10 Tips to Help You Enjoy the Holidays After Bariatric Surgery
After bariatric surgery, it can be tricky to balance your health and wellness goals with your love of holiday fun and festivities. Fortunately, Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. K. Robert Williams and his team at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville, TN offer these tips, so you can continue to work towards your goals throughout the holiday season:
1. Avoid Skipping Meals to “Save Up” Your Calories
Saving your calories for a fantastic holiday meal seems like a wise decision, but when you skip meals, you’re more likely to overeat because you’re ravenously hungry.
Instead, have sensible meals with protein and vegetables on the day of a holiday event so that you’re not overly hungry when you arrive.
2. Maintain Consistent Eating Habits
Use the same habits that you use the rest of the year during the holiday season. Watch your portion sizes, begin your meal with protein, and track the foods and beverages that you eat.
3. Pay Attention to Your Hunger Level
The jovial environment at many holiday gatherings makes it easy to overeat; see that you pay attention to your hunger level and eat slowly. When possible, eat when you have a chance to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the taste and texture of your food.
4. Watch Out for Buffet Tables
Buffet tables ensure that food is always in sight and ready to eat. Fix a small plate with a mix of healthy options and holiday favorites, then step away from the buffet.
5. Drink Lots of Water
See that you’re reaching your water goal by drinking a glass of water before you start eating.
6. Minimize Your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is full of empty calories and affects you differently after your surgery; you’re also more likely to overeat after a few drinks. If you choose to imbibe, stick with one or two small beverages.
7. Make Time for Exercise
Maintain your exercise routine so that you feel your best mentally and physically.
8. Bring a Healthy Dish
Bringing a healthy dish that you love ensures that there’s something nutritious at the gathering.
9. Opt for Healthy Substitutes
When making your holiday favorites, replacing ingredients with healthier alternatives can help you keep the calorie count in line while increasing the nutrients in the dish.
10. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
If you overindulge, it’s okay. Give yourself grace and accept that at times, people get off track. Make it a point to get back on track with your next meal.
Find Success at New Life
At New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, we understand the commitment and dedication that is bariatric surgery. Dr. K. Robert Williams and his team provide a welcoming environment where you can expect to be cared for with dignity and respect by a team that is sensitive to your needs. If you are considering bariatric surgery, we invite you to learn more about our program.
The holidays are meant to be special and enjoyable, so we hope our tips can give you guidance.
We wish you a wonderful holiday season!
New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery is a division of Premier Surgical Associates. Dr. Williams is the Medical Director for the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery at Parkwest Medical Center.