How many of us have leftover strawberries or blueberries from our 4th of July celebrations? Berries are a great, early summer fruit. These include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber and water. Antioxidants help slow down the aging process by protecting our cells from oxidative stress, Vitamin C helps with healing and fiber helps with digestive health. Berries have about 15 carbohydrates and 60-80 calories per 1 cup serving but the type of carbohydrate in berries don’t raise your sugars very much. Bariatric patients can use berries by puréeing the berries and freezing them. Use snack size, zipper-type bags, fill with ½ cup purée and freeze flat, which will stack better in your freezer. Because antioxidants need some fat to be absorbed, consider adding 1 teaspoon canola oil per 1 cup puree. Use the pureed berries in yogurt or when you mix a protein shake. Use ½ bag of your frozen purée per small container (5.3 oz.) of yogurt or a protein drink. That is about ¼ cup berry purée. You may need to thaw some before using the purée. Berries provide a nutritional punch your body will love. Hope you have many berry good times this summer!

Or just buy some frozen berries from the grocery store!!! Which I will be doing. ? I want to be mistaken for a 25 year old. Lol

Thanks for this amazing information. I have been adding berries to my snacks for meal preps.

Thanks! LOVE blueberries!! And red raspberries taste much better now (postop)!

Great idea about putting the puree in yogurt! Yum

Still too many carbs for me. Maybe once I get to weight maintenance mode.

I have been eating a frozen Anti-oxidant blend (Cherries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries) since Stage 3. Still look forward to it as a treat, and trying to make it more often. I do puree a half cup with some protein powder and some milk or yogurt - delicious and VERY filling.