The Dreaded Plateau! Part Two

Last month I talked about what happens after that big weight loss that came after surgery begins to level off.  Your extreme vigilence with eating tiny pieces of food and really chewing begins to also level out.  You begin to test your boundaries to see how far you can go.

That is very true for most of us, and it's easily recognized.  Once you realize what's happening, you can take steps to bring your food intake back under your conscious control.

Another scenario is apparent to me.  That is those of you who aren't eating enough.  One huge benefit of getting these surgeries is that your hunger is significantly reduced, and so is your relationship with and to food.  Especially if you are very busy, it becomes easy to simply not eat even for long periods of time.  This can be just as detrimental to your weight loss as over-eating.

I also see people who aren't eating a lot, but when they eat, their food choices are primarily carbohydrates.  This can cause an unbalancing of blood sugar and a slowing down of weight loss.

Remember the mantra: LEAN PROTEIN FIRST!  Then add your green veggies next.  Still hungry?  Add a very small amount of the starchier carbs and perhaps a little bit of low sugar fruit.

If you are having a hard time remembering to eat, set an alarm on your phone, watch, or computer.  When it goes off, stop and grab a small meal of protein and veggies.  A small protein shake will do the trick if you don't have time for anything else.  How about some lean deli turkey wrapped in a lettuce leaf with a little bit of gourmet mustard?  These are things that can be available for you and ready when you just need something quick and easy.

You must still nourish the body.  Especially now, you must get the highest quality foods because the quantity you can eat has so diminished.  Think eating quality foods several times throughout the day (no starving all day and only eating once at the end of the day).  This will keep your metabolish from diminishing, and it will give your body the nourishment it needs for optimal health.

And then....start to move!   Remember your support group.