TREO Foundation has created “Deliciously Healthy” (available online) with healthy recipes from around the country. The recipes have been provided by healthcare providers, weight loss surgery patients and friends and family.
Treatment, Research, and Education to End Obesity Foundation (TREO) was formerly the ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) Foundation. Its purpose is to combat obesity by increasing the scientific and public understanding of weight loss surgery.
Weight loss surgery is a tool. Healthy lifestyle changes, including developing a new relationship with food, also need to be in the toolbox.
But eating healthy does not mean giving up flavor.
The healthy recipes in the TREO cookbook consider the nutritional needs of post-surgery patients. But nonpatients have also found value in post-surgery diet needs. When Ioana was helping her husband James with his diet after weight loss surgery, she also lost 100 pounds!
Learn more about nutrition with our videos or on our blog.
The Benefits of Healthy Protein Recipes
Protein is important to the creation and maintenance of every cell in our bodies, giving you energy. Protein is essential to build bones and muscles. It also helps you feel full.
Protein comes a Greek word that means “of prime importance.”
Still, not all proteins have the same benefits. Because the body can only absorb a certain amount of protein at a time, protein needs to be eaten throughout the day.
What makes protein beneficial is the amino acids, or chemical building blocks, it contains. Proteins with nine essential amino acids like eggs and dairy, beef, poultry, pork, seafood and Lupini beans are best.
Here are several reasons why protein is an important part of a healthy diet:
- Protein reduces appetite
- Protein is good for bones, muscles and strength
- Lean protein can lower blood pressure
- Protein boosts metabolism and fat burning
- Protein makes enzymes, which aids in digesting food
- Protein helps red blood cells carry oxygen cells need
- Protein plus fiber keeps you full longer
“Deliciously Healthy” includes healthy recipes for poultry, fish, pork and beef. New takes on favorites include recipes for Taco Casserole, Chicken “Lo-Cal” Mein, Turkey Zucchini Lasagna, Ham and Faux-tato Casserole, Pepper Pizza Bites, Sweet Potato Lasagna.
Healthy Carbohydrate Recipe Advantages
Carbohydrates sometimes get a bad rap. They are found in both healthy and unhealthy foods and forms, from sugars, fibers and starches.
Carbohydrates provide the body with glucose to turn into energy. But some carbohydrates are better than others.
Some starchy carbohydrates, like white bread and white rice, result in increased blood sugar and hunger.
The best carbs are complex: vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds.
There are many was to get more healthy carbohydrates into your diet:
- Start with whole grains, such as a low-sugar whole grain cereal.
- Try a whole grain such as brown rice or quinoa instead of bread.
- Skip the juice. Whole fruit has more fiber and less sugar.
- Eat beans instead of potatoes. Or chickpeas and legumes, which also have protein.
Recipes in “Deliciously Healthy” include Eggplant Boats, Spinach and Avocado Breakfast Quesadilla, Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew with Kale, Black Bean Soup and more.
How about White Bean and Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce to add interest to vegetables like asparagus?
Healthy & Delicious Treat Recipes Do Exist!
Eating healthy and watching fiber, protein and calories doesn’t have to be boring. “Deliciously Healthy” includes healthy recipes for dessert, such as Protein Pumpkin Pie or Lemon Icebox Pie?
Game day snack snacks include Low-Carb Nachos, Spicy/Savory Cottage Cheese Dip and Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Nutritional Support
When our patients make the life-changing decision to impact their health with weight-loss surgery, we are there to support them. We offer support group meetings for encouragement and support. We will schedule visits after surgery with medical professionals and a nutritional counselor.
If you think you or someone you love could benefit from the health benefits of weight loss surgery, learn more with our FAQ.