Portions and BALANCE!

I frequently hear bariatric patients say that after surgery they are eating everything they want, just in smaller portions.  While I’m a huge proponent of portion-control, the idea of having surgery isn’t to continue to eat smaller amounts of junky food.  It’s to learn to eat in a healthy way while enjoying the benefits of a lowered appetite.

Even though you have had your surgery and are reaping the benefits of lowered appetite, it’s just as important (if not MORE important!) to pay close attention to the nutritional density of the foods you are eating.  When your digestive tract has been altered, the amount of nutrients that can be absorbed is reduced.  So for health reasons, you want to be eating foods with the densest amount of nutrition per serving.

By getting the highest amount of nutrition possible and still keeping your calories low, you’ll have fewer problems with hair loss and loose skin.  I know if I mention those things, it will hit home!

How do you do this?  By eliminating as much processed food as possible.  I don’t mean the protein shakes that are required for the amount of protein you need.  I mean all the white flour and sugar products that tend to creep back in after you’ve lost some of your weight.  Or the higher fat foods that have a lot of calories with little nutrition.  Combine both of these (like in donuts and ice cream), and you have a recipe for weight gain once again.

Concentrate on creating balance each time you eat.  Start by deciding what lean protein you will have and then add low glycemic veggies to the meal.  Perhaps, add a small portion of high fiber fruit (berries or a small apple), and you have your meal.  When you balance your lean proteins and low-glycemic, high-fiber foods each time you eat, you will balance your blood sugar and give your body the nutrition it needs to perform optimally.

Remember: Surgery is not there to let you still eat whatever you want.  It’s a tool that allows you to lose your weight as quickly as possible and bring down those risk factors shortening your life span.  Give yourself the gift of health by making sure to eat healthy foods and truly gain back your vitality.