Food Storage Tips
Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute, your source for bariatric and laparoscopic surgery in Brevard County, is committed to assisting our clients by giving the best information when it comes to not only weight loss surgery but thriving in life afterward. We have countless success stories we can share with prospective clients but all of them have one thing in common: the commitment to a healthier lifestyle before surgery even takes place. We encourage those considering weight loss surgery to consult with our professional team while considering all options available. For those who qualify for bariatric surgery, along with anyone desiring a healthier lifestyle, we also recommend changing eating habits to include an abundance of fruits and vegetables. The foods we put into our bodies are crucial for our overall health and well-being. High-quality foods from nature are always a great place to start when revamping your diet. This can be an expensive change for some, so we compiled some great tips to help keep your produce stay fresh and usable for as long as possible.
Did you know that the way you store produce will have an impact on how long it stays edible? For the best results, keep your fruits and vegetables stored separately. Fruits, including apples, pears, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, and more emit a natural gas called ethylene. It helps assist in the ripening process. This is a totally natural thing but storing fruits and vegetables together can contribute to over-ripening and wilting of veggies, so keep them separate to ensure they last longer. Conversely, if you would like your fruits to ripen more quickly simply put them in a paper bag to keep the emitted ethylene gas trapped inside and enjoy your fruits quicker. Once they have reached their desired ripeness you can store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy them.
It is tempting to keep a bowl of fruit out on the counter for convenience, however, fruits will last longer if they are refrigerated. Tomatoes are the exception here. They tend to last longer on a counter top away from refrigeration. Bananas follow suit. These easily accessible treats will last around 5 days if left out. Apples can last up to 3 weeks while refrigerated which is great for those of you who enjoy an apple picking adventure a little further north in the cooler months. You can pick to your heart’s delight and travel home with all of your goodies knowing they will last. Berries do well if you rinse them in vinegar and water solution, dry them, and then store in a paper towel lined open container. If all else fails, you can always freeze your fruits and use them later in healthy smoothies or desserts.
Greens are a staple in healthy diets and should be taken care of to ensure freshness. If you opt for store bought varieties always pay close attention to expiration dates and don’t push your luck. If you happen upon bunches of greens at a farmer’s market or even your local grocer, simply remove all twist-ties and rubber bands, rinse, dry, and store in a container that allows for air circulation. These superfoods should last you around 3 days. For a more exhaustive list of how long produce will last and the best way to store it, check out this article from Real Simple.
Eating a diet dense in glorious fruits and veggies will help you achieve and maintain your weight loss. As always, we would love the opportunity to discuss your weight loss goals and help you create a plan to achieve your desired results. Contact us today.