If you are recovering from bariatric surgery, the holidays can be particularly rough. So many sweets! So many feasts! The temptation to indulge a little to avoid holiday FOMO can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help, Dr. Gritsus has a few traditions he shares with his New Jersey bariatric patients each year to help them survive the holidays. Here are some ideas that will help you stay on track with your recovery – without feeling like you\u2019re missing out on the celebration!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve already had bariatric surgery from Dr. Gritsus, you\u2019re likely already keeping track of your daily food and water intake and attempting to stay within your goals. However, the holidays can easily throw a wrench in those plans. This can lead to guilt and a feeling of hopelessness like you\u2019ve fallen off a wagon and there\u2019s no way back on track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keeping a physical calendar is a fantastic way to use positive reinforcement and forgiveness to stay on target. With a \u201cBariatric Advent Calendar,\u201d you can easily mark a check on days where you\u2019ve maintained your goal or an \u201cX\u201d on days where you\u2019ve slipped. At the end of each week, you can tally up the checks and attempt to improve that score the next week. If you get an \u201cX\u201d, it\u2019s not ideal – but it\u2019s just one day. Tomorrow\u2019s another opportunity to earn that checkmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While many of this year\u2019s holiday parties will be virtual due to the coronavirus, there will still be many families who find ways to get together and enjoy a socially distanced holiday meal. If you do wind up going to one of these events, bring a dish that fits your dietary requirements. That way, you\u2019ll have at least one thing you know <\/em>you can eat in moderation and stay on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be tempting to try to \u201csave up calories\u201d before a family dinner so that you can enjoy the event. This is a great way to get into trouble. For one thing, your surgery won\u2019t allow you to be able to eat the way you did before, so eating a single large meal could be troublesome. Also, if you show up to the party hungry, you are more likely to overindulge. Better to stick to your routine, and nibble on a few of your favorites. That way you won\u2019t feel like you\u2019re missing out, but you\u2019ll also be able to hold on to your willpower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid putting yourself in situations where you can \u201cgraze\u201d or eat mindlessly. If you plan to socialize at an event, do that. If you plan to eat, let the food command your attention. Try to have your conversation space somewhere that isn\u2019t near the buffet table, where you can grab food off the table whenever you get a craving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For one thing, alcohol is just empty calories and sugar. If you do plan to indulge, spend those calories on food, not booze. Also, alcohol lowers your inhibitions and makes it easier to justify indulging in other ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A while back, the UCLA Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health came up with a bariatric-friendly recipe for eggnog. Since then, that recipe has become something of a staple at bariatric centers around the country – including Dr. Gritsus\u2019 New Jersey office. If you\u2019re absolutely craving a little holiday nog, here is a great way to get that egg nog feeling – without <\/em>the egg nog calories or guilt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blend together:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Top each cup with a little nutmeg – and voila! 4 servings of delicious \u201cegg\u201d nog for the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the bariatric recovery process is about finding ways to find true joy in your life – not to mask your feelings with food. The holidays are a tremendous opportunity to lean into that emotional growth. Reconnect with an old friend. Share a little moment with a relative. Find a project you can do that makes a thoughtful gift for a loved one – instead of an unhealthy snack for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoiding the spiral of boredom or negative emotions will be crucial to your recovery long after this holiday season has come and gone. If you need more tips on how to stay on track during the holidays, please contact Dr. Gritsus\u2019 office. We have solutions to help you remain focused on your recovery during the holidays and all year long.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Holiday eating tips to keep the Grinch away after bariatric surgery If you are recovering from bariatric surgery, the holidays can be particularly rough. So many sweets! So many feasts! The temptation to indulge a little to avoid holiday FOMO can be overwhelming. To help, Dr. Gritsus has a few traditions he shares with his … Continue reading Have a Bari Merry Christmas<\/span> Eat before you go<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Eat mindfully<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Careful with alcohol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you do have a drink, it\u2019s important to note that alcohol will affect you differently than it did before your surgery. Let your drink settle and assess your situation (preferably over a glass of water).<\/p>\n\n\n\nEnjoy the Holidays with UCLA\u2019s Holiday nog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remember What Holidays are About<\/h2>\n\n\n\n