Tips For Meal Planning After Your Bariatric Surgery
Did you recently undergo bariatric surgery? Maybe you’re considering bariatric surgery from Weight Zen in New York? Regardless, life after weight loss surgery is going to be a little different, especially in terms of how you prepare your meals. Before we start giving you tips for planning your meals once you’ve transitioned to solid foods, let’s take a look at two essential tools you’ll need for post-bariatric surgery meal planning success.
Two Essential Tools For Successful Meal Planning
It may seem like a daunting task to make the transition to eating the right foods for your new life while also possibly preparing meals for others in your home. Make sure you’ve got these two tools in your meal planning toolbox:
- Organization
- Pre-planning
Remember, if there are any family staple meals that already exist within your household that you’ll need to continue preparing, you should enjoy your meal first before preparing any heavier dishes. You can also consider “lightening up” some of those family meals your household has grown so accustomed to. We suggest speaking directly to our Registered Dietitian, Megan Wolf for tips on modifying these meals.
Tips For Meal Planning Following Bariatric Surgery
Congratulations! You’ve reached the milestone of being able to start post-weight loss surgery meal planning. Here are some great tips:
Pre-portion smaller meals.
Your portions should be small on your bariatric surgery diet. When you’re planning meals, make sure when you’re preparing regular-sized recipes, you’re dividing them into weight loss surgery-sized portions. It’s a great idea to store these individual portions into their own little packets or containers and freeze them to eat later.
Use your weekends for healthy shopping, meal planning, and cooking.
Use your weekends or any regularly scheduled days off to prepare your meals in advance.
- Firstly, figure out what you want to eat and serve to your family if applicable, buy those ingredients, and prepare some recipes.
- If possible, coordinate your meals with what’s on sale for the week at your local grocery store or what’s in season at your local farmer’s market. This will help make your meal planning cost effective.
- Don’t hesitate to use online resources such as our blog or blogs like ObesityHelp.com to find and try out new recipes. If you’re unsure if a meal will work for your plan, consult your bariatric surgeon or dietitian.
If you do it correctly, it’s completely ok to eat out.
You don’t have to turn down lunch dates with friends, and there’s no need to panic when you don’t have time to cook or you’re low on food. While this may seem counterproductive, it’s ok to eat out as long as you do it correctly. Remember your bariatric eating rules, and follow them. Choose healthy, protein-based meals. If possible, look at the restaurant’s menu online before you go, or call ahead to ensure they have options for you.
Don’t Hesitate To Ask Our Bariatric Dietitian For Help
It’s what we’re here for! Our dietitian will be able to help you plan your meals depending on your specific circumstances and needs. The more people who are involved in your life and support your healthy decisions, the better!
Bon appétit!
