Remember These Healthy Tips at the Thanksgiving Table

Lisa Harris of Clementon, NJ, was a self-proclaimed “yo-yo” dieter her whole life. Moved by her father’s dying request to get healthy, Harris had gastric bypass surgery at Penn Medicine with Alan Shuricht, MD, FACS. In this blog post, she discusses her strategies for tackling holiday meals after bariatric surgery.

Autumn has arrived. There’s a crispness in the air, trees are displaying their colors, and sweaters are coming out of hibernation. Autumn also means something else: The holidays are right around the corner, looming like a double-barreled shotgun of food.

As a bariatric patient, holidays have taken on a different meaning. My family has always been food-centric, and having a lot of Italian-based traditions, sometimes it can turn into a veritable carb-fest. Having survived my first year of holidays in a post-op world, I have several pointers to help others get through the next few months.

Eat Before You Eat

If you’re going to a party, try to eat beforehand. Make sure what you eat before a party is quality protein, and get as much water in as you can before the party. Slip a protein bar in your purse or jacket pocket just in case.

Here’s the main rule for going to any party or gathering: Indulge a little. Yep, you heard me. You want something? Go ahead and have a taste. As long as you’re not immediately post-op and still healing, one bacon-wrapped scallop, half a mini egg roll, or a mozzarella stick isn’t going to hurt. If you eat it slowly, take small bites and chew it completely, you can stretch one of those little treats out while socializing.

Stick With Spoonfulls

Thanksgiving can be easy. Turkey is a well-tolerated protein. Stuffing? Sure, have a TINY spoon. Green bean casserole? A tiny spoon.

Cranberry sauce? You bet! (Check out the mini-recipe below since the canned stuff is full of sugar.)

Corn Bread? Sure, have a teeny piece, but save it for last. If it doesn’t fit, skip it.

The only thing that I absolutely skip on Thanksgiving is the candied sweet potatoes. But just because I can’t eat them, I can still smell them! A good whiff of anything can go a long way!

Pick Protein First

The December holidays are pretty much handled the same. Whether it’s Hanukkah or Christmas, Kwanzaa or New Year’s Eve, there’s bound to be a gathering for a special meal.

Choose wisely. Follow the “protein first” rule. Watch out for sugar-laden sauces (candied anything is a big no-no), and stay away from most pasta, potatoes, rice or corn dishes that are high in carbs. Desserts are usually off-limits due to their sugar content. Lucky for me, my sister will make a small sugar-free version so I get to try whatever the rest of the family is having.

Enjoy What Holidays Are Really About

For me, the holidays are much less centered on food and much more a celebration of family and enjoying life again. The main ideas here are to know that it’s okay to indulge a little, make wise choices, and enjoy the holidays.

There is no mistake or misstep that can’t be corrected tomorrow.

Make Cranberry Sauce Without Regrets

Put about a half-cup of fresh cranberries and a quarter cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat to boiling, then lower heat to a simmer, and stir while the cranberries cook down. Simmer until reduced and thickened. Stir in 2 to 3 packets of Splenda for sweetness.

Cool and store in the refrigerator until turkey time.

Learn More About Weight-loss Surgery at Penn

Penn can help you lose weight, and get back to a healthier lifestyle.

Join us for a free information session abut weight-loss surgery at Penn. Meet Penn weight-loss surgeons, and learn what weight-loss options are available to you.

Register for a free information session today.