Kam, Rachel, and Michelle have banded together to discuss creative tips and recipes to help anyone who's recovering from jaw surgery. Please note we're not nutritionists - But through trial and error, we made these recipes with the hope that each meal would provide us with the nutrients we need and the zesty flavors we crave. We now share these ideas with you. Bon appetit and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Jaw Droppin' Freebies!

I'm always keeping an eye out for free samples, so when I found these jaw-friendly finds, I just had to share the love! You may have to give some info / sign up for mailing lists and such, but I think it's worth it for free grub. :)

Ensure- coupons for a Free Shake and Savings on a Six-pack.
https://ensure.com/registration.aspx?s=sample

MINUTE MAID- Coupon for any frozen juice product.
http://www.jjsnack.com/minutemaid/couponform.asp

Dairy Queen- Buy one, get one free blizzard treat.
http://www.blizzardfanclub.com/

R.W. Knudsen Family- $1.00 off Organic 8-pack of Juice Boxes.
http://www.knudsenjuices.com/promotions/coupon.aspx?section=coupons

Earth's Best Organic Baby Food- Sign up for the e-Newsletter and get $4 in Coupons & special offers.
http://www.earthsbest.com/americanbaby/newsletter.php


...And for the optimist:

Stride Gum- "Settle" and get a free pack of gum. You won't be able to chew it, but perhaps it will serve as good jaw-healing inspiration. ;P
http://www.thepeople-vs-stride.com/

Sgt. Peppers & Lentils Hearts Club Stew

What You'll Need:

1/2 lb bag of lentils
1 can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Ro*Tel)
3 & 1/2 cups water
1 table spoon salt

[Once served, add salt & pepper to taste]


Start off rinsing your lentils in a strainer. Keep an eye out for any little pebbles or anything. After rinsing, add to a medium sized pot along with the 3 & 1/2 cups water and salt. Set temperature to medium high heat. Stir occasionally.
After the lentils have reached a boil, cover the pot and bring the temperature down to a simmer. Check up on the soup every once in a while and stir. Continue to let the lentils cook until they are very tender. (This should take about 30 minutes). If you think the lentils need more water, you can add an extra 1/2 a cup)

Once the lentils are tender, add the diced tomatoes & chilies. This will give those lentils some "Pepper"! Personally, I like Mild or for a little heat, I go with Original. [I have low tolerance for spicy food] And if you're a tabasco sippin' lover of heat, you can go with Hot. God have mercy. ;P

After you've added the tomatoes and chilies, bring it back to a boil uncovered. If you're on the "soft foods" stage, you're ready to eat! (Just let the lentils sit in your bowl a few minutes so they can soak up a little of that moisture) If you're on the "blender diet" Get out your hand blender, and start blending! ;)
Enjoy!

[A health note: Lentils are a super food! They are packed with fiber, iron, protein, and folic acid. They are low in fat and cholesterol free. PLUS, The tomatoes & green peppers contain Vitamin C- this assists the body to absorb the iron! So eat up!]

Don't Be Cruel to Canned Soups

The first week after surgery, I ate homemade chicken soup for lunch and dinner. This was the perfect meal for me because it provided me with several vitamins and nutrients I needed to regain my energy. But it didn't take long before I grew weary of eating that soup. And I'm not much of a cook, which presented a major challenge to my lacking culinary skills.

That's why I befriended the soup aisle at my local grocery store. When I walked down the aisle, I felt a bit of dread. But I decided to change my attitude and try different soups. There are so many options, which is wonderful because it will help stave off the inevitable boredom you're bound to experience by eating the same foods daily.

Here are some flavors that delighted my taste buds:

- Tomato soup

- Potato and Garlic soup

- Leek soup

- French Onion soup

- Split Pea and Ham soup

And when I got tired of these soups, I went to a local restaurant and ordered Shrimp Chowder soup and Beef Barley soup - to go, of course. That way, when I got home, I could blend the soup to a thinner consistency.

I kept having to tell myself not to snub the soups. They've been a lifesaver throughout my recovery.