Bailey Bariatrics dietitian Rene Norman, RD/LD, joins us on the blog today to share nutrition tips for enjoying a popular fall time favorite – pumpkin!
Eating after you have had bariatric surgery is different. The types of pumpkin foods we enjoyed before surgery, like pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread, are loaded with sugar and fat. These foods can lead to dumping and less weight loss. Getting through Thanksgiving season without pumpkin seems bleak, however, there are several products on the market to help you get that pumpkin fix without wrecking your eating plan.
Several Greek yogurts are available. Look for Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie Yogurt or Yoplait Greek 100 Whips Fat-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake. Other pumpkin flavored yogurts are higher in added sugars. Quest Bars are offering a pumpkin pie protein bar, while supplies last. You can find Quest Bars at Reasor’s, GNC, Owasso Nutrition Plus (by Fit for Her in Owasso) and online.
Another idea is to stir one to two tablespoons of canned pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice into a light vanilla yogurt. It is a simple recipe that can provide enough of a pumpkin punch to satisfy you. Make sure you use the pumpkin puree, not the pumpkin pie blend, which has added sugars. Canned pumpkin puree is a good source of fiber and beta-carotene.
Looking for recipes? There are several recipes for holiday inspired protein puddings and drinks online. We like several found on the UNJURY protein product website. Click here for some holiday ideas to carry you from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. If you don’t have UNJURY vanilla protein powder, use one that you have at home. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to pumpkin pie, here is a recipe for a low-fat, low-carbohydrate pumpkin custard. It’ll take some work, but can serve as a meal during Thanksgiving weekend. This is a great time to count your health blessings, with a little pumpkin on the side. Enjoy!