How to Run Your Kitchen Like a Professional Chef and Make Delicious Family Meals

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For most people, their kitchen isn’t just the part of their home where they prepare food: it is also where they host guests, dine with family, and teach their children. It is also a place where you can channel your inner chef and start developing your cooking skills.

Becoming a professional chef requires years of hard training and rigorous experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enhance your family meals with a few expert tips. Whether you are already a confident cook or need a lot of practice, this article will outline how you can elevate your skills and your kitchen to impress your family and friends.

Master the Basics

When you start to feel more confident about using basic kitchen techniques, you will be in a better position to start experimenting with your recipes. There are a few fundamental cooking techniques that it’s worth practicing to ensure you can develop further. Here are a few examples:

  • Using sharp knives safely and effectively to prepare ingredients for cooking;
  • Timing your use of heat and understanding how different temperature methods affect different ingredients;
  • Roasting, grilling, simmering, and sautéing to bring out the complex tastes in each ingredient and change their textures.

Once you have come to grips with the basic skills you need to handle yourself in the kitchen, you can start trying out more complicated and challenging cooking methods.

Rethink the Flow of Your Kitchen

Your kitchen plays a role in how you cook. Professional chefs work in kitchens that are specially kitted out with the best equipment and in a layout that gives them the most room to move around easily.

You can rearrange the layout of your kitchen and give yourself more space for access. Think about what the most convenient arrangement would be so that you can perform all your separate cooking tasks in a safe, hygienic, and comfortable manner.

Invest in the Best Equipment

If you are exceptionally keen to start perfecting your cooking skills, it might be time to invest in high-quality kitchen equipment. Professional chefs use different equipment to those used in a domestic kitchen since they must serve higher numbers of people in shorter periods of time.

However, a powerful and efficient oven or upscaled refrigerator could help you get in the zone and take your cooking more seriously. Even small gadgets such as standings mixers and electric chopping devices can give you greater control in the kitchen.

Try Out New Recipes

Once you are feeling more confident in your basic skills and have all the tools you need, you should venture into unfamiliar territory and try preparing meals that you’ve never attempted before; look online or in books for recipes that intrigue you. If you want a challenge, find a recipe that demands different methods that you haven’t tried before, as this will force you to learn new skills and accept mistakes.

Perfect the Family Favorites

Of course it’s satisfying to teach yourself unfamiliar recipes to demonstrate your newfound skills. However, you should turn your talents towards creating the favorite dishes of your loved ones. Ask each member of your household what their favorite meal is then teach yourself how to make it for them—they will definitely appreciate the effort and the delicious home-cooked meals.

Stock Up On Important Ingredients

Keeping your pantry well stocked with the most important ingredients will give you greater freedom to experiment in the kitchen. Some ingredients are harder to store long term than others, so be considerate about which items can be kept and which must be used quickly.

Some essential ingredients might pop up in many of your recipes. For example, buying bulk onions will keep you prepared if this is an ingredient you use in a lot of dishes. Not everyone will have the same need for the same ingredients, which is why it’s useful to know what kind of cook you are—do you need a lot of spices for different curries, or are you more of a baker who needs a steady supply of different types of flour?

Prioritize Organization

To truly mimic a professional kitchen, you must maintain exceptional organization. Keep all your tools and ingredients stored in convenient and logical places; too much clutter on the counters and a pile of dirty pots is not what you would see in a restaurant kitchen.

With accurate and thoughtful timing during the cooking process, you can clean up as you go. Make sure countertops and other surfaces stay clean to avoid cross contamination between different ingredients, especially meats.

Learn How to Present Dishes

Food presentation is a skill that many professional chefs spend years perfecting. People eat with their eyes before even tasting their food, so it’s important that your dishes look appetizing when you serve them up. Consider how to plate your food so that the shapes, colors, and textures interact well together.

Expert chefs suggest that you should only garnish a dish with an ingredient that was used in the main recipe for the meal rather than a completely foreign ingredient, as this enhances the overall sensory experience.

Build Confidence by Experimenting

When you allow yourself to make mistakes, you will learn more skills and tricks along the way. Cooking can be much more enjoyable when you let yourself experiment, even if it means occasionally making a meal that is unappealing. Figure out different flavor combinations and how to create them; learn which textures complement each other and how to achieve certain effects. The more you practice with a focus on curiosity rather than perfection, the better you will become. All it takes is patience to learn and a willingness to make mistakes.

You don’t need to aim for perfection when developing your cooking skills—learning to prepare food for yourself and your loved ones is all about passion, confidence, and experimentation. You can adopt the basic principles of a professional restaurant-level chef to use in the comfort of your own home, and impress your family and friends with your new and improved abilities by embracing the art of cooking and giving your kitchen a professional twist.

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Eating Out with Kids: A Recipe for Family Fun

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The experience of dining out with kids can be both a delightful adventure and a bit of a challenge. From the joyful anticipation of trying new foods to the occasional fidgeting and spills, sharing a meal at a restaurant with children involves a unique blend of planning, patience, and playfulness. However, with the right ingredients, eating out with kids can become a recipe for memorable family fun and bonding.

Choosing the Right Venue

Selecting the right restaurant can set the tone for a successful dining experience with kids. Family-friendly establishments often offer a variety of menu options that cater to young palates, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Look for venues with comfortable seating arrangements, ample space for strollers or highchairs, and a welcoming ambiance that puts both parents and children at ease.

Interactive Menus and Creative Cuisine

Many restaurants have recognized the importance of engaging young diners through interactive menus and creative cuisine. Kids’ menus often feature playful illustrations, puzzles, and coloring activities that keep children entertained while waiting for their meals. Some eateries even offer hands-on experiences like pizza-making classes or DIY taco stations, allowing kids to unleash their culinary creativity and feel a sense of involvement in the dining process.

Timing is Key

Timing plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth dining experience with kids. Opt for early dining hours to avoid peak crowds and minimize waiting times. Hungry children tend to be less patient, so aim to arrive when the restaurant is relatively quiet. Additionally, considering nap schedules can help ensure that kids are well-rested and in good spirits during the meal.

Snack Attack

Before heading to the restaurant, a small snack can be a clever strategy to stave off hunger-induced meltdowns. A light and healthy snack can help keep kids content while waiting for the main course to arrive. Avoiding an empty stomach can contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.

Engaging Distractions

Bringing along a few quiet, compact distractions can work wonders in keeping kids occupied at the table. Coloring books, small toys, or even a tablet with kid-friendly games or videos can provide a welcome diversion during moments of waiting. Just be mindful of not relying too heavily on screens, as the goal is to encourage meaningful interactions and shared moments.

Involvement and Exploration

Encouraging kids to participate in the dining experience can foster a sense of curiosity and excitement. Let them peruse the menu and choose their own dish, within reason. Exploring new flavors and textures, such as at the Urban Tandoor in Clifton, can be an enjoyable adventure for young taste buds. As the meal progresses, sparking conversation about the food’s ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural origins can turn the dining table into a learning opportunity.

In conclusion, eating out with kids can be a recipe for family fun and cherished memories. By selecting the right venue, engaging in interactive menus, and embracing a patient and playful approach, parents can create an enjoyable dining experience that nourishes both appetites and connections. Through the shared joys of exploring new flavors and enjoying quality time together, eating out with kids becomes a heartwarming tradition that strengthens family bonds.

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Why You Really Need Vegetables In Your Dinner Dishes

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As a parent, you’ve likely told your kids that they need to eat vegetables. You’ve likely tried to prepare meals that they’ll like with vegetables. Heck, this is probably something that your parents drilled into you at a very early age. Despite this, you’d still be surprised at the number of people that aren’t eating their daily requirement of vegetables, which is truly scary when you look at things from a health standpoint. Vegetables not only contain essential nutrients and vitamins, but they have the power to increase your overall quality of life. Whatever the situation is, you need to be consuming vegetables with your dinner dishes, and here are the main reasons why.

Reducing The Risk Of Cancer

When it comes to consuming vegetables, the biggest takeaway that you’ll get is their power to prevent and possibly cure cancer. How do vegetables possess healing or preventive properties for the symptoms of or diagnoses of cancer? Well, it seems that it has been discovered that vitamin C plays a huge role when it comes to cancer. This vitamin alone has the power to block cancer cells. And, there are tons’ vegetables on the market that are just filled with vitamin C. A red bell pepper can contain anywhere from 190mg per 100 grams, a piece of parsley can contain 130mg per 100 grams, and a single piece of broccoli could contain as much as 90mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. You can see how a single serving of vegetables could play a major role in your body’s overall ability to fight and prevent cancer cells.

Makes Your Skin More Radiant

Corrie Cooks (not me) offers tons of delectable instant pot vegetable dishes that can be whipped up in just a matter of hours. You can get them started before you head out to work, let the instant pot do its thing all day, and when you arrive home, you’ll have a nice, hearty vegetable-filled dish waiting to sustain you. However, there is one thing that all of these dishes are going to have in common besides the power to prevent cancer cells. And, that is that they are all also going to make your skin look more radiant than ever. Consuming vegetables that are high in vitamin A like carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers can give your skin a healthier look and feel that what you’d get from spending time sun tanning. It’ll also be much safer because you won’t be exposing yourself to the sun’s potentially harmful rays.

Gets And Keeps Your Weight In Check

Too many people these days are battling obesity and diabetes. A lot of this stems from the fact that they just aren’t consuming the right foods. Vegetables are not only fulfilling and more sustaining than most other food items available today, but they contain little too near no level of fat, saturated fat, or sugar. That being said, it is not just the low-fat content that aids in weight loss and management. No, it is also the percentage of fiber and energy density found in some of these items. Consuming vegetables will simply make you feel fuller for longer periods of time, reducing cravings and the desire to snack in between meals.

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Fine Dining, Inspiring Desserts, And Healthy Recipes – What is FUN Food?

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Have you ever heard of cibophobia? It is the fear of food, and while it’s often associated with a mental disorder, it can also develop as a result of a weight loss journey. Indeed, it’s likely that if you are trying to lose weight – or if you have lost considerable weight – you will be paying close attention to food labels and body image. Food has become a nutrient for your body instead of pleasure. Therefore it is essential to avoid any food that could be fatty, calorie-rich, or prevent unnecessary risks. The main problem when you are on a diet is that you might be afraid that enjoying food could lead you to the heavy side of the scale again.  

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Is It Safe To Eat Out?

Going to a restaurant when you are on a diet can turn into a real nightmare, especially if you feel guilty about eating out. In reality, you need to keep an open mind and look out for the safest options in the menu. You’ll be surprised what is considered safe. As a rule of a thumb, fish and grilled poultry are high in protein and low in fat. Additionally, you can also find plenty of vegetarian options that are low in fat too. In other words, you can safely look for yummy restaurant deals online: Eating out does not mean eating badly. The important here is to pick carb-friendly options so that you can enjoy your evening without feeling guilty about your choice.

Should You Skip Dessert?

Dessert or no dessert that is the question, as Hamlet would say if he were on a diet. Here’s a clue for you: Dessert is not a bad thing per se. Too much of it and too often can ruin your waistline. But you can enjoy a cupcake once in a while, especially if it’s a special occasion, such as a birthday or a garden party. The problem with sugary desserts is that they are addictive. However, if you choose to limit yourself to only one slice or one biscuit, you can still enjoy the party like everybody else. After all, it’s no fun to skip dessert when everyone is having a cupcake.

Does Healthy Means Tasty Too?

Going on a diet means that you need to change your eating habits. That means less sugar, less fat and less processed food. But that doesn’t mean less taste. You can find plenty of healthy recipes that are simply delicious. However, if you’ve been addicted to junk food in the past, you need to educate your taste buds to new foods, such as more vegetables and nuts. Don’t give up if you find healthy food dull at first. Your taste buds will need a few weeks to clear up the layers left by additives and high sugar.

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Have Fun With Your Food

There’s no reason to fear comfort food if you know how to manage it. Food is never the enemy. It’s the way you think about it that can create weight gain patterns. You should allow yourself a treat once in a while especially if you want to avoid desperate craving moments when you feel like eating everything in the house. The 80/20 rule is a good basis to keep in mind. If you eat healthy food 80% of the time, you can lighten up your rules over the weekend, for example.

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Pantry Must-Haves For The Family Kitchen

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How many times have you come home from work to hungry mouths, only to find the kitchen barren and inspiration lost? How many times has that ended up at a fast food joint or with take-out in front of the television? It’s just far too easy a mistake to make. Keeping the house stocked with food for quick, easy meals can seem like a military operation, full of checklists and mason jars. But all it takes is a few pantry staples, and you’ve got easy, healthy family meals in no time. Here are some pantry must-haves, and why they’re perfect for the family kitchen.

Pulses

When you’re throwing a dish into the crockpot, throw some lentils, pearl barley, or chickpeas in, and your meal will stretch further without losing any of its nutritious value. Pulses are a genius addition to the kitchen pantry, especially if money is a bit tight. Fair enough, they take a bit of time to cook, but there is nothing better for bulking out stews, casseroles, and pies. And they’re great, low calories additions which are packed full of protein and fiber, perfect for the whole family.

Tinned tomatoes

When you roll in from an awful day at work, with a headache that makes you want to curl up and cry, and you still have a family to feed, that’s when tinned tomatoes come into their own. Chop up an onion, add some olives, garlic, and capers, throw in the tinned tomatoes and some pasta, et voila, a simple, healthy, and delicious meal which will keep everyone going, and all in all it took about ten minutes to cook. They can go in stews, soups, bolognese, meatball sauce, chili – absolutely anything. They’re the perfect pantry staple.

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Pasta and rice

When you have no time to cook, pasta and rice are like a reassuring, edible hug. Cooked through in less than 15 minutes, with a whole world of different flavors and sauces that can be added, they’re every mom’s go-to carb for a good reason. Try a simple tuna pasta bake, with oodles of cheese on top of course. You could even knock together a simple burrito bowl in less than twenty minutes, cooking chicken and chopping salsa while the rice simmers slowly.

Seasoning

What would we do without seasoning? Not just salt and pepper – however necessary and wonderful they are – but herbs, spices, and all manner of delicious condiments too. When you’re in a rush, but you still want to create a delicious and healthy meal for the family, seasoning is the future. It adds depth of flavor, interest, and spice to a dish which otherwise might just be meat and vegetables. Be sure to have mustard, Tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper, curry powder, and some Italian herb seasoning, at the very least.

Tinned tuna, salmon, and sardines

Finally, when time is of the essence, there is nothing quicker than a tuna mayo sandwich for feeding hungry mouths. It’s healthy, cheap, quick, and you can make it with everything you have in the pantry. They’re also perfect for throwing into pasta dishes, and delicious too!

 

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Go Go Gadgets: Kitchen Time Savers You Simply Can’t Live Without

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IMG_4311Flickr Photo From: Christy Bright

It’s great when you’ve got all afternoon to experiment with flavors, listening to classical music as you slice vegetables, stir sauces and cook meat but sometimes we just don’t have the luxury of time. While cooking should always be exciting, interesting and rewarding when you’ve only got twenty minutes to prepare dinner appliances need to be user-friendly, multi functional and fast.  

Mandolin Slicer

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These slicers are perfect when you’re hosting a dinner party, making the family roast or substituting say pasta for courgettes. Instead of spending hours chopping, slicing and julienning vegetables a Mandolin slicer can do it quickly, efficiently and most importantly uniformly. One of the main annoyances when cooking is trying to get slices of carrot, cucumber or tomatoes the same size and thickness. However, mandolin slicers take the hassle out of comparing portions as, depending on the blade size, it’ll cut the same way each time you use it.

Immersion Blender

5608175298_ae74d5fe77_oFlickr Photo From: Soli

Modern blenders are capable of so much more than their predecessors which were often awkward, unwieldy and difficult to use. Nowadays, you can choose from a mains connected, or battery powered one, and they don’t just make soups, sauces, and stews anymore. Stick, or hand blenders can help you make cake batter, smoothing out all the lumps as well as custards, meringues and smoothies thanks to incredibly fast processing speeds and the multiple rotating blades that function seamlessly together.

Garbage Disposal

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While many people use bins, compost heaps and recycling boxes the ultimate weapon in fast, clean and hygienic kitchen maintenance has to be a garbage disposal unit. When you’ve finished your meal, simply scrape any leftovers into the unit and it’ll shred food waste so it’ll pass easily through your plumbing. Be careful not to put anything too hard, large or fibrous into the unit or if you need to, cut the item into extremely small pieces. It’s quite easy to jam, or break a disposal unit and calling out a garbage disposal repair team means time and money so keeping it clean and maintained is key. Do try to run the cold water when you use it as it’ll help items to flow through the system.

Automatic Coffee Maker

2489417096_3c1f1a5d79_zFlickr Photo From: Pimkie

Some of us are barely functional human beings until we’ve had our first cup of coffee in the morning. If you don’t feel ready to take on the day until you’ve had your latte, espresso or flat white then a coffee machine is a must. While coffee makers can’t quite do everything, although they’re getting close, all you need to do is select or pop the capsule you want and it’ll do the rest. There are loads of different flavors, options and even strengths to choose from while designs range from classic, to the contemporary and strangely futuristic.

Handheld Blow Torch

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We don’t always have the time to wait while the oven slowly, carefully caramelizes our deserts, or heats up to give cakes that golden brown look. Perfect for finishing creme brûlées, the torch burns the sugar to create crunchy, delicious toppings. However, blow torches can also be used to grill vegetables, add presentation when cooking meat and give steaks a perfect restaurant quality sear.

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Want To Improve Your Cooking? Here’s What You Need In Your Kitchen

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One of the easiest ways to become a better cook is to stock your kitchen with some key ingredients. You will certainly be surprised at how much top-quality ingredients can improve an everyday dish. And sometimes, they can be very forgiving to cooking techniques that aren’t so professional! So even if you are terrible in the kitchen, some important ingredients can really transform a dish. And after a bit of practice, you may even become confident enough to host your very first dinner party! So what do you need in your kitchen cupboards to improve your cooking? Read on to find out!

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Seasoning

Salt and pepper aren’t so important, right? Wrong! These two little pots that sit on your table are two of the most important ingredients in your kitchen. They shouldn’t just be used to sprinkle salt and pepper onto your finished meal. Move them closer to your hob so you remember to use them throughout cooking. But why are they so important? It’s all to do with flavors! If you add salt and pepper correctly, your food won’t taste salty or peppery. Actually, they can help enhance all the other natural flavors of the food. Especially when it comes to meat. In recent years, there has been a lot of bad press against salt as many people believe it is unhealthy. However, if you season during cooking and not at the table, you won’t be using too much. When you are frying meat or vegetables, add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to the pan. After a few minutes, taste the ingredients and see if you need more. But be careful not to add too much, though – you just need to bring out the natural flavors and not make the dish salty.

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Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is very concentrated tomato sauce. It is jam packed with flavor, and just a small amount needs to be stirred into a pan of meat and vegetables to give the meal a rich umami flavor. You can use it with tomato sauce or without. Using it with will add an extra depth to the sauce’s flavor. You don’t just have to add tomato paste to a pan during cooking, though. It also works very well on homemade pizzas. What’s more, it is extremely cheap, and you can find it in almost every supermarket. Once you’ve opened it, remember to keep it in the fridge as it has quite a short shelf life.

Vinegar

There are so many different types of vinegar, it can be easy to lose count! But you will certainly find a type to add to your dish, whatever you are cooking. Vinegar is an acidic ingredient, and its acidity can bring out lots of flavors in a dish. It’s a form of seasoning, just like salt and pepper, and works in much the same way. Make sure you have a number of different vinegars in your kitchen. Each one is perfect for certain dishes and can bring out subtle differences in flavors. Not sure which vinegar you should be using in your dish? Try to go by the vinegar’s color. Red wine vinegar is perfect for tomato sauces and rich beef dishes. Whereas white wine vinegar is best added to creamy sauces and fish dishes. Apple cider vinegar is another common one. This tastes great in sauces and gravies that will be served with pork.

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Condiments

Condiments are things like tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, and other sauces and dips that you put on your meal at the table. Even though you don’t necessarily cook with them, they are still crucial in helping a meal taste great. If you just buy the budget brands, you will find that they lack depth to their flavor. Obviously, the more you spend, the better product you will have. However, that doesn’t mean you need to blow your whole budget on them. Sticking to mid-range condiments is perfectly fine. There are lots of new exciting brands on the market these days, most of which put modern twists on traditional recipes. And certain brands, such as Hampton creek in Walmart, offer quirky recipes that go great with a variety of meals. Are your kids refusing to eat your healthy meals? Let them add a tasty condiment to add some natural sweetness to their food!

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Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Not only does olive oil taste delicious but it also keeps your heart healthy. So there is no wonder why so many people have a bottle in their pantry. When you are out shopping next, try to find extra-virgin olive oil. This type is unrefined and has a very pure color and flavor. However, one thing to bear in mind with extra-virgin olive oil is that it has a low smoke point. This means it smokes at low heats. When this happens, the oil can turn carcinogenic. So remember only to cook with extra-virgin olive oil at very low temperatures. For frying and oven roasting, stick to other oils. Extra-virgin is perfect for making dips and salad dressings, though. Mix it with a drop of balsamic vinegar to create a delicious dip for bread. It’s so tasty; you may never go back to spreading butter on your bread! It also works wonders in cakes as well. There are many baking recipes that use it as a substitute for butter. This gives the cake a fantastically rich flavor and makes it slightly healthier!

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Organic Ingredients

When it comes to all your other ingredients and foods, try to find organic versions. Organic food is renowned for being good for us as it is not exposed to organic chemicals. It is also often fresher than non-organic food, so you can be sure it is always of a high quality. When you are buying meat, try to find cuts and joints that are from animals that were free range and fed on natural ingredients. It is thought that an animal’s diet has a big impact on the flavor of its meat. So for the best flavor, stick to the best cuts of organic meat.

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What I Ate and Drank Week 1 and 2 Post Op From Gastric Sleeve Surgery

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week one post op foodLooks gross I know but the picture above is actually chicken teriyaki pureed and pureed tuna with mayo. I love these small containers that I got at Target. They hold 3 oz which is pretty much what my stomach can hold right now so they are perfect. I’m working on an upcoming post with about items that really helped in the first few weeks after my surgery.

Here’s a peek into my fridge right after I had gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. Ignore the wine in the back. Sadly it is no longer for me. But the protein shakes, jello, protein drinks, and sugar free drinks like Vitamin Water are all mine. 🙂

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Anyone who thinks that gastric surgery is the easy way to lose weight couldn’t be more wrong. Here’s what I wrote on my facebook page to explain to my family and friends what it’s like:

May 3rd- 1 Week 1 Day Post Op

I go back to the surgeon later today. I’m feeling better day by day but this is certainly a tough road. Right now I feel like my life runs around my eating and drinking schedule. I know that it will become second nature soon, I’ll be able to have larger quantities when the swelling goes down, and things will get easier so I’m not worried.

In case anyone is curious…..Here’s an example of what I mean. I have to wait 15 minutes after drinking to eat food and 30 minutes after eating to drink again. I can only take small sips right now and then have to wait a minute or two between sips to get more in. I woke up, had a few sips, and then made an egg for myself. I chewed a few bites (seriously like 4 SMALL bites) with a few minutes in between and then there was a pressure in my chest and my nose started to run. Yup, a new sign that I’m LITERALLY full. From 4 bites of ONE EGG. I didn’t even finish the egg and the whole time I was thinking (great, I didn’t finish the egg do I can’t count all the protein towards my daily protein count).

20160429_092159All my meals are in small baby bowls and plates these days. It makes me feel like I’m eating a whole meal and a little more “normal”. If I ate on a large plate it would make my tiny portion seem even smaller.

It took almost 45 minutes for the feeling to go away and I was miserable during those minutes. I was still full but need to get some of my required 64 oz of liquids in so I sipped a little water after the 45 minutes and pressure was gone. By this time it was already after 11 a.m. so I drank my protein shake (35 g of protein and I need 80 per day). That took about 30 minutes (but at least it adds 11 oz of fluids off of the 64 oz total). After the protein shake I’ve been sipping water but I know I need to eat my lunch soon. So now I wait 15 minutes for lunch and try to get in as much protein in 3 or 4 SMALL bites as I can. The whole meal- just 4 bites- might still take me 30 minutes to finish because everything goes down so slow. Then when I am done with lunch I need to keep drinking all afternoon, squeeze another protein drink in, and then figure out dinner which will be another whole production.

SOOOOOOO no, this isn’t easy. I know when the swelling goes down more, things will go down more easily. It’s tough right now. My appetite is much less but I do still get hungry. I was hoping I wouldn’t get hungry like some people report BUT I’ve also heard that some people are hungry for a few weeks after surgery and then the hunger goes away. I am really trying to figure out what is hunger, what is head hunger, and what satisfied feels like instead of FULL. And the difference between the two can literally be the size of a baby food spoon which is what I’m using to eat right now.

Would I do this to myself again. ABSOLUTELY! But I just wanted to give a little incite into what it’s like. I know most people are quiet about having the surgery, etc. but I want to educate and help people so I’m putting it all out there. The good and the bad. Please feel free to ask me any questions.

Meds-

I only took the pain meds for the first 2 nights at home to help me sleep. Luckily I didn’t need pain meds other than that while at home. For the first 14 days home I have to give myself daily blood thinner injections. I am also taking an acid reducer (Protonix) for daily for 6 months. I start taking a multivitamin 2 weeks post op. 1 month post op I start taking a medicine to prevent gallstones. 6 weeks post op I will start taking other vitamins like iron, calcium, B12, D3, and a few others. I’ll update on those when I start taking them.

Incentive Spirometer-

Post op for 10 days I need to inhale into this Incentive Spirometer to make sure my lungs stay open, I don’t get a fever, and I don’t get pneumonia. My lungs were tight the first few days after surgery but after a few days it was much easier to inhale the incentive spirometer ten times every hour that I was awake.

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My surgeon has his patients start eating pureed foods the first full day home after surgery. Here’s a peek into what I ate the first week home to give you an idea of what my meals consisted of. It was from my own log so sometimes I forgot to record calories, etc. but this will give you an idea.
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What I Ate Post Op Week 1

4/28- Thursday- 3 Days Post Op

Protein shakes-
1 pure protein- 35 g
1 muscle milk- 20 g

Liquids-
1 protein shakes- 11 oz
1 protein shakes- 11 oz
tea- 10 oz

Foods-
Tuna w/ mayo- 1.5 oz
½ hard boiled egg w/ mayo
½ hard boiled egg w/ mayo
Cream of chicken soup (half can)

4/29- Friday- 4 Days Post Op

Protein shakes-
1 pure protein- 35 g
1 tea with protein powder- 20 g

Liquids-
pure protein 11 oz
vitamin water 20 oz
Tea- 11 oz

Foods-
Tuna w/ mayo- 1.5 oz- 15 g protein, 110 cal
Scrambled egg w/ shredded cheese- ½ an egg- 4 g protein, 60 cal
Cottage cheese- 2 oz

4/30- Saturday- 5 Days Post Op

Protein shakes-
Premiere Protein- 30 g 160 cal
Pure Protein- 35 g 170 cal

Foods-
¾ egg with cheese- 4 g protein, 60 cal
1 oz tuna w/ cheese- 10 g protein, 75 cal
Ricotta bake– 2 oz
Eggs drop soup- 2 cups- 6 g protein, 120 cal

Liquids-
Premiere Protein- 11 oz
Pure Protein- 11 oz
Vitamin Water 20 oz

5/1- Sunday- 6 Days Post Op

Cold things don’t hurt any more!!! I can finally drink cold things!!!

Protein shakes-
Shake made with powder and milk- 20 g protein, 200 cal
Muscle milk- 15 g, 80 cal

Foods-

Cottage cheese- 2 oz, 6 g protein, 50 cal
Ricotta bake- 2 oz 16 g, 200 cal
Salmon- 2 oz, 11 g protein, 115 cal
Eggs drop soup- 1 cup- 3 g protein, 60 cal

Liquids-

Milk 8 oz
Muscle Milk 8 oz
Vitamin Water 20 oz

5/2- Monday- 1 Week Post Op

Protein shakes-
Pure Protein- 35 g 170 cal
Muscle milk- 15 g, 80 cal

Foods-

Crab w/ ricotta- 2 oz- 14 g protein, 120 cal
Laughing cow cheese wedge- 2 g protein, 35 cal
Ricotta bake-  1 oz 8g, 100 cal
Salmon- 1 oz, 5 g protein, 50 cal

Liquids-
Muscle Milk 8 oz
Pure Protein- 11 oz
Vitamin Water- 20 oz
Iced tea- 8 oz

5/3- Tuesday- 1 Week 1 Day Post Op

Protein shakes-
Pure Protein- 35 g 170 cal
Pure Protein- 35 g 170 cal

Foods-
¾ Egg w/ laughing cow cheese- 6 g protein, 75 cal
Crab w/ ricotta- 2 oz- 14 g protein, 120 cal
Grilled chicken- 2 oz, 16 g protein, 85 cal
Egg drop soup

Liquids-
Pure Protein- 11 oz
Pure Protein- 11 oz
Crystal Light Fruit Punch- 32  oz

5/4- Wednesday 1 Week 2 Days Post Op

Protein shakes-
Premiere Protein w/ 1 Tablespoon PB2 and SF chocolate syrup- 11 oz- 33 g 175 cal

Foods-
2 ½ oz Greek Yogurt
Bacon Ranch flavor tuna w/ low fat cheddar- 2 oz
Grilled chicken- 2 oz, 16 g protein, 85 cal

Liquids-
Premiere Protein- 11 oz
Water (fruit punch)- 16 oz
Jello- 3 oz

****This is about the time that I started using an app to track my meals. Here are my favorite apps for life after weight loss surgery.

20160430_190641 (1)One of my best tips for not feeling deprived (although I’m really only craving things that are healthy right now anyway) is to make meals for my family that either I can eat, too, or at least have a similar flavor profile so I don’t feel like I’m missing out. For example I made a delicious Ricotta Bake which has ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and no sugar added tomato sauce. It was allowed on my diet even when I was on pureed foods but I was able to use it as a base for baked ziti for my family. I just made the ziti on the side and put the ricotta bake on top. It felt like we were all eating the same thing and I didn’t feel deprived or left out.

Read more about my Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery Journey.

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Quick and Easy Recipes, Snacks, and Treats

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Looking for a quick and easy snack? These quick-and-easy recipes yield delicious bites, tasty treats, and scrumptious snacks that are sure to satisfy your appetite. Make sure to check out the Girl Scout cookie and wine parings, too!

Check out Bite Size: Effortless Recipes in a Flash

by Foodie Editor at Mode

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Take a Lunch Making Break with Revolution Foods Jet Packs- Review and Giveaway

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Disclosure- Revolution Foods provided us with several meals to facilitate this post but all opinions are our own.
jet pack varietyEvery mom I know, myself included, has a lot on her plate. We help with homework, make sure the house is clean, take care of the laundry, and so many other things. It sometimes seems like the day flies by and it’s time to do it all over again including figuring out what to send the kids to school with for lunch. Sure, I want it to be something healthy but I also want it to be something my kids will want to eat and if it’s fast and easy, even better. cori jet pack The people at Revolution Foods asked if I wanted to take a “Lunch Making Break” with their Jet Pack on-the-go lunchboxes. When I heard that these meals are not only kid friendly but they have no preservatives, artificial flavors, or artificial colors I jumped at the chance. I love that I am to take a break from making lunches while still giving my girls a healthier alternative to those other processed boxes lunches.popcorn chicken box

So what’s inside the box? There are 3 flavors of Jet Packs- Ham and Cheddar, Turkey and Cheddar, and Popcorn Chicken. The ham and turkey varieties each come with cheddar cheese and whole wheat crackers while the popcorn chicken comes with pretzels. All 3 varieties have between 12 and 14 grams of protein and come with my favorite part- ClifKid naturally flavored organic fruit rope- YUM! All 3 meat varieties are raised without antibiotics. There are no nitrites/nitrates and the cheese is rBST-free. The popcorn chicken is breaded with whole grains and comes with Simply Heinz tomato ketchup.

jet pack chickenThe popcorn chicken is made with full cooked white meat chicken so kids can eat them cold or heat them up.
Jet Pack smileMy daughter loves being able to pick which Jet Pack she wants on her way out the door in the morning.
fruit ropeI’m not the only one who loves the fruit twists!  The results are in and our favorite is the turkey and cheddar with the ham and cheddar being a close second. Which one will be your child’s favorite? My girls are tweens with big appetites so I still send them to school with some extra snacks like fruit and yogurt, but these meals are the perfect size for younger kids and they’ll love being able to pack their own lunch like a big kid.
20160207_183226Inside each box there is a fun word search puzzle for kids to complete. The lid of the box turns into a postcard that kids can send back to Revolution Foods with their pledge to get real such as eating fruit instead of cookies for a week, helping mom make dinner one night, etc. In exchange for sending their pledge, Revolution Foods will send your child a special surprise!

Revolution Foods was founded by moms on a mission to transform the way America eats by providing access to healthy food in schools and in stores.   The company started by serving freshly prepared meals to 1 million students per week in public schools across the US. They have no expanded beyond schools to groceries stores providing healthy, balanced, already made lunches like Jet Packs.
F
or more information go to www.revolutionfoods.com.

Where to Purchase

I purchased these Jet Packs and my local Publix but they are also available at Walmart, Safeway, and many other places. Find a retailer near you on the Revolution Foods Store Locator.

Grab a Coupon

You can receive $1 off Jet Packs and Lunch Bundles by going to this Facebook page to download a coupon.

Want to win a Lunch Making Break? lunch making break

Enter our giveaway to win a “Take a Lunch Making Break” Survival Pack, including a branded lunchbox, water bottle, and a FREE COUPONS for Revolution Foods Jet Packs.

Get Social with Revolution Foods

 

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