Grapes, Glycemic Index, and the Weight-Loss Surgery Diet

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 to meals without the negative consequences associated with other high-carbohydrate foods. Understanding the GI (glycemic index) is the first step in adding nutrients, variety, and flavor from vegetables and fruits to the sometimes restrictive diet associated with bariatric surgery, which includes gastric bypass, gastric banding, and gastric sleeve surgery.

One concern of patients losing weight is that a very small amount of high-sugar (high-glycemic) fruits or vegetables eaten without protein or fat can cause those with malabsorption problems to respond immediately to glucose, sometimes called dumping syndrome or rapid gastric emptying. Grapes are a good example of a so-called “healthy” fruit that can cause problems for patients undergoing weight-loss surgery. Grapes have a GI value of 53, which classifies them as having 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 just waiting to slip into our little bags and transform from a healthy fruit snack to a spiteful little slippery meal and pouring mess.

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 unmeasured portions as a snack, so there is no buffer to slow the absorption of fructose through the esophagus or intestinal lining of the pouch. We can eat a lot of grapes because as fast as we enjoy them they slide right through the stoma. Even with the surgical stomach bag eating grapes we never reach satiety. Unaware of the dramatic glucose load this puts on our body, we continue to enjoy our healthy snack when suddenly the door slams and we are distraught from glucose overload: dumping. This can happen with any gastric surgery patient who is on a lean protein diet and has developed a low tolerance for increased glucose.

So the short answer, although low on the glycemic index, grapes are a fruit to be enjoyed with caution. As a snack I suggest controlled portions, no more than a 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, chopped and cooled

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup green seedless grape, sliced

1/2 cup sliced ​​almonds, lightly toasted

4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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. Add Miracle Whip Light, seasoning mix and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

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

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