VSG PUREE MEAL PREP // VSG SURGERY 2022

Summary

In this video, Gina shares her journey with VSG surgery and demonstrates three delicious puree-friendly recipes: a ricotta bake, a spinach and artichoke dip, and a buffalo chicken dip mixed with mashed potatoes. She provides step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking tips, emphasizing the importance of flavor and nutrition during recovery. Gina encourages viewers to enjoy cooking and eating fulfilling meals that cater to their dietary needs, all while maintaining an exciting culinary experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gina shares her experience with VSG surgery and discusses her puree stage diet.
• 🍽️ She presents three recipes: Ricotta Bake, Spinach and Artichoke Bake, and Buffalo Chicken Dip with Mashed Potatoes.
• 🧀 The Ricotta Bake features ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and various seasonings, highlighting the importance of flavoring bland ingredients.
• 🌱 The Spinach and Artichoke Bake includes cream cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach, and Greek yogurt, emphasizing a vegetable-packed approach.
• 🔥 The Buffalo Chicken Dip combines shredded chicken, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and mashed potatoes for a protein-rich meal.
• 🧑‍🍳 Gina recommends baking at 350°F for about 30 minutes, ensuring to check for doneness halfway through.
• ⚠️ She advises against using glass jars for baking due to the risk of shattering and suggests using ramekins instead.
• 💡 Gina mentions her plan to freeze meals for convenience, allowing for easy meal prep during her recovery.
• 😋 A taste test reveals the Ricotta Bake is good, the Spinach and Artichoke lacks protein, and the Buffalo Chicken Dip is flavorful and satisfying.
• 📋 Gina encourages viewers to explore creative meal options during the puree stage to maintain enjoyment in their diet.

Q & A

What type of surgery did Gina have, and when did it occur?

Gina had VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) surgery on April 25th, 2022.

What are the three recipes Gina demonstrates in her video?

The three recipes are ricotta bake, spinach and artichoke dip, and buffalo chicken dip with mashed potatoes.

What ingredients are used in the ricotta bake?

The ricotta bake includes ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, and various seasonings.

How does Gina modify the spinach and artichoke dip recipe?

Gina uses reduced-fat cream cheese, pureed artichoke hearts, thawed spinach, and adds plain non-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy base.

What was Gina’s inspiration for the buffalo chicken dip recipe?

Gina was inspired by a dish she made after having her wisdom teeth removed, combining buffalo chicken dip with mashed potatoes.

What does Gina recommend regarding the use of ball jars for baking?

Gina advises caution when using ball jars for baking, as they may shatter in the oven; she suggests using ramekins or a baking dish instead.

How does Gina plan to store the meals she prepares?

Gina plans to freeze most of the meals and keep a few in the fridge for immediate use.

What are the protein content estimates for each recipe?

The ricotta and buffalo chicken dishes provide about 3.5 grams of protein per ounce, while the spinach and artichoke dip contains about 1 gram of protein per ounce.

What adjustments did Gina make to the ricotta bake's seasoning?

Gina added more ricotta and adjusted the salt after tasting, ensuring the flavor was balanced.

What does Gina suggest for enhancing the spinach and artichoke dip later on?

Gina suggests pairing the spinach and artichoke dip with high-protein chips like Quest chips for a more satisfying meal when she can eat regular food again.