BaileyBariatrics

Key Point:
· Products listed were chosen to make preparing food easier to achieve.
Slow Cookers: Small
· Small slow cooker brands include TRU (0.65 quarts), Proctor Silex (1.5 quarts) and
Crock-Pot (2.5 quarts). Prices range from $10-$30.
· Smaller slow cookers make cooking for one or two people more practical. There will be leftovers for bariatric patients.
Slow Cookers: Large
· Crock-Pot, Proctor Silex, Hamilton Beach, Elite, Cuisinart and West Bend 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
· Nordic Ware – Makes micro ware to cook eggs (poached, boiled, omelet), heat soup, plates and bowls to heat meals and other containers to cook or reheat a casserole. Check out www.nordicware.com.
· Poached egg cookers also made by Walter Drake and Miles Kimball.
· Look for a variety of microwave cookware that can steam fish and vegetables, reheat food or have 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 handheld and tabletop versions. Spiralizer and Veggetti are brands to make veggie noodles.
· Good set of knives for chopping and cutting.
· Meat tenderizing mallet. You basically pound your meat to make it thinner, and it helps tenderize the meat making it softer to chew. Nice way to burn a few calories, too!

Foods that have a Nutrition Facts label are helpful. This label lists the amount of nutrients in one serving of the food. If the package has two servings and you eat the entire package, then you need to double the amount of protein listed. If there isn’t a Nutrition Facts Label available, you can use online databases to determine protein. A helpful nutrition database is http://nutritiondata.self.com. The information is provided in the Nutrition Facts Label format and comes from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Food scales and measuring cups will help with measuring your protein. One ounce of cooked meat is 7 grams of protein. Meat includes fish, chicken, turkey, pork, beef and game meats. Is your meat portion the size of a deck of cards or the palm of a medium size woman’s hand? If so, that is 3-4 ounces, which is 20-25 grams of protein. If your meat portion is a ½ cup, that’s 20 grams of protein. Is your meat portion is the size of a hockey puck or checkbook? That’s 3 oz. and provides 21 grams of protein.
Tracking your intake with an app or an online program is another way to track your protein. Our program uses the Baritastic app to track intake. Helpful features include uploading the foods’ barcode or speaking into your phone to detail your food choices. Be aware of what portion size you choose. A recent patient told Baritastic that the food choice was rotisserie chicken. The patient selected 1 serving. As it turns out, 1 serving of rotisserie chicken on this app is half of the chicken. Selecting the most accurate portion requires searching through the list of options to find the portion that is closest to what you actually ate. If you prefer a written journal, you can use the food lists from your nutrition guidelines to help calculate your protein.
So, is your protein measuring up?

Foods that have a Nutrition Facts label are helpful. This label lists the amount of nutrients in one serving of the food. If the package has two servings and you eat the entire package, then you need to double the amount of protein listed. If there isn’t a Nutrition Facts Label available, you can use online databases to determine protein. A helpful nutrition database is http://nutritiondata.self.com. The information is provided in the Nutrition Facts Label format and comes from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Food scales and measuring cups will help with measuring your protein. One ounce of cooked meat is 7 grams of protein. Meat includes fish, chicken, turkey, pork, beef and game meats. Is your meat portion the size of a deck of cards or the palm of a medium size woman’s hand? If so, that is 3-4 ounces, which is 20-25 grams of protein. If your meat portion is a ½ cup, that’s 20 grams of protein. Is your meat portion is the size of a hockey puck or checkbook? That’s 3 oz. and provides 21 grams of protein.
Tracking your intake with an app or an online program is another way to track your protein. Our program uses the Baritastic app to track intake. Helpful features include uploading the foods’ barcode or speaking into your phone to detail your food choices. Be aware of what portion size you choose. A recent patient told Baritastic that the food choice was rotisserie chicken. The patient selected 1 serving. As it turns out, 1 serving of rotisserie chicken on this app is half of the chicken. Selecting the most accurate portion requires searching through the list of options to find the portion that is closest to what you actually ate. If you prefer a written journal, you can use the food lists from your nutrition guidelines to help calculate your protein.
So, is your protein measuring up?

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.
· 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 types 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.

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.
· 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 types 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.

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 it 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 and in the BariatricPal Store. Prices range from $6-$20. Made to mix protein powders with fluids. Easy to carry with you. Great for traveling. Sometimes it’s more difficult 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
The 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 two blender cups. Motor is 700 watts. One speed. Starts around $60. Nutri Ninja Pro 24-Oz. Blender – This is just for blending shakes. Motor is 900 W. Comes with 18 oz. and 24 oz. blender jars. One speed only. Starts around $100. 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) – Eight or 12 Piece Sets. Starts around $80. Motor is 600 watts. NutriBullet Pro 900 – Nine to 15 piece sets. Starts around $100. Motor is 900 watts. NutriBulletRx – 10 piece set. Starts around $180. Motor is 1,700 watts. 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 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.
· 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 types 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.

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 it 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 and in the BariatricPal Store. Prices range from $6-$20. Made to mix protein powders with fluids. Easy to carry with you. Great for traveling. Sometimes it’s more difficult 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
The 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 two blender cups. Motor is 700 watts. One speed. Starts around $60. Nutri Ninja Pro 24-Oz. Blender – This is just for blending shakes. Motor is 900 W. Comes with 18 oz. and 24 oz. blender jars. One speed only. Starts around $100. 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) – Eight or 12 Piece Sets. Starts around $80. Motor is 600 watts. NutriBullet Pro 900 – Nine to 15 piece sets. Starts around $100. Motor is 900 watts. NutriBulletRx – 10 piece set. Starts around $180. Motor is 1,700 watts. 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.

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 it 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 and in the BariatricPal Store. Prices range from $6-$20. Made to mix protein powders with fluids. Easy to carry with you. Great for traveling. Sometimes it’s more difficult 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
The 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 two blender cups. Motor is 700 watts. One speed. Starts around $60. Nutri Ninja Pro 24-Oz. Blender – This is just for blending shakes. Motor is 900 W. Comes with 18 oz. and 24 oz. blender jars. One speed only. Starts around $100. 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) – Eight or 12 Piece Sets. Starts around $80. Motor is 600 watts. NutriBullet Pro 900 – Nine to 15 piece sets. Starts around $100. Motor is 900 watts. NutriBulletRx – 10 piece set. Starts around $180. Motor is 1,700 watts. 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.

Foods that have a Nutrition Facts label are helpful. This label lists the amount of nutrients in one serving of the food. If the package has two servings and you eat the entire package, then you need to double the amount of protein listed. If there isn’t a Nutrition Facts Label available, you can use online databases to determine protein. A helpful nutrition database is http://nutritiondata.self.com. The information is provided in the Nutrition Facts Label format and comes from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Food scales and measuring cups will help with measuring your protein. One ounce of cooked meat is 7 grams of protein. Meat includes fish, chicken, turkey, pork, beef and game meats. Is your meat portion the size of a deck of cards or the palm of a medium size woman’s hand? If so, that is 3-4 ounces, which is 20-25 grams of protein. If your meat portion is a ½ cup, that’s 20 grams of protein. Is your meat portion is the size of a hockey puck or checkbook? That’s 3 oz. and provides 21 grams of protein.
Tracking your intake with an app or an online program is another way to track your protein. Our program uses the Baritastic app to track intake. Helpful features include uploading the foods’ barcode or speaking into your phone to detail your food choices. Be aware of what portion size you choose. A recent patient told Baritastic that the food choice was rotisserie chicken. The patient selected 1 serving. As it turns out, 1 serving of rotisserie chicken on this app is half of the chicken. Selecting the most accurate portion requires searching through the list of options to find the portion that is closest to what you actually ate. If you prefer a written journal, you can use the food lists from your nutrition guidelines to help calculate your protein.
So, is your protein measuring up?

Foods that have a Nutrition Facts label are helpful. This label lists the amount of nutrients in one serving of the food. If the package has two servings and you eat the entire package, then you need to double the amount of protein listed. If there isn’t a Nutrition Facts Label available, you can use online databases to determine protein. A helpful nutrition database is http://nutritiondata.self.com. The information is provided in the Nutrition Facts Label format and comes from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Food scales and measuring cups will help with measuring your protein. One ounce of cooked meat is 7 grams of protein. Meat includes fish, chicken, turkey, pork, beef and game meats. Is your meat portion the size of a deck of cards or the palm of a medium size woman’s hand? If so, that is 3-4 ounces, which is 20-25 grams of protein. If your meat portion is a ½ cup, that’s 20 grams of protein. Is your meat portion is the size of a hockey puck or checkbook? That’s 3 oz. and provides 21 grams of protein.
Tracking your intake with an app or an online program is another way to track your protein. Our program uses the Baritastic app to track intake. Helpful features include uploading the foods’ barcode or speaking into your phone to detail your food choices. Be aware of what portion size you choose. A recent patient told Baritastic that the food choice was rotisserie chicken. The patient selected 1 serving. As it turns out, 1 serving of rotisserie chicken on this app is half of the chicken. Selecting the most accurate portion requires searching through the list of options to find the portion that is closest to what you actually ate. If you prefer a written journal, you can use the food lists from your nutrition guidelines to help calculate your protein.
So, is your protein measuring up?

Foods that have a Nutrition Facts label are helpful. This label lists the amount of nutrients in one serving of the food. If the package has two servings and you eat the entire package, then you need to double the amount of protein listed. If there isn’t a Nutrition Facts Label available, you can use online databases to determine protein. A helpful nutrition database is http://nutritiondata.self.com. The information is provided in the Nutrition Facts Label format and comes from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Food scales and measuring cups will help with measuring your protein. One ounce of cooked meat is 7 grams of protein. Meat includes fish, chicken, turkey, pork, beef and game meats. Is your meat portion the size of a deck of cards or the palm of a medium size woman’s hand? If so, that is 3-4 ounces, which is 20-25 grams of protein. If your meat portion is a ½ cup, that’s 20 grams of protein. Is your meat portion is the size of a hockey puck or checkbook? That’s 3 oz. and provides 21 grams of protein.
Tracking your intake with an app or an online program is another way to track your protein. Our program uses the Baritastic app to track intake. Helpful features include uploading the foods’ barcode or speaking into your phone to detail your food choices. Be aware of what portion size you choose. A recent patient told Baritastic that the food choice was rotisserie chicken. The patient selected 1 serving. As it turns out, 1 serving of rotisserie chicken on this app is half of the chicken. Selecting the most accurate portion requires searching through the list of options to find the portion that is closest to what you actually ate. If you prefer a written journal, you can use the food lists from your nutrition guidelines to help calculate your protein.
So, is your protein measuring up?

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 workspace 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, Ziploc 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.
Stackable Containers
· GoStak is a product the dietitians found at Obesity Week 2017. There are four containers that range from 2 to 5 ounces. They twist together to form a column. You can find it on www.blenderbottle.com. It is also on Amazon.
· Described on the website: “Durable jars secure tightly to carry powders, vitamins, supplements, snacks and more.”
· They are BPA free and dishwasher safe.
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. Warm up a chocolate protein shake and hit the road.
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.
· MyHydrate 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.
Serving Plates, Bowls and Utensils
· You can find a variety of styles.
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.

In a case of something that is old is new again: Have you ever used a bento box? The bento box dates back to the 5th century when Japanese farmers, hunters and warriors packed lunches in sacks or boxes. Farmers found that the seed boxes with multiple compartments worked better to transport their food. Instead of seeds, people used the different compartments to separate dishes like rice, vegetables and fish. The word bento comes from a word that means “convenient.” There are now bento boxes you can buy that can be plastic, glass or metal. Many now come with an insulated cover. You can find bento boxes in a variety of places including Walmart, Target, Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond. Look for bento boxes that have removable compartments that are microwave and dishwasher proof. This allows you to pack a lunch with food that needs heating. A kid’s size bento box will provide more help with portion control.
Small servings of leftovers, hard boiled eggs, drained canned fruit, deli meat, cubes of low-fat cheese, tuna and a marinated vegetable salad are just a few ideas of foods you can carry in your bento box. Pinterest has a lot of low carb, high protein for food ideas to pack in a bento box: https://www.pinterest.com/baileybariatrics/food-storage-tips/.
So, what’s in your bento?

Cauliflower is a nutritional powerhouse. It is a member of the cruciferous veggie family that includes broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts.
For bariatric patients, cauliflower is a boon to your menu planning as a low carbohydrate food. Cauliflower contains many phytochemicals, which are plant-based chemicals. A diet rich in cruciferous veggies and cauliflower is being linked to less cancer, heart disease, diabetes and eye disease. Eating more of these veggies can lead to healthier bones and a healthier brain. Eating more cauliflower can help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, B6 and C, folate and potassium.
In 1 cup of cauliflower pieces, you get about 30 calories, 5.3 grams of carbohydrate and 2.5 grams fiber. Riced cauliflower is now being used as a substitute for higher carbohydrate foods such as mashed potatoes, rice and pizza crust.
Try this fried “rice” recipe. Your health will really like it!

Pumpkin also delivers a punch of potassium, a comely amount of copper, an interesting bit of iron, a pleasing amount of magnesium and a fair amount of fiber. A caution for bariatric patients is the 10 grams of carbohydrates found in a ½ cup pumpkin puree.
And who doesn’t love carving Jack-O-Lanterns with your children (or just for you) for All Hallow’s Eve? Who has not posted adorable pictures of their kiddos in your local Pumpkin Patch? You can prepare your own pumpkin puree or stock up on the canned type. Perhaps our greatest love of pumpkin awaits us at Thanksgiving with our beloved pumpkin pie. One estimate says Americans eat 50 million pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving.
Alas, a pie is known as a confection loaded with sugar and fat. What is the bariatric patient to do? Modify the recipe, of course! Lower the sugar and fat and pump up the protein is the goal. Try the Pumpkin Pie pudding recipe on the BariatricPal website. If you need a pumpkin treat before Thanksgiving, there are many pumpkin-flavored protein shakes, protein bars and yogurts in the stores right now. So, pumpkin can be a health partner this season. Enjoy!

Pumpkin also delivers a punch of potassium, a comely amount of copper, an interesting bit of iron, a pleasing amount of magnesium and a fair amount of fiber. A caution for bariatric patients is the 10 grams of carbohydrates found in a ½ cup pumpkin puree.
And who doesn’t love carving Jack-O-Lanterns with your children (or just for you) for All Hallow’s Eve? Who has not posted adorable pictures of their kiddos in your local Pumpkin Patch? You can prepare your own pumpkin puree or stock up on the canned type. Perhaps our greatest love of pumpkin awaits us at Thanksgiving with our beloved pumpkin pie. One estimate says Americans eat 50 million pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving.
Alas, a pie is known as a confection loaded with sugar and fat. What is the bariatric patient to do? Modify the recipe, of course! Lower the sugar and fat and pump up the protein is the goal. Try the Pumpkin Pie pudding recipe on the BariatricPal website. If you need a pumpkin treat before Thanksgiving, there are many pumpkin-flavored protein shakes, protein bars and yogurts in the stores right now. So, pumpkin can be a health partner this season. Enjoy!

In a case of something that is old is new again: Have you ever used a bento box? The bento box dates back to the 5th century when Japanese farmers, hunters and warriors packed lunches in sacks or boxes. Farmers found that the seed boxes with multiple compartments worked better to transport their food. Instead of seeds, people used the different compartments to separate dishes like rice, vegetables and fish. The word bento comes from a word that means “convenient.” There are now bento boxes you can buy that can be plastic, glass or metal. Many now come with an insulated cover. You can find bento boxes in a variety of places including Walmart, Target, Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond. Look for bento boxes that have removable compartments that are microwave and dishwasher proof. This allows you to pack a lunch with food that needs heating. A kid’s size bento box will provide more help with portion control.
Small servings of leftovers, hard boiled eggs, drained canned fruit, deli meat, cubes of low-fat cheese, tuna and a marinated vegetable salad are just a few ideas of foods you can carry in your bento box. Pinterest has a lot of low carb, high protein for food ideas to pack in a bento box: https://www.pinterest.com/baileybariatrics/food-storage-tips/.
So, what’s in your bento?

In a case of something that is old is new again: Have you ever used a bento box? The bento box dates back to the 5th century when Japanese farmers, hunters and warriors packed lunches in sacks or boxes. Farmers found that the seed boxes with multiple compartments worked better to transport their food. Instead of seeds, people used the different compartments to separate dishes like rice, vegetables and fish. The word bento comes from a word that means “convenient.” There are now bento boxes you can buy that can be plastic, glass or metal. Many now come with an insulated cover. You can find bento boxes in a variety of places including Walmart, Target, Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond. Look for bento boxes that have removable compartments that are microwave and dishwasher proof. This allows you to pack a lunch with food that needs heating. A kid’s size bento box will provide more help with portion control.
Small servings of leftovers, hard boiled eggs, drained canned fruit, deli meat, cubes of low-fat cheese, tuna and a marinated vegetable salad are just a few ideas of foods you can carry in your bento box. Pinterest has a lot of low carb, high protein for food ideas to pack in a bento box: https://www.pinterest.com/baileybariatrics/food-storage-tips/.
So, what’s in your bento?

In a case of something that is old is new again: Have you ever used a bento box? The bento box dates back to the 5th century when Japanese farmers, hunters and warriors packed lunches in sacks or boxes. Farmers found that the seed boxes with multiple compartments worked better to transport their food. Instead of seeds, people used the different compartments to separate dishes like rice, vegetables and fish. The word bento comes from a word that means “convenient.” There are now bento boxes you can buy that can be plastic, glass or metal. Many now come with an insulated cover. You can find bento boxes in a variety of places including Walmart, Target, Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond. Look for bento boxes that have removable compartments that are microwave and dishwasher proof. This allows you to pack a lunch with food that needs heating. A kid’s size bento box will provide more help with portion control.
Small servings of leftovers, hard boiled eggs, drained canned fruit, deli meat, cubes of low-fat cheese, tuna and a marinated vegetable salad are just a few ideas of foods you can carry in your bento box. Pinterest has a lot of low carb, high protein for food ideas to pack in a bento box: https://www.pinterest.com/baileybariatrics/food-storage-tips/.
So, what’s in your bento?

Another helpful addition is “Added Sugars”, which is found under the carbohydrate information. Naturally occurring sugars are primarily from fruit (fructose) and dairy (lactose). Vegetables and grains can also contain a small amount of naturally occurring sugar. For added sugars, look for the words sugar, syrup, agave, molasses, juice, beet sugar, brown sugar, turbinado and honey.
Now that we have the total and added sugars, you can determine if the food or beverage is something you can work into your eating. While there are no formal guidelines, limiting foods and fluids to products that have less than 5 grams of added sugar is a starting point.
A rule of thumb for carbohydrate foods is to eat the food that is closest to the farm. That means the least processed the better. For example, a peeled apple is better for you than applesauce. Applesauce is better for you than juice. One hundred percent real fruit juice is another way to say “sugar water” for bariatric patients. The Nutrition Facts Label will list naturally occurring sugars, but you won’t see added sugars listed. So, juice is a high sugar item.
Your dietitian will assess your activity level, blood sugar readings, body composition and tolerances to help you find a healthy carbohydrate goal to work into your eating. We now have a better tool to hunt down the added sugars in our foods and beverages. Happy hunting!

Another helpful addition is “Added Sugars”, which is found under the carbohydrate information. Naturally occurring sugars are primarily from fruit (fructose) and dairy (lactose). Vegetables and grains can also contain a small amount of naturally occurring sugar. For added sugars, look for the words sugar, syrup, agave, molasses, juice, beet sugar, brown sugar, turbinado and honey.
Now that we have the total and added sugars, you can determine if the food or beverage is something you can work into your eating. While there are no formal guidelines, limiting foods and fluids to products that have less than 5 grams of added sugar is a starting point.
A rule of thumb for carbohydrate foods is to eat the food that is closest to the farm. That means the least processed the better. For example, a peeled apple is better for you than applesauce. Applesauce is better for you than juice. One hundred percent real fruit juice is another way to say “sugar water” for bariatric patients. The Nutrition Facts Label will list naturally occurring sugars, but you won’t see added sugars listed. So, juice is a high sugar item.
Your dietitian will assess your activity level, blood sugar readings, body composition and tolerances to help you find a healthy carbohydrate goal to work into your eating. We now have a better tool to hunt down the added sugars in our foods and beverages. Happy hunting!

Another helpful addition is “Added Sugars”, which is found under the carbohydrate information. Naturally occurring sugars are primarily from fruit (fructose) and dairy (lactose). Vegetables and grains can also contain a small amount of naturally occurring sugar. For added sugars, look for the words sugar, syrup, agave, molasses, juice, beet sugar, brown sugar, turbinado and honey.
Now that we have the total and added sugars, you can determine if the food or beverage is something you can work into your eating. While there are no formal guidelines, limiting foods and fluids to products that have less than 5 grams of added sugar is a starting point.
A rule of thumb for carbohydrate foods is to eat the food that is closest to the farm. That means the least processed the better. For example, a peeled apple is better for you than applesauce. Applesauce is better for you than juice. One hundred percent real fruit juice is another way to say “sugar water” for bariatric patients. The Nutrition Facts Label will list naturally occurring sugars, but you won’t see added sugars listed. So, juice is a high sugar item.
Your dietitian will assess your activity level, blood sugar readings, body composition and tolerances to help you find a healthy carbohydrate goal to work into your eating. We now have a better tool to hunt down the added sugars in our foods and beverages. Happy hunting!

There are several apps that you can use to log your food, like My Fitness Pal and Lose It. Keeping track of your intake throughout the day can be a relatively quick way to keep your food journal. That’s one smart move. What about days that are so packed you don’t have time to record your foods and fluids until the end of the day? Another smart move is taking a picture of the food and fluids you have throughout the day. When we depend only on our memories, we tend to remember things in our favor and not necessarily the reality. For instance, researchers studied a group of nuns to see if they could accurately report the amount of food they had eaten. Pictures of the meals were taken before and after the meals were eaten. Guess what? The nuns were not too accurate about what they had eaten! Even the best of us need help to accurately recall what we’ve eaten. This is a case where a picture is worth a thousand recollections. Hope you have some smart moves to use today!

Besides sweating, we lose water from talking, exhaling, fever, infection, going to the bathroom, living in a dry climate, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, fatigue or sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, confusion, memory issues, tension, anxiety, lower energy, constipation, feeling hungry, darker urine, feeling dizzy or lightheaded and muscle cramps. Water can be flavored but needs to be free of caffeine, carbonation and calories. Even though protein shakes have calories, most of them are water, so that counts towards your hydration. Sugar-free gelatin and popsicles count as water. Ice chips can be a nice way to get water when it’s sultry outside. Infused waters provide some flavor but no calories. Infused waters can be made by simply slicing citrus fruits or veggies, crushing berries, or adding herbs for steeping in your water. Cucumber and mint make a refreshing flavor combination. You can buy water bottles that have a tube down the middle that you can fill with fruits, veggies and herbs to flavor your water. How much is enough water? We start calculating your hydration goal by dividing by 2 what your weight would be if your BMI is 25. More is added if you are outdoors or workout a lot. Keeping a water bottle with you at all times can help you remember to sip enough fluids. Tracking fluids throughout the day is another way to know whether you’ve had enough fluids for the day. Have you sipped enough today?