 3:30 am. So there I was on my hands and knees chasing after a hamster – it was quite comical. I finally caught him and brought him back to his cage and I am glad I saw him before the cats did him in. I finally feel asleep, but my alarm was set for 5:45 am to get the kids up and off to school. Not much time left to sleep.

April 12th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1/2 Protein Shake
  • 1 Piece of Beef Jerky
  • 1 Chicken Cutlet Parmesan (baked) with Meat Sauce with some linguine noodles
  • SF Jello and whipped cream
  • Protein Shake
  • 1/4 Cup Smoked Almonds

I got the kids off to school this morning one eye open. Then I checked my email and was able to drink about 1/2 protein shake. I went back to bed because I was exhausted and ended up sleeping until 1:00 pm. After the kids got home from school at about 3 I went back to the hospital to visit my hubby. I ended up staying there until about 8:30. I had a Chicken Cutlet I got from the hospital cafeteria along with some SF Jello. When I got home I made sure to have a protein shake. My sister was here with the kids so I sent her off on her way and went to bed early – I was still so tired.

April 13th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • A few bites of Ham and Mashed Potatoes
  • 1 Banana
  • Starbucks – I had a SF Mocha Frappachino
  • Salad, Few French Fries and a Bite of a Hot Dog
  • Couple pieces of fruit
  • 1 Egg Salad
  • 2 Slices American Cheese

Today I had the joy of getting our taxes done – I hate taxes. I ended up going to H&R Block again because my taxes are ridiculous and I just could not deal with them again this year. Last year was the 1st time I had someone else do them – sucks when all of the sudden you owe and this year was no different. It is just too much stress for me to figure it all out so I was ok letting someone else deal with it. It turned out to not be as bad as I thought it would be.

I cleaned the house a bit and when the kids got home from school we went up to the hospital to visit hubby. My hubby wanted some coffee from Starbucks so we stopped there on the way. I was a big Mocha Frapp fan prior o surgery so I asked if they can make one sugar free and I was surprised that they could. So I got one – it was OK, not the same as the real deal, but it worked. We ended up having dinner at the hospital but the choices today were not so great for me. I ended up having a salad and picking from my kids food. I also picked from some fruit my hubby ordered from his hospital meal for me. When I got home I tried to get some more protein in with a 1 Egg Salad and American Cheese – I did the best I could.

April 14th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 Slices of American Cheese
  • Picked French Fries
  • Grilled Chicken with Italian Seasoning
  • Fruit Salad
  • Bites of Crab Salad
  • 1 Cube Steak with Ketchup
  • SF Ice Pop

So this morning I cleaned the house because they thought they were going to release my hubby from the hospital today. Well they decided he had to stay for another day. So me and the kids went up to see him along with his request for McDonald’s Mocha Frappes and the kids got McDonald’s for lunch as well. I ended up picking at a few French Fries on the ride there. I called my hubby and since I was bringing him some McD’s for lunch to order his hospital lunch for me to eat – so I had him get some grilled chicken and fruit for me – hey we are paying for it anyways right? So we stayed with him for the afternoon.

On the way home we stopped at the grocery store and I picked up a Cube Steak which I cooked up for my dinner quickly at home to get in more protein. Then me and the kids watched TV and that was our day.

April 15th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Potatoes at the hospital from hubby’s breakfast
  • Coffee with 1/2 1/2 and Splenda
  • 1/2 cupish Crab Salad
  • Watermelon
  • 3 Slices of American Cheese and 1 Slice of Ham
  • 1/2 cupish SF Ice Cream
  • Salad with Feta Cheese, Tomatoes & Italian Dressing
  • A handful of Smoked Almonds

Today I woke up early hoping that they were gonna release my hubby from the hospital. I vacuumed and let the kids sleep in and went up to the hospital and got there by 9:30 am. I am happy to report he was free, but did not get out until about 1:00pm. I had some stops to make on the way home to pick up meds and some groceries and them home we went. I was so exhausted from all the running, but so happy to have him home.

We relaxed for the rest of the day – I ended up napping for a few and we watched some movies. I was not very hungry today – probably from all the stress this week and exhaustion. Just happy hubby is home and I get to be his nurse now – and of course he likes that – lol.

So as you can see my week was turned upside down. It was stressful and exhausting. I did my best with my eating while running back and forth to the hospital and the choices I had. I know I definitely did not eat as much nor did I get in all my liquids by any means.

As far as my exercise challenge from last week went – NADA. It did not happen. But I did do a lot of walking from my car to my hubby in the hospital so I would say that counts right?

My weight Loss this week was zero. I am not surprised by that at all. With all the stress I was under this week I was expecting no less. I did weigh myself in mid week and saw a loss, but I ended up at the same as last week when I stepped on the scale today. I did eat late last night and my bowel movements (yeah I know gross) this week were off. I know next week I will see some movement and I am not at all worried about it.

I am just happy my hubby is home from the hospital and feeling better. Now I can get back into a semi normal routine and see that scale move for me next week. It amazing what a toll stress can have on our bodies. I am hoping for a great week – so here I go….

Stay Tuned….

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Three Bean Salad – Great source of Protein

Three Bean Salad

Three Bean SaladIf you like your beans then you will definitely like this Three Bean Salad which is extremely tasty and a great source of protein. Oh and best part – it is super EASY to make.

As soon as the warmer weather starts to come I think of salads – not your regular green salads, but pasta salads, potato salads etc… But for us that have gone through Gastric Bypass Surgery having those too often with the high carbs is not a great idea. Of course I have had some already here and there, but just very small amounts – I do not deprive myself of anything as long as my pouch allows me to have it.

So I have been looking for some other tasty salad recipes to try and this Three Bean Salad was one of them. I actually made this last night and it was so good that I knew it was worth sharing and so here it is:

What you will need to create this Three Bean Salad:

  • 1 Can of Green Beans (14 1/2 ounce) – Drained
  • 1 Can Kidney Beans (16 ounce) – Drained
  • 1 Can Garbanzo Beans (15 1/2 ounce) – Drained
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Green Pepper (I used a 1 small one)
  • 1/2 Cup Chopped Red Onion (I just used 1/2 a medium red onion)
  • 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (I used the minced garlic from the jar)
  • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Cider Vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp Splenda
  • 1 (.7 ounce) packet of dry Italian Dressing Mix

So I gathered all my goodies for this recipe and was ready to give it a try. Note: I was originally going to use fresh garlic, but got lazy and went for the jar of minced garlic instead – lol. I then chopped up my Pepper and Onion and was ready for assembly !!

Now this cannot be an easier – so my kind of recipe !!

Get a bowl and dump in all your drained Beans, then toss in the rest of the ingredients and Mix.

I then put mine in the fridge for a few hours to marinate before I ate it.

I ended up having it for dinner and ate about a cup of it with no problems, it was sooooo good. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and I honestly was nervous about the Splenda making it too sweet and it did not at all. I really enjoyed this and it is a great side dish or a meal like I had it for.

Here is some Nutritional Info for this Recipe:

  • Serving Size – 1/2 Cup
  • Calories 130
  • Fat 4 grams
  • Cholesterol 0 grams
  • Sodium 380 mg
  • Carbs 20 grams
  • Fiber 6 grams
  • Sugars 2 grams
  • PROTEIN 5 grams – Nice !!!

Enjoy !!

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My eleventh week after Gastric Bypass

Week 11

Week 11The holidays are coming and going and this week was Easter. I love Easter because I also love springtime, although it has been a bit chilly for my taste I will still take it.

This week I had the kids home starting Tuesday for Spring break from school. They were suppose to be home starting Wednesday, but my son was home with an upper respiratory infection and my daughter had gone to the orthodontist the day before and had to have 7 spacers put in her teeth for her upcoming braces the following week and was in pain. So I had them both home a day early. I do however really love not having to wake up in the morning to the sound of my alarm clock. BONUS !!

Here is what I ate so you can see each day for the eleventh week:

(I am not gonna add the times on – just the order in which I ate)

April 2nd

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 Pieces of leftover roasted Chicken
  • 1 Beef Jerky Stick
  • Protein Shake
  • 2 Slices of Salami
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • 1/4 Cup Smoked Almonds

Today I had to take my daughter out of school early to go see the orthodontist about getting on her braces. She is so excited to get them put on – I know crazy right? They love her there. We found out instead of waiting the normal 4-5 weeks from this visit that they will do them next Monday – she cannot wait. Thank goodness she has off from school that day because she will probably be sore. Not only does she need braces but also a Herbst Appliance with realigns the jaw from a bad overbite. She has he best smile now and after all of this comes out I cannot even imagine how great it will be.

April 3rd

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 bites of my son’s Omelet
  • 1 Piece of leftover roasted Chicken
  • 1/2 cupish Reduced Fat Corned Beef Hash with a Fried Egg
  • 2 Slices of Salami
  • 1 Piece of leftover roasted Chicken
  • Bite of a Boneless Chicken Wing from Pizza Hut
  • 2 Handfuls of Goldfish Crackers

So today I had both my kidlets home. My son has an upper respiratory infection and my daughter a bad headache and pain from the 7 spacers they put in at the orthodontist yesterday. So I got to play nurse for my babies. I also did my nails with a Watermelon Design while they were resting. Later on my daughter and I caught up on Long Island Medium – we love that show !!

April 4th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 Grape Leaves (my fav)
  • Bite of a Red Beet Egg
  • Bites of my son’s Salad
  • Protein Shake mixed with Coffee
  • Salad with tomatoes, feta cheese and Vinaigrette dressing
  • SF Ice Pop

Today I brought my son to the doctor and he got lots of meds -my poor pooh bear. After the doctors we did some food shopping. While at the market I picked up 2 Grape Leaves, which happen to be one of my favorite things to eat prior to surgery. I used to be able to eat 8+ in one sitting, but being I had no idea how I woudld react and knowing I did not have room for that many I bought just 2 from the salad bar. I ate them in the car on my way home and they were AMAZING !! My son had gotten himself a salad and I had some bites of his food as well – he made the best salad with lots of cheese like feta, blue cheese, parm cheese – those became the dressing from all the flavors and that too was amazing. He also got Red Beet Eggs which prior to surgery I was not very fond of, but I took a bite and it was yummy. It was a nice change in taste and I think I may be hooked. I could have eaten more, but my son made me stop concerned I would get sick with the mix of things I ate – how cute right?

April 5th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1 Piece of Crab (imitation kind) 2 g protein
  • Handful of Goldfish Crackers
  • 1 Piece of leftover roasted Chicken
  • Watermelon
  • 2 Pieces of Crab (imitation kind) 4 g protein
  • Tortilla Pizza with fresh mushrooms and olives
  • 1 Frozen Yogurt Protein Popper
  • Handful of Goldfish Crackers

Today I had a bad headache from the time I woke up – maybe sinus related who knows. Later in the day I went outside being it was kinda warm finally. I did some needed weeding – wooo hooo got in some exercise. Later for desert I made hubby and the kids some Chocolate Chip Cookies and boy did they look good. I did not even have a nibble – so proud of myself if I do say so myself.

April 6th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1 Piece of Crab (imitation kind) 2 g protein
  • 2 Pieces of Crab (imitation kind) 2 g protein
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 4 French Fries stolen from my daughter
  • 2 Slices of American Cheese
  • 1 Red Beet Egg
  • Watermelon
  • Smart One Homestyle Pot Roast Cal 180, Fat 4.5g, Protein 17g, Carb 18g
  • Handful of Roasted and Salted Soybeans

Today I did some thrift store shopping with my sister and daughter in hunt for treasure !! We stopped at the store and I got myself my own Red Beat Egg – great protein punch. It was yummy. I also bought some Roasted and Salted Soybeans to try out and 1/4 cup has about 11 grams of protein – I had never had them before and they are not so bad. A great munchie snack for evening TV.

April 7th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Roasted Chicken Leg & Thigh
  • 1/2 Baked Potato with Sour Cream, Butter and Salt
  • 1 Piece of Crab (imitation kind) 2 g protein
  • Meatloaf, Green Beans & Mashed Potatoes

Today was a busy day for me gathering everything for Easter tomorrow. I do lots of fun crafts for the kids, I baked some brownies from scratch, made a bunny bread that gets surrounded with fresh veggies, made up kids Easter Baskets etc… I also did some more shopping with my daughter in between that all. Then later in the evening my sister came over for dinner and she made a delicious meatloaf – so good I ate too much and had a belly ache. So being I just picked up some of those Papaya Enzymes I posted earlier this week it was the perfect time to give them a try. So I chewed up two of them and guess what? It worked !!! Withi9n about 15 minutes my belly felt so much better – amazing !! After dinner we colored our eggs and now we just had to wait for the Easter Bunny – lol.

April 8th – Easter ✿

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Protein Shake
  • Coffee with Creamer & Splenda
  • Raw Veggies – Broccoli, Tomatoes, Carrots & Cucumbers with a Dill Dip
  • Picked at a couple Tortilla Chips
  • Ham, Green Beans, Corn & Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 Green Olives stuffed with Garlic
  • A bite or two of bread
  • Tiny bite of Cinnamon Bun Cake
  • Meatloaf with Ketchup

Easter was at my mother in laws today and I think I did pretty damn good eating wise. For appetizers I had brought a veggie tray so I ate a bunch of veggies from that. I also did pick at a couple tortilla chips, but only a couple. For dinner we had Ham so I ate that first with a small amount of the sides. I did have a bite or two of some bread – very small. The hard part was when dessert came out – even though I am not a big sweet eater I wanted some, BUT I controlled myself and took a tiny taste of a Cinnamon Bun Cake my sister had made. We ad a great time, but by the time we got home I was hungry. It had been awhile since dinner and being I did not have dessert I was hungry. I heated up a small slice of leftover Meatloaf and dipped it in ketchup and I was all good. It was a really great day with lots of laughs and fun for the kids.

Here are a few pictures from Easter.. The first picture is my son and daughter on the right with my nephew and niece on the left, next is my niece and daughter with the bunny masks they made and last is me and my hubby❤.

This week was filed with fun for me getting ready for Easter and having the kids home – although my son was sick I got to play nurse. Love my babies even if they drive me crazy – I would not have it any other way.

I have the same issues as always – still working on getting in all my proteins, liquids and that damn exercise. OH wait I did exercise this week – I weeded one day – that counts right?

At Easter I was talking with the family about everything and the exercise came up of course and they gave me a challenge. They challenged me to do 30 minutes a day on the treadmill – everyday !!! OMG I took that challenge – so what do I get if I do it? Geez good question they did not put up a prize or anything now that I am thinking about it. UGH !! Well I guess I will feel better and maybe even give that slow metabolism of mine a good boost. I am gonna take it on and see what happens come my next weigh in – Game On !!

I was very happy with this weigh in and have no complaints at all – want to know how I did? Visit My Weigh Ins and see

So Stay Tuned to see if I can do this 30 minutes a day for a whole 7 days….

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Frozen Yogurt Protein Poppers

Make Protein Poppers

Make Protein PoppersAs the weather warms up I love to snack on things that are cold. I have been looking for easy ideas that will combine a cold treat and protein and these Frozen Yogurt Protein Poppers are both.

I must admit I am completely addicted to Sugar Free Ice Pops, but they do not provide me with any protein. So I am trying to change things up a bit. I have posted about Frozen Protein Shake Pops and My Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee Drink concoction but the more variety the better. So I had to share this latest idea with you all too.

Here is what I used to make these:

  • 0% Chobani Black Cherry Greek Yogurt
  • 1/2 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
  • Ice Cube Tray
  • Cut up Straws

All I did was mix my yogurt with the protein powder. You can use any flavor combo that works for you – I like Black Cherry and decided to give this flavor combo a try.

Then I just spooned that into the Ice Cube Tray and it filled 8 spots. I stuck it into the freezer for about 10 minutes and then took it out and added the cut straws. I added the straws to make little handles so they would be easy to hold and less messy. You can leave the straws out if you like so you can just pop them right in your mouth.

Then back into the freezer they went for a couple hours to freeze up. When set just take them and pop them out. If you have trouble popping them out like I did – just sit the tray in hot water for a couple seconds to release them from the sides.

You can store these in your freezer until you need a quick treat to cool off.

Each one of these little cubes of yumminess has about 3.5 grams of protein – not too shabby. I can easily eat all 8 over the course of the day for a grand total of 28 grams of protein – BONUS !! These are perfect for the hot days coming, don’t ya think? Of course you can also freeze the same mixture into full size pops, but this way makes it quick and easy to eat without over filling your pouch.

Enjoy !!

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Whole Wheat Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla PizzaI ate Pizza !!! Well not quite a pizza you would normally get at a pizza place, but a very tasty version I made that you can make too.

So tonight for dinner I made myself this yummy pizza that uses a Whole Wheat Tortilla as the crust. It is not an overload of carbs and the cheese gives me my protein. I also added on some sauce, fresh sliced mushrooms, sliced black olives and pizza seasonings.

It was so EASY to make and tasted Delish !!

If you have a craving for a Pizza this is a great alternative to avoid the high carbs of an average slice from the pizza place. You can also make it anyway you want and add on toppings of your choice. To up the protein add on some pepperoni, ground beef, meatballs etc… Really the limit is only your imagination.

The Whole Wheat Tortilla I used is 8″ . It was nothing fancy just store brand. 1 Tortilla has 120 Calories, 3g Fat, 22g Carbs, 4g Dietary Fiber, 0g Sugars and 4g Protein. I also used part skim shredded mozzarella.

I took pictures of me making it – lol Does that look good or what? Of course it is not the real deal, but it was still yummy. I loved the thin crispiness of the tortilla.Next time I am gonna leave it in the oven longer to brown up the cheese more, but I was hungry and impatient !!

I was almost able to eat the whole thing, but I shared some with my hubby & son.

I think I will make myself a Mexican Pizza with refried beans & cheddar cheese and a Greek Pizza using spinach & feta cheese next. The possibilities are endless…

So give it a try and if you do send me a picture of your delicious creation and I will add it on here !!

Enjoy !!

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Pesto Chicken,Tomatoes and Artichokes baked in a foil pouch

Festive Chicken Stuffing Bake

Festive Chicken Stuffing BakeIf you are looking for a quick and tasty way to change up your chicken, then look no further because I found one. This recipe is so EASY to make, it is delicious and the chicken comes out so moist.

My sister and I are always looking for new recipes and she came across this one on Kraft Food’s website that looked so good to us so we figured we would try it out. Boy am I glad we did because I thought it was so flavorful and amazing that it was worth the share with you all and I am going to show you how it is made step by step.

Now the recipe does call for white rice and for me I can handle it, but for those who cannot you can either leave it out, sub with Brown Rice, Sliced Potatoes or just add in more veggies.

Here is what you need for this recipe:

  • 3 Cups of Instant White Rice – uncooked
  • 3 Cups of Warm Water
  • 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.) cut about 1/2 inch thick – so 3 Whole breasts cut in half.
  • 1 Can of Artichoke Hearts (13 3/4 ounce) – we used Artichoke Bottoms, either works
  • 2 Large Tomatoes – Chopped
  • 1/2 Cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing (you can use light if you want – I did not)
  • 1/4 Cup Pesto (we used premade Pesto from Buitoni)
  • Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

First preheat your oven to 400 degrees

Next I cut up my chicken, my plate has more than the recipe in case you were wondering why it looked like so much. Then chop up your tomatoes.

Next heat up your 3 Cups of water – I did that in the microwave. Pour the uncooked rice in the water.

In separate bowl whisk together your Italian Dressing and Pesto.

Prepare 6 Foil Pouches by folding up the sides.

Assembly Time !!!

Take one of your foil pouches and place some of the white rice on it. There will be liquid in it and that is ok – that will get absorbed while cooking.

Then place a piece of chicken on top of the rice.

Take some of the artichokes and tomatoes and place on top of the chicken.

Then drizzle with a nice amount of the Italian dressing pesto mixture.

Next close up your foil pouch by double folding the top and both ends to seal leaving room for heat circulation inside.

Place them on a Baking Dish or a Cookie sheet and bake for approx 30 – 35 minutes.

When done let it sit for about 5 minutes and then open up the pouch and let some steam out.

Grab your fork and dig in !!!

I absolutely loved this and of course I ate the chicken first before any of the rice which I did not end up eating all of. Yes they say stay away from the carbs, but honestly if you have them in moderation think that is just fine.

Another thing I found when making this recipe was that who knew Italian Dressing and Pesto mixed could be so tasty. I will definitely be using that combo for other recipes. That extra chicken I had was cooked in that mixture in a plain baking dish so I would have some protein the next day – it is delicious as well.

I hope you give it a try and if you do let me know what you think.

Enjoy !!

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My tenth week after Gastric Bypass

10

10One more week under my belt and here I come week 11. Before I know it I will be a year post op at this rate. As long as I am shrinking in the process I am fine with that. It is looking good !!

This week was not very exciting, just another week is all. The weather got cold again and we had some rain. It seems Mother Nature is hitting the drugs again which is clouding her mind and she forgets what season we are in. She totally needs an intervention don’t ya think? Is it too much to ask for that warm Spring air to be consistent and some sun?

Here is what I ate so you can see each day for the tenth week:

(I am not gonna add the times on – just the order in which I ate)

March 26th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 3/4 cupish Crab Salad
  • 1 Slice of Provolone & 1 Slice of Salami
  • 3 Medium Shrimp
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • A Handful of Peanuts – Elephant Peanuts I had to remove from the shell
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper

Today was lazy day and I was extra tired all day long. I had a friend stop by and was not the best company being I could hardly keep my eyes open. I so just wanted to take a nap and after he left I tried and maybe got in about 20 minutes before the kids came home from school. Those darn kids they ruin everything – lol

March 27th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 12 Medium Shrimp dipped in Cocktail Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Egg Drop Soup
  • 3/4 cupish Chinese Food – Beef, Broccoli & Mushrooms with some White Rice
  • Few bites of leftover dinner (later that night)
  • SF Ice Pop
  • 2 Slices of Provolone & 2 Slices of Salami

Today was exciting in the fact that I found out that my wedding rings fit on my finger again after years of not be able to wear them.

March 28th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Leftover Chinese Food – Beef, Broccoli & Mushrooms with some White Rice
  • One bite of an Egg Roll
  • 12 Medium Shrimp dipped in Cocktail Sauce
  • Raw Broccoli dipped in Ranch Dressing
  • 1 Slice of American Cheese
  • Spoonful of SF Coolwhip
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • SF Ice Pop

Today I decided to have my leftover Chinese food at about 9:45 in the morning – I was hungry. Not long after I ate I ended up falling asleep on the couch for about 2 hours. I find this happens to me if I have too many carbs which may be the case from the white rice. I was not sick just full and tired. Later in theday I had a swwet craving so I delt with that by having a spoonful of SF Coolwhip and that satisfied it.

March 29th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with Special K Protein Water Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds
  • Tilapia (20 g protein) dipped in Tarter Sauce
  • Salad – Lettuce, Tomato, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Bacon Bits and Light Honey Mustard Dressing

Today I was feeling extra hungry – I felt like I ate a lot but when I look at what I ate it was not that much at all. I was definitely battling Head Hunger today for sure. I also ran to the store today and discovered Special K20 Protein Water which is a drink mix you add to your water and it contains protein – I bought the Pink Lemonade and it was yummy.

March 30th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with Special K Protein Water Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 3/4 cupish Chunky Roadhouse Beef & Bean Chili with a Tbsp Sour Cream – calories 115, protein 13g
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds
  • 1/4 Rocky Road Brownie Supreme Protein Bar
  • 2 Slices American Cheese w/mustard
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds
  • 1 Pork Chop with Shake n Bake dipped in Natural Applesauce and fresh cooked Broccoli & Cauliflower

Today I just worked all day, but again I was battling that Head Hunger. It is always such a fight and you can win, today I did. I also loved the pork chop at dinner tonight, but I ended up overeating. I am not sure it was the Pork Chop that through me over the edge I think I ate too much of the veggies. In addition to that broccoli and cauliflower especially mixed can cause a lot of gas pains and I think that is what I had. I just had a belly ache, but it passed in time and all was good.

March 31st

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with Special K Protein Water Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Bites of leftover Broccoli
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds
  • Protein Shake
  • 3/4 cupish Watermelon
  • 3/4 of a Sweet Italian Sausage Griller with sauteed Peppers & Onions
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds

Today was yet another rainy day so I worked for most of it, did some shopping and relaxed to some TV. I was also craving Watermelon really bad after having some last week and realized that we are now BFFs. My daughter had some extra fun dressing up my new friend which you can read all about HERE.

April 1st – April Fool’s Day

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 4 Slices of Salami
  • 1 Slice Swiss Cheese
  • 1 snack size bag of Roasted Peanuts – 13 g protein
  • 3/4 cupish Watermelon
  • 1 Pork Chop dipped in Natural Applesauce (leftover)
  • Pesto Chicken with Artichokes, Tomatoes & White Rice
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds

Today was April Fool’s Day so I had some playing some tricks on the kids. I made them fake grilled cheese sandwiches as one of my pranks – that was very funny. My daughter had a birthday party to attend so I took a ride with my hubby to bring her and did some shopping on our way home. My sister came over for dinner tonight and we made a new recipe which was so delicious. I have added it to my long list of favorites – it was so full of flavor. See the recipe (Coming Soon – stay tuned)

So I had a pretty lazy week and the cold rainy weather is a big factor to that. I was getting very excited that it was getting warmer out so I can start my outside slavery to my yard, but nope – Mother Nature had to go and ruin my plans. I am hoping this week coming up may change, but as it looks it is still going to be a bit chilly. Ugh !! Like I am not cold enough dealing with the Cold Intolerance I wrote about this week.

Once again as I look at my Food Journal when I type it up here I can notice some things I need to change. They are pretty much the same things every week. Number one thing is I need to lay off the Salami – even though Salami is a protein it is definitely not the right kind I should be eating. I eat it because it is in my lunch meat drawer and it is easy for me to pick at. I am a picker and that I have to watch.

I also need to really work on having a protein shake daily just to get in that extra protein. I was suppose to have done that this week, but slacked off yet again. I have been working hard at trying to get in my 64 ounces of fluids, but I’m still not quite there yet, I find that very hard.

And last but not least – exercise, yup I dropped the ball on that again too. What is wrong with me? Ok this week coming up I am gonna do it – I really am. I swear !!

I am happy to report that even with my lazy week I had a good weigh in on the scale and you can take a look to see how I did here at My Weigh Ins.

So lets hope Week 11 is more active and I can accomplish some of the goals that I have been trying to accomplish for weeks, week 11 here I come….