Welcome Summer Healthy Tips & Recipes

Summer is here! Wow, the year is flying by. I thought I'd share a few tips, reminders and recipes to help you have the best and healthiest summer ever. Click thru all the links and pics for recipes and more. While these are especially written for the bariatric surgery reader I think those that are eating low carb, keto, protein forward meals will find some favorites too.

Go Outside - Move your workout into nature, it's way more fun than a smelly gym and there is more to look at. Ride bikes, play tag with your kids, set up badminton or smaller spaces are great for corn hole games or go on a scavenger hunt in the neighborhood, make some protein granola and take a hike or a long romantic (or for the single gals like me, it's me-time) walk, do you have a pool or a neighbor with one... MARCO POLO anyone?!

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Recipes Low Carb Keto Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS

Exercise early in the day, not only is it safer to exercise in the cooler hours of the AM, it will give you a good start for the day. Always wear sunscreen and bring your water with you.

Cool Eats - Visit your local farmers market, try a fruit or veggie you've never tried, ask the seller what he or she likes to do with it, get creative in the kitchen make some fun salads or create your own salad bar or have a tidbit party.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Recipes Low Carb Keto Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS

More Eggface Cool Eats

Summer is also prime bento box picnic weather. Pack lunch or dinner and take it out into nature... watch the sunset, make wishes on stars, find a beach, a lake, a park, your own backyard or balcony. My town has a bunch of free movies and concerts and of course 4th of July fireworks.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Recipes Low Carb Keto Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS

More Eggface Bento Box Lunches

Quick Eats - In the summer I am always looking for ways to cut down the cooking (heating the kitchen up) time or clean-up. These are a few of my favorites that do just that...

Foil Packets Meals
Sheet Pan Dinners
BBQ Dinners

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Recipes Low Carb Keto Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS

If you are eating out (and heading home right away) ask for a box as you order and box up what you aren't eating before you start to use for creating meals the next day. I call this repurposing and it's definitely a time saver the next day.

Or cook big one day and turn the leftovers into easy meals for the rest of the week.

Sweet Treats - Fruit with protein-packed Greek yogurt or ricotta based dips are a favorite. Make Strawberry Cannoli, or my Fluff Stuff or churn a batch of Protein Ice Cream, make Protein Pudding Jars or Frozen "Cheesecake."

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Recipes Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS

In the triple-digit heat we often get in my neck of the woods I am especially thankful for an afternoon protein shake made frappe-style in the blender. It's a quick way to cool me down and bonus I get some protein in too. I am careful about adding too many higher calorie items and I account for it in my eating plan for the day. You can save time by making protein shake baggies too.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Recipes Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS

Drink Plenty of Water - I have always struggled with this one but I know it's not an option so I keep trying my best each day. Drinking more water would help so many of us (helps umm constipation, clear skin, healthy hair, it's a natural appetite suppressant, etc.) but staying hydrated is especially essential for bariatric surgery post-ops (caution: one of the major reasons for readmittance to the hospital in the first 30 days post-op is dehydration, so in those post-operative release instructions when they say carry your water bottle with you at all times and "sip sip sip" they mean it!)

There are lots of ways to jazz it up and even a few products that will do double duty and give you some added vitamins too.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Recipes Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Gastric Bypass Vertical Sleeve RNY VSG WLS

I always have plenty of cold water in the fridge and things like berries, cucumbers or citrus fruits on hand to add some pizazz. My latest favorite is unsweetened iced tea with a pump of Sugar-Free Torani in fruity flavors.

More tips for jazzing your H20 up

Make Memories - After cancer and the car theft, my budget won't allow for any great adventures this summer (thankful for the few trips I'm getting to go on via my work or volunteer positions) but I do live in a pretty awesome area of the country and so I've got a few local places to explore and hang out on my list.

Money Saving Tips

Southern California Carlsbad

Do you have a summer bucket list? What’s on it? I’d love to hear about it.
Happy Summer!