Summer is the time of year many of us look forward to the delicious summer fruits and vegetables. Who doesn’t like a juicy Jersey tomato, sweet Jersey corn and fresh Jersey blueberries?
New Jersey is the one of the top 10 producers of cranberries, bell peppers, spinach, peaches, blueberries, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, apples, sweet corn and snap peas. New Jersey really is the Garden State!
Fruits and vegetables for bariatric patients
Along with getting in our daily goal of protein, it’s important for patients who have had bariatric surgery to try to eat a colorful variety of fruit and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables add vitamins, minerals, fiber and disease fighting antioxidants to your diet.
If you’re eager to lose weight and maintain your weight loss, put a rainbow of color on your plate every day.
Where do you find Jersey Fresh produce?
Visit your local farm stand, farm or grocery store to purchase Jersey Fresh produce. Go to Jerseyfresh.nj.gov to see where local farms, farm markets and pick-your-own farms are located in your area.
Picking your own fruits and vegetables is a great way to get outside, get some fresh air and is a fun family activity. It is also a neat way to get in some extra exercise and encourage healthy eating for your whole family!
A MUST-TRY recipe chock-full of fresh NJ produce
Below is a recipe that includes a variety of Jersey Fresh produce, and packs protein and fiber as well. If you’re on any kind of weight loss regiment and you live in New Jersey, it’s a must-try recipe. Enjoy!
Recipe: Jersey Corn, Black Bean and Tomato Salad
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1-1/2 cups sweet corn, fresh (about 3 ears) – Frozen corn (thawed) can also be used
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half or quarters (depending on size) OR
- 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- 1 handful of cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. sugar
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. cumin
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
To make the salad, combine the black beans, corn, tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl (if you don’t like cilantro, you can substitute flat parsley). In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients to make the dressing. Pour over the black bean mixture and toss gently. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend.
The finished salad is a delicious way to support NJ farmers and your weight loss.
Recipe courtesy of www.thingstodonewjersey.com, acccessed from JerseyFresh.nj.gov website 5/29/15.
Dietitian’s Corner by Lori Skurbe
Dietitian’s Corner is a monthly column for post-op and pre-op patients of bariatric surgery in NJ written by Prime Surgicare’s Lori Skurbe. Lori has been a dietitian for over 20 years with an extensive background in weight management, bariatric nutrition and diabetes education.