Cafe

Reduce Food Waste for Health, Financial, & Environmental Benefits

May 23, 2019

We’ve all been there – you stuff your fridge with colorful produce with the intention of eating nutritious meals all week. By the time Friday rolls around, all the food is still there and it’s not looking so fresh and some of it is past the “use by” date. What’s one to do? Turns out most of that food can still be eaten. Read on to learn tips on how to utilize your food instead of just throwing it out: Don’t take “use by” dates so seriously Those “Best if used by” and “Sell By” dates are not federally regulated. According to the USDA, many food products (with the exception of baby formula) can be safely consumed after the date label phrase. Foods that have spoiled will have an off texture, flavor, or odor and should not be eaten. For more food safety information visit the USDA website. “Revive” your food Floppy carrots and limp lettuce and celery can be crunchy again and good as new when trimmed and soaked in water. Better yet, learn how to store your food... Read More

Can I Have Caffeine After Bariatric Surgery?

March 15, 2019

Initially after weight loss surgery you will have significant restrictions on what you can eat and drink, and this list includes caffeine. However, that does not mean you can never have caffeinated beverages ever again. Our bariatric surgeons want patients to understand that their stomachs are quite sensitive after a procedure. As a result, they need to be very careful about how they reintroduce foods and liquids. Caffeine should be avoided for the first 30 days after you have surgery. If you love coffee or caffeinated tea, you may reintroduce these beverages into your diet slowly after this point if your surgeon thinks it is safe to do so. Most people enjoy their coffee or tea with other substances, including sweeteners and dairy. Choose wisely about which caffeinated items you drink and how much sugar and fat are in them. With a little care, you can continue to sip your favorite type of drinks, including caffeinated ones, once your body has healed. For more information about what to eat and drink after bariatric surgery, please reach out to our medical... Read More

Three Things to Do This Week to Help You Eat Healthier

February 28, 2019

1. Plan your dinners for the next five days. Meal prep (prepping several meals at once) is great, but it’s not for everyone. An easier way to make sure you eat healthy? Plan out your meals for the week. Once you’ve figured out what you’re going to make, go food shopping for the ingredients. When you get home hang the list of daily meals on your fridge. This scheduling of meals will decrease the odds of getting take out, prevent food waste, save you money, and last but not least, will result in healthier eating. When you prepare your own meals (vs. eating out) you’re in charge of the ingredients. An added benefit to planning your weekly meals is that your household will also know what the plan is (list on fridge) and can help out by defrosting or cutting up ingredients before you get home. 2. Eat slower. How long does it take you to consume a meal? Three minutes? Five minutes? If you’re typically the first one to finish at the table you might want to consider slowing... Read More

Have Your Root Vegetables and Eat Them, Too!

January 25, 2019

With winter upon us, you might find yourself wondering what vegetables you should be eating. The answer? Root vegetables! While certain root vegetables (such as white potatoes) are not recommended for bariatric surgery patients due to their high carbohydrate content, there are plenty of other (less starchy) options to choose from this winter season. Root vegetables are high in fiber (1 cup of cooked carrots has 5 grams), low in calories, and chock full of antioxidants that provide additional health benefits. Some root vegetables to try this season include: beets, turnips, rutabaga, and radishes. Beets: Studies have shown that eating beets (also known as beetroot) may help fight chronic inflammation, reduce blood pressure, and possibly even improve athletic performance [1]. In addition, this vegetable is high in fiber, which promotes regularity and reduces constipation (note that eating beetroot can cause red urine or stool). Beets can be roasted, steamed, or eaten raw. Add them to your salad or coleslaw, pair them with goat cheese or fruit, or get creative and make beets into a pesto or horseradish. TIP: the beetroot... Read More

Tips for Eating Healthy All Summer Long

June 28, 2018

Now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of the higher temperatures and longer days, but summer, as wonderful as it is, presents some difficulties for bariatric surgery patients, too. Maintaining a healthy diet can prove daunting when so much tempting food abounds. Fortunately, you can have your fun and eat great too with these healthy tips for staying foodwise this season: Heading to the Water Whether it’s the local swimming pool, the beach, or lakeside, preparing for a day on the water is as easy as packing a picnic lunch. Skip the greasy spoons and bring hummus, veggies, sliced turkey, cheese cubes, grapes, and almonds in a cooler and you’ll stay full without the need for utensils. Visiting a Theme Park Many theme parks don’t allow outside food, which can present a special challenge to people trying to lose weight. Your best bet is to head online and research your dining options in advance, and be sure to enjoy a healthy breakfast before you go. If no options look ideal, it’s ok to choose... Read More

Previous Page Next Page