After a long day at work, school, or running kids around, the thought of gluing yourself to the couch with a tasty meal sounds just about like heaven. But, cue your favorite comfort dish and a packed line-up on Netflix and you might be spelling disaster for your health and diet. Eating in front of the TV is tempting, and we all do it, but it turns out straying from the kitchen table to another area of your home can lead to overeating and, potentially, to weight gain. Before bariatric surgery (and after) at our Louisiana or Mississippi weight loss surgery centers our goal is to help you develop healthy attitudes and behaviors towards food that can result in long-term weight loss.
Be mindful of WHERE you eat
If you think eating at the kitchen table is the same as eating on the couch, you may be in for a surprise. According to national survey recently published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, people who ate in front of the TV tended to eat less healthy foods – and more of them. Distracted eating takes the focus away from the food and can result in missed signals like feeling full or satisfaction. Instead of unplugging in front of the TV, enjoy a high-protein meal with a loved one and really focus on good conversation and good food.
Pay attention to WHEN you eat
After bariatric surgery, when you eat is nearly as important as what you eat. Eating small, regular meals is essential for keeping your metabolism revving, especially for patients whose stomachs are smaller because of gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery. Interestingly enough, some researchers have found that people who eat at predictable times throughout the day reported less hunger and an improved metabolism over those who ate at random times throughout the day.
Be thoughtful of WHAT you eat
Can you eat an all brownie and potato chip diet and still lose weight? Yes, if you’re limiting your calories, but your body won’t thank you for it. And, after weight loss surgery, patient’s should avoid sugary treats or fried foods like chips. Choosing healthy foods can really make or break the efficiency of your weight loss and the long-term success of your diet. When you restrict calories it’s especially important to fill your meals with nutrient rich foods like fresh produce, healthy fats, high-fiber carbs, and lean proteins. Selecting natural foods gives you more bang for your buck and will reduce the risk of complications like dumping syndrome or malnutrition after weight loss surgery.
Mindful eating after weight loss surgery can help you control hunger, minimize illness, maintain muscle mass, and improve weight loss. Learn more about mindful eating after bariatric surgery by attending one of our free support groups or by contacting our nutritionist for more guidance. To learn about achieving a healthier weight through weight loss surgery, attend a free bariatric surgery seminar, call us at 877-691-3001 or contact us online.
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