After your bariatric surgery, shopping for food may seem like an intimidating activity. Grocery stores are full of old comfort foods and various high calorie snacks and treats. You want to make sure you’re making the best choices for your new post-surgery lifestyle. Certain routines and tips can keep you away from those tempting treats and keep you on track for weight loss.
Foods to Avoid after Bariatric Surgery
- Empty calories. These are the foods that have little to no nutritional value like pretzels, popcorn, chips and candies.
- White bread, rice and pasta. These contain simple carbohydrates. You’ll want to stick to whole grains after your surgery.
- Foods high in fat. Unless you have had duodenal switch surgery you will want to avoid foods like bacon, bologna, sausage and whole milk.
- Sugary, highly caffeinated drinks. You want to avoid caffeine since it can lead to dehydration. You also want to avoid any juices or beverages that are sweetened with corn syrup, fructose or added sugars,
Tips for Post-Bariatric Grocery Shopping Habits
- Avoid highly processed foods by staying out of the center aisles. Most grocery stores keep their produce, organic foods and deli sections on the outside aisles of the store, while the processed snacks like chips, cookies and sodas are on the inside aisles. If you can avoid pushing your cart down every aisle, you can better resist the temptation of foods that could be harmful to your post-bariatric diet.
- Plan your meals ahead of time. If you have a clear idea of what you want to eat, then you’ll know which ingredients you specifically need. Thinking of meal ideas while you’re already at the store can lead to impulse purchases that may not be beneficial to your diet.
- Make a specific grocery list and don’t put anything in your cart that isn’t on your list. If you stick to your list, you will be less likely to even look at the other temptations in the store.
Don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed by the thought of shopping after your bariatric surgery. You’ve made so much progress already, so keep that momentum going. Continue to make positive choices for your diet and your lifestyle goals.