Optimum Nutrition Protein Cake Bites

There was a time, long long ago, where I'd buy a bag of glazed mini-donuts and They Were My Crack.  That waxy chocolate covering -- and cakey interior -- a carby, sugary calorie death.

This is not that product.  That is what triggered me to PICK IT UP.

These "Protein Cake Bites" look suspiciously like a carby-sweet product on the packaging, but I'm going to tell you IT IS A TRICK.

What I found were miniature waxy glazed protein pucks.  The outside is a white yogurt covering with sprinkles, leading to a thick and pasty protein center.  (Not cake. Disappointment.)  It is like you took two scoops of protein, pressed them in an espresso maker with ... oil.  Maybe that's cake enough for you?   

The nutrition, better than cake.  Protein *first*, anyway.  Twenty grams of the stuff - if you eat all 240 calories and three pucks.  I do not feel I could eat more than one at a time, texturally it was a difficult sell.

I had one last night, one in the middle of the night and threw the last away.

For what it's worth, these are better as a snack in the middle of the night than something else (...even if it's not my thing) I might have sitting bedside.  I always have bedside OMG LOW BLOOD SUGAR snacks. They'd probably last a year.  

I have some other flavors to try and for photographing.  I'm a little disappointed because I wanted to enjoy these more.  YouTube told me I should.  

• Product - Optimum Nutrition Protein Cake Bites
• Price - About $2.10 per pack 
• Purchased - Local GNC, here's an Amazon link.
• Pros - Pretty little package, the graphic initially reminded me of donuts from 15 years ago, **sprinkles**, three separate protein snacks in one sleeve, a good to-go shove in your bag snack, 20 grams protein
• Cons - I can't with the texture.  Lots of carbohydrates if you're counting.
• Rating - Pending, based on the next flavor I try.  Maybe this was an off pack?

Proti Wafers Review

If you have been following me since Ye Olden Days Of WLS  (I had roux en y gastric bypass in 2004, and I've blogged and been on social media since 2005), you will know this is my second go 'round with this product.  (Or here is to hoping it is the same product I adored back in days of old.)

Proti Wafers.  I think I called them "Sugar Wafers, Only Better" in my very first review which I can no longer find.  

Sent to me from netrition, I have a box of Proti Wafers in my choice - vanilla.

Netrition's site reads:

Proti Nutrition Proti Wafer Squares are great tasting, high protein squares that will satisfy your hunger. Proti Squares offer a rich taste at 200-210 calories a serving.

The stats -

Ingredients: Protein blend (milk protein isolate, hydrolyzed gelatin, whey protein isolate, pea protein isolate), wheat flour, fractionated palm and palm kernel oil, sugar, fructose, milk ingredients (skim milk powder, while milk powder, butter fat), cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, soy lecithin, soy flour, sunflower oil, water, natural and artificial flavors, salt, sodium bicarbonate, sucralose (non-nutritive sweetener), corn flour.

In each box, you receive five packs of two wafer-bars.  Each packet contains two wafers.  

The best way to describe these bars:  old-fashioned sugar wafers.  I can't think of anything else when biting into them.  Except these have a chocolate base, and a chocolate drizzle, dressed much fancier than the stacks of sugar-cookies I ate as a kid.  

The biggest difference?  These pack 15 grams of protein per 200 calorie serving.  That's pretty super for a snack food.  Early in my weight loss surgery life, I will admit to being psychotically wary of the carbohydrate, fat and sugar content of this product, but now, I find it is a great balance.   

• Product - Proti Nutrition Proti Wafers, Vanilla
• Price - $14.95 (for ten wafers)
• From - netrition
• Pros - OMG SUGAR WAFER COOKIES WITH PROTEIN POWERS.  Portable protein for the purse (or other) sneaky snacks for the movies.  Tastes like it should not be a protein product
• Cons - Tastes like it should not be a protein product.  Your kids will open them before you get a chance to review them for your blog and ruin the box they came in.  Just saying.  Your kids will eat them.  If you want to save them for your bariatric diet, HIDE THEM from your family because they ain't cheap. 
• Rating - Pouchworthy

   

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Maranatha No Stir Almond Butter Coconut

One of the first "rules" (....bahahahaha, rules?) of gastric bypass I learned early on - was not to add concentrated sources of extra calories where they were totally unnecessary.  A food that qualifies the unnecessary category for me is -  peanut butter and nuts.

I don't like peanut butter, so I was not bothered by not enjoying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich after weight loss surgery.  

However, one of the other things you learn later on is YOU NEED EXTRA FAT SOMETIMES.  To, uh, make your body work, and to make your skin not fall off.  (This is just personal experience.  Your mileage may vary.  Your body should vary, yadda yadda yadda.)   Many of us find that we under-eat fat.

A few weeks ago, I saw in the peanut butter aisle while picking up the nasty creamy gallon jug of peanut butter for my kids, this:

Maranatha No-Stir Almond Butter with Coconut.

To be fair, I was drawn to it because it read CREAMY and COCONUT.  Perhaps I thought it was going to taste of sweet coconut?  (I AM A SWEET COCONUT FAN, and I think I might have picked this up thinking it'd be a decadent macaroon-y flavor.  Sweet macaroons are asking for sweet death.)  Instead, I bought the almond spread -- I made toast.  I opened the glass jar, and mixed, it's got a slight oil on top, but nothing like natural peanut butter and it's more creamy like coconut butter - and I smeared it onto my bread.  It's a very subtle taste, a teeny bit nutty, lesser sweet, and creamy.  Not at all thick like emulsified peanut or other creamy butters.  

• Made with whole coconut pulp.
• MaraNatha All Natural Coconut Almond Butter Creamy. No stir.

• Combines the delicious taste of roasted almonds with the unique flavor of coconut into a smooth nut butter to enjoy every day.
• Liven up your favorite sandwich, spread on toast, apples, pancakes or add to your favorite hot cereal for a unique meal, or simply enjoy straight from the jar!
• It's a delicious treat you can feel good about enjoying each and every day.
• Please recycle this container.
• Comments or questions?
• Call 1-800-749-0730 or visit www.maranathafoods.com.

Warnings:

Warning Text: Contains: almonds, coconuts. May contain traces of peanuts, soy and tree nuts.

Ingredients:

Ingredients: Dry Roasted Almonds, Creamed Coconut, Evaporated Cane Syrup, Palm Oil, Salt.

I loved it.  I ate the whole jar over breakfasts in the next couple of weeks, every single morning.  I must have really really liked it.  When I returned to the store yesterday, however, I noted that it costs double what the peanut butter cost, at least, and I couldn't justify buying it this week.  Maybe next time.  (You know, I had to get my bread, which costs way too much.  :x  ..... )

• Product - Maranatha No Stir Almond Butter Coconut
• Price - $7
• Bought from Wal - Mart, I know, I know, but I am an unemployed parent of five.
• Pros - Healthy oils, HELPS YOU POOPS, subtle taste, easy to eat, good source of calories if you need them.  I would put this in a protein shake for added calories in TWO SECONDS.
• Cons - Um, same.
• Rating - Pouchworthy, MMBBGC
• Check them out here - https://www.facebook.com/maranathanutbutters/

 

Explain to me -- subscription boxes -- bariatric samples?

A friend just pointed out weight loss surgery themed subscription box service, you know -- where you sign up to have a selection of samples (I am guessing these are sample sizes based on the photos given on the website that is at the moment very limited...) sent to you each month.  For your payment -- a flat-fee of $34.95 -- you are sent 8 - 12 sample-size products for the bariatric patient.  

I can see the niche of people who'd want this.  Hi.  

I was curious enough to throw my email on their mailing list, but I wonder are free samples worth $4 each?  Maybe, I suppose if they have been sourced for you and shipped to you?  How long of a commitment is this kind of service?  I'm not the kind of person that throws out $34.95 for a box of I Don't Know What's Coming in exchange for grocery money -- however -- I could be swayed.  

Don't think I am picking on this service just because it's "bariatric" I have no clue who's pimping it -- I say the same thing about the underpanties boxes -- the snack boxes -- all boxes -- I see them as profit machines for the person behind the curtain.  :)  I would simply like to know WHY it is worth the cost since some of it is free to the consumer already.  Show me. 

Quest Peanut Butter Protein Powder Pre-review, because I hesistate

Quest Nutrition Protein Powder, Peanut Butter, 23g Protein, Soy Free, 2lb Tub

This is my husband's favorite protein powder.   He literally just dumps it into almond milk and stirs it until just emulsified and sips it while still a bit lumpy.  And he loves it.

Tell me why I should like it.

I have been anti-Quest for so. very. long - I know I have to try it for review because it is in my kitchen calling me. 

Do you like this product?  Do you use it?  Do you hate it?  What other flavor of Quest powder do you enjoy?  What do you mix into it?

 

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Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie Recipe

 

-Bariatric Advantage

High Fiber PROTEIN Fudgesicles Recipe

I am so making these to keep in my freezer. I am omitting the sugar free syrup.

Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake

I have been drinking a variation of this pumpkin protein shake at my gym since before Thanksgiving -- and I adore it.  I finally decided that since my kitchen is (...it is a long story) finally half-complete -- the blender is coming back out.  

It's shake time.

• 1-2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk  (30 calories per cup)
• 1/4 cup real pumpkin puree 
• 1 serving low-carb vanilla (... or cinnamon, oatmeal, coookie, the possibilities here are pretty endless...) flavored protein powder, any brand will do, low sugar, low carb!
• cloves, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon to taste  or "pumpkin pie spice" would work, just a few shakes, less is more - to taste
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar free maple syrup
• Splenda or Stevia if needed
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
• Crushed ice

1. Pour all ingredients into blender, blend.  

Enjoy.

 

 

RTD Mocha Decaf

• Find NEW ProJoe Decaf at Bariatric Advantage Now!  Click to protein!

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Post bariatric food apathy or obsession

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

It is currently pushing 90 degrees inside my house.  Hold me.   Wait.  I take it back.  Don't touch me.  

Go cook something.  I found this on USP Labs - No Bake Peanut Butter Balls -

Intriguing.  Maybe I'll have the kids make it to keep busy for five minutes whilst we melt.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 scoop vanilla  (...a favorite right here!) or chocolate protein powder
• 1/2 cup whole oats
• 1/2 cup chopped dates or blueberries
• 2-3 Tbsp. dairy or coconut milk 

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a large bowl, adding enough milk until a doughy consistency is reached. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate until served.

Yields 12 balls

Per ball:

• 151 kcal
• 7.8 g carbs
• 10 g fat
• 7.8 g protein

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Protein Water Video Review

High Protein Coffee Giveaway - Closed

I like Chike. <-- GO READ MY REVIEW.  

The winner is ...

KJ OH NO.

Particularly when it is pushing 100 degrees outside and I have little-to-no appetite and must get my high-quality protein in.  An ice-cold refreshing coffee drink packed with protein is amazing -- either poured over iced or made in the blender.

I thought we should give some away today.  Want to win a canister of Chike Coffee Flavor and a BlenderBottle?

• Go like Chike and let them know I sent you!  "MM + BBGC Sent Me To Like Chike http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2013/06/high-protein-coffee-giveaway.html" 
• Leave a comment on this blog post so I can pick a winner!
• Your prize will ship from Chike.  G'head.  Share, win.  The more love, the more prizes next time.

That is all!

Thank you!

Congratulations @NutsNMoreUSA - Shark Tank makes a deal!

Local boys make it big!  

CONGRATULATIONS!

• Get it here - Fitness Connection

Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake

Mr. has a new go-to drink.   He's been working out - and drinks this right after the gym.  This recipe is based off of a sugary-drink the gym makes.  

The kids BEG for it.  #winner.

• 1 scoop Protizyme Peanut Butter Cookie Protein
• 1 scoop Chocolate Whey Protein (He's using Chike right now)  
• Ice
• Skim milk (OR - Unsweetened soy, almond, water...)
• Optional - 1 TSP PB2 or Chocolate PB2  
• Optional - 1 TSP - .5 TSP unsweetened cocoa powder
• Splenda packet if needed
• Blend

MM + Eggface Video Product Review - 32 gram whey protein isolate shot live and silly at Fitbloggin 2012

From ANSI -

Protein Ice™ Power Shots, just like our bigger 20oz. Protein Ice™ drinks, infuse the highest quality Ultra-filtered pure protein isolate in three mouth-watering gourmet flavors. Protein Ice™ Power Shots contain 32g of Protein, 10g of Glutamine and 6g of BCAA's. We have left out the carbs, fat and lactose leaving you with just pure protein perfection. Protein Ice™ Power Shots is not just for bodybuilders! Protein is one of the basic building blocks of a healthy life, many people do not realize that they are not meeting their daily requirement for protein. Protein Ice™ Power Shots are a perfect supplement for all.

It is also designed to help post-bariatic surgery patients obtain adequate protein to help maintain muscle tissue.

•  4oz Shooter
• 32g of Pure Protein Isolate 
• •10g Glutamine 
• 6g BCAAs 
• Superior muscle building protein drink 
• Excellent for Bariatric Patients 
• Helps in Recovery 
• Great for Dieting 
• No Carbs 
• No Fat 
• No Lactose 
• Gluten Free
• Check out ANSI on Facebook
• Buy Protein Ice Now

Oh. Yes. She. Did.

Hold the Press Releases, Suz!  

How do you go from not paying your taxes, failure to ship orders since 2011, closing your store, foreclosure, shutting down all communication to... THIS?

Winner picked! Team MM BBGC Walks From Obesity - Giveaway #4! About Time Protein

The winner is Rebekah L.!  Thank you all!  Watch for the next contest - later today!

I am heading to Dallas, Texas in October for the Obesity Action Coalition's Inaugural Event and I am super excited about it. And, to top off the event, we are having a Walk From Obesity!  

Please consider (once again, because you are awesome, and we have raised thousands of dollars before!) a small donation to Team MM and the Bariatric Bad Girls Club?  

Protein Quality Chart

 

Via Wikipedia

After bariatric surgery you need to eat protein every day to speed wound healing, and to preserve your lean body mass.

Foods that are high in protein should always be eaten first during meals. The recommended long term post-surgery protein intake may vary from 50/100 grams per day depending on your individual needs and diet plan provided by your surgeon or dietitian.   Ask them.

Protein quality matters, and you might need to use protein to supplement your diet.    What are the best sources of protein supplements?

• Click to enlarge images, or  Download Protein Quality chart.

Chike High Protein Coffee Review - Coffee Flavored Whey Protein Isolate

 So here's the thing.  I've been had.  

Mmm! Chike Coffee Protein Giveaway!

Picking a winner NOW!

In combination with my upcoming reviews of all things coffee and protein, I am giving away the deliciousness that is coffee and protein.  

Did you follow that?  I get samples.  I share.  

Because I like you.

This giveaway is for a hugetastic Chike Blender Bottle and three packets of Chike in it's new High Protein Coffee Flavor! 

Description: Chike Iced Coffee is officially here! With 2 Espresso Shots, 20 grams of Whey Protein, 23 Vitamins & Minerals & only 2 grams of Sugar - it's the perfect drink to kickstart your day or fight the midday slump! The excuses for skipping breakfast are officially over!

Caffeine: Each serving of Chike Iced Coffee is equivalent to a cup of the leading premium coffee.

You want?

UNJURY Protein Can Reverse Weight Regain?

I just saw this ad rolling across a weight loss surgery website.

Read it again.

"Unjury Protein Can Reverse Weight Regain After Weight Loss Surgery... when used three times a day."

Um.

Hello from the department of OBVIOUS THINGS, if you stop EATING FOOD and DRINKING PROTEIN SHAKES instead of three solid meals?  You're going to lose weight.  It's called a Very Low Calorie Diet.

Or. How To Sell 6-9 Canisters Of Protein To The Desperate Each Month -

I am learning about this very thing.  It's called sales.