Holiday Eating
Many people fail to lose weight, or may even gain weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Don’t be one of them. Following your Bariatric surgery, it is important to continue to follow the recommended eating pattern: meats first, vegetables and fruits second, followed by other foods.
First of all it is important to eat. DON’T SKIP MEALS. Regular meals help to keep your metabolism high, thus burning calories. For best results, eat three meals and a snack. Eat within an hour of rising and every four to five hours thereafter. It is especially important to eat breakfast. Also, don’t forget to eat when you are busy. Many people eat too fast or too much when they have skipped a meal, resulting in nausea and vomiting.
Remember, that even if you don’t feel hunger, your body needs the protein and other nutrients that the meal provides, so take time out from work or shopping to eat.
Second, remember the recommended meal pattern: meat first, 2-3 ounces of meat for protein and to promote satiety. The pouch will empty too quickly if you aren’t eating enough meat. Then you get hungry too soon and start snacking.
Next, eat your vegetables. Vegetables that are lower in carbohydrates are best. The fiber in vegetables helps to make you feel fuller on fewer calories. Next, eat fruit. Fresh is best, since it is higher in fiber. Sweeten with a sugar substitute if needed. Garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg or a sprinkle of sugar free flavored gelatin.
A lot of favorite foods are served at holiday meals. Many of these foods are high in sugar, fat, and calories so they are often poorly tolerated. Plan ahead for holiday meals. For foods high in fat, limit your portion to one or two bites. For foods high in sugar, prepare using an artificial sweetener.
So give yourself a holiday gift of continuing to follow the dietary guidelines. They don’t change with the seasons. Don’t forget to exercise!
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