5 Day Pouch Test Blog

Seasoning Blends - Shake it Up Baby!

Hello Neighbors!

First of all I'm sending a big thanks to so many of you who have purchased the You Have Arrived Seasoning Blends. The response has been tremendous and we hear from happy customers daily how much they are enjoying these fresh, tasty and healthy seasoning blends. The Seasoning Blends have long been a dream of mine and knowing that others are enjoying them and the improved culinary experience they bring is a true delight to me.

Our blends are free of filler, MSG and phosphates to keep you healthy. Without these ingredients some natural settling will occur, particularly with the Poultry Blend, Signature Blend and Finishing Salt. Be sure to give your jars a vigorous shake or two before using to ensure evenly blended seasoning. Shake it Up Baby -- It Feels Good!

You can now purchase the blends individually in addition to buying the complete set. And we are also offering a 4-ounce refill for when your jars go empty. And the best news -- our Introductory prices are still in place so you can enjoy the blends at an affordable price. (Save $4 on the Seasoning Collection!)

Shop our new Online Store for Seasoning Blends, Soup Mixes & Publications

The You Have Arrived (YHA) Seasoning Blends are hand-mixed in small batches of all natural ingredients specifically formulated to support your healthy diet after surgical weight loss. We know that "Protein First" is the dietary key to weight loss and weight maintenance with surgery. And we promise that well seasoned protein is the first rule of satiation and culinary pleasure of any healthy diet.

The You Have Arrived Blends we offer are:
Signature Blend: The popular You Have Arrived Signature Blend is an aromatic no-sodium mixture of savory, sweet, and citrus flavors including onion, garlic, tomato, citrus, spices, and oils. Use on protein, vegetables, and in sauces and marinades.

Poultry Blend: The You Have Arrived Poultry Seasoning is a light and savory blend of onion, bell peppers, garlic, and a light hint of citrus is a refreshing compliment to poultry. Contains sodium.

Grilling Blend: The You Have Arrived Grilling Blend marries the smoky flavor of paprika with garlic, onion and a hint of cinnamon to nicely compliment grilled vegetables or protein. Use to season homemade barbecue sauce. Contains sodium.

Savory Provence Blend: The You Have Arrived Savory Provence Blend is all herbs with a Mediterranean essence. This sodium-free blend contains rosemary, thyme, savory, lavender, and other herbs. Particularly delicious on fish and in vegetable soups and stews as well as on fresh salads and vegetables.

Finishing Salt: The You Have Arrived Finishing Salt is lightly flavored high quality kosher salt for a finishing touch. Helpful in reducing free-pour sodium intake.

Enjoy!!

Iron Chef Black Bean Soup

One of the most popular Carb-Monster soups on the 5 Day Pouch Test is the Black Bean Soup. It is made from scratch with fresh vegetables

and black beans that are re-hydrated during the cooking process. In other words, it takes time to make this healthy and crave-stopping concoction. Many times I'm asked, "Are then any ready-made products that will work just as well for the 5 Day Pouch Test?"

Recently I came across a boxed soup mix under the brand "Iron Chef". The mix, which cost about $5 and and makes 4 (1-cup) servings is "Hot & Spicy Black Bean Gourmet Soup Mix". Simply add water and simmer 15-minutes -- easy!! Without additions the soup is 100 calories per serving, provides 7g protein and 21g carbohyrate and only 1 gram fat.

I found this soup mix in our little tiny grocery store here off the beaten path, so I think it should be widely available at larger supermarkets as well. To learn more about the Iron Chef line of products and recipes go to: www.ironchefproducts.com (This is not a paid endorsement - I just happen to think this is a pretty darn good product.)

Made as directed this soup is warmly satisfying and lacks an "out of the can" taste. The depth of flavor is top notch. To boost the protein I added one (15-ounce) can of premium black beans, rinsed and drained, during the final 10 minutes of cooking. This boosted the protein to 13g protein and doubled the dietary fiber to 14 grams.

Give this mix a try -- don't save it only for the 5 Day Pouch Test. For variety add 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream to your serving. Enjoy!

From the 5 Day Pouch Test:

Black Bean Soup: Days 1 & 2

Feed the Carb Monster

Taken From The New Glucose Revolution page 244
--Vegetarian Friendly

Beans are naturally a low-GI (Glycemic Index) food and one of nature's nutritional power packs. They are considered good sources of protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium.

Ingredients:
1 cup dry black beans
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1 large red pepper, roasted
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
2 quarts vegetable stock

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:
In a large bowl, cover black beans with 3 1/2 cups water and soak overnight.

Rinse beans in a colander with fresh water and drain.

Lightly spray a large saucepan with olive oil. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, roasted pepper and garlic Add vegetable stock and black beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.

When beans are tender, pour into a food processor and puree. Add cumin, salt, oregano, parsley, and cilantro.

Serves 6. Per serving: 140 calories, 13 grams protein, 27 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams dietary fiber and .5 grams of fat.

Are you hungry for some good food?

Of course we have some great recipes here at the 5 Day Pouch Test. But if you are looking for a larger collection of great Day 6 eats you have got to check out the LivingAfterWLS Kitchen. LivingAfterWLS is our parent site and all recipes support a healthy post-surgical weight loss diet.

And LivingAfterWLS Kitchen just got better! We added 31 new recipes this month; many with pictures. So take a moment and hit the "Kitchen" link on the top navigation bar here in the 'Hood. That will open the main Kitchen page and when you scroll down you will see a list of all our new offerings. Don't be shy! There is something yummy for EVERYONE!

Here is a list of the brand new recipes:

NEW RECIPES!! JULY 2008
Grains
Bagel Boats
Barbecue Baked Lentils
Barley & Mushroom Casserole
Barley-Vegetable Acorn Squash
Black Bean Dip
Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa
Butternut Squash with Barley Stuffing
Four Grain & Vegetable Burritos
Kaye's Oatmeal Bread
Kim's Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins
Multi-Grain Pilaf with Root Vegetables
Quinoa Chard Pilaf

Poultry:
Chicken with Plum Barbecue Sauce
Kettle Grilled Turkey

Salad:
Green Salad with Vinegar Dressing

Vegetables:
Seasoned Summer Squash with Cheese
Tomato and Basil Saute

Sensible Desserts:
Coconut-Almond Macaroons
Macaroon Baked Peaches

Berries & Fruit
Warm Spiced Peaches with Sweet Sour Cream

Fish & Seafood
Manchego Stuffed Shrimp
Parmesan Tuna Patties

Think Big Cocktail

Are you looking for a delicious and refreshing beverage for a little mid-day pick-me-up? Want the festivity of a cocktail without the buzz? Try our newly invented "Think Big Cocktail" shown here. The recipe is simple:

<span style="font-weight: bold;">THINK BIG COCKTAIL</span>
1 pk. Tropical Flavor Emergen-C
2 cups Langers Cranberry Raspberry Plus 100% Juice with Vitamis A, C &amp; E, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng &amp; Potassium
2 cups chilled water
Ice cubes

Mix ingredients in a pitcher stirring well to dissolve Emergen-C.

Place ice cubes in a pretty goblet or glass and add juice mixture. ENJOY!

For an added boost of protein stir in from BariCeuticals - Pre-Digested Total Protein complex is a concentrated, great tasting liquid that can be mixed with your favorite drink or sipped directly from the package. It is essential for you to consume the right amount of protein to help your muscle mass and prevent anemia. The fact that you are not able to eat as much protein as your body requires, this pre-digested protein will fill the gap between what you are getting nutritionally and what your body needs. Recommended dosage: Bariatric bypass patients, 1-2 packets A.M. or P.M. mixed in water or your favorite drink and sipped gradually throughout the day which is helpful in the prevention of mal-absorption. Lap Band patients, 1 pouch each day at any time sipped from pouch or mixed in water or favorite drink. 30 packets per box.

Hot & Sour Soup

I just tried a vegetarian carb monster soup - here's the recipe. It is super yummy!

Hot & Sour Soup

INGREDIENTS:
2 medium red chilies, coarsely chopped
6 Tablespoons rice vinegar
5 cups vegetable broth
2 stalks lemon grass, halved
4 Tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 lime, juiced
2 Tablespoons peanut oil
16 ounces firm tofu, cubed
4 ounces mushroom pieces
4 medium scallions, chopped
1 cup bok choy, shredded

DIRECTIONS:
Mix the chilies and vinegar together in a  nonreactive bowl. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, bring the stock to a boil in a pan. Add the lemongrass, soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Heat the oil in a preheated wok, then add the tofu cubes and stir-fry over high heat for 2-3 minutes, or until browned all over. (You may need to do this in 2 batches, depending on the size of the wok.) Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Add the chiles and vinegar with the tofu, mushrooms, and half the scallions to the stock mixture and cook for 10 minutes. Mix the remaining scallions with the bok choy and garnish the soup before serving.

Per serving: 269 calories, 13 grams protein, 33 grams carb, 11 grams fat. Rich in viatmins C, A and Riboflavin (B2).

NOTES:
Servings: 6

Notes: I found canned straw mushrooms in the Asian foods section of my supermarket. If yu cannot find those use whole baby white mushrooms or quartered standard-sized white mushrooms instead.

Source: Thai a Culinary Journey, page 17

New! Day 5 Poultry Recipes

We have added six great new quick and easy poultry recipes for Day 5 of the 5 Day Pouch Test. These recipes are low-carb but include healthy vegetables, fruits and fat in the preparation to ease you back into a healthy weight loss surgery way of eating so you can maintain your 5DPT success.

Day 5 Poultry Recipes

Grilled Turkey Steaks
Papaya-Glazed Chicken
Mustard Baked Chicken
Pepper-Lime Chicken
Keys-Style Citrus Chicken
Apple Glazed Turkey

Strawberry-Citrus Slush

Use this between-meals beverage during the 5 Day Pouch Test to curb carbohydrate cravings and reduce the feelings of carbohydrate withdrawal. For extra energy add one envelope of Emergen-C Raspberry flavor or a scoop of your favorite fruit flavored or plain protein powder. This can be included on Days 1-5 of the 5 Day Pouch Test and 8 ounces of the slush may be counted as 8 ounces to your water intake.

6 ounces frozen unsweetened whole strawberries (about 1 1/3 cups)
(substitute blueberries or raspberries as desired)
1 12-ounce can low-calorie carbonated grapefruit beverage
2 teaspoons heat-stable granular sugar substitute (Splenda)
1/4 teaspoon orange extract or lime extract (optional)
1 cup ice cubes

In a blender container combine strawberries, carbonated beverage, sugar substitute and if desired extract. Blend for 2 minutes to dissipate carbonation. Add ice cubes and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Serves 3. Per serving: 22 calories, 6 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram dietary fiber.

Super Bowl Meatballs: Day 4 Recipe

Last minute recipe for your Super Bowl Bash: Appetizer Meatballs from page 1 of the Neighborhood Cookbook. Great for Day 4 of the 5 Day Pouch Test.

Appetizer Meatballs
Page 1: A Neighborhood Collection of Recipes
by BamaGal

Meatballs
Ingredients:
2 lbs extra lean ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup minced onion
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 clove garlic, crushed

Sauce:
Ingredients:
1 cup low carb catsup
1/3 cup DaVinci sugar free syrup, grape flavor

Directions:
In a large bowl mix well all meatball ingredients.

Note: use a grater to mince the onions -  it is quicker. Shape in 32 1-ounce meatballs, about 1-inch diameter and place on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 425F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until meat is cooked through, but still tender.

In a small bowl, blend catsup and grape syrup well. Place meatballs in large pot or slow cooker. Pour sauce over them and stir to coat. Simmer, covered, on low heat about 2 hours, stirring occasionaly. The sauce is so easy to throw together and is slightly sweet and quite tangy.

Per 1-ounce meatball with sauce: 71 calories, 6 grams protein, 5 grams fat, trace carbohydrate.

Kaye's note: If you can't find DaVinci syrup substitute sugar-free grape jelly. Nobody will know the difference!

Cream of Turkey Soup

From Low Carb Recipes this is a quick and healthy way to use some of your left over Thanksgiving Turkey. Use for Days 1 & 2 of the 5 Day Pouch Test.

Ingredients: 1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped
10 ounces cooked turkey, finely shredded (discard skin)
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 Tablespoon fresh tarragon
1/2 cup heavy cream
Croutons (optional)

Directions:
Melt the butter in a large, heavy bottom pan, then add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the turkey to the pan with 1 1/2 cups of the stock.

Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool, then transfer the soup to a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

Add the remainder of the stock and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the tarragon, then pour the soup into a tureen or individual bowls and add a swirl of cream.

Garnish with croutons if desired.

Serves 4. Per serving: 420 calories, 24 grams protein, 33 grams fat (20 saturated) and 6 grams carbohydrate.

Feed the Carb Monster Soup

New on the 5 Day Pouch Test - Feed the Carb Monster soup recipes. Learn why these recipes work to help break carb cravings and facilitate weight loss.

Black Bean Soup
Beans and Barley Soup
Lentil and Barley Soup

Soups for the 5 Day Pouch Test: Days 1 & 2