(If you missed Part One, you can read it here!)

 

In Part One, we covered how to ensure we are covering the basics for our wls success, in the easiest possible way, without having to struggle to prepare for those last minute summer plans.

 

In Part two, we will cover how to survive the summer gatherings, without sacrificing your wls lifestyle and choices and how to ensure you have healthy protein and other food sources available to you when they may not be otherwise.

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Cookouts, potlucks, and other social eating situations:

While throughout the year we are faced with social gatherings that are based around eating, summer can be a particularly big time for these gatherings. Don’t let these get togethers derail you in your wls journey. There are ways you can enjoy these gatherings without allowing them to sabbotage your journey.

First, lets address the food pushers you are likely to encounter. They are everywhere. They mean well in most cases, but unless they are traveling a similar journey to the one you are on in your wls way of life, they likely just don’t get it. Many believe that feeding those they care for is a way of showing love. Some may feel that if you are not downing the food presented to you, that you are somehow unhappy with the food.

You do not have to defend yourself in this situation, nor do you have to address your dietary restrictions, if you choose not to. But what you must do, is to stay true to yourself, and the journey to health you are on, and not allow anyone to set you off track, no matter how “well intentioned’ they may be.

Here are a couple of ideas that can help you easily and comfortably deal with the food pushers you may encounter. When they start asking why you are not eating more, or tempting you to go back for seconds try the following responses:

If the food pusher is aware of your weight loss surgery, just remind them that your tummy can only hold small amounts at a time, but that you truly enjoyed what you were able to fit in to your tummy.

 

You can also choose to put a bit of this, and a bit of that on your plate. Even if it is more than you know you can eat, just kind of push it around on your plate a bit in between bites, as this will give the appearance of it having been eaten at. be sure not to put anything on your plate that you should not be eating. No point in tempting yourself!

If you find that you are being offered “leftovers” to take home, and you know they are foods you should not be eating, but do not want to hurt feelings, simply accept them gracefully, and before arriving home, get rid of them! Feed them to your dog..give the plate to a neighbor who may appreciate it…do anything but keep it or eat it.

If the gathering is a potluck, be sure to bring a dish or two that you know is something you can safely eat, without sabbotaging your food plan, but that you will find very satisfying, so you are not tempted to eat food others bring that will not be such a good choice. Remember, focus on lean, protein rich foods. If the meats being served have skin on them, remove the skin prior to eating it, and remove any visable fat.

Traveling and Food:

A big challenge for weight loss surgery folks can be having access to healthy food choices while on the road. Gone are the days of packing up those chips and such to keep your tummy happy while on the road. So, what do you do?

 

Plan! And plan well. If you know you will be eating at restaraunts along the way, try to do some research before your trip and locate establishments that offer low fat, low carb, healthy choices on their menu’s. A couple of sites you can visit for info on dining out in different locations are:

Keep in mind too, that at many restaraunts you can request for them to prepare your food specially so that it is lower in fat or carbs. Worse case scenerio, you can almost always find a good salad, and have them add chicken, egg and cheese to it, to make it protein rich.

Be sure to prepare a cooler for your trip. You may consider buying some dry ice, to prolong the cooling time. In your cooler place a variety of high protein foods that you can easily eat on the go. Some ideas:

Also be sure to include other food items such as various vegetables and fruits, that have been washed, sliced, and placed into single serving baggies or containers. Then of course, plenty of cold water for quenching your thirst.

 

Another great snack for on the go is jerky. You can find it in beef, chicken or turkey and it provides a nice protein content and can keep you satisfied for quite a while, thuis reducing your temptation to eat more frequently. if you are feeling like a true sport, you may even choose to make your own jerky, prior to your trip. Then you get just the flavor you like!

 

Wishing you all a safe, happy , fun and successful WLS Summer! Until next week:

Here’s to your success!

Patrece