Digestive Stress? Try this simple solution

Papaya Fruit

 After WLS surgery studies suggest we become deficient in digestive enzymes, particularly with gastric bypass and the malabsorptive procedures. This leads to stomach discomfort, bloating, and extreme cases chronic nausea.

A simply remedy is to include a papaya enzyme supplement in your diet. The tropical papaya contains a chemical called papain that is effective in digesting proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In fact, papaya has long been used as a meat tenderizer, which essentially begins protein breakdown during the cooking and preparation process of food.

Recipe: Tropical Protein Papaya Smoothie

Papaya enzymes have shown positive results in aiding digestion and more recent research suggests the enzyme may be useful in reducing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Papaya enzyme tablets can be found in the personal health section of your market and are inexpensive. Follow dosing directions on the bottle and implement the supplement in your diet for at least 30 days to determine its effectiveness in your post-WLS high protein diet.

Papaya fruit, in its fresh state, is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and magnesium. Some weight loss surgery patients may have an adverse reaction to the natural sugars in papaya. In this case it is important to enjoy fresh papaya fruit in small amounts served with lean protein.

Breakfast Delight: Tropical Papaya Protein Smoothie

Make your morning shine with the fresh tropical flavor of papaya, coconut, and citrus in this vitamin and protein packed morning smoothie. Use fresh papaya to take advantage of its digestive enzymes that are known to settle grumpy tummies and improve nutrient absorption.

Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and magnesium. Some weight loss surgery patients may have an adverse reaction to the natural sugars in ripe fresh papaya. In this case it is important to enjoy fresh papaya fruit in small amounts served with lean protein.

Tropical Protein Papaya Smoothie
2 servings*

Ingredients:
1/2 medium papaya, peeled, seeded and chopped
juice and zest of one medium orange or tangerine
8 ounces vanilla flavored ready-to-drink protein shake
1/2 cup frozen banana slices*
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract
toasted coconut for garnish, if desired

Place chopped papaya, juice and zest from orange, protein shake, banana slices, and coconut extract in a drink blender and pulse until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.  Approximate nutrition per serving: 150 calories; 12 grams protein; 18 grams carbohydrate; 2 grams fat. Nutrition will vary based on ingredients.

*Tips
 This recipe provides two servings. Use the remaining papaya half sliced to enjoy with your noon meal of lean protein or make a second batch of Tropical Protein Papaya Smoothie, freeze in ice cube trays. Use smoothie cubes to blend with a vanilla flavored ready-to-drink protein shake for a healthy and refreshing energy boosting snack.

Make frozen banana slices by peeling and slicing several ripe but firm bananas. Toss banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning, place in a single layer on a parchment lined tray. Freeze for 1 hour then remove and store in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer. Use as called for in recipes.

Struggling with WLS? Try this at your next meal and see results fast.

Check your inbox or link here to our newly published LivingAfterWLS Inspired Reminders Newsletter. Published February 22, 2017 this hot issue is all about digestion and how making one small change in your eating habits will change the way you lose weight now! Don't miss it. Link here for the archive:

Digestion Starts Here!
Why making good chyme fuels weight loss 

"Greetings!

Thank you for your time as you join me in this weekly digest from LivingAfterWLS. Recently I've found myself busy-eating or multi-tasking through meals. The result is poorly chewed food, pouch discomfort and unsatisfied hunger. I know better. We all know better, right? From our earliest school years we were taught to slow down to eat, chew our food completely, and don't talk with our mouth full. Such sensible advice that is so easy to forget.

In today's newsletter I share a section from my Protein First book that discusses the essential importance of chewing our food well and how doing so leads to improved weight loss: The disgusting reality of digestion.  I needed this refresher and I hope you find it timely as well. You will also find a terrific weeknight recipe for Skillet Parmesan Chicken and a link-summary of popular posts from the LivingAfterWLS Blog.

Thank you for your time and I wish you a distraction free, unhurried meal where you can chew your food well and enjoy the benefits of a well-digested nutritional meal."

Kaye Bailey

Check out the newsletter in our Archive: Inspired Reminders February 22, 2017