Best Tool of the Trade: Cuisinart Hand Blender

I know they are a little pricey, but this tool has been the best tool thus far.  I got the Cuisinart Hand Blender with the whisk and chopper attachment a lllooonnnggg time ago.  I never used it - except to make individual servings of salsa - and I'm allergic to corn chips, so you can imagine how often that happened.  Now I am so thankful that I have it.  I use it multiple times a day and I just throw it in the dishwasher between uses so it's ready for my next meal.  The chopper is perfect for making tasty purees when you are blending multiple ingredients (which I do a lot because I'm trying to get in a little fruit or veggie at every protein meal).  The hand blender is great to make an individual smoothie - again, great because my entire family is not on the smoothie train that I'm currently riding.  All in all - hands down best and most convenient product to date.  And now it's earning every penny of it's original purchase cost.

Egg and Tuna Salad Puree

1 hard boiled egg
1 oz. canned Tuna
1 small green onion
1/2 baby dill pickle
1/8 or less of fresh avocado
1 T. of low-fat mayo
1/2 T. of yellow mustard
Pinch of sea salt

Blend them all together in a blender (I use the Cuisinart Smart Stick chopper attachment)

Low fat Chicken Salad Puree

1-2 T. of Humus (I like garlic flavor or original)
1 oz. Canned chicken
Pinch of Sea Salt

You can also puree in green onion and/or a half of a baby dill pickle

I blend it in the Cuisinart Smart Stick chopper attachment.  

Tropical Smoothie Recipe

1 pack Pineapple Cocktail whey protein (Diet Health and Sports brand)
2" slice of banana
1/4 teaspoon of coconut extract
1/2 cup 1% milk
1/2 cup water
Blend and serve very cold

Whey protein source:  mydietshopz.com
Extract purchased at Whole Foods

Chocolate Coconut Protein Shake Recipe

1 serving of Chocolate Whey protein (I used Diet Heath and Sports Wise)
1/4 tsp of Coconut extract

Blend and enjoy!
Whey source:  www.mydietshopz.com
Coconut extract source:  Whole Foods

Boppy Pillow - ain't just for babies anymore!

I have found that the Boppy pillow (the breast feeding pillow shaped like a C) has been a God-send when I'm sleeping.  I'm a side sleeper, but the pressure on my wounds was a little too uncomfortable.  As an experiment, I took the Boppy and placed one end underneath my stomach to support it, and then put the other end between my knees to support my hips.  The result is pain-free side sleeping just 4 days after surgery! 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake Recipe

2 scoops of Tera's Whey Chocolate protein powder
2 inch slice of banana
2 tsp of smooth all-natural peanut butter (I use 365 brand from Whole Foods)
1/2 cup of 1% milk
1/2 cup of water
Yields 22 grams of protein per 1 cup serving
I purchased everything from Whole Foods