It can be hard keeping up a diet on Valentine’s Day, especially after bariatric surgery. Treating yourself and practicing self-care and love is key to living a good life. Quality of life drastically changes when you prioritize the needs of your body and mind before anything else.

To turn this practice into a habit, here are some simple ways you can still pamper yourself for Valentine’s day while following your post-op lifestyle and carrying on a healthier, happier life.

Social Media Break How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Take a Social Media Break

Social media is becoming a big part of our life. Technology has given us many opportunities. Listening to our favorite music, watching TV, connecting to friends and family, it is hard to imagine everyday life without technology.

There are many benefits to using social media, but it can make it hard to properly follow your diet. After bariatric surgery, it is easy to miss your old, unhealthy habits during Valentine’s day. It is a good idea to take a much-needed social media break. Focusing on your inner peace and well-being when you wake up in the morning is a great habit to regain your inner peace before your hectic day begins. Excessive use of social media is proven to cause anxiety and depression.

Eat Healthy Breakfast How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Eat Healthy Breakfast

Eating breakfast is crucial to keeping your body going. First – drink your water! (at least 16oz of water) and wait about 30 minutes to have your breakfast. While you wait, you can cuddle with your loved one or prepare your breakfast! Preparing breakfast for your significant other will provide quality time and increase your overall happiness. Pampering means you are nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods so you feel content and ready to start your day!

A healthy breakfast can improve heart health, lower diabetes risk, minimize brain fog (making you more alert, focused, and content), lower your bad cholesterol LDL, reduce the risk of heart disease and boost your immune system. Having a strong immune system should be a priority especially now more than ever due to the ongoing pandemic. But a good diet alone can help fight viruses going around.

Here are some breakfast ideas you can try!

Try Meditation How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Try Meditation

Don’t make it more complicated than it is. All you need is yourself. That’s it! Doing whatever makes you feel at peace will help set your day right! Even just practicing deep breathing is extremely helpful. Meditation is shown to relieve stress, balance emotions, reduce anxiety and depression, and stimulate memory and focus. Doing your meditation in a private and quiet place is ideal to minimize distractions. Everybody is different so feel free to play some background music on low volume as well.

Move Your Body Exercise How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Move Your Body!

Moving your body is essential to having a healthy and content lifestyle. It is normal to just want to sit at home but any form of exercise will boost your immune system and can protect you against chronic diseases. Working out can also help you with weight management, lower blood pressure and improve heart health, making you feel more content.

Blast your favorite music. If you feel like dancing, go ahead and be free! Going to a club and party can be fun but it is not ideal now during Covid. But the ongoing pandemic can’t stop you from having fun! Figure out what kind of physical activity you want to do at the moment and do just that! Enjoy what you are doing and you will see the benefits!

Dress Up for Yourself How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Dress Up for Yourself!

Dressing nicely can make your day even better, even if you are stuck at home. Dressing up and being comfortable in what you are wearing can change your entire day! Dressing up for yourself and feeling good is satisfying.

After gastric sleeve surgery, you will be rapidly losing weight which can make it hard to wear the same clothing for a longer period of time. Wearing comfortable, flexible apparel is always the best option but if you want new clothes for valentine’s day, consider going to a discount store or looking through your closet for some great choices.

Take cool pictures of yourself!

Tasty, healthy meals and desserts How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Tasty, healthy meals and desserts

Making meals at home is healthier than eating out, but if you do choose to go out check out this bariatric eating out guide. Cooking with your significant other is a great way to bond. Not every recipe can be the best option after weight loss surgery but there are great alternates you can try with friends and family. Here are some delicious Bariatric-friendly dessert ideas for Valentine’s day!

Treat yourself with a Gift How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Treat yourself with a Gift and Spoil yourself this valentine

If you have been eyeing that bag or anything you have been waiting to buy for yourself. This is the time to purchase. It is amazing to receive gifts from loved ones, but it feels even better when you spoil yourself!

Spa night Bubble bath How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Have a Spa night or Bubble bath

Having a spa night alone or with a significant other is a great, fun, and intimate way to end Valentine’s day. Play some nice background music and enjoy each other’s company with no distractions!
Here are some Bath bombs you can take a look at on Amazon.

Write Affirmation for yourself How to Pamper Yourself on Valentine’s Day After Gastric Sleeve

Write Affirmation for yourself

Sometimes, we don’t give enough credit to ourselves. This is the time to show some love for yourself by acknowledging your amazing attributes. Having positive thoughts about yourself is a huge part of taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. Great examples of Affirmation:

  • “I am capable of achieving the goals I want to achieve”
  • “I’m happy with where I’m heading”

The most important affirmation is “I can do this!” Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to!

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