Archive for August, 2010

Cooking Tips for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

cooking-tips-sslAs a weight loss surgery patient, your meals should be built around protein. Protein can speed healing, preserve and promote lean muscle mass and boost your metabolism.  High protein foods should be eaten first at meals, then vegetables or fruits and finally grains.  Sweets may be unavoidable but can be controlled.  Gastric bypass patient especially can suffer negative consequences (dumping syndrome) from over consumption of sugar.  Not to mention sugars are high in empty calories and only provide temporary satisfaction.  After weight loss surgery, many patients at our Louisiana office find a new appreciation for food and for flavor.  Spices can enhance the flavor of meals making them more interesting and exciting.  Below are some tips from the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana for staying on track with protein, sweets and spices to help you to achieve your weight loss goals.

Protein Through Nuts and Seeds

  • They are nutritious, high in protein and healthy fats.
  • Store them in the freezer and they’ll last longer
  • For a great snack grab a small handful of Macadamia nuts, almonds, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin seeds. 4-6 nuts is about 1 ounce.

Sweet Items

  • Sugar substitute in granular form, Splenda, can be used for cooking and baking. Don’t ever use Equal in cooking!
  • ThickenThinNot/Starch is an excellent substitute for cornstarch, with only a fraction of the carbs. Use this for thickening sauces and gravies.
  • Use pure Vanilla, Lemon, and Chocolate extract.
  • If you’re curious about sugar alcohols and how they matter, read our recent blog entry on this topic!

Herbs and Spices

  • If you need to substitute dried herbs for fresh, the general rule is that one Tablespoon fresh equals one teaspoon dried.
  • Most spices contain less than 1 gram carbohydrate per two Tablespoons.
  • Make sure your spice blends don’t contain any sugar!
  • Some herbs to keep on hand are basil, cilantro, chives, parsley and ginger.

Other Tips

  • Add variety to your diet through condiments, spices and new recipes!
  • Keep bottled or fresh squeezed lemon juice in the fridge. Use it on salads, canned tuna, or mix it with a packet of sugar substitute and some water for lemonade.
  • Make your salad dressings at home. Never, EVER, buy them at the store! Experiment with lemon juice, different types of vinegar, and olive oil with various seasonings for great homemade, healthy dressings.

For more healthy information visit our website. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana’s estore offers a variety of items to help with your meal planning. Call 1-877-691-3001 or send an email to info@whyweight.com for more information.  Also, check out the website’s MyWeight estore to place orders for products.

Protein Through Nuts and Seeds
They are nutritious, high in protein and healthy fats.
Store them in the freezer and they’ll last longer
For a great snack grab a small handful of Macadamia nuts, almonds, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin seeds. 4-6 nuts is about 1 ounce.

Posted in Bariatric Support, Nutrition | No Comments »

Healthy Bits of Info

Thursday, August 12th, 2010
lg_report_logo
lg_report_logoWatch The Sugar….A medium orange has 62 calories, 12 g of sugar, and 3 g of fiber. An 8 ounce glass of OJ has 110 calories, 24 g of sugar and .5 g of fiber!
The best way to know that you’re eating a healthy meal….Prepare your own meals! As your proportion of home-cooked meals increases, your number of fast food visits decreases.  USDA Scientists found that people eat 500 calories more on days they consume fast food compared to days they don’t.
A serving size of pasta in Italy is about 6 ounces.  In the U.S many restaurant bowls top 2 pounds!!
You’ll increase your energy levels 32 % if you exercise at least 30 minutes 3x a week for 4 weeks.
Alcohol impairs muscle-building enzymes, so for maximum gains in the gym, don’t go big at the bar!
Men, not just women, are at risk for osteoporosis. One in five men will develop it. Lift weights for stronger bones.
LSU says people who eat eggs for breakfast, eat 250 fewer calories during the day than bagel eaters.
To fight snack cravings: chew sugarfree gum for 15 minutes after eating, and again 2 hours later.
The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana’s non-surgical weight loss program includes protein powders, ready-made protein drinks, shelf-stable meals, soups, protein bars and even biscotti…all in a variety of flavors. Call 1-877-691-3001 or send an email to info@whyweight.com for more information.  Also, check out the website’s MyWeight estore to place orders for products.

lg_report_logoYou’ve heard the expression, “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT”.  Check these out….

  • Watch The Sugar….A medium orange has 62 calories, 12 g of sugar, and 3 g of fiber. An 8 ounce glass of OJ has 110 calories, 24 g of sugar and .5 g of fiber!
  • The best way to know that you’re eating a healthy meal….Prepare your own meals! As your proportion of home-cooked meals increases, your number of fast food visits decreases.  USDA Scientists found that people eat 500 calories more                                                       on days they consume fast food compared to days                                                       they don’t.
  • A serving size of pasta in Italy is about 6 ounces.  In the U.S many restaurant bowls top 2 pounds!!
  • You’ll increase your energy levels 32 % if you exercise at least 30 minutes 3x a week for 4 weeks.
  • Alcohol impairs muscle-building enzymes, so for maximum gains in the gym, don’t go big at the bar!
  • Men, not just women, are at risk for osteoporosis. One in five men will develop it. Lift weights for stronger bones.
  • LSU says people who eat eggs for breakfast, eat 250 fewer calories during the day than bagel eaters.
  • To fight snack cravings: chew sugarfree gum for 15 minutes after eating, and again 2 hours later.

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana’s non-surgical weight loss program includes protein powders, ready-made protein drinks, shelf-stable meals, soups, protein bars and even biscotti…all in a variety of flavors. Call 1-877-691-3001 or send an email to info@whyweight.com for more information.  Also, check out the website’s MyWeight estore to place orders for products.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »