During the season of gratitude and thanks, bariatric surgery patients might find themselves navigating the Thanksgiving table with a unique perspective. Here are 10 tips to help you celebrate the holiday and stay mindful of your health and weight loss goals.
1. Bring a healthy dish
If you bring one nutritious dish you enjoy, you will have a reliable option to add to your plate. Not only will this benefit you, but it will also give others a healthy side to add to their plate.
Check out these Bariatric Thanksgiving Recipes for a healthy dish to bring!
2. Don’t starve yourself before dinner
If you don’t eat all day, you can end up overeating or making unhealthy choices when it’s time for dinner. Instead, snack on protein-rich foods, like greek yogurt or cheese sticks, every few hours.
3. Be mindful
Consider your food choices before taking a bite. While indulging is sometimes okay, be mindful of how it can affect your long-term success.
4. Exercise in the morning
Starting your day off with a walk can help you stay focused and feel in control of your health.
5. Skip the gravy
Gravy and other sauces tend to be high in calories and sugar. Skipping them will open up your calorie allowance for things you enjoy.
6. Stock the freezer with healthy meals
The holiday season is a busy one and it can be difficult to find time to cook nutritious meals at home. Prepare meals ahead of time to help you save money and make it easier to make healthy decisions.
Check out our 10 bariatric meal-prepping hacks!
7. Make recipes healthier with simple changes
Find healthier versions of your favorite holiday recipes or make healthy substitutions. For example, instead of mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower.
8. Focus on family and other victories
For bariatric patients, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a time of dietary restrictions. It can be a time of embracing being healthy and spending time with loved ones.
9. Avoid liquid calories
High-calorie drinks are an easy way to fall off track. Bring your own sugar-free drinks or opt for water over alcohol or carbonated beverages.
10. Don’t be too hard on yourself
If things don’t go as planned with your holiday meal, don’t stress about it. Remember, tomorrow is a new day, and you can hit the ground running making healthier choices.
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