Karen Buzby, RD, LDN, member of the Penn Metabolic and
Bariatric Surgery team, discusses kitchen tools that can help you eat healthier
and lose weight.
Whether you’re trying to lose weight or recovering from
weight loss surgery, healthy meal preparation is critical for weight loss. Follow these recommendations to make sure
your kitchen is set up with the right appliances and utensils to help you
successfully shed the pounds.
Use the right utensils
•Measuring spoons:
The tablespoon is useful for portion control and the ¼-, ½- and 1-teaspoon
measurements are commonly used in recipes.
•Measuring cups: The ¼-, ⅓-, ½-, and 1-cup measurements are
frequently used for solids, and an 8-ounce glass or clear plastic measuring cup
works best for liquids.
•Food scale: A scale is helpful to weight meat, poultry and
fish for portion control
Slow the pace of eating
•Mini or baby spoon and fork: The small surface area of
small utensils reduces consumption by making bites smaller.
•Tea cup saucer: The bigger the plate, the bigger the
serving. A smaller plate size often means eating less.
•Cup warmer: Place a cup warmer under a ceramic plate to
keep food hot so you don’t feel rushed when you eat.
•Egg or kitchen timer: Use the timer to slow down the pace
your meals and to remind you to drink plenty of water.
Use storage items to keep healthy meals on hand and promote
small portions
•Insulated, reusable water bottle and brush: A portable
beverage container allows you to keep your protein drink or beverage with you
at all times. The brush is useful for cleaning your container.
•Small non-stick frying pan and ceramic baking container:
The small size helps you regulate portion size.
•Extra small, reusable, plastic storage containers: Use the
environment-friendly containers to store lunches and on-the-go snacks in the
refrigerator and freezer.
Handy kitchen gadgets and countertop appliances make healthy
meal preparation easier
•Meat thermometer: The thermometer allows you to ensure that
entrées are cooked appropriately to help avoid food-borne illness.
•Vegetable peeler: A peeler removes tough skin from produce
such as potatoes.
•Blender: Helpful for making protein drinks and low-calorie
smoothies, you can choose a counter-top blender, hand-held stick blender, wire
whisk or shaker.
•Food processor: A food processor is a kitchen essential
during the pureed food phase of the post-surgical diet.
- Karen Buzby, RD, LDN
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