Shush … Mum’s The Word!

 She’s a counsellor, advisor, nurturer, inspirer, cheerleader, judge … the list goes on … and superhero is the one I use!  Yes, she’s your Mum, and she shouldn’t have to slave away at the stove all day on this Sunday’s Mother’s Day (UK). It should be more a day for saying thank you and hopefully spending some time together. You with your Mum when possible, and her with hers.

But what about the ways to say a surprise thank you? How about a thoughtful gift, a meal together, or just hanging-out somewhere different? Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing …

Breakfast in bed or brunch/lunch with family is always popular and you can make this a bariatric treat from the ideas below  (all can be found on the website) – how about smoked salmon and poached egg; stacked pancakes with berry fruits; scrambled egg with ham or smoked fish; muesli or granola with melon, berries, yogurt or quark; a breakfast style tortilla; an overnight (prepared ahead for sleepy heads) bircher style muesli/oats pot; bariatric breakfast bar or the Full English?

 

 Or perhaps you prefer to say it with flowers? Spring favourites are in the shops right now and maybe you could plant up something that will last right through until Eastertide?  I like to choose potted bulbs that can then be replanted into the garden/yard later for enjoying year after year. 

Or perhaps you’re lucky enough to live nearby (or can make the journey home) to your Mum and have some special time together? A leisurely stroll or invigorating walk will blow away the cobwebs and enable you both to talk and make plans and develop dreams for the future. Take a flask of your favourite soup or drink so that you can sit and linger awhile. I’m sure my daughter and I will make ambitious plans for her forthcoming wedding this weekend – something her father will happily stay out of – just some real girly time for us!  My son and I will also find time to share the sofa and a football/soccer review match in the evening, sharing a snack and contemplate and debate some dubious refereeing decisions!

But you also might consider a foodie treat or something appropriate for the bariatric Mum and here are some ideas for that:

*  a cake stand, plate (a bariatric portion plate perhaps), a special cup and saucer or personalised mug

*  a scented candle for bathside bathing and relaxing

*  a recipe book (weight-loss, healthy eating or a bariatric one – pdf electronic download perhaps so no shipping required)

*  protein boosting bars (like the USN ones) or a special tea, chocolate or coffee drink

*  moral and health boosting vitamins and supplements (see here)

* a special bariatric bento box for smart packed lunch box dining

* gardener’s hand cream for those who have green fingers

* a luxurious bath oil, body cream or skin-tightening lotion for special skin care

And if Mother’s Day shopping or organising is still on the to-do list then don’t panic! Why not make your own special Mother’s Day treat – how about some bariatric-friendly scones that can be made in minutes and served as a special cream tea offering? These ones have sultanas in them but can be omitted if sugar-tolerance is especially low. Serve with no-added sugar jam and a dollop of light cream, half-fat creme fraiche, quark or fat-free Greek yogurt and a few strawberries on the side.

BARIATRIC CREAM TEA SCONES

Ingredients

METRIC/US

250 g self-raising flour/21/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted with 21/2 tsp baking powder

50 g/4 tbsp low-fat spread

3 tbsp granulated Splenda sweetener

75 g/generous 1/2 cup sultanas/seedless white raisins

about 120 ml/3/4 cup semi-skimmed/light or low-fat milk

METHOD

1.  Preheat the oven to 220 C/425 F/gas mark 7. Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour.

2.  Sift the flour into a mixing bowl and rub in the low-fat spread until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

3.  Stir in the Splenda and sultanas/seedless white raisins then add the milk and mix to a soft dough.

4.  Turn onto a floured surface, knead lightly and roll out to a thickness of 2 cm/3/4 inch.

5.  Cut into 5 cm/2 inch rounds with a plain or fluted cutter (the mixture will make 8 scones), place on the baking sheet and brush with a little extra milk to glaze.

6.  Bake for 12 minutes then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve split with jam and cream/yogurt/creme fraiche or quark as liked and tolerated.

Makes 8

WLS PORTION: 1/2-1

V suitable for Vegetarians

CALORIES PER SCONE WITHOUT FILLING: 163

PROTEIN: 3.9g

CARBOHYDRATE: 31.5g

FAT: 3.2g

WISHING ALL MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN EVERYWHERE A VERY SPECIAL DAY! IF YOUR MOTHER’S DAY IS LATER IN THE YEAR WHY NOT SAVE THESE IDEAS FOR THEN…