Jan. 8 fitness briefs

Learn more about robotic surgical options by attending a free presentation at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Integris Cancer Institute of Oklahoma, 5911 W Memorial Road. Dinner is included.

Dr. Michael Holzer, medical director of the Integris Robotics Institute of Oklahoma, will discuss the da Vinci SI surgical system, which provides surgeons with superior vision, enhanced dexterity and greater precision, according to a news release.

The robotic system help surgeons perform “minimally invasive procedures involving complex dissection or reconstruction,” the release states. That equals smaller incisions, faster recovery times and less pain.

Robotic surgery works well for patients facing bariatric, colorectal, gynecologic and urologic surgeries, among others.

For reservations or more information, call 951-2277 or go to www.integrisOK.com/robotics.

If you haven't heard of Yonanas, it's a safe bet you don't know anyone who's dieting.

The Yonanas machine, which purports to turn frozen fruit into something like ice cream, is a hit with the Weight Watchers set, in particular, because fruit is a “free” food; dieters can eat as much as they want.

But is it really like ice cream? No. The easy-to-clean machine turns frozen bananas and other fruits into a mushy puree. The consistency isn't far off from frozen yogurt, but the taste is only as sweet as the fruits you select, and some combinations seem bland. (Tip: Very ripe bananas, those dotted with black spots, are sweetest.)

Recipes included with the machine suggest adding chocolate chips or peanut butter, but while those add flavor, they also increase calories. Do some experimenting, and you'll probably find a happy balance.

The machine seems best suited for those who cannot consume dairy products and for dieters looking for a way to diversify their fruit intake. While Yonanas treats will never be as sweet and creamy as Braum's ice cream, they may come close enough to scratch the itch.