Undergoing weight loss surgery is a life changing opportunity. It is an opportunity to press reset, to get a fresh start with your diet and exercise efforts and to make the type of changes in your lifestyle that evoke true change in your life.
There are several reasons why so many people are successful at overcoming obesity after weight loss surgery. Reduced hunger and a highly restricted diet are a crucial aspect of the success, as is the ongoing support and guidance from your weight loss surgeon. While your appetite will be suppressed after having weight loss surgery, the limited hunger isn’t going to eliminate the risk of any cravings. Setting yourself up for long-term success means surrounding yourself with support. Finding positive influences in your family and friends is a great start, but in those moments when no one is around, you need to make sure your surroundings are just as supportive as your friends.
Shopping Smart after Weight Loss Surgery
Changing the way that you eat means changing the way that you think about food. This starts long before the cravings set in late at night. Your weight loss surgery is an opportunity for your entire family to become healthier by filling your home with healthy foods, and this starts at the food store.
Too many people rely on fast food and processed frozen meals for weeknight dinners and quick hunger fixes, but these foods are loaded with calories and are low in nutrients, which means they are unhealthy for anyone to be eating. After weight loss surgery, you need to make sure you are loading your body with nutrient dense foods that will keep you healthy and energized, despite your restricted calorie intake.
Here are a few tips for making the most of your grocery trips to set up you and your family for a healthier diet:
- Make a list before you go to the store. Determine your meals for the week and get all of the ingredients you need to eat healthily all week long.
- Don’t fall for any impulse items. The trick to making a list is actually sticking to it. Don’t get any items that aren’t on your pre-determined list.
- Stick to the perimeter of the store. The inside aisles are filled with processed foods. Stick to the perimeter, which includes the produce, meats and dairy items.
When you make your grocery list and plan your meals for the week, stick closely to what your weight loss surgeon has determined is the best food choices for your post-weight loss surgery diet. Shopping healthy like this can help your entire family eat healthier as you focus on losing weight.
