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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Better Than Green Bean Casserole

A couple of years ago I came across this recipe in Vegetarian Times and served it for Thanksgiving in place of traditional green bean casserole - you know the one with the canned soup and canned fried onions. This dish is so delicious and such a crowd pleaser I have been making it ever since. Here is the recipe direct from Vegetarian Times -- I hope it finds a way to your holiday table this year!

Green Beans with Walnuts and Shallot Crisps

Shallot crisps are the star attraction here and can be made in advance. In a tightly sealed jar, they will keep at room temperature for 2 weeks—but you’d better hide the jar.

 Vegetarian Times Issue: November 1, 2008   p.71   —   Member Rating: 1111

Ingredient List

Serves 8
Shallot Crisps
  • 5 large shallots (½ lb.), peeled and sliced into thin rings
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
Green Beans
  • 2 lb. green beans, trimmed
  • 3 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbs. Dijon mustard
  • 3 Tbs. vegetable oil
  • 3 Tbs. maple syrup
  • 1 cup toasted chopped walnuts (½ lb.)

Directions

1. To make Shallot Crisps: Spread shallot rings on paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and cover with another paper towel. Let stand 10 minutes. Blot excess moisture from shallots.
2. Heat oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots, and fry
2 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring frequently.
3. Pour shallots and oil through fine mesh strainer, or remove shallots with slotted spoon. Spread shallots on paper towels to drain and cool. Discard oil. Store shallots in jar, if desired.
4. To make Green Beans: Cook beans
in large pot of boiling salted water 5 to 8 minutes, or until just tender. Drain. Whisk together vinegar, mustard, oil, and maple syrup in serving bowl. Add green beans, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Top with Shallot Crisps and chopped walnuts, and serve.


Nutritional Information

Per : Calories: 253, Protein: 5g, Total fat: 18g, Saturated fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 22g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 291mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugars: 9g

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

2010 Limited Edition Classic Poultry Blend Seasoning - ON Sale Now!

LivingAfterWLS General Store
The low-sodium herb blend is shown here in the decorative tin. The 2-ounce container (1/2 cup volume) is plenty to flavor your favorite autumn roast poultry, pork and vegetables throughout the cold winter months and will stay fresh and flavorful stored in the functional reusable tin. Tin measures 4-1/4"x 2-3/4" x 1-1/4" deep. Spice blend is delivered in tin tightly preserved in resealable plastic bag for optimum freshness.

"Smells like Thanksgiving, and stuffing, and home. Delicious. "
Kaye's husband Jim

Buy Now
Suggested Price: $10.40
Your Value Price: $8.55 - Save $1.85


LivingAfterWLS General Store
Our Thanks to You
Coupon Code: THANKS2010
Save $3.00 Off Order of $20 or More!!
November 15-30, 2010

Holiday Pies: What Every Weight Loss Surgery Patient Should Know


We all know we shouldn't reach for the holiday pie after Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) - it's against the rules and the potential to make us sick is very high. If that's not enough to motivate restraint how about considering the nutrient analysis of some favorite American pies. Take a look and see if it is really worth it to taste that full-fat, full-sugar dessert:

(Based on a 1/8 slice of the pie)
Pumpkin Pie: 461 calories, 21 grams fat, 9 grams protein and 60 grams carbs

Pecan Pie: 436 calories, 17.2 grams fat, 3 grams protein and 67 grams carbs.

Apple, Blueberry or Cherry: 340 Calories, 16 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 46 grams carbs.

Coconut Cream Pie: 485 Calories, 25 grams fat, 6 grams protein, 48 grams carbs.

Chocolate Cream Pie: 401 calories, 21 grams fat, 6 grams protein, 50 grams carbs.

Top that slice o'pie with real whipped cream - add another 104 calories, 11 grams fat, 41 grams cholesterol and a gram each of protein and carbs.

I'm laying down my pie fork right now! It's just not worth a taste of pie to risk being sick, uncomfortable or worse weight gain. (I know - you can't gain weight with one taste of pie - but I have never been able to restrain myself to one taste. What about you?)


Still don't want to go without pie this holiday season? Here are two sugarless and relatively safe dessert recipes for celebrating LivingAfterWLS style. Indulge with caution - though they do not contain sugar they are sweetened with artificial sweetener and contain high amounts of fat, calories and carbs.

Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie
1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated skim milk
3 eggs
5-1/2 teaspoons Equal® for Recipes
 or 18 packets Equal® sweetener
 or 3/4 cup Equal® Spoonful(TM)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:
Roll pastry on floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie pan. Ease into pan; trim and flute edge.

Beat pumpkin, evaporated milk and eggs in medium bowl; beat in remaining ingredients. Pour into pastry shell. Bake in preheated 425°F oven 15 minutes; reduce heat to 350°F and bake until knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Nutrition (1/8 slice of pie): 175 calories; 8 grams protein; 22 grams carbs; 7 grams fat


Chocolate Cream Pie
 Ingredients:
Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 to 1/3 cup European or Dutch-process cocoa
10-3/4 teaspoons Equal® for Recipes
or 36 packets Equal® sweetener
or 1-1/2 cups Equal® Spoonful(TM)
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups skim milk
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons thawed frozen light whipped topping

Equal® sweetener can be substituted with other sweetener products. Nutrition contents might be different from those listed below.

Directions:
Roll pastry on lightly floured surface into circle 1 inch larger than inverted 9-inch pie pan. Ease pastry into pan; trim and flute edge. Pierce bottom and side of pastry with fork. Bake in preheated 425oF oven until crust is browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Combine cornstarch, cocoa, Equal® and salt in medium saucepan; stir in milk. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Boil until thickened, about 1 minute.

Beat eggs and egg whites in small bowl; whisk about 1 cup chocolate mixture into eggs. Whisk egg mixture into chocolate mixture in saucepan. Cook over very low heat, whisking constantly, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Spread hot filling in baked crust; refrigerate until chilled and set, about 6 hours. Cut into wedges and place on serving plates; garnish each serving with dollop of whipped topping, if desired.

Nutrition (1/8 slice of pie): 188 calories; 7 grams protein; 25 grams carbs; 7 grams fat.


Kaye Bailey © 2005 - All Rights Reserved

Emergency Preparedness For WLS Patients

It looks like many of us in North America are about to face some pretty intense winter weather. In fact, there are numerous winter storm and blizzard warnings posted from the Pacific Northwest clear across the nation to New England. Now is a good time to make sure we are WLS-ready in the event we find ourselves without transportation, heat, and/or power. I'm checking my emergency rations this morning and found this old article to be a useful prompt in reminding me what I need to have on hand. Sometimes we adapt so well to our weight loss surgery needs we forget that we are "special needs" people. So take a look and please be safe and sound as Old Man Winter howls all around!  

Emergency Preparedness For Weight Loss Surgery Patients

Following weight loss surgery patients make a multitude of adjustments in their lives to accommodate the dietary and nutritional needs of an altered gastric digestive system. Even if weight loss has long been accomplished patients who have undergone gastric bypass, gastric banding or gastric sleeve surgical procedures must, for the rest of their life, maintain rigorous nutritional and dietary habits in order to be healthy. After time these adjustments feel like second nature to the patient and even those around them. But in preparing an emergency kit for use in the wake of a natural or national disaster it is essential that weight loss surgery patients treat themselves as "special needs" and ensure their nutritional and dietary needs are provided for in the event the emergency kit is put into service.

Flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice frequently jeopardize the health and safety of thousands of Americans each year. This year weather events and natural disasters have been particularly harsh throughout the world and many thousands have found themselves without food, shelter or warmth. While we cannot prevent natural or national disasters we can assemble emergency supply kits to improve our survivability when disaster strikes.

A well-prepared basic emergency supply kit will contain items to provide for the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following items be included in a basic emergency supply kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for a least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Personal hygiene items
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilitites
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers

Emergency readiness kits should provide water, food, clean air and warmth for 72 hours. Keeping that in mind a "special needs" weight loss surgery patient should consider including the following items in their personal readiness kit:

Vitamins and supplements for three days. Additional dosages of vitamins B and C may be included to relieve stress and boost immunity.
Non-NSAID over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Most surgical weight loss patients are discouraged from using NSAID medication for pain relief. Make sure acceptable OTC pain relief is included in the First aid kit.
Vitamin fortified or protein fortified powder drink mixes in individual packages. These are useful in adding minerals and nutrients to the diet while stretching the water supply because when mixed with the water rations they provide hydration and vitamin and mineral nutrition.

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) protein drinks and protein bars. A weight loss surgery patient must have a minimum of 60 grams protein per day for best health. Provide at least 60 grams of dietary protein per day for three days of emergency use.
Sugar free hard candy to supplement food intake and keep the mouth moist.
Additional bedding or clothing for warmth. Body temperature regulation is difficult for those having lost body weight or body mass. Provide extra items for warmth in the event of a disaster that subjects the weight loss surgery patient to extreme cold or elements.

Emergency response information for the treatment of a bariatric patient including contact numbers. Make this information readily available to first responders.Gather items for the emergency preparedness kit in one location. Stow the items in a portable duffel bag or plastic bin that is accessible and labeled for easy access in the event of an emergency. Ideally each household member will have a kit tailored for their needs. Periodically check the kit and replenish items that have expired. Make certain all contact information is current. It is not easy to think about facing a disaster, but should the day come when the emergency kit is needed a little preparation will go a long way in making a bad situation better.

Article Source: Emergency Preparedness For Weight Loss Surgery Patients

Thursday, November 04, 2010

You Have Arrived Seasonings - Holiday Blends!

NEW!
Limited Edition ---
2010 Seasoning Blend Collection
in Decorative Keepsake Tins
Three Blends:


  • Classic Poultry

  • Sweet Life Spice

  • Mulling Spice

  • You loved our 2009 Limited Edition Blend - Once again we are pleased to introduce a collection of three limited edition seasonal blends to support your healthy weight loss surgery Living.
    Enhance your holiday cooking & share with a friend. Great Gift Idea!

    Seasonal Blend Gift Set
    2010 Seasoning Blend Gift Set includes 2-ounces each: Sweet Life Spice, Classic Poultry Blend and Mulling Spice. The tins are nested in quality tissue accented with decorative cinnamon sticks tied with all natural raffia. Each tin measures 4-1/4"x 2-3/4" x 1-1/4" deep. Shown below:
    Gift Set
    Our beautiful Gift Set is the best value, priced to save you 20% off the suggested retail price. Season your Holidays with this quality set of spices!
    You will enjoy the high quality goodness of the You Have Arrived seasoning blends knowing you are partaking of all natural ingredients, no MSG, phosphates or fillers. After everything you have done to become a healthier you don't you deserve the best? Treat yourself and a friend too. A gift that will be enjoyed through the season! Read descriptions below for each seasoning blend.
    Buy Now
    Suggested Price: $30.70
    Your Value Price: $24.60 -- Save 20%
    Free recipe flyer with each gift set.

    BUY NOW - Limited Supply

    Wednesday, November 03, 2010

    The Feasting Season - How to Cope

    Little Reminders that Make a BIG Difference
    Fasten Your WLS Safety Belt

    Autumn LeafhintsEven if you are not planning to do the 5 Day Pouch Test this week or any time soon there are things we can learn from it that help keep us on track, particularly during the feasting season. Think of it this way: When you get in your automobile to drive someplace a little reminder light illuminates on the dashboard to remind you to fasten your seat belt. Now, you do not say to the car, "Today I do not plan to get in an accident so it is not necessary for me to wear the safety belt." No. What you do is put on the seat belt and make certain it is latched securely. You protect your safety even though you have no intention of being in an accident. By the same token we can take safety precautions to protect our WLS health even though we have no intention of coming in harms way. Think of the following actions as buckling your WLS safety belt, keeping you securely in place in the event of an accident:

    Daily Vitamin Supplements: It is proven that our immunity weakens this time of year due to weather and stress. Protect your immunity by following the vitamin supplementation program prescribed by your bariatric center, nutritionist or general practitioner. Make this a priority. This is not selfish. In order for you to be healthy enough to take care of the commitments and obligations in your life you must first take care of your nutritional health. Take your vitamins. Consult your doctor if you are uncertain about what vitamins and minerals you should be supplementing in your diet.
    Neighborhood Conversations: Diet, Nutrition, Supplements

    Splurge Wisely: I don't think it is fair or reasonable to expect that once we have weight loss surgery we will never enjoy a food splurge again. But what I do know is that as I gain WLS maturity I learn to splurge more wisely when opportunity presents itself. For example, I am a recovering macaroni salad lover. In fact I dare say a goodly portion of my former thunder thighs may very well have been macaroni salad incarnated! But the fact is, macaroni salad is not that good. Macaroni salad is truly not splurge-worthy. These days I am happy to overlook the macaroni salad in favor of a finer culinary experience such as baked brie and poached pears or a vine ripened strawberry dipped in dark chocolate. Put a value on your splurge and you can be certain to enjoy it all that much more.
    Looking for Splurge-Worthy Recipe? Try Cheesecake Dainties

    Beware: Nobody Can Eat Just One Chip! A popular potato chip slogan claims "nobody can eat just one" and it is one of the greatest truths in advertising. Soft salty carbohydrate snacks are addictive and lead to weight gain before bariatric surgery and sadly, many have gained weight after bariatric surgery from eating soft salty processed carbohydrates like potato chips. After surgery soft carbs are considered slider food because they move quickly through the small surgical pouch and satiation never occurs when eating them. In addition, the saltiness prompts us to drink liquid with them further creating slurry and washing them through to be absorbed and converted for fat storage by the body. Often we eat slider foods in unchecked portion size and the very nature of the surgical pouch is defeated. While it may seem extreme please consider complete abstinence from salty soft carb snacks rather than having just a few and then mustering the will-power to stop eating. Nobody has ever told me they felt bad after a party at which they ignored the chip bowl, but hundreds of people have confided how low they felt when they could not keep their hands out of the chips. You already know what chips taste like. Nothing there to see. Move along.
    Must Read: Three Red Flag Warnings Leading to Weight Gain
     
    Kindness Counts. In an age of anger and discord small acts of kindness go a long way in making the world a brighter place. Speaking in generalities people recovering from morbid obesity tend to be generous and compassionate to others. I  often witness you serving commiseration from a seemingly bottomless pot of kindness. Today I suggest you serve yourself first and enjoy the pleasure of your own kindness. You are a good and worthy person deserving of your own generosity. Enjoy it. Take a break from the self-judgment that seems to prevail and celebrate the good and valued person that you are. Be kind to yourself today.


    Review: 5 Day Pouch Test

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