Summer is here in earnest.
Convenient since I’m not supposed to get hot.
I am a sun baby, so not being able to be outside playing makes me sad. The follow-up with the surgeon is July 1st… I have a leg day scheduled with my trainer that night. If the Dr. doesn’t clear me to do it, I may cry. Restlessness is in FULL force. I do take walks, but have to be careful to keep them to the early morning or late evening when it’s (supposedly) cooler.
On my walks I have learned it’s impossible to “act natural” while taking pics of yourself along a busy street.
A few (more) fun post-augmentation updates:
- Shaving your armpits is really, really hard when the girls are in the way. Hopefully this will get easier as they drop… there was a forest growing there until yesterday morning. Gross, I know.
- I can now drive a car comfortably – at first I knew that if I had to make a fast maneuver I was a goner. I was very, very careful.
- A lady at the mall looked right at the twins. Their first stare. Awwww!
- Getting dressed is interesting. At time its frustrating because don’t look right while I’m still “settling,” but this weekend I was really excited to be able to wear 3 tops I (stupidly) bought and never wore because I lacked the chest to keep the tops from sliding down and showing my bra.
- Insomnia has returned. I had it bad in my younger days, but once I started working out that changed. I guess I wore myself out! Now that I’m “resting” I’m just NOT sleepy. Also, I can no longer sleep on my stomach which makes it harder to fall asleep.
This WIAW marks my first day back in the office post-surgery. I actually was working last Monday, but there was NO was I could get dressed and be in an office all day. Thankfully, being a consultant means it’s really easy to do your job from anywhere – including the couch.
Read on for my post-surgery eats, and then check out Jenn’s link up for everyone else’s snack-y ideas.
Breakfast:
My morning cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos) remains a staple. I’ve taken to adding a shake of cayenne too. Because I’m hard-core.
I took my walk in the early morning coolness. Walking should be relaxing, but really all I could think about was breakfast. Inspired by Kammie’s guest post last week, I decided to turn Red Velvet Cake into a breakfast item. In the form of a cheesecake bowl.
I found beet powder at Whole Foods which gave this its red tint. If you can’t find that, you can use beet puree or simply omit it (Red Velvet cake is just cocoa cake with red food coloring anyway).
This high-protein, low carb, sugar-free bowl of cheesy cake is guaranteed to put a smile on your face to start the day. I’ve had it 2 days in a row. I used cottage cheese to cream it up, but Greek yogurt would work too. Make it vegan by using almond or coconut yogurt!
Mid-Morning Snack:
I love my seafood and fruit combos. This was salmon baked with lemon juice and fresh rosemary, then mixed with blueberries and red pepper flakes. Sweet with a little heat and hint of citrus.
Lunch:
Meal prep Sundays make it possible to bring food that my coworkers openly stare at. I was asked to explain what everything on my plate was, and then was told I bring “elaborate” foods. I was flattered.
Doesn’t everyone eat spinach shirataki noodles topped with ground turkey, broccoli slaw, and a sauce of nutritional yeast, spices, and apple cider vinegar? No?
Mid-Afternoon Snack:
I ordered these Keto Slim bars from iHerb.com after reading the good reviews they received. I’m pretty pleased! the sodium is a bit high (200mg), but the sugar is low (2g) and it contains 21g of protein!
It does have sugar alcohols. I don’t watch that too closely (it’s pretty rare I eat processed foods), but if you have problems with them you won’t want this bar. It also has fun stuff like almonds, spirulina, kelp, and beets greens!
Note: iHerb is also where I get my peanut flour and a lot of fun extracts/vitamins/random other things. Use my discount code – USO924 – for $5-10 off your order!
Dinner:
It was a long day at work. I struggle with one co-worker in particular and it was a major source of stress today. I wanted a drink. To sooth my nerves, I made pizza and took a twilight walk.
The pizza crust was my cheese-less cauliflower recipe. For a sauce I mixed together beer mustard, nutritional yeast, cayenne, and liquid smoke.
To top it, I sautéed onion and garlic, and wilted some arugula briefly at the end. I put than on the crust with crab and my sauce. Back in the oven to warm before adding cilantro and a drizzle of fig balsamic glaze to finish it.
You can pick it up and eat it by the slice!
It looks like a lot of effort, but I had dinner on the table in under 30 mins. AND I made a second crust to keep in the freezer. Who needs store-bought frozen pizza?!
Dessert:
Still wanting to treat my nerves, I broke out my Quest bar stash! I cut half a Chocolate Brownie bar into squares and baked it on a piece of parchment paper at 350 for 12 mins. I added a schmear of peanut butter to each bite before adding them to part 2 of my dessert.
Part 2 was a bowl of cinnamon–raspberry cottage cheese. I mixed no salt cottage cheese, cinnamon, almond extract, vanilla Stevia, and mashed raspberries together in a bowl. Then I microwaved it for ~15 seconds to warm it a bit.
Yes, I’m on a cottage cheese bender.
Red Velvet Chia Cheesecake
- 1/2 C no salt cottage cheese
- 1/4 C almond milk
- 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 T chia seeds
- 1 T cocoa powder
- 1 tsp beet powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 8-10 drops vanilla stevia
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together. Cover and place in the fridge overnight (or at least an hour).
In the morning, remove from fridge and stir again. If too thick, you may add more milk.
Enjoy!
***
Don’t forget! Click here to enter the giveaway for a FRS Healthy Energy trial kit. Winner announced tomorrow. 🙂
Do you have to wear yourself out in order to go to sleep?
What is your favorite protein bar? Did you try Kammie’s Red Velvet Bars from last week?
Glad you’re feeling better!!! I had a feeling you’d be a fast healer;)
I’m sure getting dressed will get easier with time, I guess it would be pretty different with a new set of twins in front of you.
Um, and I need that red velvet chia cheesecake. Looks so marvelous! If only I could have darned cottage cheese.
Awww! I think you could do the same flavor combo with protein powder. My next version will be in a smoothie bowl! 🙂
I’m glad that you’re recovering nicely. I hope you get released to work out at your post-op (or heaven help the doctor 🙂 !)
I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well post-op but can totally understand the restlessness! Who knew that sitting still and taking it easy could be so hard, right? Your cauliflower pizza looks delicious as does that cheesecake. YUM. I think I know that I’m having for dinner tomorrow 🙂
Let m eknow if you try it! I’ts one of my favorite things to make/eat.
That beet powder looks like such a cool ingredient! And I really need to try that cauliflower crust one day.
Not working out does affect my mood, I’ve found. I get grumpy and it’s not fun being around me.
I hope you’ll be cleared to work out soon!
Nom! My goal this month might just be to invest in a protein powder other than my pea protein that actually tastes like nothing…which, you know, is great when you add it to soups or even oatmeal (with the oatmeal I add some PB2 and honey for some punch).
Try Growing Naturals! I have a discount code you can use for 30% off – SPRINT30. It;s the cleanest, best-tasting stuff I’ve tried yet!
Also wanted to add: really impressed with the different foods you toss together. I mean, fish and blueberries, who knew 🙂 That makes my meals seem exceedingly boring.
I love all the #strangebutgood combos. And I SO need to order some Shirataki Noodles! I always keep forgetting them. And that Red Velvet CHeesecake – definitely a must especially since it is so simple and easy to make, I love that!
I can sleep anytime anywhere. I had some Jetlag troubles that last few nights though, but normally you find me asleep after 2 seconds when hitting the pillow, or uncomfortable sitting on the plane, in the bus, tube…..sometimes i have to be careful that I don’t fall asleep in the office. Finding me with my head on the keyboard wouldn’t be the cutest impression 🙂
Ha, I couldn’t sleep on my stomach either after my surgery. It was a nightmare for me as it’s the only way I can fall asleep!! But I’m the opposite to you when it comes to working out and sleeping – training wires me and makes it harder for me to sleep, especially if I do it at night. When I took two months off, I was sleeping so much! I napped almost every day for 2 hours, so I was clocking about 12 hours sleep per day – just like a baby haha
I so jealous! I can’t fall asleep OR stay asleep. Counting down the days…
glad to hear that you are getting better. Your chia cheese cake sounds lovely!
Thank you!!!
Glad you are feeling better, Laura! I hate the name “Think Thin” but those bars sure are delicious!
I love those too!
Your first stare – awwww!!!! ;). Love your cauliflower pizza crust recipe. It’s my go to!
Mmmm, thanks for the recipe! Sorry about the sleep. I can’t sleep on my belly now either, and it suckkkks. I hope you get dr clearance! 🙂
I didn’t think about that!!! I bet this is going for be a long 4 mos!
when I saw the pic of the cheesecake bowl on IG I thought it was cottage cheese and chia seeds! dang I am good 😉 lol!
That cheesecake looks delish! Not sure about salmon and blueberries though 😉
I PROMISE it’s good! I’ve now had it 3 days in a row. 🙂
**NOTE TO SELF: get you some beet powder ASAP
I have still yet to try that cauliflower pizza crust, but it looks so good every time you make it, Laura! Glad to hear your getting yourself back to your routine! Have a great day!
That looks good. I go through phases with cottage cheese. Maybe I should be in a pro-cottage cheese phase right now.
Sugar alcohols KILL my stomach. Those Think Thin bars that everyone seems to like – I feel like I’m going to die if I eat one.
YUM!!! I need to get beet powder! I’ve been loving beets lately!!
I know! I still need to make your beet salad. 🙂
You are hilarious! Your first stare – lucky you!! I do look mostly because I am jealous, 😉 but also if those twins are way out of proportion which is common on my area here! I can’t wait to see pics of those twins-covered of course! 😉
I would try that bar but sugar alcohols are not good to me unless very minimal.
Love the foods…. I am not the biggest cottage cheese fan so greek yogurt for me! 🙂
That doc better let you do something July 1st!!!!
I am a tummy sleeper too. I know all bout the wrinkles & eye bags due to that but I can’t fall asleep very well any other way…
Now I look at everyone’s to see if they are real or not. I probably look like a total creeper. LOL!
So after reading this comment, I realized that my eyes aren’t puffy and wrinkly in the mornings now that I don’t sleep on my tummy. Ugh.
LOL – love post-aug update #3 – their first stare! 🙂 Glad you’re feeling better – hoping that continues quickly! I’m a side/belly sleeper, too. I’d imagine it’d interfere with sleep!
Pinning this! I’m a stomach sleeper and when I had my blood clot I couldn’t put my arms up so I had to sleep on my back. I didn’t sleep well for about 4 months. The doctor even wanted me to take a painkiller each night just so I could sleep. Hope you are able to gets some good sleep soon.
Thanks, Heather! I think the only reason I took a pain killer on days 3 and 4 was to be able to sleep. I just couldn’t stand that haziness though.
Can you come make me that pizza? I’ll be forever in your debt!
It’s really easy, I promise!!!
Haha I love that they got their first stare 😉 Glad that you’re recovering quickly!
#3…lol
Recipe looks delish! Will have to look for Beet powder!
Loving Quest Bars 🙂
Beet sare supposed to help with atheletic performance too! 😉
Their first stare- too funny! I’m the same way with sleep- I need regular, intense exercise to sleep through the night!
Glad to hear that some thing are returning to normal for you. Before you know it, you will be up and moving and bouncing around (literally) like usual.
Welcome to the getting the chest stare club! It isn’t always the best 😉
Thank you!!!
P.S. I still can’t comment on your blog… but wanted to tell you, those brownies look SO GOOD!
Hopefully you’ll be okayed for your leg day!! I know how devastated I would be if I couldn’t do it! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you; hopefully your insomnia should clear up too once you get back to normal 🙁
Also how delicious does that red velvet chia cheesecake look..yum! Going to have to add that to my list of things I need to make!
Your pizza looks awesome! I am also really excited to find a vegan cauliflower crust pizza because I am a big fan of that crust!
Thank you! Let me know if you try it – they are really easy. 🙂
ugh. can so relate to this: I guess I wore myself out! Now that I’m “resting” I’m just NOT sleepy. Also, I can no longer sleep on my stomach which makes it harder to fall asleep.
Um, it may not be kosher, but i take valerian root sometimes when i have issues w/ insomnia. it’s also a muscle relaxer and helps with anxiety.
Valerian? Hmmm… will investigate. Thanks!
Bookmarking this recipe!
Thanks! Let me know what you think. 🙂
when I had my surgury, they told me to sleep sitting up for a few days & I liked it so much I slept that way for two months! I also have a problem sleeping in the summer here as right now we are over 23 hours of daylight, so I tend to overdo the exercising in hopes of crashing out June-August 🙂 have to enjoy the weather while you can! I made “cauiflower oats” last weekend with steamed “riced” cauiflower, egg whites & cinnamon protein powder- not really strange but super good! I was full for hours. I do love some caulifower bread too!! You should hold cooking classes- where we could all just get together, bring stuff & create masterpieces. Oh yah but it would take me 24 hours to get there….oh well!
I bet you have to have some really good blackout curtains!
I love cauliflower oats! I make grits too. Veggies for breakfast are the best. 🙂
Love the recipe! I think you should rename it Red Velvet Chiascake! 🙂 Just cause think puns are the best.
LOL! I love it! I need to run names by you in the future. 😉
UGH. Coworkers.
There really should be a term specifically for that type of stress/annoyance/fightforcomposure.
Glad your feeling better — good luck on the sleep situation. I use Hyland’s Calms Nerve Tonic and Calm’s Forte and they help me a lot without the effects I get from taking other “all naturals” like melatonin and — gosh — Valerian root. Valerian root will give you CRAZY dreams.
Speaking of dreams…
That pizza almost made an appearance in my dreams last night.
Nerve tonic??? That sounds like EXACTLY what I need right now. Thank you!!!
Glad to hear you’re feeling better! 🙂
Yummy pizza – I’m going to have to try that combo, though minus the crab!
ohhhh girl no one makes me miss dairy like you do!!
hehe, the twins. I’d totally stare. In awe…LOL!
feed me please
Ah, the baked Quest bars you told me about! What other bars does it work with?
Chin up dearie. Soon this period of resting/restlessness will be but a memory, but the boobies? They will remain.
I’ve never bakes other bars… I like to microwave Lara bars and Think Thin bars though!
#boobiesforever
dude I am stealing that code! I need to stock up badly. And take that plunge! I am sorry you are still a bit uncomfortable in some areas, heck who needs to shave their armpits? haha
Take the plunge!! Everyone is doing it. 😉
My favorite protein bar is Keen-wah right now although it changes frequently + new ones are always hitting the shelves 🙂 Red Velvet OOLALA I must try to make these for my hubby since he can withstand dairy (I can’t :() thanks for sharing your awesome recipes, I look forward to more! My girlfriend has a coffee mug that is Bart Simpsons head and it says BUZZ OFF YO and she sips tea out of it whenever her co worker starts pissing her off/annoying her and she says its like dropping a HUGE hint without saying anything 😉 Have an amazing rest of your day! Love + Shine CourtStar
I am the same way – I always like to try the new stuff. 🙂
If we were in the same city, I’d rock that coffee mug every time I saw my co-worker.
Hahaha awww their first stare. That made me laugh. I’m glad you are recovering pretty well!! Looks like some yummy eats, too 🙂
All of your meals look great, as always! Love the idea of bakin a quest bar and eating it with cottage cheese, peanut butter and chocolate! Hen I have a hard time falling asleep (only when something is really bothering me, I’m usually an excellent sleeper) I will read a book or just try to lay there with my eyes shut. You coul lay there with your eyes shut dreaming about taking those new girls to the beach 🙂 totally kidding, or nope not really!
Haha – I am totally trying that when I go to bed tonight. 😉
Glad to hear that you’re still doing well! Hopefully the doctor gives you the ok for that workout.
I fortunately have never really had to think about sleep. I guess I don’t consciously wear myself out – it usually just happens. I’m not sure how much of it has to do with my exercising, but I’m sure that’s a part of it. Interesting. I hope your sleep schedule gets back to normal soon!
Thanks, Olivia! I didn’t realize the exercise was what “cured” me until just now. Boo.
yes — the first stare 😉
we are so happy that your recovery is going well!! don’t worry you will be working out again in full force soon!!
Glad to hear your recovery is going well! I have high hopes you’ll get cleared for leg day 🙂
That red velvet chia cheesecake looks AMAZING – as does that cauliflower pizza crust…I NEED to make it!
Thanks Cait!!! Are you coming back ot ATL anytime soon?
Oh my friend you will be out in the sun soon 😀
Keep recovering fast! Your chia cheesecake looks simply brilliant!
I would eat the pizza and then dive for it!
Cheers
CCU
Yum! I’m gonna have to look for beet powder! Glad you’re healing well! When do we get to see the twins? lol
LMAO! I don’t know how to get a good “appropriate” pic?! They are still SO high too. Maybe give it another week… then I’ll go buy a sports bra.
I’m glad you’re starting to notice progress! Surgery is no fun, but you seem to be handling it so well.
I want alllll your food. Seriously. All of it. Salmon and blueberries is one of my favorite combos, and that chia cheesecake DEAR GOD.
Okay I’ll stop gushing. Have a great day, and I hope you keep feeling better 🙂
Awww… thank you!!! I’ve had salmon and blueberries 3 days in a row now. Soooo good. 🙂
Hilarious! (I actually commented on another post about this one lol)
Being out here in the country with just your cell signal makes blog reading a challenge, but yours is like Entertainment News so I had to check in haahaha.
The pizza looked amazing and I’m gonna give it a go.
And btw the stares are kinda cool. Take it from a 250 pounder. The only bad thing is that people always wanna hit or touch you trying to see if its real muscle or the clothes lol…
Entertainment News?! I’m totally flattered. 🙂
If someone random asks to touch ’em, I’m going to beat their ass. LOL!
When I am finally settled in one place for longer than a week I am going to hunt down some lactaid cottage cheese and try one of your cheesecake creations! [Or, maybe I should just get regular cottage cheese and take advantage of the giant sized box of lactaid I own….]
You and your tummy… it totally works with Greek yogurt too!
I don’t usually have to wear myself out to go to sleep, but if I have a lot on my mind I just can’t fall asleep! I’m excited for your (maybe) upcoming leg day! That will be awesome!!
Cottage cheese! Such a great idea! I love using cottage cheese but mostly when I whip it and I think it would be even better if used whipped cottage cheese. Great recipe dear!
I like to whip it too… whip it real good. 😉 But I am also too lazy sometimes. LOL! Thank you again for the idea – you rock!!!
very glad to hear about your recovery. And so happy to find this cheesecake. Will have to try this sometime 🙂
Thanks! Let me know if you do. 🙂
I like the post-augmentation updates, and when you’re ready to wail about boot sweat, I will be here for you.
Pizza looks delish; screw the coworker…not literally because that won’t solve the problem.
I had between the boob sweat yeasterday!!!! I wa SO excited… and then worried because I’m not supposed to be hot. It’s Atlanta. How can that be avoided?!
No screwing the coworker. *gag*
I need some beet powder!! Glad things are “settling”. I hope you get cleared July 1st! Can’t wait to hear what the dr says!
Wait, you mean you the girls didn’t get you out of your struggle with the hot head at work? Damn…what’s a girl gotta do! I’m straight, but I’m sure if you pumped those babies up in front of me, I’d forget what the hell I was talking about within minutes! 😉 Good to hear that healing is going well m’dear…but picturing you “being careful” while driving in your condition IN ATLANTA makes my heart race! Eeeeeek!
Love the “elaborate” lunch (I used to get comments like that all the time at work), but what I’m really eyeing is that pizza of yours…mmm, fig balsamic glaze!!
That bar sounds yum, but damn my sensitive tummy…those sugar alcohols KILL me! I loved that Neapolitan bar we got from Blend, but it did NOT love me back! Boo! Guess I’ll just have to stick with my beloved Quest bars! Have you seen the new flavor they’re coming out with? Raspberry white chocolate!! :O
And yeah, I know a thing or two…or A HUNDRED about insomnia…wearing yourself out is definitely the key! That’s what I try to do on Sundays when I have to get back into my nighttime sleep schedule…clean house, mow grass, go to the gym…it never fails, out like a light! 😀
Hahaha! Too bad he’s in another state. The joys of everyone being remote. 🙂
And YES I saw the new flavor. I want it. Now. I’m going to bake you crap outta it. Haha.
I’m calling you next time I can’t sleep. 😉
…I’m just sitting here pretending I’m not so far behind in reading. I’m just going through my feed as if it’s all new 😉
I have some beet powder and NOW I know what I will use it for! let’s see how I can modify this one! 🙂
Haha – no worries. You’ve had the plague! 😉
I cannot wait to see what vegan deliciousness you come up with. Red Velvet Quinoa Bowl? Almond yogurt? Cashew cream red cheese ball!?
I’m just catching up on all your old posts (you are quite funny btw!) and I was wondering what kind of crab you use, maybe a particular brand that you could recommend? I would love to try and recreate some of your delicious looking salads at home(:
Thank you!!! I just use fresh crab meat – no brand. 🙂