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I keep things simple during the day---I do cook for dinner when DH is here, but when it is just me, I keep it simple. For breakfast, I usually have a cup of yogurt with granola. I can usually eat about 1/2 of it. I take 1/2 out of the container, put it in a bowl,sprinkle it with granola and eat it the first day, then have the second half the next day or for snack later in the day. Sometimes I will cook up a sausage patty and throw a piece of cheese on it. For lunch I most of the time eat some sort of left overs. But also take a slice of deli meat, and either spread cream cheese on it, or wrap it around a piece of cheese. Soup is always easy, and I like it if it is a cold snowy day! A small bowl of cottage cheese with bell pepper chopped up in it, is easy. Snacks, I like almonds, or mixed nuts, I microwave pepperoni til it is crisp, and snack on it. The 100 calorie snack bags are handy and easy. Wheetsin told me how to bake freshly grated parmesan cheese to make cheese crisps, that we really like. SF pudding cups---a variety of things. For dinner, I do cook. I cook the same meals I used to cook, I just eat a lot less of them, and try to focus my meal on the Protein and the veggies, and less so on the carb part....which was ALWAYS my weakeness!! My DH is pretty much a meat & potatoes kind of guy, so I can usually keep us both pretty well happy! I drink tea or Water all day. I take my Vitamins, and I chew up Calcium chews. It is a pretty easy way to eat! Plus when you get a good fill level going on, the restriction, reduces or eliminates hunger, so that helps in a BIG way! I am so looking forward to the new suggestions that you get!! Have you went over to the April 2007 group and introduced yourself? It is underway and all of them are anticipating their upcoming surgeries. I am part of the April 2006 group, and we look forward to getting to know you 07's!!! Good Luck! Kat

I am sure if I did the math -my food bill dropped. I was a huge fast food, sandwich, deli, and pizza shop guy pre-band. Once I moved over to regular food post band my actual grocery store bill went up but my total food bill dropped. You will be shocked at how many meals one package of ground beef becomes. However, I did spend more money on "better" things within the store also. Meaning the can keep the 3 for a $1 dollar nasty yogurt give me the $2.00 per yogurt good stuff. At the end of the day what you might end up in saving in total food is going to have to go towards the purchase of new pants. So don't plan for any savings!!!

I was allowed any strained cream soup during my full liquid phase, so there were a LOT of options. I literally bought every single one my grocery store had. My favorites were Campbell's condensed cream of shrimp made with 2% milk and Progresso's Chicken Cheese Enchilada. I was also allowed drinkable yogurt in my full liquid phase, so maybe that would be an alternative to soup or protein shakes if you are tired of those?

hi marisa,rose You are lucky that you are only 31 - as you've noted above many people, including myself wish they had this surgery years ago. at your age i hope you don't have any health issues yet, or only a couple. The past few months before surgery, before i was having my food funeral, it was amazing how weight just piled on in such a short time. If i had kept eating, going like this - would now weigh............ As far as mourning food - i'm 3+ months out and i am usually ok without "wanting" the bad food stuff.. But i'd be lying if i didn't say i sometimes think about lasagna instead of yogurt. oh well. But just "thinking" about it. the truth is i could have 2-3 bites of lasagna, but to me thats a tease, so i would rather not eat it all. It is hard realizing for the rest of your life you'll be eating smaller portions, but healthier, other good stuff, but it is so worth it. I can tell, you are smart enough to know that. i am so happy i had this surgery, it is a life saver. i'm glad you are coming aboard too feeling better about the surgery too. welcome aboard newbie. continued good luck kathy

Yeah, I had wicked wicked NASTY carb withdrawal symptoms!!! Kim...easy on the yogurt girl....a whole BIG container for one meal is a lot.

I know things seem hopeless right now (God knows we've ALL been there), but I promise you that you'll feel a sense of peace after your surgery, just knowing you have REAL help with your weight loss efforts makes a world of difference. It's really hard for me to describe how it feels for me, it's almost like it gives me the strength to keep going and try and stay away from all the garbage I love to eat. I feel restriction now after my second fill, it's so weird to eat so little and feel so full. It's like a miracle, literally. I had my surgery at the TLBC and went through the cottage cheese/yogurt diet as well. The first couple of days were hard but you'll get used to it and you'll make it. You're worth it, you can do it..once your weight loss begins you'll feel SO much better, I promise. GO FOR IT!!!

Every surgeon is different. I was given a big calendar, color coded so that I could track and follow for my food changes. Personally, after surgery I was on clear liquids day 1 and 2. Then full fluids (soups, yogurts, pudding, smoothings) for 2 weeks. I am now on pureed and blenderized for 7 days, followed by stage 2 of that, chopped, ground meats and adding a bunch more well cooked foods for 10 days. Then my maintenance plan for life.

I don't diet. I do portion control. So as you say I eat what I want within reason. I try to eat from as wide a range of foods as possible and I also try to eat fresh rather than processed.Sometimes I eat icecream but no not 3 times a day. LOL I also mix my foods up when I eat so would find it hard to eat Protein first then veg then carbs. I prefer to have a bite of this a bite of that etc. For me this has been one of the best things about the band. I now eat like a skinny person.That is I eat what I want and am satisfied with much smaller amounts. I also don't feel hungry the whole time in between meals.Sometimes my food choices might be strange but if that is what my body wants then that is what I am going to give it.e.g I just ate abowl of natural muesli with greek yogurt for lunch! Normally I would have tuna and salad or a sandwich or something but today I felt like Cereal. Everyone is different and each person does need to work out what works for them as there is no "one size fits all rule". Good luck

So going through all my paperwork from my surgeon, I find that I will not be on an all liquid diet 2 weeks pre op. My diet will have 2 protein shakes a sensible dinner along with 3 snacks throughout the day. Dinner is a 4oz meat with 2-3 cups of veggies and the snacks are 1cup veggies or a single serving of my choice of dairy product like yogurt or cottage cheese. Anyone else have a pre op diet that was NOT all liquid?

Ok, Reese and Crystal what have you been eating? I panicked today because I had been doing protein shakes and throwing fresh fruit in them with skim milk and now I am not sure that is allowed. My hubby made me homemade chicken broth for dinner that I am going to eat and I ate yogurt and creamy tomato soup for lunch but I just hope that I interpreted the pre op directions correctly. I need a piece of mind because I really want my liver in good condition for surgery. I still have 8 days to get it right.

I've been on mushies for a week and still do 2 protein shakes a day just to get it all in. I'm afraid I will try to eat too much getting all of the 70 - 80 grams a day with just food. And I'm kinda lazy about packing lunch for work 2 shakes and a yogurt and I'm good til 2:00. I had my WTH moment as soon as I woke up in the hospital....it took a couple days but is all good now. AND I beat my coffee addiction while sleeping on morphine for 2-1/2 days! Go me!

I found Yoplait yogurt drinks to be great when I moved to full liquids. They have a resealable lid so you can just sip a little as and when I got hungry. Fermented milk (ie yogurt) is generally well tolerated even by those with lactose issues. Maybe something like that will help you. All the best - you've not got long until mushies - although it seems like an eternity!!

It's perfectly normal to feel that way you do. You DON'T have any restriction and you won't until you get a fill or two. I go for my second the same day as you go for your first. It sounds like you're on a full liquid diet. I was hungry and called the dietician because I HATE yogurt and she let me have 4 oz of lite ricotta cheese. THAT was filling and has protein. I also found that tomato soup filled me up a lot more than other types. If the hunger is too great, call your surgeon. They usually allow you to advance to a soft diet. Hang in there, better days are coming.

i'm 2 days post op...my pre op diet was low carb so i really didn't have to worry about full liquids or mushies... what i wish i had done was look more at the recipies and things people have posted...cause shakes and chicken broth, after day 2 for me, need a little spicing up if i'm supposed to do this 10 days...everything that i had in my home was jello, yogurt, shakes...all very sweet, making me nauseas lol so i'm already looking at things people are eating in the mushies stages...so my advice...read ahead get different things to eat in your home for you to eat...i truly believe that will make things a little better, even just adding certian spices to you meals can make all the difference!:tt2: good luck guys!

Well, I wish I had read my post op instructions better. I could have sworn it said that I was to only have clear liquids and Protein shakes for the first 4 weeks. After 2 weeks of that, I was starving, so I started adding tomato Soup to the mix. The whole time I thought I was cheating. After 2 yrs, I re-read my instructions for the heck of it. It said "Full liquids" to include: yogurt, cream Soups, applesauce and pudding. I was literally starving to death! And that whole time I felt guilty for "cheating"! My dr's instructions were the first 4 weeks were to be full liquids (as I said above), then 1 week of soft foods (like scrambled eggs, egg salad, tuna salad, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc), then normal foods. Never had to do mushies. Thanks God, couldn't imagine putting all of my food in a blender and actually enjoying it! Let me tell you, those first bites of mashed potatoes were the best thing I've ever eaten! After 4 weeks of nothing but liquids! Good luck! Marci

I just bought and tried Brownberry pocket thins flatbread 8 grain with ham salad, delicious. I havent had any trouble yet. Had 1/2 c. ham salad made with greek yogurt instead of mayo. Yummy!!!

Are the recipes any different from these: PUMPKIN Protein shake This is a wonderfully decadent way to get in your protein! Spicy, creamy and icy-thick.�milkshakes never had it so good! 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 cup skim milk or soymilk 1 scoop vanilla Protein Powder (such as Matrix Simply Vanilla) 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 t. cinnamon, 1/8 t. cloves, 1/8 t. ginger) 2 tablespoons Splenda Granular 1/4 cup Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla yogurt 1 cup ice cubes Place pumpkin, milk, protein powder, spices, Splenda, cool whip or yogurt, and ice cubes in blender container; process until slushy. Makes one Meal Replacement serving. Per Serving: 230 Cal; 28 g Protein; 5 g Tot Fat; 13 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 2 g Sugar; 115 mg Sodium BANANA PROTEIN NOG 1 scoop Matrix Simply Vanilla protein powder 1 cup skim milk A one inch chunk of banana 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Banana/Peanut Butter Shake (12 grams protein) 8 ounces fat-free milk 1 tablespoon creamy Peanut Butter 1/4 - 1/2 banana Blend until smooth in blender. Orange Dreamsicle (28 grams protein) 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein) 1 scoop (individual serving) sugar-free Sunrise Orange Crystal Lightâ powder 8 ounces skim milk Alternatives: substitute 4 ounces orange juice for 4 ounces milk; substitute 4 ounces yogurt for 4 ounces milk; add 1/2 tsp. orange zest to shake. Sunrise Smoothy 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup orange juice (or orange tang) � banana (peeled) 1 carton Low Carb Vanilla Yogurt 1 tablespoon Splenda 4-5 frozen strawberries Mix in blender until smooth Cherry Vanilla 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 4-5 maraschino cherries 2 scoops low carb vanilla ice cream 1 cup cherry sugar free kool-aid Mix in blender until smooth Peach 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup Crystal Lite peach tea 4-6 frozen peach slices 4 ice cubes Mix in blender until smooth Strawberry-Lemonade 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup sugar free lemonade kool-aid 4-5 frozen strawberries 4-5 ice cubes Mix in blender until smooth Cherry Vanilla Coke Float 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 2 scoops low carb SF ice cream 1 cup diet coke 4-5 cherries Mix in blender until smooth Apple Pie Frosty 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder 1 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced (or 1/2 C no-sugar-added applesauce) 2 packets Splenda 1/2 t cinnamon 1/4 t nutmeg 3/4 C Water 8-10 ice cubes Blend thoroughly and drink up Butterscotch Pecan liquid Pie 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 8 oz cold water 2 T sugar free butterscotch pudding mix 4-5 ice cubes 1/4 C pecans Blend protein powder, water and pudding mix. (The pudding mix thickens the liquid considerably). Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers. Add pecans and blend again for a few seconds. Pour into nice huge parfait glass and enjoy. (about 300 calories). Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake 1 scoop vanilla powder 1/2 cup SF cherry yogurt 4 ice cubes splash water vanilla extract (to taste) cherry extract (to taste) Put all of it in a blender and hit liquify! Enjoy Choco Mint Shake 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder 1 packet sugar free hot chocolate mix 1 teaspoon mint flavoring 1/2 cup of soy milk 1/2 cup of water 6 large ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender And mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Chocolate Almond Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 1 cup of soy milk 2 T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup 1 t almond flavoring 1/4 cup of almonds 6-8 ice cubes Blend all ingredients, Except almonds and ice cubes, Then add nuts and cubes and blend again Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter De-Lite 3/4 c. cold water 1/4 c. Toasted Marshmallow s/f syrup 2 scoops PS IOO Chocolate Protein Powder 4 packets. equal 1/2 small banana 1T. low sugar Peanut Butter 1T. s/f White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix Put everything in blender And whirl till smooth. Scrape down sides if necessary And whirl some more. Chocolate Banana Smoothie 1/2 cup banana Fat-Free NutraSweet Sweetened Yogurt 1/2 cup Non-fat Milk 1/2 cup ripe banana peeled and sliced Dash of Vanilla 1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder of Choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender, Blend until smooth. Add ice and blend To give it a frozen smoothie consistency. Chocolate Coconut Shake 2 oz Coconut Milk 6 oz Cold Water 2 scoops Chocolate protein powder 1 tsp Chocolate or Banana Sugar-Free pudding Hand Shake well. Chocolate Covered Banana 1 scoop Chocolate Isopure 1/2 c 1% milk splash of sugar-free chocolate syrup 1/2 banana 4 maraschino cherries 2 handfuls ice Blend Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder 1 cup soy milk 2T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup 10-12 cherries - (no pits please) 8-10 ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender And mix to desired consistency Chocolate Frosty Shake 1 rounded scoop Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Chocolate Protein Powder 1 rounded tsp. fat free sugar free French Vanilla International coffee 1 rounded tsp. fat free Creamora (non-dairy coffee creamer powder) 10 ice cubes Use a blender to get a shake-like consistency Chocolate Fudge Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 2 T chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix 8 oz water 5 large ice cubes, tiny silver spoon (optional) Blend ProScore, pudding and water, add ice cubes, Blend till crushed with ice slivers still un-melted, Pour into insulated cup (makes about 16 oz) And eat it with a tiny silver spoon. Chocolate OrangeSicle 1 1/2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 1/2 Scoop OrangeSicle protein powder 8 oz water Shake very well Chocolate Peanut Butter Death 2 scoops PS100 Chocolate Protein Powder 8 oz Cold Water 2 tsp Chocolate SF Pudding Mix 1 packets Splenda 1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Peanut Butter Syrup 1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Cookie Dough Syrup 1 Heaping Tablespoon (Daloop) of Fat Free Cool Whip Light 1 Heaping Teaspoon of Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter approx. 6 oz of crushed ice Mix until entirely smooth - pour - sit back and enjoy pure indulgence Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 tbs. peanut butter 1 cup skim milk 2 handfuls ice Blend thoroughly Chocolate Raspberry Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 8 oz water (or skim, lactaid or soy milk) sugar free raspberry syrup Blend and enjoy Chocolate Vanilla Swirl 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder splash Vitamite splash water ice Blend thoroughly Chocolate-Banana Shake 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1/2 banana 1 cup skim milk 2 handfuls ice Blend thoroughly. Hint: if you can't use a banana, Try banana extract...tastes good! Coco Loco 1 1/2 scoops 100%Whey Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz Vitamite 6 packets Splenda splash Luzianne Peach Mango Ice Tea flavoring 2 drops Coconut extract 2 drops pineapple extract 1 drop Rum extract (optional) 5 ice cubes Blend and chop ice thoroughly Cookies & Cream Splash of Cookies & Cream coffee Splash of Vitamite Splash of water 1 tsp. Sugar Free DaVinci Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Syrup (optional) 1/3 scoop ProBlend 55 Mocha/cappuccino 1/3 scoop Pro V60 Chocolate Thunder 1/3 scoop Pro V60 Vanilla Cr�me ice Blend Creamy Peach Melba 6-8 frozen peach slices 4-6 oz water 1 tbsp peach mango Luzianne Tea Flavor 1 tsp DaVinci Raspberry flavor 2 packets splenda 1 tbsp heavy cream 2 scoops Keto Peaches & Cream Protein Powder Blend peaches, Water, flavorings, & splenda until liquid. Add protein powder. Drizzle in cream last. Blend well. Donna's Delicious Protein Smoothie 6 to 8 oz sunrise orange crystal light (premade) 3 ice cubes 3 frozen raspberries 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder Optional: tablespoon of light cool whip Mix crystal light with the ice cubes and frozen raspberries, Add the scoop of vanilla protein powder And mix only for a few seconds (mixing the protein too much causes it to foam) Double Chocolate Fudge � cup skim milk 1 packet, no sugar added hot cocoa mix 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 4 ice cubes (or � - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender. Egg Nog 1 scoop of Vanilla HDT 5+1 vanilla 1 cup of soy milk 1 teaspoon of rum extract 1/2 teaspoon of all spice 4-6 large ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Elvis IS IN MY KITCHEN RIGHT NOW making a PB & J Milkshake 2 scoops ProScore Vanilla Protein Powder 1 Tbsp. vanilla sugar-free instant pudding 8 oz cold water 1 Tbsp or to taste berry, raspberry or peach (or other) sugar-free syrup 3-5 ice cubes 1 Tbsp. crunchy peanut butter Combine the protein powder, Pudding, and sugar-free syrup into blender And blend for 30 seconds. Add 3-5 ice cubes, blend until ice slivers, Add crunchy peanut butter, Blend for a few seconds. Pour into 16 oz glass. Eat with a small silver spoon, savoring each spoonful. Extra spicy ProScore Mocha Chai 2 oz of any strong (i.e. Starbucks) left-over cold coffee with half & half piece of fresh ginger 4-5 cloves few peppercorns 1 oz cold strong unsweetened Chai tea 4-5 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore 100 Chocolate Protein Powder pinch nutmeg splash vanilla extract in a COLD blender, add cold coffee, ginger, cloves, peppercorns, cold Chai tea. Blend, adding 4-5 ice cubes one at a time until ice cubes are broken up. Add 2 scoops protein powder while blender is moving. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Frappachino 1 tbs. instant coffee or a splash of cold coffee 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder 2 handfuls ice 1/2 cup skim milk blend thoroughly. Frappucchino On-the-Go 1/2 can Blue Luna light _mocha (or Starbuck's light Frappachino brand) 1 scoop chocolate protein powder Shake in Blue Luna can and pour over ice. Fruit Freeze � cup skim milk (substitute water if you don't do milk) 1 scoop unflavored protein powder 5 strawberries, frozen, no added sugar 2 peaches, frozen, no added sugar � cup pineapple, canned, packed in juice (or Lite syrup) 4 ice cubes (or � - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender. Fruit Smoothie 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 4 fresh strawberries frozen and sliced 1/2 fresh banana frozen and sliced 1 scoop Vanilla or strawberry protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender And blend until smooth. Add ice and blend until frozen smoothie consistency. Fudgesicle 1 1/2 scoops chocolate protein powder 12 oz cold water 10 packets splenda 1 sugar free fudgesicle 1/2 oz DaVinci sugar free vanilla syrup 6 ice cubes put all ingredients except protein into blender- blend on high until no more pings from ice on blades- turn down blender until top of mixture is moving but not splashing-add protein-replace cover and whirl- but not too high or it will puff up to about 40 oz! Good Morning Smoothie 1 small banana 3/4 cup skim milk 1/2 cup non-fat sugar free strawberry yogurt 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender and blend until smooth. Add ice and blend until frozen fruit smoothie consistency. Iced Mocha Latte 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate, leftover cold coffee (decaf Hazelnut) 1 T fat free sugar free vanilla pudding mix a splash of sugar free hazelnut coffee syrup and a few ice cubes Blend Light and Dark Symphony 1 scoop ProBlend 55 _Mocha Cappuccino splash coffee splash water ice Blend thoroughly for light symphony; for dark symphony add 1 tbs. white chocolate SF syrup and blend Luscious Pina Colada 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 2 T vanilla sugar free pudding mix dash of coconut flavoring dash of pineapple flavoring ice Blend and enjoy Mango Morning Smoothie Juice of 1/2 of a fresh lime 2oz cold water meat of 1 mango small piece fresh ginger 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract) 7-8 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore Vanilla Blend lime juice, cold water, meat of mango, ginger and vanilla extract until smooth. When blended, add 7-8 ice cubes, one at a time until blended. Add ProScore Vanilla protein powder one scoop at a time while blender is still moving. You can substitute soy milk instead of water and soy ice cubes instead of plain ice, but you will need to watch calories with those substitutions. Mocha, Ginger & Cinnamon 2 scoops ProScore 100 Chocolate 4 oz left-over coffee with half & half a few good sprinkles of cinnamon small piece FRESH ginger 6-8 ice cubes Blend on low, then on high. Add about 6-8 ice cubes, one at a time � chuck each one HARD into the blender while blending. Blend until creamy. Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Shake 1 1/2 scoop GNC 100% Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 4-5 packets of Splenda 1 capful DaVinci's Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup 5 oz Vitamite lots of ice cubes Blend syrup, Splenda, and Vitamite together. Add protein powder; blend until mixed. Add Ice and blend until chopped well. Orange & Cream Shake 8 ounces (or less if you wish) Stewart's Diet Orange & Cream Soda splash Vitamite 1 scoop ProV60 Vanilla Cream protein ice blend extra thoroughly to get rid of all of the carbonation Orange Banana Smoothie 1/2 cup cold water 1/2 cup pulp free OJ 1/2 banana sliced 1 rounded scoop Keto Shake Orange Cr�me protein powder 1 rounded scoop Keto Shake Banana Cr�me protein powder 1 cup ice Blend all ingredients except ice until smooth. Add ice, blend until smoothie consistency. Orange Julius 8 oz non-fat plain yogurt 1 can (6 oz) Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate 2 1/2 cup skim milk 1 Tsp vanilla extract 2 scoops Protein Powder of your choice Put ingredients in blender, blend until smooth, fruit smoothie consistency. Orange Julius Ain�t Got Nothing On Us Smoothie 2 Scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 6 oz water 1 T sugar free vanilla pudding mix 1/4 c real orange juice (preferably hand squeezed with pulp, or from store with pulp) 1 t good vanilla flavoring 3-4 ice cubes Blend all ingredients except ice cubes. Cold water will cause pudding mix to thicken. Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers. Pour into tall glass and use straw to sip, dainty, a little at a time, really taste it. Don't guzzle (grin) Peach Creamsicle 6 oz Crystal Lite Peach Tea 2 tablespoon SF Instant Vanilla Pudding 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder 6 packets Splenda ice cubes Blend thoroughly Peach and Strawberry Yummy 3 slices frozen peaches (or 1/2 frozen banana) 3 good sized frozen strawberries 1/4 - 1/2 cup water 1 packets Splenda 1 rounded Vanilla protein powder Blend Pina Colada Smoothie 8oz can refrigerated crushed pineapple in natural unsweetened juices 1 Tsp coconut flavoring 1/2 cup crushed ice 1 packet artificial sweetener 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Combine in blender and blend for 2 minutes on high Pineapple Vanilla Ginger Shake Meat from 1/2 SMALL COLD pineapple enough cold water to blend small piece of fresh ginger 5-6 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore 100 Vanilla Protein Powder cinnamon and fresh mint In a blender put meat from pineapple, enough COLD water to blend, and ginger. Blend until smooth. Add 5-6 ice cubes, 1 piece at a time and blend until creamy. Add 2 scoops of ProScore 100 Vanilla while blender is in motion (OK to substitute different brand). Pour into a brandy glass, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top and add a piece of fresh mint. Real Root Beer float 1.5 scoops of diet, sugar-free vanilla ice cream 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 3/4 can diet root beer Stir thoroughly Root Beer Float 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 can diet root beer Mix thoroughly and pour over ice Enen Better Root beer Float 2 scoops Vanilla Carb Solutions Protein Powder 1 12 ounce can Diet Root Beer (A&W is best) open and let soda go flat 4 or 5 ice cubes 2 envelopes Splenda Throw it all in a blender and enjoy! S'Mores splash coffee (optional, but really does taste better!) splash Vitamite splash water DaVinci Sugar-free Toasted Marshmallow syrup (to taste) Chocolate protein powder (something milk-chocolaty seems to taste best , like ProV60 Chocolate Thunder) Sans Sucre Cinnamon Sugar (to taste) ice blend thoroughly Snicker splash Snicker doodle coffee splash Vitamite splash water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder ice Blend thoroughly. Don't have Snicker doodle coffee? Substitute regular coffee, SF hazelnut syrup and the SF cinnamon sugar. This one is excellent!!!! Snickers Candy Bar splash chocolate caramel coffee splash Vitamite splash water 1 tsp peanut butter or SF peanut butter syrup chocolate protein powder ice Blend thoroughly. Don't have chocolate caramel coffee? You can substitute it with regular coffee, SF caramel syrup, SF chocolate syrup (optional) if you want even more of a chocolaty taste. Strawberry Berry Berry 1 scoop of Strawberry Pro Blend 55 4 strawberries (frozen or fresh) 1/4 cup of blueberries 1 cup of cranberry juice 1 cup ice or crushed ice Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Strawberry Chocolate Milk 2 Scoops Strawberry Carb Solutions 1 Scoop (use the Carb Solutions scoop) Carnation Fat Free Hot Cocoa 14 ounces water Mix in blender with ice for a "shake" or shake inshaker for a more milky consistency Strawberry for Protein Dummies 10 frozen strawberrys 1/2 small banana 1 scoop (23g) Biochem's Ultimate LO Carb Whey (Natural Flavor) 8 oz Water 1/3 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk Splenda to taste *Note: I found the protein by going to a local health food store and asking for a whey protein with the LEAST taste and that mixed easily into water* Tropical Breakfast Smoothie 1 cup fresh cut-up strawberries 8 oz pineapple chunks in natural juice 1 fresh banana sliced 1/2 cup cholesterol free egg product 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender, blend until smooth, add ice and blend to frozen smoothie consistency. This recipe yields more than one serving Two Berry Delight 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries 1/2 cup raspberries 1/2 cup water 1 cup ice 1 packet of sweetener 1/2 cup milk 1 cup orange juice Vitamins or protein powder Put all ingredients except ice in blender and blend until smooth. Add ice and blend to give it a frozen smoothie consistency Vanilla Butterscotch 8 oz cold water 2 scoops vanilla ProScore 1T butterscotch sugar-free pudding 4 ice cubes 1 T vanilla sugar free pudding 4-5 ice cubes blend it all, and let it set up a little, and it tastes all custardy. Vanilla Chai Vanilla protein powder 8 oz iced Chai tea (made from tea bag and refrigerated) dash of cinnamon little Splenda splash of soy milk Blend and enjoy Vanilla Frosty 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder 1/2 to 1 container Dannon Fit and Light yogurt (any flavor) 3/4 c water or soy milk 10-12 ice cubes Blend in blender until the consistency of a Wendy's frosty Vanilla PB Fruity 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 1 T sugar free vanilla pudding mix 8 oz water, 1T or to taste berry or raspberry or peach or other sugar-free syrup (0 calories) 3-5 ice cubes 2 t peanut butter-crunchy kind Blend before adding peanut butter, add peanut butter and blend again till ice slivers. Note: (if you put in too many ice cubes, it will dilute the peanutty taste)... Vanilla Spice Freeze 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 2 T vanilla Sugar Free pudding mix pinch of cinnamon pinch of cloves Blend, store in freezer until it gets thick. Yummmmm Vanilla vanilla citrus 2 oz of refrigerated water 1/4 lime, (including rind) cut up in about 4-6 pieces Piece of fresh ginger to taste About 1/2 t. vanilla Blend. 45 Chuck in about 6 cubes, one at a time, till dissolved, add 2 scoops of ProScore 100 Vanilla, swirl in a little cinnamon, while still blending. Add all except ice, ProScore and cinnamon. Blend. Add remaining ingredients and blend again. White Chocolate Mouse Mocha Frappachino splash Vitamite splash water 1 scoop PB55 Mocha Frappachino 1/2 tsp. SF Jell-O White Chocolate Mouse Pudding handful of ice Blend thoroughly, sweeten to taste (Optional) Peanut Brittle Protein Shake 2 scoops vanilla protein powder 2 tbsp sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix (dry) 1 tbsp natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 8 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 3-6 ice cubes Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve. I like to use chunky peanut peanut butter and add it last so that it it stays chunky (like peanut brittle) but it tastes just as good with a smoother consistency. Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake 2 scoops vanilla protein powder 1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp imitation vanilla (or 1/4 tsp extract) 1 packet artificial sweetener a few dashes butter flavor sprinkles or butter-flavor extract 8 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 3 ice cubes Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve. The Hulk Protein Shake 2 scoops vanilla protein 1 � tbsp sugar-free pistachio pudding mix 1 mint leaf or a few drops peppermint extract (optional) a few drops green food coloring (optional) 8 oz. cold water (or low-fat milk) 3-5 ice cubes Add all ingredients to blender, blend, and pour into cup. This tastes great without the mint so don't worry if you don't have it around. Instant Breakfast 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 cup milk skim 1 package of carnation instant breakfast 1 scoop of protein 4 ice cubes Blend Strawberry Instant Breakfast 1cup skim milk 1 packet of instant breakfast 1 scoop protein 1/2 cup frozen strawberries blend 45 seconds Mocha Instant Breakfast SF Carnation Instant Breakfast 2c. NF low carb milk 1 tsp decaf coffee 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1/2 scoop protein powder Mix until smooth This gives you 38g of protein! Chocolate Fudge Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 2 T chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix 8 oz water 5 large ice cubes, tiny silver spoon (optional) Blend ProScore, pudding and water, add ice cubes, Blend till crushed with ice slivers still un-melted, Pour into insulated cup (makes about 16 oz) And eat it with a tiny silver spoon. Berry Berry Smoothy 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1-2 scoops low carb ice cream 1 cup skim milk (or 1% milk) � cup frozen fruit medley Mix in blender until smooth Banana Mocca 8 oz milk (carb countdown, 2%, or whatever you use) 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 banana 1 tbsp. instant coffee Ice Blend Chocolate-Banana-Coffee Shake 1/2 tsp coffee (I dont like coffee) 1 small scoop low carb ice cream 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup water 1 scoop chocolate protein 1/2 banana then I hit blend... Lemon Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt 1 scoop unflavored protein powder 1/2 cup lite orange juice 1 & 1/2 cup strawberries 1/2 cup crushed ice 1 T. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. lemon zest Combine all in blender until smooth. Colossal Cranberry Smoothie Serves: 2 1 1/2 cups lite Cran-Raspberry Juice 2 cups frozen mixed berries 1 1/2 cups nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt 2 scoops unflavored protein powder Put all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie 8 oz skim milk 1/3 small banana 1 tbsp natural peanut butter 2 packets of splenda 5 ice cubes 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (Could use chocolate if you wanted a choco banana PB smoothie) In blender combine milk, banana, peanut butter and sweet n' low. Add ice cubes and pulse. Double Berry Smoothie 1/4 cup orange juice 1 cup vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt 1 ripe banana, peeled and broken into pieces 1/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen 1/4 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder Chocolate Peanut Butter Supreme: (Lean Mass Gain) � 12 oz. water � 4 ice cubes � 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream � 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter � 2 scoops chocolate protein powder Mocha Shake: (Lean Mass Gain) � 6 oz. water � 4 ice cubes � 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream � 6 oz.. coffee* � 2 scoops chocolate protein powder � *You may use 12 oz. coffee and no water for an extra pre-workout or morning kick! Frozen Chocolate Banana (Lean Mass Gain) � 12 oz. Water � 4 to 5 ice cubes � 1 banana � 1 tablespoon heavy cream � 2 scoops chocolate protein powder German Chocolate Cake: (Lean Mass Gain) � 12 oz. water � 4 ice cubes � 1 tablespoon heavy cream � 1 tablespoon cream of coconut � 2 scoops chocolate protein powder Tangerine Cream: (Maximum Fat Loss or Lean Mass Gain) � 12 oz. Tangerine Diet Rite � 4 Ice Cubes � 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream � 1 to 3 scoops vanilla protein powder Root Beer Float: (Maximum Fat Loss or Lean Mass Gain) � 1 can Diet A&W Root Beer � 1 to 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream � 4 ice cubes � 1 to 3 scoops vanilla protein powder Pineapple Blast: (Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and off Season) � 4 ice cubes � 12 oz. water � 2 scoops vanilla protein powder � 1/2 cup pineapple chunks Pina Colada Passion (Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and Off Season) � 12 oz. water � 4 ice cubes � 3 scoops vanilla protein powder � 1/3 cup Pineapple chunks � 2 tsp. Coconut extract Ultra Oatmeal: (mix ingredients after cooking) (Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and Off Season) � 1 serving cooked plain oatmeal (1/2 cup precooked) � 1 to 1� scoops vanilla protein powder Power Fudge: Vanilla or Chocolate (Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning) � 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder � 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream � *mix together in a bowl until ingredients reach consistency of cake icing. May be refrigerated or frozen. Peanut Butter Muscle Balls: (Lean Mass Gain Off Season) � Follow directions for power fudge. Form peanut butter into small balls slightly larger than a marble. Coat with Power Fudge by rolling together to create a chocolate covered peanut butter ball. Refrigerate for 2 hours. May be frozen to speed up process. Chocolate Banana Shake � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 8 strawberries � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Chocolate Banana Shake � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 1 banana � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Chocolate Strawberry Blast � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 8 strawberries � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Vanilla Banana Creamy � 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water or whole (or 2%) milk � 6 ice cubes � 1 banana � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Rasberry Chocolate Thick � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of whole (or 2%) milk � 6 ice cubes � 8 rasberries � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Drink or eat with a spoon! Banana Cheerio Quickfast � Great for a super fast morning meal � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 1 banana � 3/4 cup cup or original cheerios � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Orange Creamsicle � 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 1 to 2 peeled oranges � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Blueberry Blaster � 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 20-30 blueberries � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Mocha Surprise � Save some leftover coffee and add about 1/2 cup to your next chocolate shake. Adds 0 calories but lots of taste. Orange Tangy � Add a dash of sugar free Tang to a vanilla protein shake. Adds less than 10 calories and brings back childhood memories of enjoying the real thing. Grasshopper � A few drops of mint extract will turn your chocolate shake into a chocolate mint treat. Eggnog � Add a dash of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg and a sprinkle of butter buds to a vanilla shake to create a yummy eggnog flavor. Protein & Oatmeal pancakes Ingredients � 1/3 cup oatmeal � 2 or 3 egg whites scrambled (or 1/2 cupe eggbeaters) � 1 scoop vanilla protein � 1/2 tsp baking soda � dash of pumpkin pie spice � 1/8 tsp sweet-n-low brown Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and allow mixture to thicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour onto preheated frying pan or griddle. Cook over medium heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Gamish with fresh strawberries or sugar free syrup. Makes 1 serving. Variation- Add 1/2 pack sugar free apple cider mix. Lots of flavor and only 8 more calories. Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients � 1/2 cup all natural creamy peanut butter � 1/4 cup honey � 1 1/2 scoop vanilla protein Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Roll by hand into 1" balls and chill until firm (about an hour). They make great high protein Snacks and are an excellent source of healthy fats. Makes 4 servings. Protein Pudding Shots � Try mixing your scoop of protein with 2 tbs fat free, sugar free pudding mix and 1 oz ice water. Allow mixture to thicken and eat it with a spoon. Adds 50 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates. Chocolate Monkey 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein 1/2 a banana Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Banana Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/2 banana 3 whole frozen strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Split 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 banana 1/4 cup chopped pineapple 2 frozen strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Blueberry Bonanza Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Covered Cherry 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein 10-12 frozen or fresh cherries optional: 1 tsp. of SF Cherry Torani Syrup or a drop of cherry extract Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Silky Latte 4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Silky Mocha 4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie 4 oz. Vitasoy Peppermint Chocolate soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (chilled) Dash of pumpkin pie spice Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Berry Berry Good Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen or fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mochachinno 8 oz. cold coffee 1 scoop chocolate protein 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Egg Nog Protein Shake 4 oz. Silk Nog soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein Dash of nutmeg Place liquid in the blender first, then powder. Blend on low then high till well blended. Dash of nutmeg on top. Pina Colada 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup pineapple 1 Tbs. SF Coconut Torani Syrup (I've also used 2 T. of unsweetened coconut from the health food store or Baker's catalog) Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Peanut Butter Cup 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbs. peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 2-3 ice cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Cherry Vanilla Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 5-6 maraschino cherries 1 Tbs. SF French Vanilla Torani Syrup Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Caramel Protein Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbs. SF Caramel Torani Syrup 3 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 banana Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 3-4 Frozen Whole Strawberries Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Lemon Meringue Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Lemon Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Green Giant 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Pistachio Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Butterscotch Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Butterscotch Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Cheesecake Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Cheesecake Pudding Powder 3-4 Frozen or Fresh Strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Vanilla Spice Protein Shake 4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 T. Almond Butter 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mango Madness Protein Smoothie 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 banana 1/2 shot of espresso or 1/4 cup fresh coffee or 1 tsp instant coffee 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Carrot Cake Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk (if you use Vanilla or Plain Milk add more cinnamon and nutmeg) 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen sliced carrots 1 Tablespoon Cream cheese Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg Place liquids in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mango Banana Protein Lassi 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 4 oz. water 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 1 Tbs. SF Vanilla Torani Syrup 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Protein Smoothie 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen) Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg 2-3 Ice Cubes 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mocha Banana Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1/2 banana 1 tsp 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mocha Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1 tsp instant espresso powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Peach Cobbler Protein Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup frozen sliced peaches dash cinnamon dash nutmeg 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended Mango Banana Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks 1/2 a banana 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Gingersnap Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2-3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1 Tablespoon Starbuck's SF Cinnamon Dolce Syrup dash of cinnamon 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Basic Instructions: 1 scoop of protein powder, 4-6 ounces of water, natural low sugar juice or skim milk. These drinks are excellent by themselves or when blended at low speed for 1 to 3 minutes with 4-8 ice cubes or the equivalent amount of crushed ice. Vanilla Blush 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1/2 TBL Carob Powder Pinch Ground Cinnamon 4 - 8 ice cubes Iced Expresso 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 1/2 TBL instant Expresso Coffee 4 - 8 ice cubes Apple Pie 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Apple Juice & 4 oz. water 1 graham cracker (4 sm squares) 4 - 8 ice cubes Double Apple 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Apple Juice & 4 oz. water 1/2 Apple, chopped or sliced 4 - 8 ice cubes Orange Creamsicle 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Orange Juice 4 - 8 ice cubes Orange Monkey 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Orange Juice 1/2 banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Lemon Squeeze 4 scoops Vanilla Protein powder 3 oz. Lemon Juice & 5 oz. water 1 TBL Honey 4 - 8 ice cubes Pink Possibility 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Pink Grapefruit Juice 4 - 8 ice cubes Tangy Tangerine 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 1/2 cup Tangerine Non-Fat Yogurt Fresh or canned Tangerines 4 - 8 ice cubes Strawberry Supreme 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 cup frozen Strawberries 4 - 8 ice cubes Rapsi Rumble 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Orange/Pineapple Juice 4 oz. water 1/4 cup frozen Raspberries 1/2 Kiwi 4 - 8 ice cubes Creamy Cranberry 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Cranberry Juice 1/2 cup Vanilla Non-Fat Yogurt 4 - 8 ice cubes Cran-Strawberry 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Cranberry Juice 4 oz. water 1/4 cup frozen Raspberries 1/4 cup frozen Strawberries 4 - 8 ice cubes Berry-Berry 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 cup fresh or frozen Mixed Berries 4 - 8 ice cubes Peach Paradise 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 Peach, chopped or sliced 1/2 Banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Hawaiian Holiday 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Pineapple Juice 4 or 5 frozen Strawberries 1/2 Banana 4 drops Coconut Extract 4 - 8 ice cubes Papaya Pizzazz 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Papaya Juice 1/2 Peach, chopped or sliced 1/2 Banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Mango Mambo 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Pineapple Juice 4 oz. water 1/2 cup Passionfruit Mango 1/2 Peach, chopped or sliced 4 - 8 ice cubes Coke-Float 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 - 12 oz. Diet Coke 1/4 cup Non-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream 4 - 8 ice cubes Black Cow 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 - 12 oz. Diet Root Beer 1/4 cup Non-Fat Van Ice Cream 4 - 8 ice cubes The Un-Cola 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 - 12 oz. Diet Sprite or 7-Up 1/4 cup Non-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream 4 - 8 ice cubes Orange Delight 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 - 12 oz. Diet Orange Slice or Orange Crush 1/2 Banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Chocolate Banana 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 4 - 8 oz. Skim Milk 1/2 Banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Chocolate Truffle 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. Cranberry Juice 4 - 8 ice cubes Chocolate Almond Oasis 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. water 1/2 Banana 4 drops Almond Extract 4 - 8 ice cubes Ice Blended Mocha 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 1/2 TBL instant Coffee 4 - 8 ice cubes Blended Mint Mocha 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. water 3 drops Mint Extract 1 1/2 TBL instant Coffee 4 - 8 ice cubes Black Forest 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. water 5 - 10 frozen Strawberries 4 - 8 ice cubes Protein Balls Recipe The pb and oatmeal balls are VERY easy. (Great Recipe *****) 1 cup Peanut Butter (I use no-sugar-added Peter Pan) 1 cup rolled oatmeal -- not the instant stuff 1 cup protein powder (I use Matrix Chocolate, but you can use other flavors) 5 packets Splenda Warm the peanut butter in microwave about 30-40 seconds -- it melts it and makes mixing in the other ingredients much easier. Add the oatmeal, protein powder, and Splenda and mix well. (If needed, you can add a little bit of water to make it easier to mix) Roll into walnut sized balls, refrigerate. Store in fridge in zip-lock baggies. This recipe makes 20-24 balls. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids) 12 ounces of water 12 ice cubes 1 scoop of chocolate coconut protein delite and 1 teaspoon of peanutbutter JIF Blended well in blender. ~~~~ BANANA NOG (All stages except clear liquids) 1 scoop vanilla protien powder 1 cup skim milk A one inch chunk of banana 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp vanilla Whiz up in a blender until smooth. ~~~~ nectar PROTEIN COCKTAIL (All stages) Makes 64 ounces of drink mix Serving Size 12 ounces, calories 120, protein 18g, carbs 0, fat 0 1 tub Crystal Light 4 scoops Nectar, fruit juice flavored whey isolate Prepare the Crystal Light in a plastic pitcher using 64 ounces of water, or to your taste. Using a silicon whisk or large spoon, blend in 3-4 scoops of Nectar. Keep chilled and consume within 24 hours of preparation to ensure freshness. Stir before pouring as some settling occurs. Great flavor combinations include: Crystal Light Fruit Punch and Nectar Twisted Cherry Crystal Light Sunrise Orange and Nectar Fuzzy Navel Crystal Light Pineapple Orange and Nectar Fuzzy Navel or Caribbean Cooler Crystal Light Peach Tea and Nectar Lemon Tea Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade and Nectar Roadside Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi or Twisted Cherry Crystal Light Pineapple Orange and IsoFruit Delite Pineapple Lipton SF Green Tea Honey Lemon and IsoFruit Delite Apple Pumpkin Protein Shake (All stages except clear liquids) 1/4 c. pumpkin puree, unsweetened 2 T. Splenda Granular pinch of salt 1/8 t. cinnamon 1/8 t. ginger scant 1/8 t. cloves OR 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice instead of other seperate spices 1 cup milk or soymilk 1 scoop Matrix Vanilla pro powder 1/4 cup frozen Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla Ice Cream 1 - 1 1/2 cups ice Throw all ingredients into blender and whiz up. Pour into a tall glass and drizzle with Caramel Sauce, if desired. (Cinnamon Bliss is fab!!) HOT COCOA (All stages except clear liquids) 1 tablespoon Splenda 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa 2 tablespoons dried milk powder 8 ounces non-fat milk Dash salt Few drops good quality vanilla Blend Splenda, unsweetened cocoa, dried milk powder and salt in large mug. Blend in milk, stirring until dissolved. Microwave 1 minute on high or until hot. Can also heat in saucepan on stove. (13 grams of protein) BUTTERCREME TOFFEE ICED VANILLA LATTE (All stages except clear liquids) 2-3oz crushed ice 4oz Mice Milk Vanilla - 9g 2-3oz water 1/2 packet Big Train Vanilla Latte mix - 1g 1/2 scoop Elite Buttercreme Toffee flavor- 11g Dump it all in a Magic Bullet or blender and blend away! Add a blob of SF Cool Whip or RediWhip if desired. This is really good! It's sweet, but not super-sweet PINA COLADA SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) 1 container FAGE 2% yogurt 8 oz skim milk (could be done with water, I suppose) 1 scoop Isofruit Pineapple 1 oz s/f Coconut syrup 6 ice cubes Process in blender or bullet. Makes a 16 oz shake with 46g of protein CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) Frozen Vanilla Yogurt Scoop of Chocolate Coconut Protein Powder 1" brownie (BE Low Carb Brownies, i freeze in 1" squares) Put in Blender with just enough vanilla soymilk to blend. CARAMEL HAZELNUT SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops vanilla Zero-Carb Isopure 1 c. ff Lactaid Milk 3 T. Coffee Mate sf Hazelnut non-dairy creamer 1 oz. sf Torani Caramel syrup Ice (I use an entire tray) Add everything in blender but ice and blend together to combine. Add ice cubes one by one to create consistency you desire. Calories: 335 Protein: 59 Carbs: 16 Fat: 3 Notes: I like using the sugar-free and fat-free Coffee Mate creamers, but I often have a problem in which the amount needed to solicit the flavor I want is too rich for my tummy. CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BROWNIE SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops PD Alpine Chocolate 1 cup ff Lactaid milk 1 shot Torani sf caramel syrup 4 Joseph's sf brownie bites Ice cubes Blend liquid ingredients until smooth, add brownies with ice cubes and pulse until same thickness as a Dairy Queen Blizzard (I use an entire tray of ice cubes). It's important to note that this is not a low-calorie meal. This was yummy, but I would not add the brownie bites in the future -- they add 100 calories and 14g of carbs, which isn't worth it for the minimal flavor boost. Also, I typically use ff Lactaid milk, but dh brought home reduced fat and I didn't realize it. So, the reduced fat milk has 130 calories per cup, versus only 80 for the ff version. The caramel syrup has no nutritional value for a 1-oz. serving. So, here's the stats for what I actually drank this morning, though you could easily cut 150 calories by making the substitutions mentioned above: WHATEVER-FLAVOR-YOU-WANT LATTE (All stages except clear liquids) 1 1/2 scoops Matrix Vanilla 16 oz cold brewed coffee (I like Starbucks Sumatra blend) 4 oz milk (I've added a little half-n-half to make it creamier) skim or 1% are best your favorite SF syrup..chocolate, caramel, vanilla.. the possibilities are endless! lots of ice PROTEIN CHAI TEA (All stages except clear liquids) Mixed 1 scoop Elite Vanilla 1 dash cinnamon 2 teaspoons Chai tea mix 8oz water. mix well and heat in micro till steaming. Yummy PEACHY FUZZY NAVEL (All stages except clear liquids) One scoop Nectar fuzzy navel Made 2 quarts of SF peach (crystal lite knockoff from wally world) Used only 8 or 9 oz in the fuzzy navel added 3 slices of SF peaches which are the carb smart friendly kind... add ice Place in blender or bullet and process till smooth VANILLA STEAMER (All stages except clear liquids) 8oz Mice Milk warmed in Microwave about 1-2min-not too warm. 1-2 shots of Davinci SF Vanilla Syrup A squirt of Reddi Whip A Sprinkle of Nutmeg or Cinnamon or both Warm the MM in the microwave 1-2 minutes. Pour into Blender. Add Vanilla syrup to taste. Blend on Mix-but take caution to vent it as the heat could cause the lid to explode. Mix 1-2 minutes until frothy. Pour into large mug. Top w/ Reddi whip and sprinkle w/ nutmeg or Cinnamon or both STRAWBERRY VANILLA SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) 1 scoop Elite vanilla powder 1 cup low-carb milk 1 cup ice 3 strawberries Whiz in blender or bullet. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BANANA (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops Whey Gourmet Choc peanut butter powder 1 cup water 4-6 ice cubes 1/2 banana Process in blender until thick and smooth. ROOT BEER FLOAT (All stages except clear liquids) 1 scoop Whey Gourmet Vanilla Ice Cream pro powder 1 - 1 1/2 cups water 2 tablespoons DaVinci sf root beer syrup Shake until well blended. GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE (All stages except clear liquids) Chocolate Mice Milk DaVinci German Chocolate Cake Syrup. Poured over ice. GINGERBREAD (All stages except clear liquids) Vanilla Mice Milk DaVinci Gingerbread syrup Nutmeg Poured over ice. RASPBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids) 5 oz mice milk 8 oz cold water 1/2 small banana 1 1/2 scoop Whey Gourmet Raspberry Equal or splenda to taste 4 or 5 ice cubes Mix this all up. If you can stand to wait, then put it in the freezer for a bit and let it get even colder and slushier BANANA CREAM PIE (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops Isopure Zero Carb powder 1 tbs Banana syrup - Divinci 1 tbs Coconut - Divinci CARAMEL PEANUT BUTTER (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops vanilia powder 1 tbs Peanut Butter syrup - Divinci 1 tbs Carmel syrup - Divinci. PEACH MELBA SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids) 1 scoop Raspberry Whey Gourmet Protein Powder 6 ounces Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt 4-5 slices frozen, unsweetened peaches water and ice Blend all ingredients until thick and creamy. Stats: Calories 243, Protein 36grams, Fat 5grams, Carbs 16grams AMARETTO (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops Vanilla Royale Protein Powder 8 ounces water 1 shot Davinci SF Amaretto Coffee to taste Mix two scoops of protein with 8 ounces of water. Add SF syrup Add coffee to taste Stats: Calories 230, Protein 46grams, Fat 6grams, Carbs 6grams SNICKERS Protein Drink 1/2 carton Vanilla Micellar Milk* 1 tablespoons sf chocolate sauce 1 tablespoons sf caramel sauce 2 pumps sf hazelnut syrup 1-3 shots (3-4 ounces) espresso or very strong coffee Heat Micellar Milk until very hot, but not boiling. Add flavorings to taste (my measurements are just a guideline and I always add the espresso shots. You may not need as much flavoring if not using coffee Cinnamon Protein Shake 2 scoops whey gourmet Vanilla protein powder 1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp imitation vanilla (or 1/4 tsp extract) 1 packet artificial sweetener a few dashes butter-flavor extract 8 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 3 ice cubes Whiz up in a blender until thick.

I would stop the pretzels, instead choose chicken breast or string cheese. My doctor says to eat three meals a day no snacks. Have you bought a food scale? Measure out your protein (my doctor says 3 oz others say 4). Look for a low fat greek yogurt it has higher protein levels.

I'm becoming VERY aware of my slider foods. I've found that if I eat an apple, cut up in sections before trying things like yogurt or cheese I get fuller faster and I don't necessarily finish the yogurt or cheese. I'm finding myself being able to have a Protein shake in the morning and not need a snack until around 11:00 AM. I start my day at work at 7 am, so that is pretty good for me. I can hold off on lunch until around 1:30 pm and I'm just a little hungry and not starving. Ole bandy is working well for me!! I'll call him "Bandy Boo'! LOL

I had my third fill last Tuesday. Since then I haven't been able to eat much other than liquids and creamed soups, and most of the time I can only eat a few bites of yogurt or creamed soup. Today I got real thirsty and drank a bunch of liquids not all at once, but I sipped on it over about 30 minutes. Since then I've had a small supper that went down without any problems, and even had a couple of bites of a breadstick (which I haven't had any bread until now it wouldn't have ever went down) anyways I'm worried why all of a sudden can I eat regular food without anything getting stuck? I know it's not good to get things stuck, but I'm worried becouse nearly everything since last Tuesday has gotten stuck causing me to only do liquids and yogurt, and craeam soup why now can I eat regular food. Is something wrong with my band?

It seems like alot of people don't do rice. Why is that? Also, I'm 3 weeks and 2 days out and I'm supposed to be in the purreed stage for another 10 days but I cannot stomach one more yogurt or cottage cheese! I had sushi for lunch...2 of them, so far so good.

Hi, I am on my 2 week presurgery diet now and what Dr. Eibes in Des Moines, Iowa has you do is for the 1st 12 days you eat 8 Proteins, 6-7 carbs, 2 veg. and 3 fats a day. Then you can have sugarfree Jello and popsicles. Also he wants us to drink at least 64oz of no calorie fluids. Then the last 2 days we have 4 protien shakes a day and total of 5 servings a day of the following: 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/2 cup sugarfree pudding 6oz light yogurt 1/2 cup plain oatmeal, cream of wheat, or maltomeal 8oz V8 juice If you make your shakes with Water you can choose another serving from the list. I have lost 10.5 lbs already in 4 days. So I'm not complaining. Hope this helps. I know all Dr. are different with their orders. The reason he has us do this is to shrink the liver before surgery. Hugs, Deb

I don't cook either. I like things that I can grab and eat like Greek yogurt. Seems like there's a million at the store so I just look for the lowest calories. I make smoothies and sip them all morning long. I mix Protein powder into all kinds of stuff- pudding, oatmeal, etc. All basic stuff that doesn't require an oven or stove just a microwave sometimes. I blend cottage cheese with powdered ranch for a high protein dip. I take shredded chicken and make chicken salad. Some days I scramble an egg or two in a mug for breakfast. I take 2 Flintstones complete Vitamins a day. They taste ok. Not awesome but definitely tolerable. I love Peanut Butter but try to avoid it as I can't stick to one serving. Based on what you can cook, you can eat healthier if that is what you want. I don't weigh or measure my food but I do use my fitness pal, it gives me an idea of where I am for the day. For exercise, I have found that I am a slug on my own so group exercise helps me. I do classes or workout with friends or a trainer. Left to my own devices, I would just sit on the couch. I think trying to change everything at once is overwhelming. I focused on one issue at a time. I started with the whole no caffeine. I stopped drinking coffee about 2 months before surgery. After that about 2 weeks before surgery, I added the whole "no eat & drinking" thing. Then came the protein first rule, etc. There are a lot of rules but by easing into them, I found it easier to stick with. Lastly, I set mini goals along the way. Goal for hitting weight loss benchmarks, exercise goals, clothing size goals. I found those things very motivating in the beginning. You can turn this around and I think it is great that you are here and asking for help. If you need ideas, recipes or just to vent message me. Erica

I am in the same boat you are. I was banded October 5. The first two weeks or so, I was eating nothing but a few yogurts a day and was totally satisfied. But then the swelling went down and, while maybe I can't eat AS MUCH as I could before, I can definitely eat whatever kind of food I want. It's definitely frustrating. I am hoping it will become easier to lose weight (and harder to eat!) after getting my first fill. I go in the day before Thanksgiving! So it might help me out that I will be on full liquids on Turkey Day! The mashed potatoes would have killed me on mushies!

Oh and I cook everyday, but never for myself, I eat sandwich meat, yogurt , string cheeses, and shrimp. Just go walk around Bilo, ingles, whatever you have there, look at dif foods, non cooking foods, bet you will find something you will love