Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

6/21/10 - Special Giveaway Radio Show: "Bring on the Beach!"

www.backstagepassradio.com

One of the best experiences after losing weight is hitting the beach, and feeling GOOD. The Monday, 6/21/10 show will feature some great beach and summer products from our sponsors. I'll be giving away some great products to get you beach-ready and enjoying the summer. Call-in to win at (347) 857-2052.  Show starts at 7pm EST.

PRIZES & SPONSORS:

$100 Gift Certificate from www.swimsuitsforall.com!

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Your Choice of Bathing Suit from www.miraclesuit.com!

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Famous Dave's Dark Self-Tanner from www.famousdavestanner.com!

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$100 Gift Certificate from Ujena.com! 

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Your Choice of Montego Pink or Blue Beach towel from SumaLifestyle.com!

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Your Choice of Parasheet towel from stuff4thebeach.com!

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MY PERSONAL GIVEAWAY:

Sandra at miraclesuit.com very generously gave me this suit, but because I have a freakishly-long torso, it was a bit on the "too-short" side for me.  My loss is your gain!  I'm giving away this hot-cha-cha size 10 suit tonight on the show! 

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MORE PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  BOOKMARK AND CHECK BACK!

WIN A DRESS TONIGHT!

Tonight!  7pm EST
www.backstagepassradio.com
Click Here for a Direct Link to Tonight's Show!
347-857-2052
TOPIC: "Pre-Op Knowledge Goodies!"
FEATURES: 
Antonia's "Meet & Greet" and WLSFA Update, and Melting Mama's Review!
Live Chat opens approx 6:45pm

Call-in live tonight to win one of the reunion dresses!

Info for Pre-ops, FROM Post-Ops! Tonight's show ("Pre-Op Knowledge Goodies")also features information for pre-ops, from post-ops who have the info first-hand. Would love for people to call-in with their tips tonight, but also happy to have some folks leave their suggestions here. Looking for the following info:

• What does the pre-op diet look like?
• What are some tips and tricks for getting through the pre-op diet?
• What things should pre-ops bring with them to the hospital?
• How long was the pre-op process for you, and what curveballs did you encounter?
• What were some things you didn't rexpect that happened just after the surgery?
• What do you wish you knew BEFORE surgery that you know now?
• How about nutrition post-surgery?
• What are the best gadgets to get?
• What's "normal" weight loss after surgery?

And really, any other topic or bit of information that you think pre-ops show know!  Thanks for your tips and suggestions, and hope to be talking with you LIVE tonight!  (347) 857-2052.

*FREE* ONLINE LIVE CONCERT TONIGHT!

I'll be performing live tonight with my friend and accompanist Brad Smith on piano via www.stickam.com/divataunia. Please stop by to listen and say hello! 8pm EST

♥If you like what you hear, please consider making a donation to the tip jar via paypal! We totally dig generous people who support live music. ♥

DIVA RECIPE: LOW-FAT LOW-CAL (really!) CREAMY PORTABELLA MUSHROOM SOUP!

I HATE mushrooms. I loathe them. But Rob loves them, so despite my aversion for the nasty fungi, I have to give in every once in a while and make him something mushroom-y. I had two large portobello* mushroom caps left over, and I figured I'd try making him a healthy version of cream of mushroom soup. And let me tell you something: this is so good that I would make it again and eat it for myself (swimming around the mushrooms, of course).

This recipe is adapted from a recipe in the Weight Watchers Miracle Foods Cookbook, given to me as a gift by my good friend Susan (thanks, Sioooooooux!). I made a few alterations, and bageezus, this is friggin' AMAZING. Even my step-daughter Brittany (a 12 yr old) was gulping it down and begging for more.

The cream base is low-cal and low fat with these minor adjustments, and would be perfect for any cream-based soup or sauce. Because of that, I'll also do a separate recipe HERE for that.

Try this, you will NOT be disappointed! Oh, and it only takes about 20 minutes to make.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tblsp of light stick butter
• 2 cloves garlic. minced
• 2 large portobello mushrooms caps, chopped and cubed
• 3/4 cup chopped green onion/scallions
• 1 pre-cut slice of canadian bacon or ham, minced (you can opt to leave this out, but great flavor)
• 2 tblsp all-purpose flour
• 1 can of fat-free, reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup of nonfat yogurt
• 1 small can (5 oz) evaporated milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and ham and cook, stirring constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add green onions and cook 2 more minutes.

2. Whisk together the flour, broth, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and then add the mixture to the mushrooms. Bring all of this to a full boil, reduce, and then let simmer for another 5 minutes.

3. In a separate small bowl, combine the non-fat yogurt and evaporated milk and stir until well blended. Then pour this mixture into mushrooms in the saucepan. Cook uncovered over medium-low heat for approx 12 mins or so...just use your judgement when it starts to thicken.

Serve warm and creamy and enjoy! (Top with any extra green onions for color.)

*Note: portobello mushrooms have a high level of Vitamin D - which is great for wls patients!

NUTRITIONAL INFO (makes four 1 cup servings):

(I am not a nutritionist or medical professional of any kind...check with your medical team before putting stuff in your mouth!)

Calories: 191.75g (without canadian bacon, 125g)

Fat: 8g (without canadian bacon, 8g)

Protein: 12.25g (without canadian bacon, 3.5g)

DIVA RECIPE: LOW-FAT, LOW-CALORIE CREAMY SOUP OR SAUCE BASE

I love, love, love creamy soups.  I want to bathe in them.  Problem is, my belly does NOT like creamy soups, because they will make me fat again.  So how do I get around this?  Create an easy go-to low-calorie, low-fat, good source of protein cream-base that tastes phemonenal and you don't have to feel guilty about. 

You can use this as either a creamy-soup base OR a creamy pasta sauce base.  Deeelish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tblsp of light stick butter
• 2 cloves garlic. minced
• 1 pre-cut slice of canadian bacon or ham, minced (you can opt to leave this out, but great flavor)
• 2 tblsp all-purpose flour
• 1 can of fat-free, reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup of nonfat yogurt
• 1 small can (5 oz) evaporated milk

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add the garlic and ham and cook, stirring constantly, approx 3 mins. 

2.  Whisk together the flour, broth, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and then add the mixture to the saucepan.  Bring all of this to a full boil, reduce, and then let simmer for another 5 minutes.

3.  In a separate small bowl, combine the non-fat yogurt and evaporated milk and stir until well blended. Then pour this mixture into the saucepan.  Cook uncovered over medium-low heat for approx 12 mins or so...just use your judgement when it starts to thicken.

4.  Add whatever you want to the base:  corn, potatoes, meat, mushrooms, chicken - doesn't matter, it will ALL taste yummy!

NUTRITIONAL INFO (makes four 1 cup servings) PER SERVING:

(I am not a nutritionist or medical professional of any kind...check with your medical team before putting stuff in your mouth!)

Calories:  141   g
Fat:  3.75g
Protein:  9.75g

DIVA RECIPE: SPICY CASHEW VEGGIE CHICKEN

Rob and I are on a mission to remove as many extraneous carbs as we can from our diet.  We want to bulk up the protein and veggies, and here's a recipe I made last night that did just that.  PLENTY of veggies, great chicken protein, and super, super tasty.  A little bit of sweet, a little bit of sour, and little bit of kick.  And a WHOLE lot of YUMMY.  I'll put my best estimates of nutritional data below, but remember, always check with your doctor and nutritionist about what you should be putting in your mouth and pouch, yo! (I'm over 2 yrs out from WLS)

INGREDIENTS TO PREPARE THE CHICKEN:

• 3 thinly sliced (or butterflied) boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tblsp of reduced salt soy sauce
• 2 tblsp of sesame oil (one for pan, one for chicken)
• 3 tblsp of oyster sauce
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tblsp of corn starch
• 1/2 tblsp of baking soda

Cube the chicken in put into a large bowl. Mince garlic.  Put all of the above ingredients (note:  only 1 tblsp of sesame oil) in with the chicken, toss and coat the chicken.  Cover bowl and put in the fridge while preparing veggies.

INGREDIENTS TO PREPARE THE STIR-FRY:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium to small pablano pepper, chopped (seeds removed)
• 1 large portabella mushroom

In a HOT pan, use 1 tblsp of sesame oil and ake all of the above chopped veggies and stir fry until veggies start to soften.  After they begin to soften, add the chicken from the fridge and stir fry until the chicken becomes seared on each side.  Then add the following ingredients at the end:

INGREDIENTS TO FINISH THE STIR-FRY VEGGIES:

• 1 can of water chesnuts
• 1 large can (15-16 oz) of chunk pineapple - drain most, but leave a little juice for the sauce
• 1/2 cup of fresh chopped scallions/green onions
• 1 cup of cashews

Stir fry the remaining ingredients until warm, and then eat and enjoy!  Don't be daunted by this recipe: it looks deceptively difficult, but it's actually quite easy and quick to make.  The toughest part is chopping and preparing the veggies.  The cooking is lickety-split!   Super veggie-protein  (count the veggies and fruit: SEVEN! EIGHT if you count the garlic.  lol)  This meal is DIVALICIOUS!

Nutrition Estimates:

This makes about 4-5 normal people meals, 8-10 pouch-sized meals.  I'll base my estimates on 8 servings:

Calories:  Total, 1056g.  Per serving = 132 g
Fat:  Total, 31 g.  Per Serving = approx 4 g
Protein:  Total, 76 g.  Per serving= approx 9.25 g

Note:  I haven't checked the carb content, but it's not that high - minus the corn starch and baking soda, which you could omit if necessary.

WIN SOME JEANS : GO NOW, QUICK-LIKE!

PLEASE POST ON THEIR WALL THAT DIVA TAUNIA SENT YOU!  :)

Just posted on the Miraclebody Facebook Page:

Want a free pair of jeans? Miraclebody will draw one winning name between fan #200 and fan #250 to receive a complimentary pair of jeans. Become a fan now and be eligible if you are 1 of the next 50 fan clicks joining this page! Let us know your fan number by posting on our wall.

I personally have a pair of these, and THEY ROCK.  Go now! Win!

MON, APRIL 19th: "HOW TO DRESS AFTER WLS" GIVEAWAY!

Contest is now closed!

PROMOTIONAL SPONSOR GIVEAWAYS DURING THE SHOW!  LISTEN AND CALL-IN TO WIN:

Note:  You do NOT need to be a weight loss surgery patient to win.  Everyone and anyone who is working to better their health can participate and win any of these great prizes!

For a full list of prizes, sponsors, and info, please visit the Official Diva Taunia Website!

Please note:  Diva Taunia has NOT been paid to promote these items.  All of these sponsors have very generously donated these prizes for the giveaway.

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SECRETSINLACE.COM: $250 Gift Certificate to the website!
(Check Twitter for how to win!)

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ZUCA.COM:  One Zuca-Pro, worth $285!  - Unisex Carry-All Organizer and Seat

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MIRACLESUIT.COM:  Giving away one Miraclesuit Swimsuit AND One pair of Miraclebody Jeans!

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SHEERMIRACLE.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

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HANDPERFECTION.COM:  Giving away the FULL SIZE Hand Perfection Duet Combo!

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MODCLOTH.COM:  $80 Gift Certificate to the website!

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SLIMPRESSIONS.COM:  Winner can select one free shaping product from the website!

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GLITZANDGLAMOURBOUTIQUE.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

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PATRICIAMILLERDESIGNS.COM:  Gorgeous Handmade One-of-a-kind Necklace!

(Check Twitter for how to win!)

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BESAMECOSMETICS.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

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Even MORE prizes being added within the next few days (and possibly the next few hours)!</b>

DIVA'S BOLLYWOOD SOUP

Many of the big stars of Indian cooking come together in this really yummy and really healthy soup that I created today.  The standout flavors:  ginger, garam marsala, turmeric and cinnamon.  OMG, this is so, so, so yummy.

Most of you know that I generally start with a basic vegetable stock that's pretty standard in most of my soup recipes.  This makes it super-easy for me to get all my vitamins and veggies in, so I load up with veggies that may not always be in the traditional versions of some of these. 

Anyhow, this was so, so good.  A little bit of work with prepping and sauteing the veggies, but this  makes a ton of soup that freezes well and makes many, many servings. 

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

makes 8-10 normal servings or 12-14 pouch servings

• 12 cups (Two 49.5 oz cans) of low-sodium chicken broth
• 2-3 potatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp of good olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 3 large carrots, diced
• 1 large red pepper, diced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1.5 cup of frozen sweet peas
• 2 cups of yellow lentils (holy protein!)
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp of fresh grated ginger
• 1 tbsp of fresh chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp of Garam Marsala powder
• 2 tbsp of Turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp of Cumin powder
• 1 tbsp of Hot Yellow Curry powder
• 1 tsp of Cayenne Pepper
• 1 tsp of Cinnamon
• Salt & Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

• Saute the onions, peppers, carrots, and celery until soft
• Add frozen peas, garlic, and fresh ginger along with half of all the spice ingredients.  Let the spices saute with the veggies for approx 10 mins.
• Add chicken stock to crock pot, add remainder of spices
• Add lentils and potatoes to chicken stock, start crock pot on low.
• Add all sauteed veggies to the crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• EAT AND ENJOY!

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

I'm not a medical professional or nutritionist AT ALL, so I'm just giving you my best estimates here.  But as always, check my lousy math, and check with the pro's, yo. Estimates given based on 10 servings.

Calories:  120g
Fat: 1.5g
Protein:  9g

DIVA RECIPE #4: SUPERSTAR HEALTHY CHILI!

I think it's pretty clear now that I'm a Diva who likes spicy.  And a lot of it.  Until my mouth is on fire.  Unfortunately, Rob is not always on board with that, so I sometimes have to tone it down.  I think I found a happy medium with this super-healthy, super-easy, protein-heavy, medium-spicy superstar chili:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 packages of Old El Paso Hot & Spicy Taco Mix
• 1/2 green pepper, diced
• 1/2 red pepper, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1-2  tblsp of minced garlic
• 1 can of kidney beans (15-16 oz)
• 1 28oz can of diced tomatoes
• 2 tblsp of hot sauce
• 1 tblsp of cinnamon (I know, wacky!  But it gives it a nice, smoky flavor.)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

• Brown the ground turkey in a pan, and use ONE PACKAGE of the Taco Mix as directed as if you were making tacos.  (Yes, you DO use the water as directed on the package for this. 2/3 cup)
• Drain and rinse the kidney beans.
• While the turkey is browning, start warming your crock pot and add all other ingredients.  (Check list:  tomatoes, kidney beans, chopped peppers, onions, garlic, hot sauce, second taco seasoning package, cinnamon, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper)
• Add cooked and prepared turkey to crock pot.
• Let this cook on low for a good portion of the day to get all the spicy to combine and be happy.

TOPPING SUGGESTION:

This is good all own it's own, but we always like a little cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top.  You can also use some tortilla chips for crunch.  

NUTRITIONAL INFO*:

 The totals are (for the entire chili - minus any cheese and/or sour cream):

• Calories:  806
• Fat:  13
• Protein 39

This makes about 6 really good size portions, or 8-10 mini diva portions.   At SIX servings, the totals per serving are:

• Calories:  134.3
  
• Fat:  2.17
  
• Protein 6.5

This is one you can feel really good about eating.  Let me know if you make it and how you like it.  Enjoy!

(* I'm not a medical professional AT ALL, so I'm just giving you my best estimates here.  But as always, check my lousy math, and check with the pro's, yo.  lol)