Five Ways I Use BiPro USA Whey Protein

BiPro USA is one of this week's Bariatric Foodie Pledge sponsors. So this week I wanted to highlight a few ways I use their whey. (Corny, yes, I know...)

You know how they say necessity is the mother of invention? Well it's also the mother of adaptation! Before 2013, I used a brand of unflavored whey called Any Whey. It was discontinued but you'll see the name of that whey sprinkled throughout this blog (takes a while to do name replacements in blog posts - especially a blog that's a few years old like this one!). Well I needed a new unflavored whey option so I tried many, many, many samples and I liked BiPro the best.

Why? Mainly because most other proteins that claim to be unflavored are not. They usually have some sort of faint vanilla taste or smell or, worse, that trademark "monkey butt" aroma of protein. Ugh! BiPro didn't have any of that, plus it's low calorie (80 calories per serving), NO carb, and of course it's high protein (20g protein per serving) and, probably most importantly for me, mixed seamlessly into anything I use it in.

Keep in mind BiPro also has two other flavors (Chocolate and French Vanilla) and this week's prize winners will have their choice, but I figured I'd show you five ways I like to use unflavored, which is my favorite offering!

In Protein Hot Drinks

I love myself a protein hot drink in the winter (here's how I make them without the lumps). A lot of times I use my CLICK Espresso Protein Drink for the lovely espresso flavor but I want to amp up the protein factor. So I add a serving of BiPro unflavored whey. Doing that gives me the protein I need and doesn't interfere with the taste I love.

To get the recipe for the above drink (my Mocha Toffee Twist), download the free "50 Ways to Click" e-book!

Here's a link to check out "The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes" which has lots and lots and LOTS more ideas!

In Chili

(No pic because...well the pic sucks!)

Necessity was the mother of this idea too. My youngest daughter decided she did not want to eat meat anymore. She just can't bear the thought of consuming animals (this perplexes me but I respect it). My main worry was how she would get enough protein to have a healthy balanced diet. Now that I'm more educated I know it's perfectly possible for her to get enough protein without protein supplements, but by then the habit of putting extra protein in things like soup and chili had formed. She doesn't mind it and it also makes it possible for me to enjoy a meal with her and not worry about my protein needs, which are different based on my labs. 

Here's my "easily modifiable for vegetarians" chili recipe!

In Dessert

Especially cheesecake! I've used vanilla protein before (in fact, I think the recipe link  here probably calls for it) but when I do that it comes out too far on the vanilla side. I like my cheesecake to be...well, cheesy! So I add BiPro instead which preserves that classic cheesecake flavor I love.

While the above is a totally share-worthy Crustless Pumpkin Pecan Protein Cheesecake, here's a link to my individual serving cheesecake recipe. 

In Protein Baked Oatmeal

I love baking oatmeal. I first heard of it during a visit to the Amish market (I love the Amish!). Some of my recipes call for vanilla protein (something about chocolate protein + oatmeal = no for me...I can't explain it). Adding unflavored BiPro whey allows me to concentrate on the flavor of my protein baked oatmeal. The photo above is of my Nutty Apple Baked Protein Oatmeal and it has the wonderful flavors of pumpkin, fall spices and nuts. In this one I will say I love either French Vanilla OR unflavored BiPro. I tend to use the unflavored when I want to put a smear of something on a slice of baked oatmeal. 

Need more breakfast ideas? Check out "The Bariatric Foodie Breakfast Book," featuring more baked protein oatmeal ideas, regular protein oatmeal, egg scrambles, even pancakes!

In Fruit Smoothies

I love a good smoothie as much as the next person but putting vanilla protein in a fruit smoothie has always seemed bizarre to me. It makes it taste like a fruit custard instead of fruit. If I wanted a fruit custard, I'd make a fruit custard! 

This Tropical Sunrise smoothie uses BiPro whey to let the fruity flavor shine through.

So there you have it! (I say that a lot.) My five favorite ways to use BiPro USA whey protein powder. If you pledged a goal for week 3 of The Bariatric Foodie Pledge, be sure to check in your goal this weekend (check-ins are open from Saturday at noon EST - Sunday at noon EST) for your chance to win!

Bariatric Foodies: Meet Livliga!

Sheila and her husband, and Livliga co-owner, Walter, at the Obesity Action Coalition "Your Weight Matters" Convention.

So I promised this week that I'd have some juicy info about the Bariatric Foodie Pledge "winner takes all" grand prize. You'll notice on the menu to your right the list now includes ONE of the bonus items in the grand prize!

Just a reminder that the grand prize competition will happen the first week of March and is open to pledgers who pledged/checked-in all four weeks of the Bariatric Foodie Pledge.

So now you know one of the grand prizes is from Livliga Home. But just exactly what is Livliga? 

I met the folks at Livliga at the Obesity Action Coalition's "Your Weight Matters" Convention in Orlando last year and fell in love with their portion control dishes. I've seen portion control dishes before but they always looked so...obvious. They had the measurements directly on the plate which, to me, screams "I'm on a diet!" What I liked about Livliga is that the portion control is built into the design. To a bystander they look like beautiful dishes. But to you, they are guide maps to balanced eating!

So that we can learn more about this product, I asked co-owner Sheila Dietrich to answer a few questions about Livliga. BUT...you know the best information for us comes from us. I also asked a fellow Foodie, Shannon, to spend a few months using the dishes and report back. I'll post that tomorrow. Until then, here's what Sheila has to say about Livliga.

Nik: How did you come up with the idea to develop Livliga products?

Sheila: I’ve struggled with weight issues all my life. When I became executive director of the American Heart Association in Denver I became more aware of the obesity epidemic and how it affects us all.

I was motivated into action when the Centers for Disease Control made the statement that “we are now living in a generation where parents are going to outlive their children because of obesity.” I’m a mom of three kids, so that pronouncement made me made.

In my opinion there is something critical missing in our tool chest to combat overeating. It turns out our eyes make the decisions about the foods we eat, not our stomachs – positive visual cues have the power to help us control our eating.

That is why Livliga was created--to create an appealing and attractive food environment that supports us, through integrating the psychology of eating, in right-sized eating that actually makes of feel satisfied at the end of a meal.

Nik: So the plates have portion sizes and markers, but post-ops vary on how much they can eat. Do you think your products are still useful to them?

Sheila: Absolutely. We know, according to bariatric patients and bariatric physicians, Livliga is useful to individuals prior to surgery, post-ops and down the road, a few years out, as people begin to eat slightly larger portions. 

Prior to surgery our dishes help individuals get used to smaller portions and guides them to right-sized eating. Post surgery individuals have found the side plate is the best one to use, not the dinner plate. Then a few years out all the pieces can be used.

Nik: I've heard a lot of Foodies express that they wish their spouses or kids would start to eat better. For a person with a (air-quote) normal stomach, how do these dishes make a difference? 

On the right: a traditional plate. On the left: a Livliga plate.

Sheila: Livliga is all about everyone being in it together. Our designs are a subtle way to improve and control our food environment. Eating healthy is relevant to every one no matter your size, age, or if you are at your ideal weight. The wonderful thing about our plates is they support everyone in healthy eating habits. 

The icons on the plate remind us to eat a balanced meal as well as to eat certain foods in certain amounts. Studies actually show that there is a "halo effect" when one person changes their habits to eating less and eating healthier. Not only do they get healthier but they end up influencing the others around them and they get healthier too. 

Also, other research shows that long-term results for living a healthier lifestyle are much more successful if everybody in your family (including family of friends) joins in the lifestyle. Livliga is a physical manifestation of the commitment to living a healthier life long term.

Nik: What are the dishes made of? Are they durable?

Sheila: The dishware is made of porcelain. Porcelain is high fired and very durable. Livliga dishes are actually restaurant grade so they are made to last. They are microwave and dishwasher safe, lead free and made of a sustainable material. The packaging is also recyclable and made of renewable resources.

Our glassware is also made of a sustainable material. The glass is etched not painted so the design and fill lines will never wear off. It is chip resistant, microwave and dishwasher safe. The packaging is also recyclable and made of renewable resources.

Nik: Many Foodies and their families are on a pretty tight budget? Why is your product worth it for them?

Livliga products are made to last. We also wanted to offer a product that was beautiful, in fact artist designed, and with different patterns so people would want to use it every day, at every meal (including holidays) and with every one from family to friends. We wanted to package it in a way that people could pick and choose what they wanted to buy and how much. It is something you can keep adding to over time. 

We also intend to add new product every year. For instance, we are developing a bariatric set (thanks to feedback we got) that will include a smaller bowl for ¼ and ½ cup servings and our side plate. We are also about to launch our LivSpoons that are a merger of a serving spoon with a measuring cup that will make it even easier to serve up right-sized amounts of food. Simply put, Livliga tableware is a positive investment in your health and that of your families too.

So there you have it! That's what Sheila, co-owner of Livliga Home, has to say about their products. Next we'll hear from a fellow Foodie about what she thought (and she was very thorough and honest!). I'm aiming to get that up later today, tomorrow at the latest. In the meantime, don't forget to show Livliga some love on social media for being a Pledge Sponsor:

• Like Livliga on Facebook
• Follow Livliga on Twitter

Why I have Squeaky Cheeks...and you should too!

Photo Courtesy of ObesityHelp.com

So this week is shaping up to be a “newbie sponsor” week for the Bariatric Foodie Pledge. Yesterday I introduced you to one of our sponsors, BariMelts (the vitamins that melt in your mouth, not in your pouch/sleeve/…whatever).

Today we’ll learn about our other sponsor this week, Squeaky Cheeks.

I met Rock Toone, owner of Squeaky Cheeks, when I was manning the Foodie table at Obesity Help Conference in Los Angeles (by the way, are you going to #OH2015? It’s in Charlotte, NC this year. Come party with me!).

So Squeaky Cheeks helps with our for-real, for-real “dirty little secret.” When you lose weight rapidly there is skin. That skin tends to rest on other skin. When we move or exercise (or just exist) sweat and moisture can get trapped there and we all know what happens next – ouch!

Squeaky Cheeks is here to help. But how? How is it different than the standard baby powder? And why is it better? I talked to Rock to find out.

Nik: What in the WORLD gave you the idea to come up with this product? And why did you name it Squeaky Cheeks?

Rock: Ok, let’s face it, everybody gets hot, everybody sweats, and everybody stinks.  And we can all agree that can cause lots of problems.

Like chafing, or, repeated rubbing and friction to the skin from something. It can be every bit as painful as a real medical injury. I personally am a world class “chafer.” I’m also a firefighter so chafing is sometimes inevitable. I tried all the standard remedies on my drug store shelf, but nothing held up to the rigors of my job: they all either caked up, fell off or felt squishy and made a mess of everything!  And they only provided temporary relief! 

The real problem is not the fact that we sweat or experience friction to the skin, that part is often unavoidable. The problem is the bacteria that proliferate the issue; none of the products on the market address this problem.

I searched for something that would help my predicament and could not find a remedy. Well they say necessity is the mother of all invention, so to meet my need I created Cheeks. You can use your imagination to think about how we came up with that name BUTT if you try hard I’m sure you’ll figure it out!

Nik: Your product doesn't use talcum powder. Why is that important?

I have a long explanation for that, but I think the American Cancer Society says it best. The short version? Talc is a known carcinogen that is directly linked to cancer!

Nik: Can Squeaky Cheeks really help with those pesky rashes and skin irritations?

Rock: It actually can! Squeaky Cheeks has several powerhouse ingredients that help promote healing. One is very special clay has unmatched absorption abilities that allow it to wick sweat away from the skin without breaking down or caking up and lasts for hours. (Nik Note: This is true! I tried some Squeaky Cheeks out while I was manning the Foodie table at Obesity Help conference – in my shoes – and it did not cake up or get gross after wearing those shoes for 10 hours! Moving right along…)

Left: Post-marathon blister, Right: 48 hours later with use of Squeaky Cheeks

And although it’s a powder, it also has the ability to lubricate the skin allowing it to breathe.The most important element is that it has a particular molecule design that contains very powerful negative ions that adsorb positive ions in the body such as toxins, bacteria, and fungus by drawing them into the clay, preventing their growth.  Stop the bacteria, stop foot odor, and eliminate chafing. 

Nik: Are you a doctor? Did a doctor help develop this? How do we know everything in this is safe?

Rock: I’m not a doctor, and I didn’t develop this product with a doctor. I have received very positive feedback from the medical community about Squeaky Cheeks and many doctors recommend it as a better alternative when the solution is such that a simple powder is the best remedy for skin irritations.

I do not ever claim to heal anything, but I will say that the natural ingredients in Squeaky Cheeks greatly assist healing – and without the known side effects of ingredients like talc. Squeaky Chees is all-natural and works better than anything on the market!

Nik: C'mon...tell the truth...do you ever blush when you say where you work?

Rock: Here is the deal. If I am going to talk to you about Swass, Swoobs, Rash, Chaff, Odor and any kind of Fa-Munda YUCK you dare to discuss I need to make you smile first….right? 

In all seriousness, I am passionate about helping people with Squeaky Cheeks and I stand behind my product! And I have a no-nonsense, unconditional guarantee. If you don’t like Squeaky Cheeks for any reason, I will give you a full refund – and you can still keep the product. Seriously, science and sales pitches aside. It works! So I hope your Foodies will give it a try!

If you’d like to hear first-hand how it works, meet my friend Jeff, a weight loss surgery patient who tried Squeaky Cheeks and loves it.

So there you have it...

THREE of this week's pledgers will win a month's supply of Squeaky Cheeks. Be sure to check in your goal this weekend so you qualify for the prize. Check-in begins Saturday at noon EST and closed Sunday at noon EST. Be sure to follow Bariatric Foodie on Facebook and Twitter to get reminders!

And also be sure to like and follow Squeaky Cheeks on Facebook and Twitter, too! 

BF Review (and Recipe): Quest Cookies & Cream Protein Bar and Shannon's Quest Canoli

While we were all embroiled in The Bariatric Foodie Pledge, Quest went and released a new bar – Cookies and Cream! I did a quick and dirty review of it on social media, but I also asked my pal Shannon (of TacoCasserole picture fame) to give the bars a try. And I gave her a challenge. The Quest blog challenges Quest lovers to come up with creative ways to use the bars, so that’s the challenge I put to Shannon. So she played with her food to make a Quest cannoli! The recipe follows the review.

Enjoy and thanks to Shannon for the review!

Shannon’s Quest Bar Review

*The products used for this review were given by Quest Nutrition, however, neither the reviewer nor Bariatric Foodie was paid to perform this product review.

Product: Quest Cookies & Cream protein Bar

Stats: 180 calories, 7g fat, 22g carbs, 17g fiber, 1g sugar, 2g erythritol, 21g protein.

Cost: Varies, on Quest website it is $2.39 for a single bar, $24.99 (or $2.08/bar) for a box of 12.

*If you purchase Quest Bars using the ad on the right menu bar, Bariatric Foodie receives a small commission. 

Packaging:

The wrapper itself was very pleasing to me, the picture was crisp and I think the large cookie photographed on the package really makes it known what flavor you are getting.  Another thing about the packaging I like is that I can quickly see the amount of sugar and protein in the product. Just from a general standpoint, this makes things so much easier for me when I am looking to purchase a product, having that info right on the front, and somewhat highlighted makes my life easier.

Nutrition:

This product provides 21g of protein in one serving, and is 180 calories. I like that it packs such a punch because, if I am going to eat a protein bar as my meal (I very rarely do), I want to be able to get as much out of it as possible. Quest bars are regularly reviewed on Bariatric foodie, and I believe this bar is about on par with the others in their product line. As an aside, erythritol, the type of sugar alcohol used in this bar has very little effect on our bodies, unlike some others.

Aesthetics:

Upon opening the packaging I smelled the protein bar, and as with most of them I got a very, almost overly sweet smell, not really distinguished as to cookies and cream but definitely sweet.

The bar I had left over after playing with my food and making a cannoli had some very large chunks of cookie in it, which I very much enjoyed while eating the protein bar in the traditional way. It broke up the texture of the bar nicely. The bar itself was quite soft and easy to eat.

It did remind me a bit of cookies and cream, though not exactly and I don’t think my taste buds will ever be fully confused when it comes to a protein bar, the protein flavor is always there.  More than a cookies and cream flavor it reminded me of cookie dough. Never having tried their actual cookie dough flavor, I will say I think this would be an awesome addition chunked up into some protein ice cream. I also thoroughly enjoyed this as a cannoli, it really had a crunch and flavor that paired well with the cannoli filling.

I have generally been very impressed with Quest bars, and this one did not disappoint. As an emergency meal, or a snack, or even cooked into a yummy dessert they are, in my opinion, a decent choice.  In my area Quest bars are not so readily available, and the ones I have purchased locally have usually been very hard, nothing like this one. Because of this I limit myself to purchasing online only, and don’t often get the opportunity to do so, as my budget doesn’t always allow for it. That being said, if I were able to purchase Quest bars in the future this would be one on my list to buy.

Shannon’s Quest Cannoli

Ingredients:

• 1 Quest Cookies & Cream protein bar
• 4 oz. ricotta cheese (part-skim or regular, your choice)
• 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1.5 tbsp. no-calorie sweetener
• Macadamia or pistachio nuts, whipped cream, and Strawberry as garnish if desired

For this recipe you will also need: A cannoli-form or a ¼-inch metal dowel, a large, sturdy glass (sprayed with nonstick cooking spray) and some parchment paper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Unwrap Quest bar and place between two pieces of sprayed wax paper. Put in microwave for about 8 seconds, test pliability with finger and put back in if you cannot easily smoosh the bar, this will make it easier to roll flat with a rolling pin.
3. Using your sprayed glass as a rolling pin, roll the bar down into a slight circular shape in between the wax paper and allow to cool slightly before peeling off one layer of wax paper.
4. Using a cannoli form, roll quest bar on the form and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
5. Place in preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until golden.
6. In a small bowl place ricotta, cocoa powder, and Splenda mix thoroughly until combined.  Transfer to a piping bag or small sandwich bag to fill the cannoli.  Refrigerate until ready to use
7. Remove cannoli from oven allow to cool well.
8. Remove cannoli form and fill with ricotta mixture.
9. Once filled, you can garnish as you like with nuts, or fruit and whipped cream or light cool whip.

Why I Like Chike (And You Should Too!)

This week’s Bariatric Foodie Pledge sponsor is Chike Nutrition. I’ve had the opportunity to sample several of Chike’s protein flavors and I thought I’d give you a snapshot of what I thought of them so that if YOU are one of this week’s three lucky winners, you’ll have some help deciding which one you want! Unfortunately I’ve only published a review for one of their flavors but I have tried them all!

Protein Iced Coffee

Stats: 130 cals, 9g carbs, 2g sugars, 20g protein (click here for full stats)

Pro’s: Easy to mix (no clumps even in a blender bottle!), smooth coffee taste, with a hint of vanilla.

Con’s: Coffee officianados may find it a bit weaker than you want it, but if so just use coffee as your base! (Don’t tell your surgeon I said that).

Click here for the full review.

Chocolate Bliss

Stats: 190 cals, 11g carbs, 3g sugars, 3g fiber, 28g protein

Pro’s: Mixes well, has a good chocolatey taste (although I’m a chocolate crackhead so I almost always add extra unsweetened cocoa to any chocolate protein and this was no exception), does not have the requisite “monkey butt” protein smell (either that or by the time I tried Chike I was used to it! But I verified with my kids and they said it smelled fine).

Con’s: The only two con’s I can think of are that A) it’s high-ish on the calorie range for an individual serving of protein BUT, as a redeeming value, it mixes up nicely with water so I didn’t have to spend 80 calories and 12g of carbs on milk to get it to taste good. B) For those who are sensitive to it, Chike is sweetened with sucralose.

Strawberry Burst

Stats: 190 cals, 11g carbs, 3g sugars, 3g fiber, 28g protein

Pro’s: Mixes well, tastes like strawberry ice cream.

Con’s: I’m not particularly fond of strawberry ice cream. But if you are, you’ll like this protein! Same caveat as above about the caloric content and sucralose.

Orange Crème

Stats:

Pro’s: This actually did taste like an orange creamsicle bar, which was quite nice. I am rather fond of them.

Con’s: Same as above about caloric content and sucralose but beyond that, that’s it.

Banana Magic

Stats: 190 cals, 11g carbs, 3g sugars, 3g fiber, 28g protein

Pro’s: Weird as it may sound, I like that this tasted like bananas but didn’t have an overwhelming banana scent. I’m sort of on the fence with bananas. I used to hate them but since surgery I’ve found ways to like them. This powder I almost always used with peanut powder or a bit of cocoa.

Con’s: Same drill. Calories/sucralose.

Very Vanilla

Stats: 190 cals, 11g carbs, 3g sugars, 3g fiber, 28g protein

Pro’s: I was skeptical about this one because of all the protein flavors, vanilla is the one MOST likely to have that inexplicable “monkey butt” smell and taste, but I found their vanilla to be very…vanilla-y (riveting, right?). I’m definitely on #TeamChocolate but I enjoyed this. Plus a tasty vanilla makes for a great base for many other kinds of shakes!

Con’s: Broken record syndrome but the same as above!

Click here to check out the full stats for all these flavors!

Foodie Review: Quest Double Chocolate Chunk Bars

FTC Disclaimer: Bariatric Foodie and its representatives (here referred to as "Foodie Reviewers" received complimentary product for the purposes of this review. Bariatric Foodie strives to provide fair and unbiased product reviews, as set forth in its Advertising and Product Reviews policies. Any products that are linked within this blog post will redirect you to website where you can purchase that product online. If you do purchase the project through the linked site, Bariatric Foodie receives a small portion of your purchase price. If you have any questions, please email bariatricfoodie@yahoo.com

Man...Quest is always coming out with new and yummy flavors! And the freaky thing is that they seem to be reading my mind. Such is the case with this bar. I am solidly on #TeamChocolate, so I was excited for the Quest Double Chocolate Chunk bar.

But I want you guys to get various perspectives, so I asked two Foodie Reviewers to try the product and let me know what they think. Just as a reminder, Foodie Reviewers are readers who have volunteered to do product reviews for you. While I have enough Foodie Reviewers for the time being, I plan to get more Foodies involved in the future, so stay tuned to Bariatric Foodie on Facebook and Twitter to respond the next time I call for volunteers.

Here's what your fellow Foodies had to say about this new protein bar!

What'd you think about the packaging?

Sherry: The packaging shows chocolate chip cookies, which was my downfall pre-op.  Lots of great information on the front such as 20g of protein, 3g net carbs, only 1g of sugar and no artificial sweeteners and no gluten containing ingredients. 

Monica: Very attractive package.  I liked that it clearly stated on the front: no artificial sweeteners and 20 grams of protein.  The list of ingredients on the back was easy to understand; the.only one that I didn't know, they explained with an *.

How are the "stats"?

Sherry: Stats are 160 calories, 6g of fat, cholesterol 5mg, sodium 250 mg, potassium 180mg, total carbs 25g, dietary fiber 16g, sugars 1g, erythritol 6g and protein 20g.  Stats are great for a meal replacement bar.

Monica: Good nutritional value for what you get.

What about the smell and texture?

Sherry: Upon opening the package, you immediately get a whiff of chocolate.  The bar looks like a brownie. There are no "chunks" of chocolate though.  A little deceiving.  The texture was like a very chewy brownie. Was surprised that the product was "crumby" when bitten.

Monica: Since I had never tried a Quest bar before, I expected the bar to look like the outside of the package (a chocolate chip cookie).  I was surprised to see that looked more like a brownie.  The smell was sweet and pleasant.  The texture was soft and malleable.

So how'd they taste?

Sherry: It tasted like a chocolate protein bar.  Smelled better than it tasted.  I was not jumping for joy at the taste.

Monica: If you like chocolate this is for you!  I tried a bar, two different times.  One time was right out of the package (flower plate picture).  Great to eat on the go, when you need to eat good, withoutalot of time.  I loved that it didn't have a gritty taste.  The other one, I flattened out, cooked it for 5 min at 380 degrees and topped it with a tiny bit of peanut butter (red plate picture).  Baked, it tasted almost like a peanut butter brownie.  Yum! I gave my eight year old daughter a small bite of the bar without peanut butter on it and asked her if she'd buy it again.  She said enthusiastically said, "Absolutely!"  There is a slight aftertaste, but it is not bothersome. 

Do you think this product has overall value?

Sherry: I would buy these as back up for the office, when I don't have time or forget to pack lunch.  Not a bad price for 20g of protein in a hurry.

Monica: I ate my bar for dinner.  It kept me full until bedtime (4 hours) and the sweetness of it satisfied my "sweet tooth" so I didn't go searching for something to snack on later in the evening.  I was worried that with so much fiber (16 g) and the Erythritol (6 g), that I would have stomach issues, as my body is extremely sensitive to sugar alcohols and large amounts of fiber.  I was pleasantly surprised that was NOT the case.  No problems with digestion - at all.  Based on the taste, the amount of nutritional info you get, the fact that it didn't upset my stomach and it kept me full until my next meal, I feel it's well worth the price.  Even better when you can get a coupon from a major retailer that carries it!  

(BF Note: Erythritol doesn’t work the same in the body as other sugar alcohols. In fact, most people don’t have any reaction to erythritol at all, so if you see it in a product, just keep that in mind!)

Final Verdict: (Should a Foodie “purchase” or “pass?”)

Sherry: Like a previously stated, I would purchase, but not as an everyday meal.  I prefer protein shakes. These would do in a pinch.  Best chocolate tasting protein bar that I have had though.  Good job Quest!

Monica: It's definitely a purchase!  A flavorful way to get in your protein.

Thanks Sherry and Monica! Foodies, did their review convince you? If so you can click here to order some Quest bars for yourself!

Which protein recipe is the best? YOU be the judge!

Ok, forget that "other" election. This is the REALLY important one! Your fellow Foodies have put forth recipes to win a full canister of Fit Frappe. Five finalists were chosen. Now it's time for YOU to decide who wins!

And just because I love you...for voting...five of you will win one of these: 

A sampler pack of Fit Frappe that comes with all five flavors: Espresso, Mocha, Vanilla, Vanilla Latte and Chocolate! Trust me…you wanna try this stuff. It’s good!

Remember: you have to vote to win! 

Voting is Simple. Here's what you do:

1. Decide which recipe you like best.
2. Vote for that recipe by leaving a comment below. You can only vote once, so choose wisely!
3. Be sure to include an email address where I can contact you if you win!

Want extra chances to win? Get TWO extra chances each (for a total of FOUR extra chances) by doing the following:

•  Go like Big Train’s Facebook Page
•  Follow @Big Train on Twitter 

(NOTE: If you’ve already done any of the above, IT STILL COUNTS! Let me know in your comment so I can give you credit!)

Now…onto the recipes.

TEAM ESPRESSO: Penney's "Wake Your A$$ Up!" Shake

1 c. cold coffee
2 tbsp. Coffee Mate sugar-free Caramel Macchiato Creamer (or to taste
1 serving of Fit Frappe Espresso (the 8 oz. size serving OR  1/2 the sample pack)
1 tbsp Torani sugar-free caramel syrup

(Penney's) Directions:

"Shake it up, baby! And because I am a loon and have to work til midnight, I poured this over COFFEE ICE CUBES! Wheeee"

TEAM MOCHA: Bridget's Ode to Joyous Almond Shake

Fit Frappe mocha (8 oz. serving)
1 pump (1 tbsp) sugar-free coconut syrup
1/2 pump (1/2 tbsp) sugar-free almond syrup (or sub 2 drips of extract)
8oz milk of your choice (coconut or almond are nice)

Ice

Directions:

Blend with your method of choice (I use the Super Chill Method). If you are adventurous (and have time) sprinkle with some fresh toasted almonds or unsweetened coconut...or sugar-free whippage (whipped cream)!

TEAM VANILLA: Alyson's Orange Creamsicle Shake

1 serving Fit Frappe Vanilla (8 oz. serving)
8 oz. preferred liquid (milk, water, etc.)
1/2 sugar-free orange drink stick
Ice

Directions: Combine in the blender for a tasty treat!



TEAM VANILLA LATTE: Dana's "Big Train Vanilla Latteccino Chai"

1 heaping tbsp. Big Train Spiced Chai

1 serving (8 oz. size) Vanilla Latte Fit Frappe

3 oz. unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 packets Truvia

7-8 ice cubes

To prepare, Dana recommends BF’s very own “Super Chill Method for making a Protein Frosty” but here’s Dana's recap:

Turn on the blender and whiz it up, and trickle another 2-3 ounces of unsweetened vanilla almond milk into the blender (either through the top if it's safe to do so, or by stopping the blender and adding it. 

After 6-8 seconds of whizzing around, stop the blender and shake the container as needed to keep it whizzing around. Once all the big pieces of ice have been whizzed into your drink, you're ready to conquer your Big Train “Latteccino Chai.” It's so thick and rich that you HAVE to drink it slowly - or risk getting a brain freeze!!”

TEAM CHOCOLATE: Wendy's Vegetarian-Friendly Chocolate Microwave Cake

1 scoop chocolate protein powder 
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 packet stevia
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3-4 pumps of sugar free davinci syrup (I use vanilla)

You want a thick consistency - like that of playdough. press it down into the bottom of a microwave safe container. Microwave for 60-90 seconds.

There you have it, Foodies! Vote for your favorite to win! You have until noon on Saturday, September 8 to cast your vote and by doing so, enter to win a FREE sample pack of Fit Frappe!

Thanks to all the people who submitted recipes and, as always, thanks for reading Bariatric Foodie!

BF Review & Contest: Fit Frappe Chocolate

(Previously...on Bariatric Foodie...we were in the middle of exploring Fit Frappe, a protein drink for Frappe lovers by Big Train, makers of fine coffeehouse products ;) So far we've reviewed the espresso, mocha, vanilla and vanilla latte flavors.)

But first… your 4^th finalist.

Dana E. took the challenge and shared what he’d add to Vanilla Latte Fit Frappe to make it HIS latte. Here’s his recipe:

Dana’s Big Train Vanilla "Latteccino" Chai

1 heaping tbsp. Big Train Spiced Chai

1 serving (8 oz. size) Vanilla Latte Fit Frappe

3 oz. unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 packets Truvia

7-8 ice cubes

To prepare, Dana recommends BF’s very own “Super Chill Method for making a Protein Frosty” but here’s Dana's recap:

Turn on the blender and whiz it up, and trickle another 2-3 ounces of unsweetened vanilla almond milk into the blender (either through the top if it's safe to do so, or by stopping the blender and adding it. 

After 6-8 seconds of whizzing around, stop the blender and shake the container as needed to keep it whizzing around. Once all the big pieces of ice have been whizzed into your drink, you're ready to conquer your Big Train “Latteccino Chai.” It's so thick and rich that you HAVE to drink it slowly - or risk getting a brain freeze!!”

Congrats, Dana! You’ll go up against Penney’s “Wake You’re A$$ Up” shake, Bridget’s “Odeto Joyous Almond Shake and Alyson’s Orange Creamsicle shake for the chance to win a full canister of Fit Frappe!

Today's Challenge: Today, I'd like to hear your favorite chocolate protein recipe. It can be a protein shake, a cold drink, a dessert, whatever! You can share your recipe on Facebook, by sending a tweet to @BariatricFoodie or by leaving a comment on this post. For one of you, your recipe will win you a chance at a full container of Fit Frappe to try!

Now…on with the review:

Stats (for the 8 oz. serving size):

Calories: 60

Fat: 1.5g

Carbs: 12g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar alcohols: 6g

Protein: 10g

Here are the stats on all the Fit Frappe flavors.

Aesthetics: Pretty basic. Nothing special there. I did notice the chocolate is considerably darker than the mocha in color and darker than any other chocolate powder I’d ever seen. I’m not sure if that means something though.

Preparation: The first time I made this I did a hot drink, my “Thin Mints for Grown-Ups.” On the second try I was mourning the loss of my relationship with the "ice cream man" so I made my Neopolitan Protein Shake:

Both were good. But here’s the thing. Some days I want dessert. Not often, because dessert is a whole other meal I have to find room for in my day, but just…sometimes. When I make dessert I try to make it beneficial. 

I ended up making a triple chocolate protein pudding pie but, as it sometimes goes with me, my camera is not participating to upload the picture! So…I’ll post both the recipe and the pic later on this week. Sorry!

Taste: Ok, please don’t think I take what I am about to say lightly. You can go back and read other reviews on this blog. I take chocolate VERY seriously. That being said…this is THE most chocolatey chocolate protein I have ever tasted! Yowsa! It wasn’t “chocolate-flavored.” It was chocolate. Wonderful, rich, decadent chocolate.

Verdict: You know how I was fretting about cost? I just thought of something. My surgeon wrote me a handy-dandy note saying protein is a medical need for life, which means my flexible spending plan reimburses me for protein. In keeping with that…I AM SO BUYING SOME FIT FRAPPE!

S’anyway, you’ve heard what I have to say. Now I want to hear from YOU!

What’s your favorite chocolate protein recipe? Is it a shake, a dessert? Share your recipe and you may just win a full sized canister of Fit Frappe to try at home!

Like I said, you can answer on Facebook, by tweeting @BariatricFoodie or responding here on the blog.

Then on Thursday...

The fun starts. VOTING! You guys get to vote on which of the finalists gets to win a full container of Fit Frappe AND five of you will win a sampler pack containing one serving of each flavor!

I’ve really enjoyed this contest and I think it’s so exciting that Big Train is reaching out to the bariatric community in the way it has. When I first had surgery there were only a few protein offerings for us coffee-lovers and now there are many! That’s why it’s important to…

Please, please, PLEASE show the folks at Big Train some love by liking their Facebook page or by following them on Twitter. The more they hear from us, the more information they have to make a product we can embrace and love.

Now…where are those chocolate recipes???