Fruity Summer Fun at The BariatricPal Store!
Do you think fruit does not fit into your weight loss diet? Think again! Fruit has plenty of fiber and a range of nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins and minerals that give you energy and keep your heart healthy.
The problem with fruit is that they do not have much protein on their own, so they can bump up your blood sugar if you have them on their own. Instead, it is best to have them with some protein or healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable and keep hunger at bay. The BariatricPal Store offers some ideas for using summer fruit!
Watermelon in All Forms
Hopefully watermelon will make it onto your summer menu since it is so inexpensive, delicious, and nutritious. Each cup has 45 calories and no fat. You can turn it into a balanced side dish with feta cheese, balsamic vinaigrette, and diced basil, or have a watermelon entrée if you serve the dish on a bed of arugula.
If you are among those who prefer your watermelon to stay sweet, try Watermelon Protein Smoothie. It has a cool 16 grams of protein and is ready in minutes.
Chips and Mango Salsa
What? Chips and dip to lose weight? Absolutely…and fruit as well! Whip up mango salsa with mango, cilantro, lemon or lime juice, and bell pepper, and add diced jalapeno if you like heat. You can add or substitute strawberries, cantaloupe, nectarine, plum, or any other seasonal fruit that is on sale at the supermarket or fresh-picked at the farmers’ market. Skip the tortilla chips (who needs an extra 20 grams of carbs if there is hardly any protein along with it?) and dip Zipper Snacks instead. Their 15 grams of protein will help you stay full for hours.
Peach Smoothie
If the thought of a peach smoothie makes you cringe, you have good reason. A large one can have over 100 grams of sugar – more than you should get in three days – and almost no protein! Switch around those stats with Peachy Smoothie with fresh peaches and Protein Pudding. Each serving has 110 calories and 15 grams of protein. It calls for diet cream soda, but if you cannot have carbonated beverages due to your post-op weight loss surgery diet, you can make it with any still beverage.
Raspberry Slushie
A “slushie” is a code word for “flavored sugar syrup over ice.” You get a blast of artificially flavored sugary liquid without even getting the nutrients in fresh fruit, and you can be sure that protein is nowhere to be found. If you are need a cold and refreshing fruity fix, Raspberry Slushie can do the trick. It is made with real raspberries and has 16 grams of protein per serving.
Next time you see tempting fruit for sale, you do not need to pass it up. Instead, pick out your favorites and work wonders with them by adding protein in these simple recipes. Eating fruit as you lose weight is just another summer wonder to enjoy.
