Nutrition
The healthiest diet for life is one that involves eating smaller portions of healthier foods for the rest of your life. Many studies have demonstrated that diets that are lower in sugars or carbohydrates are healthier for longer life and lower body weight. After bariatric surgery, patients generally will feel more full and satisfied after eating a smaller meal. No surgery is a guarantee of successful weight loss, however, so it is up to you to eat and drink the appropriate healthier things so that you can maintain long-term weight loss. Numerous studies have showed that the following general principles are extremely effective in maintaining long-term weight loss:
- Eat a diet that emphasizes “protein first”. This means that when you shop or prepare food or begin to eat, the item you should be preparing or consuming first is a healthy protein choice. For example, a small piece of baked fish or other similar protein item would be an excellent food to base your meal around.
- Minimize excess carbohydrates. Studies indicate that we all consume plenty of carbohydrates. A dedication to minimize not only the obvious complex carbohydrates such as desserts and sweets, but also the hidden carbohydrates of breads and pastas will serve you well for long-term weight loss. Studies also show that hunger can swing dramatically with the surges in glucose and insulin associated with eating meals high in carbohydrates. Over time, a diet that consists of lower carbohydrates will usually result in lower swings in hunger and an increased feeling of satiety and satisfaction.
- Zero calorie beverages. In this day and age, we all consume plenty of carbohydrates through our regular meals. It is unnecessary and in most cases unhealthy to drink regular beverages that contain additional carbohydrates such as sugared sodas. With so many choices available today, it is essential for every person to choose a standard beverage that has simply zero calories.
- Smaller portions. The healthiest portion is one that is probably less than half the amount an average American consumes at a regular dinner. Bariatric surgery can help make it easier for people to consume smaller portions by decreasing the size of the stomach. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that a smaller portion size is healthier in the long run.
- Exercise for life. Although this is not really part of a “diet”, it is such an important part of long-term weight loss that we had to include it here. Regular sustainable daily exercise such as a long, invigorating walk is an essential component to healthier, longer life.