Experimentation Results and Ramblings

 So I am being a bad student today - which means I am spending WAYYY too much time on the internet and not enough on my books and assignments.  But - in the good view - it means I have more to share with you guys.  Not that you have to read it, only if you want.  

Today's experiment was with Matrix Bananas & Cream protein.  I had a weird craving for banana flavored things lately, so I ordered a sample of this protein powder.  I mixed the one sample up with my So Delicious Almond Plus, 1 tbsp splenda and regular ice cubes.  Just as it was - it was kinda boring - could really get that protein taste/feeling that I don't care too much for. 

I then divided the basic shake into three cups and added stuff.

PB2:  bleh - it was gritty even tho I stirred it in really well.  I only used 1 tsp of PB2, so I guess maybe it needed more???  The taste just wasn't what I was looking for.

SF Torani Mango Syrup:  omg - this was FABULOUS!!   I added 2 tsp of syrup to this 1/3 of the shake.  It was wonderful - the banana and mango flavoring came together perfectly!!

Walden Farms Chocolate Syrup:  I debated between WF and Torani and just went with it.  I don't use WF enough.  It was good, a nice texture, but not as blow me out of the water good as the banana/mango combo.  

I might buy a tub of the Bananas & Cream - if only to continue my experiments lol.  At the very least, I know I will love it with mango syrup.  lol


And on  to the rambling - I posted the other day about the oatmeal I tried.  I love this oatmeal and will probably make it a staple in my diet.  It is just too easily transportable.  I know the protein is soy based, but I don't care what the base is when the protein comes from food.  When buying powders or just protein supplements I stick to whey isolate (as I know this is best digested) - but when it comes to eating - I don't bother really.  Just me.  
I am sharing because the addition of the oatmeal to my diet has had a WONDERFUL benefit - my constipation is all but gone.  For months I have had some wicked, tear jerking constipation that I was treating with mira lax daily.  I stopped doing that on the second day of adding the oatmeal to my diet.  I am now basically regular - and bm's do not result in tears anymore.  The oatmeal is only 8g of carbs, and fits into my plan (I am hardly ever over 25, even with the oatemal).  And it tastes good.  I ordered three boxes more yesterday.  It's pricey, but my bottom thanks me.  

 What is the oatmeal?  I really miss oatmeal!

It is 100 cal; 8 carb; 15g protien.  Here's the link.  It is pricey - but for me, it is worth it.  


  http://www.mybariatricpantry.com/Pantry_Selections_Apples_Cinnamon_Oatmeal_p/ps-otml_apl_cin.htm

 Thanks!  I just ordered some!  I got the Maple Brown Sugar flavor!

 I started with the Apple Cinnamon.  I now am waiting for my order for all three.  I hope you like it as much as I do.  
Just a tip - I like mine a little sweet - like everything.  I added Brown Sugar Cinnamon SF syrup to one bowl; the next day I added just a tiny bit of splenda.  Both were excellent.  :)

 Now I'm really going to wish I'd ordered the Brown Sugar Cinnamon SF syrup with my big Torani order yesterday!!!

If you like the banana flavor, have I got an answer for you.  I use my vanilla powder and mix it with 1 tblsp of banana SF FF pudding mix.  I don't even add a Splenda or anything else.  That and my almond milk ... scrumptious!!  
I will warn you the banana pudding can be a challenge to find.  I have at least 5 major stores in my shopping area and I only found it at the least popular one.  So I bought like 15 boxes.  haha

Yum!

 The oatmeal sounds great, if only for the constipation relief! But it only lists 1 gram of fiber. Any idea what ingredient would give the push, so to speak?

 I'll be honest - I don't know and have looked at the ingredients myself to see... I think it was solely a matter of just being enough added fiber to MY diet to help me.  It has worked the whole week I have been eating it - so I am pretty happy.  lol