Learn to Love Your Weight Loss Diet

Posted: Dec 30 in Post-Bariatric Diet by Staff

As you lose weight with sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or gastric band in Ft. Myers or Naples, you can look at your restricted diet in two different ways:

1. You can focus on its exclusion of foods you enjoy.
2. You can focus on its inclusion of foods you enjoy.

Way 1 is how we usually think about any kind of diet, and it can be what sinks our weight loss efforts. When you focus only on what you can’t have, it can make you feel like you’re fighting yourself every step of the way.

Way 2 is much more proactive. While it’s true that many foods will need to remain off your plate as you lose weight, this doesn’t mean your options are limited. Rather, it means you’ll need to start exploring the countless other foods that are out there waiting to be enjoyed, healthy foods that can give your body the nutrition it needs and your taste buds the flavor you crave.

Learning to love healthy foods is one of the most positive things you can do for yourself after weight loss surgery, and can even open culinary avenues you’ve never dreamed of. If you open your mind to the countless possibilities out there for healthy eating, you’re bound to find a few new favorites that make it feel far less restrictive to give up eating the same old comfort foods.

Ready to restart your relationship with the food you eat? Dig in with these tips:

• Be your own chef. Try taking a more active role in your diet by working on your cooking skills. Instead of thinking of cooking as a chore, think of it as a new hobby. Engage yourself with exciting new recipes every week that keep you focused on the art of making a great meal. If you need some help motivating yourself, consider investing in a new cookbook or kitchen appliance.
• Stay curious. Have you ever eaten quinoa, kohlrabi, kale or kumquats? What about bulgur, Brussels sprouts or bison? Once you realize that there are countless foods out there you’ve never tried, you’ll realize that there are many things you might love if you gave them a chance. Make a point to cook one recipe each week that uses an ingredient you’ve never tried and experiment with new flavors and combinations. If you’ve never used an ingredient before, consult a cookbook or the Internet for ideas, and don’t be afraid to get creative!

If you keep your eyes and mind open, you can forget about the restrictions of your diet after sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or gastric band and start thinking about the many new foods you’re going to enjoy on your way to a healthier body. What delicious healthy foods have you discovered after weight loss surgery? Tell us in the comments below!