This simply works as a guide and helps you to connect with doctors of your choice. Please confirm the doctor’s availability before leaving your premises.
Emergency bariatric care may be needed if you experience severe abdominal pain, complications from weight loss surgery, or symptoms of nutritional deficiencies.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Spread 1/3 of the marinara sauce all over the bottom of the dish. Layer in little stacks of eggplant, mozzarella, and the remaining marinara sauce. Each stack will likely be three to four eggplant rounds high. Bake for 20 minutes or until it softens slightly and the cheese has melted.
Garnish with parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.Serving Size: One serving is half an eggplant or aproximately two stacks.Make it Vegan: Use vegan cheese shreds instead.More Flavor: Garnish with fresh basil.Serve it With: Pasta, rice, or protein of choice.NutritionFat...........9gCarbs.....18gFiber.......9gSugar......11gProtein....10g
Healthy Hugs,
About the Author: Sheri Burkeis a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens and cooking up a nutritional storm in the kitchen.
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits on your unique journeys to wellness. Today, I want to delve into a topic that has personally resonated with me – mindful eating.
When you embark on the path of bariatric surgery, you make a profound commitment to your health and well-being. It’s a journey of transformation that goes beyond physical changes; it’s about nurturing a wholesome relationship with food, body, and self. Mindful eating is a concept that aligns beautifully with this commitment and offers invaluable insights into our hunger and fullness cues.
The Heart of Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is not a diet; it’s a way of reconnecting with the sensory experience of eating. It’s about savoring each bite, fully engaging with the flavors, textures, and aromas of our food. But it’s also about tuning into our body’s signals – the gentle cues of hunger and the contented sense of fullness.
Why is Mindful Eating Important?
For those of us who are conscious of our health and well-being, mindful eating takes on great significance. It helps us recognize the subtle cues that indicate we’ve had enough. Especially after certain experiences, it’s easy to misinterpret our body’s signals. We might still have food on our plates, but our stomachs are saying, “I’m satisfied.” Being in tune with these cues can prevent uncomfortable overeating and promote healthier portion control.
Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Food
Many of us have complex histories with food, often marked by emotional connections or using food as a source of comfort. Mindful eating encourages us to embrace food without judgment, allowing us to appreciate its nourishing qualities while reducing the emotional charge.
Enhancing Nutrient Intake
Every bite we take matters. Mindful eating helps us make the most of our food intake by ensuring that we choose nutrient-dense options and savor them fully. This can aid in better nutrient absorption and overall health.
How to Practice Mindful Eating
Engage Your Senses: Before you take a bite, pause to appreciate the appearance, smell, and texture of your food. Allow your senses to fully immerse you in the experience.
Eat Slowly: Put your fork down between bites. Savor the flavors in your mouth. Eating slowly gives your body time to send those vital fullness signals.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Are you eating because you’re truly hungry, or is it out of habit or emotion? Stop when you’re satisfied, not when your plate is empty.
Eliminate Distractions: Turn off the TV, put away your phone, and create a peaceful eating environment. This allows you to focus entirely on your meal.
Practice Gratitude: Take a moment to express gratitude for your food and the nourishment it provides. This can be a powerful way to shift your mindset around eating.
Forgive Yourself: If you have moments where you eat mindlessly or slip back into old habits, practice self-compassion. Remember, mindful eating is a journey, not a destination.
Mindful eating is a friendly companion on our path to health and well-being. It’s not about perfection but rather about embracing the imperfect, ever-evolving journey we’re on. By paying close attention to our hunger and fullness cues, we can prevent overeating, nurture a healthy relationship with food, and make the most of each nourishing bite.
I encourage you to explore mindful eating at your own pace. It’s a practice that can enrich your journey and help you build a more profound connection with the sustenance that fuels your transformation.
Healthy Hugs,
About the Author: Sheri Burkeis a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens and cooking up a nutritional storm in the kitchen.
About the Author: Sheri Burkeis a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens and cooking up a nutritional storm in the kitchen.
If you need any assistance with bariatric recipes or food plans, download the App “Bariatric Expert”. I’ve uploaded free recipes and menus to help you along your journey with all the macronutrient breakdowns there to support you and your goals.
Navigating the path of bariatric surgery involves making conscious choices that support your health and well-being. A crucial tool in this journey is the nutrition label, providing a wealth of information about the foods you consume. Understanding how to decipher these labels empowers you to make informed choices that align with your post-surgery goals. In this blog, we’ll unravel the mysteries of nutrition labels, helping you take charge of your diet and nourish your body effectively.
Reading the Serving Size and Servings Per Container: The foundation of decoding a nutrition label begins with the serving size and servings per container. This information sets the stage for accurate nutrient evaluation. Adjusting portions to your bariatric needs ensures you’re consuming an appropriate amount of nutrients while preventing overconsumption. Remember, your portion sizes may differ from those stated on the label, so use this as a guide for adaptation.
Calories: Understanding calorie content is vital in your weight management journey. The number of calories per serving indicates the energy you’re consuming. For bariatric patients, it’s essential to prioritize nutrient-dense options that offer maximum nourishment for the calories consumed. This knowledge enables you to make choices that align with your calorie goals and promote steady weight loss.
Protein Content: Protein is the cornerstone of the bariatric diet. When analyzing nutrition labels, focus on the protein content per serving. Adequate protein intake supports muscle preservation, boosts metabolism, and promotes a feeling of fullness. Look for foods that provide a substantial amount of protein while keeping an eye on other nutrients.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates play a role in blood sugar management and overall health. Pay attention to the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar, fiber, and total carbs. For bariatric patients, opting for foods higher in fiber and lower in sugar can help prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, supporting balanced energy and stable hunger.
Fats: The types of fats in your diet matter greatly. Evaluate the saturated, unsaturated, and trans fat content on the label. Bariatric patients should prioritize unsaturated fats while minimizing saturated and trans fats. Incorporating healthy fats supports heart health, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and overall well-being.
Sodium (Salt): Monitoring sodium intake is crucial, particularly post-surgery. Excessive sodium can lead to water retention and impact blood pressure. Check the sodium content per serving and choose options that are lower in sodium. This practice aligns with your goal of maintaining balanced fluid levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Vitamins and Minerals: While many nutrition labels don’t provide a comprehensive breakdown of vitamins and minerals, they may highlight certain essential nutrients. Keep an eye out for nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamins, especially those you need to prioritize in your bariatric journey. Supplementing wisely can help bridge nutritional gaps.
Decoding nutrition labels empowers you to make choices that reflect your bariatric goals. Armed with this knowledge, you can navigate the supermarket aisles with confidence, selecting foods that nourish your body while aligning with your post-surgery needs. Embrace the information on nutrition labels as your ally in achieving optimal health and a successful bariatric journey. Remember, every choice you make is a step toward a healthier you.
If you need any assistance with bariatric recipes or food plans, download the App “Bariatric Expert”. I’ve uploaded free recipes and menus to help you along your journey with all the macronutrient breakdowns there to support you and your goals.
Healthy Hugs,
About the Author: Sheri Burkeis a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens and cooking up a nutritional storm in the kitchen.
