Weight loss surgery patients are learning that including low-glycemic fruits and vegetables in their high-protein diet is an effective way to introduce nutrients and flavor into meals without the negative consequences associated with other carbohydrate-rich foods. Understanding the GI (glycemic index) is the first step in adding nutrients, variety, and flavor of vegetables and fruits to the sometimes restrictive diet associated with bariatric surgery, which includes gastric bypass, gastric lap-band, and gastric sleeve.

One of the concerns of weight loss patients is that a very small amount of fruits or vegetables that are high in sugar (high glycemic index) that are eaten without protein or fat can cause people with malabsorption problems to have a response. Immediate glucose, sometimes called rapid gastric emptying or dumping syndrome. Grapes are a good example of a so-called “healthy” fruit that can cause problems for weight loss surgery patients. The grapes have a GI value of 53 classifying them as a “LOW” GI value. That means they have a low impact on glucose levels. One cup is considered a serving size. At first glance, this would make them a suitable fruit for gastric surgery patients, but front-line research tells us a different story: Grapes are beautiful fruits of the gods waiting to slip into our little bags and transform into snacks. from healthy fruits into spiteful ones. little food slider and disaster dump.

Here’s what happens: We rightly believe that grapes are good for us and low in calories, so we don’t measure portion sizes. We enjoy each grape, one at a time, which is mostly water and fructose, in a portion not measured as a snack, so there is no buffer to slow down the absorption of fructose through the esophagus or the intestinal walls of the pouch. We can eat a lot of grapes because as fast as we enjoy them they slide through the stoma. Even with the surgical stomach pouch when we eat grapes, we never achieve fullness. Unaware of the dramatic glucose load this puts on our bodies, we continue to enjoy our healthy snack when suddenly the hit hits us and we’re in distress from the glucose overload – the spill. This can happen with any gastric surgery patient who follows a lean protein diet and has developed a low tolerance for sudden spikes in glucose.

So the short answer, though low on the glycemic index, grapes are a fruit to enjoy with measured caution. As a snack I suggest controlled servings, no more than one cup in a single serving. Make your grape snack a mini-meal and include a one-ounce serving of lean meat and a one-ounce serving of low-fat cheese.

Think of grapes as an “ingredient” food, not just a snack. Here’s a classic southern-style chicken salad that makes wonderful use of grapes in the main dish. The high protein content in the recipe will prevent a glucose overload from the grapes.

Classic southern chicken salad

Dressing room:

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

3/4 cup Miracle Whip Light

1 teaspoon sodium-free seasoning mix

Salt and pepper to taste

Salad:

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, minced and cooled

1 cup of chopped celery

1 cup green grape seedless, sliced

1/2 cup sliced ​​almonds, lightly toasted

4 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Bibb lettuce, leaves separated into six cups, one per serving

For the dressing: In a medium bowl with a whisk, beat the whipped cream until fluffy. Stir in Miracle Whip Light, toss in seasonings, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked minced chicken, minced celery, and sliced ​​grapes. Add the dressing and fold in gently until just combined. Chill until serving, you can be prepared for this stage a day in advance. When ready to serve, divide the chicken mixture evenly among the lettuce cups, garnish with sliced ​​toasted almonds and chopped fresh parsley. Serve cold.

6 servings. Per serving: 363 calories; 27 g of protein; 24 g of fat (5 g saturated); 11 g of carbohydrates; 2 g of fiber; Rich in vitamin B12 and niacin.