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Healthy Grains and Weight Loss Surgery

Often as weight loss surgery patients we are made to fear whole grains also called carbohydrates. It is true that we should avoid processed carbohydrates such as refined sugar and all-white flour and products made with those ingredients. But there is a place for grains on the dinner plate for us. Barley, buckwheat, bulghur, cornmeal, legumes, oats, quionoa, rice, wheat, wild rice, can all be healthfully prepared and enjoyed in moderation. Grains are a good choice for vegetarians because they contain plant protein and are rich in fiber and nutrients. Often salads or casseroles featuring grains contain a variety of vegetables, herbs and spices, and healthy oils.

The serving sizes on our LivingAfterWLS Healthy Grains recipes are standard measure for adult servings. A surgical weight loss patient should eat one to two tablespoons of a grain recipe to avoid pouch discomfort, gas and bloating. It is always best to start with a very small portion to discover how your body will tolerate fiber rich healthy grain recipes.

Quinoa Chard Pilaf

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion -- diced
3 cloves garlic -- minced
2 cups quinoa -- rinsed
1 cup lentils -- cooked or canned
8 ounces fresh mushrooms -- chopped
1 quart low sodium chicken broth -- or vegetable broth
1 bunch Swiss chard -- stems removed

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute 5 minutes, until onion is tender. Mix in quinoa, lentils, and mushrooms. Pour in the broth. Cover, and cook 20 minutes.

Remove the pot from heat. Shred chard, and gently mix into the pot. Cover, and allow to sit 5 minutes, or until chard is wilted.

Per Serving: 294 Calories; 5g Fat (13.4% calories from fat); 19g Protein; 47g Carbohydrate; 10g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 277mg Sodium.

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