If you thought the next words were “my two front teeth,” that’s not quite the subject of this blog. What this really meant is that it’s that time of year again. People are probably asking what to get your for Christmas. As a bariatric patient, your nutrition must change. That means not only what you eat, but also how you approach your nutrition. Do you have the right kind of tools to make sure you achieve your nutrition goals? There are 4 main categories of products to put on your wish list:
MEASURE: Measuring your food and fluids keeps you on track with getting the right amount of food and fluids. This includes measuring spoons, measuring cups, small food containers and food scales.
MIX: Whether mixing protein powders with fluids or pureeing foods, having a good quality blender or mixer makes it easier to accomplish healthier choices.
MAKE: Find kitchen equipment that makes your food preparation easier to help keep your nutrition on track.
MOVE: Your food needs to move with you. There are items available for packing lunches or keeping your food hot or cold while you are on the go.
For more specific ideas, look through the list of products below that can help you with your nutrition. Staying healthy after surgery requires using different tools. Hopefully an item or two finds its way into your stocking or under your tree.
Key Points:
· Products listed below were chosen to help you in your pursuit of a healthy weight.
· Choose what works best for your budget and lifestyle.
· Keep in mind what type of storage space is available in your kitchen.
· Products that are dishwasher safe will make your life easier.
· Read product reviews or find product comparisons or how to use the products on YouTube.
· Check for warrantees.
· Understand return policies.
· Manufacturer may contract with a retail store to have a “special edition” product for just that store. The manufacturer may stop producing a product when a newer model is launched into the market.
WHERE TO FIND: Stores will vary by your area. Try both the brick-and-mortar stores or online:
Amazon, Bed Bath and Beyond, Belk, Best Buy, Big Lots, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, GNC, Home Depot, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Kmart, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Overstock.com, SAM’s Club, Sears, Target, Tuesday Morning, Inc., Wal-Mart, Williams Sonoma and restaurant supply companies.
Key Points
· Measuring your food helps you keep track of your nutrition.
· Tracking protein is difficult unless you know the portion size.
Measuring Spoons
· Stainless steel (heavier gage like 18/8 is more durable). Plastic measuring spoons are lightweight and can be put in a dishwasher.
· Aluminum is a metal that can bend easily and turns dull if washed in a dishwasher.
· Look for a set that has at least a ¼ teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon measures.
· Plastic sets are priced from about $1 to over $30. Stainless sets start around $6 and can be up to $50 for fancy, decorative sets.
Measuring Cups
· Stainless steel is most durable and dishwasher safe. Find a heavier gage weight like 18/8 if possible. Dishwasher safe.
· Aluminum is less expensive than stainless steel. This metal is more easily bent and dented. Washing in the dishwasher will make them dull.
· Plastic measuring cups come in a variety of colors and styles. Check to see if the plastic measuring cups you want to buy are microwave safe. Most are usually dishwasher safe.
· Tempered glass is microwave and dishwasher safe. Brands include Pyrex and Anchor Hocking. Safe for microwave use.
· Measuring cups for dry ingredients are the ones that come in separate measures (1/8 cup to 1 cup).
· Measuring cups for liquids come in stainless steel, aluminum, plastic and tempered glass. Sizes are usually 1 cup, 2 cups and 4 cups (1 quart).
· Prices can range from a few dollars to $50.
Food Scales
· There are digital (requires batteries) or mechanical/dial type that look like what is in the produce section, but smaller for home use. With a mechanical/dial type scale, avoid “high capacity.” These scales are meant to measure in pounds, rather than ounces. That makes it a challenge to measure accurately. Prices start around $8.
· Digital scales are easier to read when looking for how many ounces the food weighs. Prices start around $25.
· Scales that can zero out after you place your dish on top can measure each ingredient as it is added to the dish. Some allow you to use your own dish and some have a bowl you have to use.
Blenders and Mixers….where to start? The Key Points:
· The main key is the power of the motor. The more powerful the motor, the faster the blades rotate. A motor that is 900 Watts will mix much better than a motor that is 300 Watts. An evenly smooth texture is more likely with more powerful blenders and mixers.
· The products listed are ones our patients use more frequently.
· Look for a blender that is in your budget, works well for what you want to use if for and how easy it is to clean. Keep in mind how much space you have in your kitchen, too.
· Some of the blenders/mixers can only pulse and may list a time limit on how long to pulse.
· Products listed are for making protein shakes or smoothies, only.
Shaker Cups
· Widely available in many retail stores. Prices range from $6-$20.
· Made to mix protein powders with fluids.
· Easy to carry with you. Great for traveling.
· Sometimes it’s more difficulty to mix the protein powder completely in a shaker cup.
PROMiXX (original) and version 2.0 Vortex Mixer
· Original lists for about $30 on Amazon. Needs regular batteries.
· The 2.0 has a rechargeable, lithium battery that requires a USB port. Starts about $50 on Amazon.
· Great for mixing protein powders and liquid.
· Great for traveling or when you are just on the go.
· Although this is not dishwasher safe, it is easy to clean.
Vitamix Systems
· This product has been around since 1949.
· Prices range from $400-$720.
· Can make smoothies.
· An extended warranty is available.
Ninja Systems
· Ninja Fit 16 oz. Blender – Comes with 2 blender cups. Motor is 700 W. One Speed. Starts around $60.
· Nutri Professional 3-Speed Blender – Comes with 72 oz. pitcher and 16 oz. cup. Price starts around $140.
· Ninja Auto-iQ Blender - There are several models that have the Auto-iQ cycle. This pauses through the cycle to allow food to fall towards the blades. These will have different speeds and may have both automatic and manual settings. Designed to make blended (“extracted”) smoothies using vegetables, seeds, nuts and fruits. Prices range from $120 - $160.
Magic Bullet/NutriBullet Systems
· Magic Bullet is the original product in the line. The original can blend protein powders and fluids to create smooth protein shakes. Does a fairly good job pureeing soft, fresh fruit, canned, or frozen fruit that has been thawed. Don’t expect the Magic Bullet to provide a completely smooth texture for blended or extracted smoothies. Motor is 250 Watts. Starts at $40. Check to make sure whether you are buying a new or refurbished machine.
· NutriBullet Series Comes in Several Models. Check websites and advertisements to find discounted prices. Most come with recipes. Check to see if parts are hand wash or dishwasher safe.
NutriBullet (Original) 8 or 12 Piece Sets. Starts around $80. Motor is 600 W.
NutriBullet Pro 900 – 9 to 15 piece sets. Starts around $100. Motor is 900 W.
NutriBulletRx – 10 piece set. Starts around $180. Motor is 1700 W. Has an extra heating feature to make soups or warm beverages. Could use other NutriBullets and heat product in microwave. This is larger than the original and Pro 900 machines.
Other Smoothie Blenders:
· Look for other personal blenders by Oster, Farberware and Elite.
· Immersion Blenders are hand held blenders that you immerse in your cup or glass to blend. These can also be used to puree soft cooked vegetables and soups.
More Options
· Consider using a hand held mixer to mix your protein powders and fluid together.
· Get a work out by using a whisk to blend the protein powder and fluid together.
Key Point:
· Products listed were chosen to make preparing food easier to achieve.
Slow Cookers: Small
· Small slow cooker brand include TRU (0.65 quart), Proctor Silex (1.5 quart, and
Crock Pot (2.5 quart). Prices range from $10- $30.
· Smaller slow cookers make cooking for 1 or 2 people more practical. There will be leftovers for bariatric patients.
Slow Cookers: Large
· Crockpot, Proctor Silex, Hamilton Beach, Elite, Cuisenart and Westbend slow cookers with 4-8 quart capacities. Prices are less expensive for manual controls when compared to digital/programmable controls. Prices range from $25 - $200.
Microwavable Dishes
· Nordicware – Makes MicroWare to cook eggs (poached, boiled, omelet), heat soup, plates and bowls to heat meals and other containers to cook or reheat a casserole. . Checkout www.nordicware.com.
· Poached egg cookers also made by WalterDrake and Miles Kimball.
· Look for a variety of microwave cookware that can steam fish and vegetables, reheat food, or protective screens to prevent splatters.
· Plastic storage containers are now more often able to go in the microwave. Check the label to make sure the plastic is microwave safe.
· Pyrex type cookware and measuring cups are microwave friendly.
Other Stuff
· Spiral cutter for making zucchini pasta (“zoodles”). Helps maintain low carb eating. There are hand held and table top versions. Spiralizer and Vegetti are brands to make veggie noodles.
· Good set of knives for chopping and cutting.
· Meat tenderizing mallet. You basically pound your meat to make thinner and provides tenderizing so the meat is softer to chew. Nice way to burn a few calories, too!
Key Points:
· Having your own food with you helps you stay on track with your nutrition.
· Foods that need to stay cool will need some type of cooler, insulated lunch bag or ice pack
· Bringing leftovers may require heating, so look for containers that are safe for microwave cooking.
Lunch Bags
· The size of your lunch bag will depend on how many meals and snacks you need for your day.
· Insulated lunch bags can keep food cold for longer periods of time if you don’t have a refrigerator available.
· You can buy reusable ice packs to put in your lunch bag.
· A reusable lunch bag is environmentally friendly and you can use this for years.
· The size will be determined by how many meals and snacks you need for the day.
· Neoprene lunch bags can be put in the washing machine and dryer.
Cooler
· Great to have when driving around for work or when traveling. Pack with ice, load with your protein drinks or other protein foods.
· Coleman and Igloo are the classic brands, but others are available.
· Coolers now come in hard and soft side versions. There are coolers you can carry, sling over your shoulder, carry as a backpack or roll behind you.
Mini-Fridge
· If your work space does not have a refrigerator that is convenient to get to, consider buying a mini-fridge to stash protein drinks, leftovers and snacks. Check with your employer for guidelines. Certain electrical outlets may limit the type of mini-fridge you can bring to work.
Plastic Containers
· Find plastic containers with lids to bring your food in measured quantities.
· Some plastic containers can also be microwaved.
· Look for 2 oz, 4 oz (1/2 cup) and 8 oz (1 cup) servings. This size you need depends on how far out you are from surgery.
· Tupperware, Rubbermaid, ZipLock and Glad are available brands. Look at discount stores for smaller containers.
Bento Boxes
· Look for Bento Box for kids on Amazon. These are boxes that are divided to separate food. You can measure your portion into the sections. The kid size has portion control for bariatric patients. Bento Boxes also available on The World According to Eggface Blog.
Travel Cups/Mugs
· Designed to fit in cup holders in your vehicle. These usually have a small opening on the side to sip from. Helps to avoid straws.
· Grocery stores now carry disposable hot beverage cups with lids. This would be great way to sip warm broth or a high protein warm cocoa (just heat your chocolate protein shake) while you are driving.
Insulated Tumblers, Cups and Containers
· Insulated cups can keep your protein drinks cold or hot. Look for double sided cups.
· Thermos is a brand that has been around for decades. There are water bottles and other food storage items available.
· YETI is a brand that is popular. It is more expensive, but it is a double wall, heavy gauge, stainless steel product. You can find a 20 oz. tumbler with lid for $29.99 at Academy, Gander Mountain and Cabela’s. A less expensive brand is Ozark Mountain at Walmart. A 20 oz. Ozark Mountain metal tumbler is about $10.
· S’Well is another brand that comes in a lot of styles and colors. Prices around $35. Part of the money you pay helps S’Well help provide clean drinking water to children around the globe through the U. S. Fund of UNICEF.
· My Hydrate is a water bottle that has a built in reminder to help you remember to sip your water. It’s $40.
· There are other insulated containers for hot foods like soups and stews.
Warmers
· Crock Pot makes an electric Lunch Crock that has a 20 oz. capacity. Prices range from $20 - $30. One reviewer recommends to turn it off about 45 minutes before your lunch, because even the low setting can be too hot. This would be great if splitting a meal with a co-worker or family member.
Veggie “Noodles”
· Instead of traditional pasta and rice that are carbohydrate foods and can expeand in your stomach, think about making veggie noodles.
· Spiralizer and Veggetti are a couple of brands that can help you turn zucchini or yellow squash into spaghetti type strands.
This blog was written by Bailey Bariatric dietitian, Rene Norman. To learn more about our dieticians, click here.