Cookouts are a classic summer staple. The sizzling sound of burgers cooking on the grill, combined with the smoky smell is enough to make your mouth water. However, if you’ve recently undergone a weight loss surgery, parties like this can be a challenge.
To help you out, Foothills Weight Loss Specialists in Knoxville has outlined some tips to keep you stay on track:
- Choose lean proteins
Protein-rich food like meat is great for keeping you full. But to stay on track especially if you’re still on the first few weeks of recovery, you have to be smart in choosing your protein source. If you have just started to reintroduce proteins in your diet, it would be best to opt for chicken skewers over burgers. They keep you full without adding too much calories in your meal.
- Be creative with your ingredients
Most store-bought marinades are high in fat and sugar, two things that are hard to digest after weight loss surgery. However, you don’t need to sacrifice flavor to comply with your new dietary requirements. All you need to do is be creative with your ingredients. Lemon, chili powder, and low-sodium soy sauce can add flavor to your food even in small amounts without causing trouble in your gut.
- Eat in small amounts
With barbecue parties and competitions here and there, you may be tempted to eat a huge sample size of each meal. Resist the urge and opt for smaller amounts instead. Your stomach can only take a small amount of food to make you feel full. And, remember to chew, chew, chew your food for better digestion.
- Skip the beer
Ah, beer… they’re everywhere at BBQs! As tempting it may be to grab one to wash down the food, resist the temptation (at least for a few months after surgery). After bariatric surgery, the stomach will struggle to metabolize the carbohydrates and sugar in alcoholic beverages. The alcohol is quickly passed into your intestines, making you feel the effects after just a few sips.
You don’t have to turn down BBQs and cookouts this summer. With these tips, you can still enjoy the season without getting off track of your weight loss journey!
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, attend a free seminar with the surgeons of Foothills Weight Loss Specialists in Knoxville. We specialize in improving people’s health through Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Register today for a seminar or view it online!