Nutrition

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

Dietary Fiber Intake after Bariatric Surgery

April 15, 2019

With so much attention being paid to protein intake (combined with smaller portions) after bariatric surgery, some patients may find that their diet is not as balanced as it should be. If your diet does not contain the right balance of foods you might not be getting enough fiber, which can lead to constipation and weight plateaus. Read on to learn the benefits of dietary fiber and how to increase this nutrient in your diet after weight loss surgery. What is fiber? Fiber is found in plant foods – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Refined grains, such as white rice or white flour, are missing one or more of the three parts of the grain that make it “whole” (the bran, endosperm, and germ). This process leaves these foods with a quarter of the nutrients (like fiber) that they contained before. For this reason, the recommendation is to eat make half your grains whole (1). Fruit also contains fiber, but when fruit is made into juice it loses most of the fiber. There are two types... Read More

What Is the Best Way to Treat Obesity?

October 20, 2016

Just as there are a multitude of causes of obesity, so too are there numerous ways to address this disease. At Griffin Bariatrics, our extensively trained weight loss surgeons offer the most advanced techniques available to help patients lose weight and improve their health with long-term results. We believe, and studies have shown, a multimodality approach to obesity treatment offers a better chance of losing weight and keeping it off. That is why we offer state-of-the-art bariatric procedures, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric banding, and gastric bypass, as well as a comprehensive pre- and post-operative support system that includes fitness and nutrition programs. Part of what makes obesity a complicated disease to treat is the fact that this condition often has both genetic and lifestyle influences. As a result, a strict diet and exercise regimen is rarely effective alone. Additionally, many patients are able to lose weight initially, but find that, over time, some weight returns. With our On-Track Workshops, patients have access to counseling, support groups, cooking demonstrations, and exercise classes that can provide the help they need whenever... Read More

Why a Comprehensive Weight Loss Program Is Best

August 10, 2016

Making significant lifestyle changes to lose weight and improve your health is a tremendous undertaking. If diet and exercise alone were always sufficient to achieve the desired results, there would be very little need for the variety of weight loss methods available. At Griffin Bariatrics, our experienced physicians believe a comprehensive, multi-discipline weight loss program offers the greatest opportunity for accomplishing your goals. Our combination of bariatric surgery, nutrition assistance, fitness classes, and support services takes a whole-health approach that respects that weight loss is a physical and emotional journey. Weight gain occurs as a result of many influencers, and food intake and activity levels are only two of the most commonly cited. Genetic predisposition, access to healthy meals and snacks, and mental health can each play a role. Since several factors can contribute to excess weight, we believe achieving lasting weight loss requires at least as many countermeasures. That is why we offer a comprehensive weight loss program that is customized to your unique needs, goals, and experience. At Griffin Bariatrics, we will work with you to get you... Read More

What Our Dietitian Is Eating: Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

January 19, 2016

Using a slow cooker is ideal for post-op bariatric patients because slow cooking meats produce meat that is tender and moist (a must for patients that cannot tolerate dry/grilled meats). Slow cookers are also a great way to prepare meals when you are short on time – dinner will be waiting for you when you get home! I always loved my mother’s chicken cacciatore dish growing up. She made it the traditional way – by braising the chicken and then frying the vegetables in the remaining fat. If you’re short on time and are looking for a way to reduce calories – you can simply skip the braising (and added oil), remove the skin, and place the chicken right in the slow cooker. The recipe that follows is quick and easy. I’ve included nutrition information for a “post –op” portion, as well as for a regular portion (for your family members). Enjoy! Larissa Zepko-March, RD, CD-N Clinical Dietitian Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Serves 8 1 ¼ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes 1 medium onion –... Read More

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