Celebrate Vitamins Essential Protein 2 in 1 Protein & Calcium Bar has two fruity new flavors! Lemon Crunch and Crazzberry Crunch. I was given an opportunity to sample them. They are both delicious. I want to dangle a Crazzberry Bar from a chain and wear it, it smells Ahhh-MAZING. I love that they made fruit flavors, it’s a nice alternative to the typical chocolate flavors. Summery… I can see pulling one of these babies out of your beach bag in the summer and while everyone is eating chips and snack cakes you’ll be doing right by your health.Highlights:15 grams of Protein PLUS… 500 mg of Calcium Citrate and 333 IU of Vitamin D3 per bar.High protein snack (Between 130-140 calories) comes in 4 delicious flavors: NEW Crazzberry Crunch (fruity, berry, …

It’s raining. Woo hoo. I’ve been looking forward to it. I ran all my errands yesterday so I could stay home today and enjoy watching it through the window. It’s a perfect day to make a pot of soup and that is the plan. If you are looking for a little healthy, crunchy snack to go with soup or anything else… Here’s a few of my favorite ways to get my crunch on post weight loss surgery:Homemade Crunchy Cheese “Crackers” Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Place cheese on paper about 1/2″ apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bubbly and slightly golden.Remove from parchment and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil (some …

Excited to announce that REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the 2016 Your Weight Matters National Convention. If you have read my blog for awhile you know this is the amazing convention that the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) puts on each year. I never miss it.For those of you who are not familiar with the event it’s an awesome few days of education, experts from all over the country (and world) come to share evidence based education about health and weight, speakers that can turn the science of weight, health, fitness, nutrition, emotional wellness into real world ideas and tools you can use right away in your life to improve your health. It’s also a wonderful support network and a super fun weekend. I highly recommend attending. Check out …

These Premier Protein Pudding Jars are the perfect St. Patrick’s Day or Welcome Spring dessert. A healthified version of a Grasshopper Pie, a rich, chocolate mint protein bar “crust” topped with a creamy, minty cool protein pudding will have you and any little leprechauns in your life jumping for joy.Shelly’s Grasshopper Pie Premier Protein Pudding Jars6 – 4 oz. jars (or clear cups)2 Premier Protein Chocolate Mint Fiber Bars, chopped 2 cups Premier Protein Vanilla Shake (Ready to Drink RTD, chilled)1 – 1 oz. small package Sugar Free Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (dry)Optional: 1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Peppermint Syrupa few drops of Green Food ColoringSpoon a layer of chopped protein bar on the bottom of each 4 oz. jar. Set aside while you mix up the protein pudding layer.Pour the chilled shakes, …

Whether you are Irish, of Irish decent or like me Irish-for-the-day here’s a few recipes and ideas to celebrate healthy and get your green on this St. Patrick’s Day…Shelly’s Shamrock Protein ShakeShelly’s Avocado Deviled EggsShelly’s Broccoli Fritters with Garlicky Greek Yogurt DipShelly’s Ricotta Cheese Pistachio Pancakes Shelly’s Awesome Guacamole & Shrimp CocktailShelly’s Irish Avocado DipShelly’s Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice CreamShelly’s Mini Pistachio Protein Muffinsand I had to christen my new Keep Calm and Shamrock On glass (found at JoAnns)Shelly’s Shamrock-on Pistachio Protein Shake8 oz. Milk (any cow, soy, almond, coconut)1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Pistachio Pudding Mix, drya few Ice Cubesoptional: a few drops Green Food ColoringWhiz in blender on high. I topped mine with No Sugar Added …

When I started blogging my weight loss surgery journey I could never have imagined that it would allow me to cross life paths with so many awesome people. I truly believe that having all of you as part of my support network and staying active in the community helps “keep my head in the game” so THANK YOU for sharing the road with me and for sharing the blog and my other social media pages with your friends, family, support groups and thank you to the health professionals, surgeons and bariatric practices that share the blog with their patients. I appreciate the kind shout outs. You rock! I noticed my Facebook page went over 30,000 Facebook pals sometime last month and today is the first day of Spring …

A healthier twist on the family friendly, classic comfort food and potluck staple Broccoli Rice Casserole. This is a riceless version using riced cauliflower (I great big puffy heart love this time saving product) and a “secret” spice that takes this to another level and makes this one of my favorite dinner recipes (and the best leftovers for lunch the next day.) Shelly’s Cheesy Broccoli No Rice Casserole1 Yellow Onion, diced6-8 Mushrooms, sliced2 cups of Cauliflower, riced12 oz bag Broccoli Cuts, cooked1 stalk celery, chopped1 (10.5 oz) can of Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup1/4 cup Shredded Italian Blend Cheese 1 Tablespoon Za’atara few twists of Black Pepper2 Tablespoons Crispy Onions 2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, gratedOptional: 1 cup cooked whatever protein (chicken, turkey, beef, sausage, etc.)Saute yellow onion and mushrooms …

Post weight loss surgery when you eat out in a restaurant it’s a given there will be a lot of leftovers or waste. I hate wasting food. Sometimes I have no choice if I’m headed to a movie or I’m too far from home but if I’m heading home right after a meal you better be sure the leftovers are coming home. Those leftovers can be “repurposed” and transformed into a bunch of great meals.Repurposing: Transforming leftovers into something equally as yummy. The goal is for them to taste & look so completely different you don’t realize you are having leftovers.Ask for a to-go box when you order. I just say, “I’m not terribly hungry and I know I will need a box so …

This is not an April Fools. I was excited to be asked to sample and share the news that Premier Protein is debuting a new flavor of their ready-to-drink Protein Shake: Bananas & Cream! The new Bananas & Cream shake flavor will be available starting April 5th at select Sam’s Club stores.The nutritional stats are the same as the currently available Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberries & Cream flavors. These ready to drink shakes are a super convenient way to stick to your health goals.11 oz.30g of protein 160 calories1g of sugarFor work: always keep one in your desk drawer if you ever forget lunch you can put it in the fridge and by midday you’ll have a chilled, protein packed savior.For school: I …

I am excited to partner with Celebrate Vitamins to share the news about some new products and give some away too. When you sign on the dotted line for weight loss surgery it comes with some non-negotiable, lifelong rules that must be followed, one of which is taking vitamins and mineral supplementation faithfully. So many post-operative issues and complications can be avoided if we just make sure to take our vitamins every day.One of the things I love about Celebrate Vitamins is that they are active in our community, if you attend a conference like Your Weight Matters visit their booth, chat with them, share what you love, what you’d love to see. It’s through those interactions with patients, bariatric surgeons, dietitians they develop …

I love Scrambled Egg Bowls. Protein packed, fluffy eggs with yummy toppings for breakfast are a satisfying and healthy start to a day.Scrambled Egg Bowls are also great for a fun DIY brunch. Make or assemble all the toppings you can the night before (shredded cheeses, sliced olives, herbs, etc.) place them in a divided serving dish and set them in the fridge. Make up a batch of scrambled eggs in the morning and your guests can make their own creations from the available assorted toppings.Here’s 4 of the Scrambled Egg Bowls I’ve made recently as inspiration…Pizza: Scrambled Eggs, Shredded Mozzarella, Mini Pepperoni, Sauteed Mushrooms, Black Olives, BasilMexican: Scrambled Eggs, Shredded Monterrey Jack, Fresh Salsa, Sliced AvocadoAsian: Scrambled Eggs, Sauteed Mushrooms Bean Sprouts and …