Roughly one-third of Americans say they have made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight in the last five years and 42 percent of people who said they smoke regularly in that time frame pledged to quit the habit, according to the Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll.
Thomson Reuters and NPR conduct a monthly poll to gauge attitudes and opinions on a wide range of health issues.
The survey, which asked respondents their opinions and experiences with New Year’s resolutions focused on weight loss and smoking, found that 57 percent of Americans who have made a pledge to lose weight in the last five years were successful. Respondents who made a resolution to lose weight said most often that their goal was between 10 and 29 pounds (48 percent). The second most popular weight loss goal was 30-49 pounds (21 percent).
One in four respondents said they smoked regularly in the last five years. Forty two percent of that group said they resolved to quit smoking over that time and 36 percent said their plan was successful.
Americans are still making resolutions as they look forward to 2012. Fifty one percent of all respondents indicated that they will make a resolution to exercise more in the upcoming New Year. Thirty five percent said they will make a pledge to lose weight and 9% of smokers indicated that they will make a resolution to quit smoking.
“As the country re-evaluates ways to reduce runaway healthcare spending, it is time for all Americans to be resolved to take better care of themselves and others. Data demonstrates that the majority of medical costs can be traced back to poor lifestyle issues such as obesity and tobacco use,” said Raymond Fabius, M.D., chief medical officer at the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. “While we know it often takes several attempts to lose weight and quit smoking, it is encouraging that many survey participants are taking strides to improve their health in 2012. Let’s celebrate and support those who have resolutions to lose weight, stop smoking, eat better and exercise. If they can meet these New Year goals they will be healthier and wealthier for it as well as helping to solve America’s healthcare crisis!”
To date, the Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll has explored numerous health topics, including generic drugs, abortion, vaccines, food allergies, and organic and genetically modified foods. NPR’s reports on the surveys are archived online at the Shots health blog here.
Thomson Reuters maintains a library of poll results here.
The Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll is powered by the Thomson Reuters PULSE(SM) Healthcare Survey, an independently funded, nationally representative telephone poll that collects information about health-related behaviors and attitudes and healthcare utilization from more than 100,000 US households annually. Survey questions are developed in conjunction with NPR. The figures in this month’s poll are based on 3,015 participants interviewed from December 1-13, 2011. The margin of error is 1.8 percent.
If you need more information about weight loss and weight loss surgery in the Louisville area, give us a call today. The trained professionals at Central Baptist Surgical Weight Loss Center are here to assist you with your questions.
SOURCE Thomson Reuters
Crispy Phyllo Spinach Tartlets
By · CommentsFrilly layers of phyllo dough surround the festive spinach and sun-dried tomato filling in a dressed-up version of Greek spanakopita. Serve these as a main dish for supper and you’re sure to please vegetarians and omnivores alike.
8 tartlets
Active Time:
Total Time:
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 3/4-1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
- 16 cups spinach, (about 1 pound), tough stems removed, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta, or goat cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, or 2 teaspoons dried
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (not oil-packed)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 20 sheets (9-by-14-inch) phyllo dough, thawed according to package directions
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Add spinach in batches and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Whisk ricotta, feta and 1/2 teaspoon salt (or goat cheese and 1 teaspoon salt), eggs, egg whites, dill, pepper and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir in the spinach mixture and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Melt butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat.
- Unroll phyllo sheets onto a clean, dry surface, keeping them in a stack. (To make the tart in an 11-inch round tart pan instead of individual tartlets, see Variation, below.) Cut the stack in half crosswise (you’ll have 40 half-sheets). Cover with a piece of wax paper and then a damp kitchen towel. (Keep the phyllo covered to prevent it from drying out while you work.)
- Lightly brush each tartlet pan with some of the melted butter mixture. Place 1 half-sheet of phyllo in each pan, pressing it into the edges; brush with the butter mixture. Continue adding sheets and brushing with the butter mixture until you have 5 layers in each pan. Trim the phyllo, leaving a 1/2- to 1-inch overhang.
- Place the tartlet pans on a baking sheet. Divide the spinach mixture among the pans. Fold the dough over the filling (it won’t cover completely). Brush the edges of the dough with the remaining butter mixture.
- Bake the tartlets until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then gently turn the tartlets out of the pans. Serve warm. Variation: This recipe can also be made in an 11-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom. Use 2 overlapping sheets of phyllo per layer, for 10 layers. Brush each layer with the butter mixture. Add the filling. Trim the phyllo to make a 1- to 2-inch overhang; fold the dough over the filling. Bake until set and golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the filling (Steps 1-2), cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. | Equipment: 8 individual (4- to 4 1/2-inch) tartlet pans or 11-inch round removable-bottom tart pan
Nutrition
Per tartlet: 265 calories; 15 g fat ( 5 g sat , 6 g mono ); 76 mg cholesterol; 23 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein; 3 g fiber; 645 mg sodium; 461 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (80% daily value), Folate (21% dv), Vitamin C (20% dv), Calcium 15% dv).
Carbohydrate Servings: 1 1/2
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 2 fat
A holiday is a time when most of us let our hair down, eat and drink what we want without giving much thought to our weight or diet. Then we get back from our holiday and realise that we have put on a few pounds? Back on the diet again!!
Don’t worry here are a few simple way to help you shed those unwanted pounds.
1. To Stop Cravings: When trying to stick to your diet you will not doubt at some point come across hunger cravings. 
Next time you do count to 10. Did you know that studies suggest the average hunger craving only lasts about 10 minutes. So when a hunger craving hits tackle something on your to do list and distract yourself from hunger cravings.
2. Salsa instead of Mayo: Instead of putting mayonnaise on top of your food, try salsa instead. Salsa provides plenty of flavour and is low in fat. If you are a tuna fan then mix some salsa with a bit of low fat yoghurt and add it to your salad. Salsa is also great on chicken or fish.
3. Water!: Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so next time you feel like eating get hold of a glass of water first. Drinking water can also help you to feel full. Just sipping water before you sit down for a meal, and continual sipping of the water during the meal will add volume and weight to your meal making you feel full and less likely to eat a massive amount as you won’t want to.
4 Alcohol: Here is the obvious one. We all know that alcohol equals calories. A beer(12oz) contains 150 calories, glass(3.5oz) of wine 85 calories, don’t even look at the calorie content of a creamy cocktail. It’s not rocket science if you want to lose weight then you have to cut down or even better cut out alcohol.
5 Don’t Stop Yourself From Going Out: Have a plan if you get invited to a party. Take something with you like a plate full of fresh vegetables and a low fat dip or a bowl of fresh fruit, you are able to eat at a party without destroying your diet.
You are able to get back in shape and feel at your best just like you did at the beginning of your holiday. So what is stopping you? Give it a go.
Don’t have a plan for getting rid of that weight? We do and we’re here to help! Central Baptist Surgical Weight Loss Center is here to help you with your goals and to help get you started on your weight loss journey. Give us a call today for more information.
Ate Too Much Over the Holidays?
By · CommentsHow to deal with post-holiday stress
When the holidays are over, you may find yourself searching for your most forgiving clothes as your body deals with the effects of a little too much food. Then there’s the guilt, that mental wince when you remember that extra piece of pie or that giant glass of eggnog you wish you could take back in the cold light of day. Unfortunately, there’s no way to un-eat what you ate, but you can do some damage control and get back on track for the new year, and you can do it without punishing yourself.
Take Time to Rest
One reason we overindulge this time of year is stress. Elizabeth Scott, About.com’s Stress Management Guide, reminds us that the holidays can send stress-levels skyrocketing. “Too many activities, even if they are fun activities like baking, shopping and partying, can culminate into too much holiday stress and leave us feeling frazzled rather than fulfilled.” In fact, holidays often force us into too much of everything — too much eating, drinking, shopping and even too much togetherness with family members, which can lead to holiday burnout and, ultimately, more stress.
Just a few things you may experience after a holiday include:
- headaches
- muscle tension
- trouble sleeping
- depression
- bloating or fatigue from too much fat or sugar
- guilt from eating too much
Rather than let these feelings take over, use these ideas to deal with that post-holiday stress.
- Get moving. It may be the last thing you feel like doing, but getting the blood flowing is the perfect remedy for a food hangover. Think simple — walking, light strength training, or yoga. Even a few minutes can boost your mood and your energy levels.
- Drink water. That bloating you’re experiencing could be due to an overload of salt, which can cause water retention. Many holiday favorites contain way more salt than the body needs, so drinking extra water can help you get rid of the extra bloat.
- Eat light and healthy. After eating too much, you may be tempted to declare, “I’ll never eat again!” You may also be amazed that you’re actually hungry after all that eating. Starving yourself, however, isn’t the answer. Nibble on light fare such as salad, soup, sandwiches and fruit to give your body nutrients without overloading it with calories.
- Make a plan. One of the worst side effects of eating too much is the guilt that comes after. Guilt is sometimes inevitable, but you can use that feeling to motivate you into something better. Make a plan for the next few days for how you’ll get back on track with your eating and exercise. Just the act of planning can make you feel better…just make sure you follow through.
- Plan for the future. Last, take some time to think about the mistakes you made this season and what you can do to avoid those same mistakes in the future. Doing this can also help you make good choices more consistently so that overindulgence isn’t a frequent problem.
We all overindulge from time to time and, during the holidays, it’s easy to get derailed from our healthy habits. Getting back on track right away is one of the best ways to deal with the stress and anxiety that comes from overindulgence. Each healthy choice you make is a reminder of your commitment to being healthy and fit all year-round.
Make the right move today and start the new year with a new you! Central Baptist Hospital Surgical Weight Loss Center is ready to help you get started on that journey. Call us today for information or sign up for one of our FREE seminars.
Wholesome Cranberry Bars
By · Comments
Enjoy these delicious cranberry bars with some hot apple cider or a mug of nonfat cocoa.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups whole fresh cranberries
- 1 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 X 8 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.In a small bowl, beat egg and egg white with brown sugar. Add oil and vanilla extract, and beat again.
Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined.
In a small bowl, toss cranberries with confectioners’ sugar, then stir berries into batter.
Empty batter into baking pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Makes 12 bars
Per bar: Calories 105, Calories from Fat 26, Total Fat 2.9g (sat0.3g), Cholesterol 19mg, Sodium 39mg, Carbohydrate 17.9g, Fiber 1.7g, Protein 1.9g
The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
By · CommentsLexington Herald Leader/LMS
John S. Oldham, Jr., MD, FACS, FASMBS
Bluegrass Bariatric Surgical Associates
Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Central Baptist Hospital]
December 4, 2011
According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, two thirds of Americans are overweight and 100 million or more Americans are obese. Morbid obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35, or being about 80 lbs. or more overweight. Kentucky is currently the sixth most obese state in the nation, with an obesity rate greater than 35%. In addition to a decreased life expectancy, increased risk of heart disease and cancer, and overall decreased quality of life, morbid obesity is associated with multiple illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, and fertility problems to name a few.
For select motivated patients, weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) provides a tool to patients that can result in improved quality of life and resolution or improvement in many of these medical problems.
Although most people are familiar with gastric bypass and maybe even adjustable gastric bands such as the LapBand®, there is now a relatively new procedure called The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) that has revolutionized weight loss surgery.
The VSG is an important new tool in weight loss surgery because it results in weight loss similar to gastric bypass 1) without a lot of the short- and long-term complications of gastric bypass and 2) without the need for a foreign body band or adjustments as with adjustable gastric banding. The name “Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy” is misleading in that no “sleeve” is placed. Rather, through small laparoscopic incisions, the outer 85% of the stomach is surgically removed turning the stomach from a large storage reservoir into a small tube, about the size of a banana. Patients are left with their own stomachs, but now holding only 10% of what a normal stomach would hold. The natural connections of the stomach to the esophagus and to the small intestine are left undisturbed. There is no re-routing of the intestines or foreign bodies. The procedure takes about an hour and patients usually stay in the hospital 1-2 days and can return to full activities within three weeks.
Initially, the VSG was designed as a first step procedure in high risk patients. The VSG has since been performed as a primary weight loss surgery for about 8 years in the United States and is recognized as an appropriate weight loss surgery procedure by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The VSG is a covered benefit by the vast majority of insurers that cover bariatric surgery and is an offered procedure by all the Bariatric Programs in the Greater Lexington area.
For more information on VSG, contact Central Baptist Surgical Weight Loss Center today!
No one wants to feel deprived of Christmas cheer and to miss out on all the great food that is an inevitable part of the Christmas celebration. You don’t want to offend anyone by appearing to be a Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) by saying no to the stuffing, sweets, chocolates, pudding, pavlova and all sorts of other things. But those on a diet don’t want to destroy all their efforts through a the silly season of overindulgence which may turn our trim new bodies into Santa’s pouch.
The key to success in controlling overindulgence is to make simple swaps. This is much easier to do and is less like to offend anyone.
Swap overindulging on twelve, five or three days – reduce it to only One Day – Stop at the ‘partridge in a pear tree’ – sounds healthy!
At Christmas most people on diets just want to eat and enjoy whatever they want. That’s fine but try to only ‘go for it’ on just one day, not five days or twelve.
Skip the birds, hens and doves; only 1 Day of overeating
Swap the slough and ‘sitting around’ for regular exercise breaks at the right time
Keeping active over the holiday period can offset the impact of the over-indulgences. Don’t stop exercising, but keep to your schedule, without being a bore. This doesn’t mean leaving the Christmas celebration to go for a run, but you can keep active. You don’t want to return from holidays to face a “you’re fat again” notice from your scales and have to work
much harder at the gym to work it off. Being consistent and keeping active will help.
Swap huge stuffed plates for smaller servings rich in taste sensations
Research has shown that when you eat you get 90% of the taste in the first mouthful. The sense of flavour and tastes declines with subsequent mouthfuls to follow. So opt for a small servings of a variety of things and savour them as much as possible. No seconds please.
Swap will-power defeats with mini will-power wins with non-food rewards
Most people say that will-power is the cause for Christmas over-eating as it is all the time. Keep motivated and in control by setting yourself small mini goals over the holiday season with non-edible rewards. This will help you control your willpower and stop being so-silly during the silly season
Swap fatty dips and snacks with tasty healthy alternatives
Pate and many of the Christmas dips and snacks are full of calories and saturated fats. There are delicious healthy alternatives. One great way of coping with this is to bring your own dips and snacks to the celebration. Make them as interesting and appealing as possible – not the carrot and celery stick stuff, but fabulous alternatives. See the recipes below. Swap goat’s cheese for brie or blue cheese. Swap unroasted, unsalted nuts for roasted one. Swap potato crisps with toasted pita bread pieces sprinkled with lots of paprika and herbs.
Swap emotional eating with proactive and positive engagements
Emotional eating is a constant danger that can get worse at Christmas as you struggle to deal with all the emotional baggage of dealing with the relatives. On the other hand the Christmas cheer itself may make you overeat just because you are happy. Try to distract yourself with positive swaps and keep in control of those trying situations by being proactive and keeping things as positive as possible. Be aware of the dangers of emotional eating which is a special temptation in the silly season.
Swap high GI (Glycemic Index) foods for low GI alternatives
Simple Christmas lunch swaps such as fat-laden roast potatoes, for dry roasted whole potatoes roasted in their jackets or sweet potato, corn or carrots keep the GI low. Swapping white bread crumbs in your stuffing for wholemeal low GI bread or traditional oats also lowers GI. Also offering fresh fruit as well as custard pavlova and sugar laden sweets can avoid the glucose peaks and reduce over-eating.
Swap winter fare for summer style (in Australia)
In Australia we have Christmas in the middle of summer, yet we persevere with roast turkey and all the vegetables. Many Australian are shifting to lighter alternatives such as seafood and salads. You can replace the roast pork with crackling with roast lamb or eye fillet. Dry cooked barbequed vegetables are a wonderful and colourful alternative to heavy roast vegetable dishes. There are many fabulous salads that can be added to tradition Christmas meals
Swap a glass of bubbly for a glass of sparkling water
Sounds boring but alternating drinks will reduce your calorie intake and can help you maintain better food choices. Start with a glass of champagne or wine, but male the second glass sparkling water or low cal beer. Avoid the punch or just try a tiny sample. It is widely known that drinking alcohol lowers people’s to “say no” when tempted by poor food choices. If you are to drink, opt for lower carbohydrate beverages such as low alcohol beer or vodka with soda and a squeeze of lime. Try to set a limit and stick with it.
Swap heavy Christmas plumb pudding for lighter, fresh fruit sweets
Christmas pudding with custard is one of the delights on Christmas Day, but have a small serving and make a range of alternative sweet dishes available. Pavlova with light whipped cream, 99 % fat-free fromage frais or low fat yoghurt, topped with sliced bananas, strawberries, grapes, and passion fruit is a great option for restricting the amount of pudding you eat. Other suggestions are vanilla panna cotta covered with a strawberry salsa, or Christmas shaped wholemeal gingernut biscuits. Making these small substitutes can lower the GI of your dinner and help prevent weight gain.
Swap saving food gifts for sharing them with your friends
Sharing is caring at Christmas and sharing can also help to stop over-indulgences. If you received sweet treats as gifts share them with your guests and friends so that you have no naughty nibbles remaining on the next day to tempt you.
Healthy Low Calorie and Low Fat Alternatives
10 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
By · Comments
With the holiday season approaching, many of us find ourselves surrounded by festive food and the subsequent concern of weight gain. Studies have shown that the typical American may gain two to seven pounds over the six-week holiday season.
We may also find it harder to maintain our exercise program with all the holiday parties, shopping and travel. In addition, many people have much more stress during the holiday period, which can result in overeating as a “feel good” response.
The best way to avoid gaining weight over the holidays is to eat in moderation, keep a consistent exercise program and try my 10 tips to avoid holiday weight gain.
1. Stick to a regular routine with sleep and exercise. Many times feeling tired or stressed is mistaken for hunger.
2. Watch your alcohol intake. Alcoholic beverages contain “empty calories,” offering little to no nutritional value and contributing to excess weight gain. Try having a seltzer with a lime twist or a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to help cut calories and remain well hydrated.
3. Eat a small, healthy meal before party time. It’s a common misconception that you will lose weight by skipping meals. The truth is your metabolism slows down causing you to store body fat if calories are too limited for too long. Another negative result is that you are more likely to binge later at night resulting in greater weight gains.
4. Don’t stand by the food at the party. You will be less likely to partake in unconscious snacking all night if you instead move, mingle and socialize with friends.
5. If you’re hungry at the party, reach for the vegetables (without the dip), fruit or rye crackers. If you do host a party have plenty of water and low-calorie snacks available.
6. Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to register a “full” sensation and signal the brain that it’s had enough. Slow down and listen to your body.
7. Set goals and keep a food diary. Plan your weekly food intake and calorie count to include those treats or Christmas cookies in your diet — in moderation, of course. Don’t totally avoid sweets and holiday food; just plan for it and eat more fruit and vegetables during the week to allow for this. With this plan you can also avoid the guilty feeling afterward that can add to your stress level.
8. Eat protein. Quality protein includes lean meats, seafood, chicken, turkey, eggs, yogurt and low-fat cheeses. Protein will help you feel full and control your appetite.
9. Try to stay consistent with your workout routine. Don’t fall prey to the excuse that you’ll get back on track after New Years Day or when the weather warms up again. You may need to modify your program for the busy holidays. Do what you can, but keep it up, trying new fitness activities and cross training to keep things fresh and fun. Seek out a professional to help you with your program if you need motivation.
10. Always remain positive. If you do have a “bad” day, don’t worry or stress about it. Just get back on track the next day.
Maybe this can be the year your New Year’s resolution doesn’t include dropping those extra holiday pounds.
Stay on track before and after the holidays. Contact Central Baptist Surgical Weight Loss Center today to get information on healthy weight loss and weight loss procedures
Keep the Holiday Spirit, Not the Seasonal Weight Gain
By · CommentsPreparing Favorite Holiday Foods with Stevia instead of Sugar Cuts Calories
ATLANTA, Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – December often means a calendar packed with holiday parties and high-calorie foods. While in the thick of the holiday season, many can find themselves getting thicker around the middle.
Weight gained over the winter holidays is not typically lost during the following year. Experts say that the average one pound gained between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can add up to five, ten, even 20 extra pounds over the years. However, making some new changes to favorite recipes can help cut calories and keep weight gain at bay. Award-winning author, culinary expert and internationally-recognized chef Amy Riolo recommends substituting stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener, in place of sugar in some holiday classics, such as pumpkin pie.
“With the holidays here, it’s always a struggle to eat right. By replacing the added sugar with stevia, we’ve already cut way down on calories,” said Riolo. In the new video series at SteviaBenefits.org, Riolo prepares several recipes with stevia, including pan-Seared ahi tuna, fresh fruit yogurt parfait and whole wheat oat apple cranberry muffins as well as the holiday favorite. The website also features other holiday favorites with stevia as a sugar substitute such as cheesecake, brownies and red velvet cupcakes.
While used abroad for many years, stevia has more recently caught on in the United States as a sweetener. And in November, the European Commission approved stevia as a sweetener in foods and beverages. “Stevia provides the food and beverage industry with a wider repertoire for delivering zero-calorie sweetness and offering additional variety and choice for consumers,” said Haley Stevens, Ph.D., President of the Calorie Control Council, a non-profit international trade association of manufacturers of low-calorie and sugar-free foods and beverages.
Made from leaves of a plant of the Chrysanthemum family, the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) is native to Paraguay and is grown today in many countries around the world. Steviol glycosides are found in the leaves of the stevia plant and each has a particular taste profile and sweetness intensity. Rebaudioside A is one of the many steviol glycosides in stevia leaves that provide sweetness.
As a safe zero calorie alternative to sugar in foods and beverages, experts also say stevia works well for individuals with diabetes because it doesn’t affect blood glucose levels.
For more information about stevia and how it can be used in recipes, visit steviabenefits.org.
Contact: Calorie Control Council, 404- 252-3663
Learn more about the Support Groups available with Central Baptist Hospital Surgical Weight Loss Center.
Comforting Cauliflower Cheese Soup
By · Comments
Ok I know it isn’t the 1st day of Christmas until the 25th…but here is my bariatric breakdown to the 12 days of Christmas with some wonderful recipes and advice for the run-up! First out of the block is a comforting Cauliflower Cheese Soup…brilliant for everyone pre and post-op (as well as other family members) and suitable for all but the very earliest of post-surgery eating. It’s a simple recipe, a doddle to make, and whilst brilliant for the winter months…when the North winds shall blow and we will have snow…can also be served at room temperature in the warmer months. I made this soup using Marks & Spencer 3% fat Cheddar cheese so the stats are based on that…look for the lowest fat hard cheese you can find to keep the fat levels low.
COMFORTING CAULIFLOWER CHEESE SOUP
Ingredients
Metric/US
1 small to medium cauliflower
1 large potato
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
900 ml/33/4 cups skimmed milk
175g/11/2 cups grated low-fat mature hard cheese
salt, freshly ground black or white pepper and grated nutmeg to season
Method
1. Trim, wash and finely chop the cauliflower, discarding any rough stalks. Peel and finely chop the potato into very small pieces, about 2cm/3/4 inch in size.
2. Place the cauliflower, potato, garlic and milk in a large pan and put on a low heat. Simmer until the potato is very soft, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add the cheese with salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste and using a stick blender process until smooth. Alternatively, place in a blender and puree until smooth. Serve piping hot or allow to cool to room temperature to serve.
SERVES 4
WLS PORTION: 1/2
V suitable for Vegetarians
* suitable for Freezing
Calories per portion: 247
Protein: 28.9g
Carbohydrate: 27.2g
Fat: 2.6g
