{"id":10501,"date":"2025-12-19T18:35:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T18:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=10501"},"modified":"2025-12-19T18:35:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T18:35:11","slug":"holiday-eating-tips-after-bariatric-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/holiday-eating-tips-after-bariatric-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Holiday Eating Tips After Bariatric Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>It\u2019s the holiday season, and as we spend time with our family and friends, we enjoy each other\u2019s company over delicious meals. Unfortunately, the holiday season can be a time when we run into problems with weight gain. It can be especially challenging after bariatric surgery. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage our weight during the holiday season. Here are 10:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Don\u2019t\u00a0save your calories.\u00a0It may be tempting to skip meals to save calories for holiday treats, but it is better to stick to your regular eating patterns. You are more likely to\u00a0overeat if you arrive at a holiday function hungry<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    1. Remember the basics. Just because it is the holidays\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0mean you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0maintain\u00a0the same healthy eating habits you had during the rest of the year.\u00a0Pay attention to your\u00a0portion\u00a0sizes, start with protein, eat slowly, and track what you eat. Keeping these basic rules in mind can help you avoid overeating<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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      1. Be mindful of how much you are eating. Eating while socializing can easily lead to eating too much. Enjoy the company and\u00a0conversation and\u00a0save eating for a time when you can focus on\u00a0your meal<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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        1. Avoid the buffet table and the kitchen. Standing close to where the food is being served may result in mindless noshing. Carefully select the food you truly want to try, and then walk away<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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          1. Limit alcohol consumption. Drinks\u00a0containing\u00a0alcohol are full of empty calories. It is better to eat your calories than\u00a0to drink\u00a0them.\u00a0Additionally, alcohol\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0just add calories; it can also dehydrate you. Be aware that alcohol can affect you differently after bariatric surgery. You may feel the effects much sooner, even after consuming less alcohol. You are also more likely to overeat at the buffet table after a couple of drinks<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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            1. Stay hydrated. It is important to drink plenty of water and\u00a0plan ahead. This ensures that you can avoid drinking within 30 minutes of eating and still get in the recommended\u00a064 ounces\u00a0a day<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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              1. Exercise. The holiday season can be a busy time, and our exercise routines may suffer because of it. It is easier to get out of the habit of exercising than it is to get back into it after the holidays. Consider creating a workout schedule or organizing activities for the family that get everyone moving<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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                1. Bring a healthy dish to share. This will ensure that there is a healthy food\u00a0option\u00a0at the gathering<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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                  1. Find healthy alternatives for your favorite recipes. Look for healthier substitutions that cut the fat and calories of recipes. Some examples include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n