Weight loss surgery is a significant event in a person’s life, and the holidays can present unique challenges. Holiday meals tend to be high in caloric content, as well as being filled with tempting treats. It is essential for those who have recently undergone weight loss surgery to remember that it is possible to enjoy the holiday season without undermining their new healthy habits.
For example, you may need to take vitamins and supplements after surgery to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Read more: Bariatric Surgery: What Happens If You Don’t Take Vitamins After Surgery?
Eating a balanced diet can help you maintain your post-surgery weight and health.
Here are five tips for holiday eating after weight loss surgery:
1. Pace Yourself
Holidays come with many tempting food options, but if you’ve had weight loss surgery, it’s essential to take things slow. Eating too quickly or taking in too much can cause bloating or discomfort. To prevent this, try to eat a few bites at a time and chew thoroughly–it will help you savor the flavor and give your body the time it needs to process food.
2. Watch Your Portion Sizes
Weight loss surgery has a lot of benefits, but one of them is limited portions! To maintain your progress, be mindful of how much you eat, and remember that you can leave your plate alone. Try to stick with small portions and opt for healthier dishes. If you’re starving, choose foods high in fiber and protein and low in sugar and fat.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is vital for weight-loss surgery patients, especially during the holidays when there may be more tempted to indulge in sugary drinks like eggnog, sodas, and other calorie-rich beverages. It’s vital for weight-loss surgery patients to drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily and increase their intake when socializing or attending parties during the holidays.
Water helps to reduce hunger and cravings, keeps you feeling full longer, flushes out toxins, and helps to avoid constipation. Staying hydrated helps keep you focused on your weight-loss goals during the holidays when other tempting treats are available.
4. Exercise and Stay Active
Exercise can help you maintain your weight loss, burn calories and generally keep in shape. Even if you don’t feel like exercising, find some physical activity that suits your lifestyle. Consider taking a walk, doing yoga, or even dancing around the house. Whatever it is, stay active during the holidays so that all your hard work post-surgery doesn’t go to waste.
5. Set Realistic Goals
It’s essential to be realistic when setting weight loss and health goals. Avoid fad diets and extreme calorie restrictions, as these can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Instead, create achievable goals like eating a healthy breakfast daily or walking for 30 minutes sometimes weekly. This way, you can stay on track with your weight-loss goals without feeling overwhelmed.
If you choose a weight loss surgery in Mexico, contact Hospital BC. We provide safe and affordable bariatric surgery options to patients from the United States. Our bariatric surgery team offers personalized care and attention to patients throughout their weight loss journey.