Here's a few holiday tips that have helped me survive after having the guts rearranged.
* Eat protein dense meals. I want to snack less when I've eaten a protein dense breakfast, lunch & dinner.
* Plan your meals including any holiday snacks. If it's not on the day's plan. It shouldn't go in your mouth. Don't trade what you want most, for what you want at the moment.
* Have some weight loss surgery friendly goodies available. Remember though even healthier goodies can be over indulged in so stick to your plan and proper portions.
* If possible bring a weight loss surgery friendly dish to a party, that way you are assured of something yummy you can eat. Here's a bunch of ideas:
Shelly's Stuffed Zucchini Gondolas
Shelly's Zucchini Roll-ups (aka Pasta-less Manicotti)
Antipasto SkewersShelly's Greek Hummus Rounds
Shelly's Bacon-wrapped Pesto ShrimpShelly's Bites (aka crustless quiches)
Shelly's Tropical Shrimp CocktailFavorite Cheeses
Shelly's Crab ImperialShelly's Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Shelly's Pine Cone Cheese BallShelly's Espresso Protein Truffles
Shelly's Chocolate Mint Protein FudgeShelly's Strawberry Cannoli
* Get moving. Take a neighborhood night walk to look at holiday lights. If your weather is not cooperating turn on some music and dance, do some rockin' around the Christmas tree.* Don't skip the basics. Drink your water and take your vitamins. I always have a Ziploc baggie of my vitamins in my purse, that way if I find myself running around town longer than imagined I won't miss taking them. I couldn't imagine handling the holiday rush without my Cherry B12's.
* Don't be afraid of telling someone "no thank you" when offered non-weight loss surgery friendly items. "Oh Aunt Suzie thank you those look soooo good but I'm saving room for some of that *insert food you can eat*" (Ideas: delicious turkey, cheese, veggie...)
* Take the emphasis off eating and onto reconnecting with those you love. Maybe a touch football game in the snow or women versus men Pictionary game. We hit the beach here in Southern California. You'd be surprised how busy it is... families bring friends & loved ones from out of state for photos, kids trying out new remote control thingamabobs. We walk on the beach, bring healthy snacks and listen to Christmas music. It's a blast.
* Have fun! If you dread the holidays you probably need to rethink them. They shouldn't put you into debt, make you feel awful or anxious, or be something you are forced to do out of obligation. You are free to do whatever you like. As we lose weight we often find our voice. It's OK to say no to activities and extras that might stress you out. The world won't come to an end if you don't go to that holiday party or event.
If you are new post-op, here's a couple especially for you...
* Party foods unless you are in control of cooking them can have lots of hidden things in them... sauces high in sugars, fatty cooking methods, and could be a ticket to dump city. Best bet: bring something.
* If the holiday get-together is not a potluck (or what is you guys in the Midwest call it... a "pitch-in." Love that) then consider eating before the party or be sure to eat something you have eaten before. You don't want to try something new at a party, have it not agree with you and end up feeling sick instead of enjoying your friends and family.
* Eating (in the first few weeks especially) is not something to be done on the fly. Picture this scenario...
You pop a shrimp in your mouth and start to chew chew chew as directed by your bariatric team but Auntie Suzie comes over and starts oohing and ahhing about your weight loss, how good you look, sooooo.... gulp.... down goes a big hunk of shrimp... you start to thank her and talk but soon realize that hunk of shrimp is sitting like a rubber ball in your pouch and not moving... she's still jabbering away and you try and smile but you are in pain, sweating, nauseous... you excuse yourself and make your way to the bathroom and you spend the next few hours praying to the porcelain Gods and swearing you will never eat another shrimp (it wasn't the shrimp's fault.) This is a hard lesson to learn. Trust me.
We're entering some hard months... lots of triggers, foods, family, events, stress, it's TOUGH stuff. Remember: YOU ARE TOUGHER! Hope these tips help you have a great post weight loss surgery celebration! We have so much to celebrate!