27Feb

Let’s chat about Processed foods, which have been the hot topic of many a nutrition discussion lately. What’s the concern? It has become the victim for numerous illnesses, from obesity to heart disease, cancer to diabetes.

As food preparation has gotten easier and more convenient over the years, the quality of many foods has decreased. Many important nutrients have been processed out. Concerns have also arisen over food additives and preservatives. Living in our fast paced society, convenience and ease are very important to many people, however, so is the quality of the food they consume. So, is it possible to still include processed foods into a healthy post op bariatric diet?

 

Price list for Bariatric Procedures in Tijuana and Cancun

 

The key is to always be monitoring what you are eating and how much you are eating.. Many easy high protein foods are processed foods, such as deli meat, low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt, canned tuna and even chicken breast or ground beef. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are also examples of processed foods that can be included in the diet post weight loss surgery, but should be monitored for sugar and sodium content.  Always choose those options that have no added sugar or sodium, when available.

Choosing more of the minimally processed foods will undoubtedly serve you better in the long term, as heavily processed foods will have more of those characteristics that are more likely to sabotage weight loss, than aid it. Now, does that mean you can never have a TV dinner or frozen pizza again? No – it is ok to have some flexibility in your diet, however, it is important to keep these items to a minimum, opting for the least amount of processing most of the time.

Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group.

I would love to connect with you.

 

Much success in your journey.

Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com

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Reach out to us if you have questions !

23Feb

Are you someone who decides to take the stairs every day to get to your office? 

Or are you someone who waits 5 minutes for the elevator to take you up a few flights?

We all take the elevator from time to time. 

Maybe it’s because you just had an awesome leg workout, had a long day at work, or maybe you had to carry four bags of groceries and didn’t want to drop anything. 

Your challenge this week is to NO MATTER WHAT- and no matter where you are or whatever floor you have to go to….take the stairs! 

Here are some things to keep in mind: 

 

  • Taking the stairs can save up to 15 minutes of waiting every day
  • Climbing the stairs burns around 10 calories per minute (burns more than jogging!)
  • It will get your blood flowing and boost your cardiovascular system
  • It will cause your body to produce endorphins
  • You’ll actually be saving energy and electricity 

So, your challenge is simple.  No excuses and no matter what…take those stairs! 

If you want to take it to another level, you can even add stair workouts to your routine this week!  They’re a lot of fun and pretty intense!

Set a 10-20 minute timer and start walking, jogging, or running up and (walking) down the stairs. 

 Are you in?

Nobody said it was going to be easy but I promise you it’s worth it !

 

Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group.

I would love to connect with you.

Price list for Bariatric Procedures in Tijuana and Cancun

 

Much success in your journey.

Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com

1 800 210 5124

Reach out to us if you have questions !

20Feb

I’ve had the priveldge of working with bariatric surgery patients for a decade (at the time of this post). During this time, I’ve learned what habits my most successful patients change in their life, and stick to long-term. I try not to “get on my soap box” too often when I’m counseling pre-op patients, but at the same time…I want them to succeed so I love sharing with them what habits they should focus on to get the most out of their surgery.

Here are some of my favourites:  

  • They make changes before they have surgery
  • They have a good support system 
  • They plan out their meals and have a  shopping routine
  • They try new recipes and keep variety in their diet
  • They keep a consistent sleep schedule
  • They find alternative sources of joy other than food
  • They make long term changes the focus of the journey
  • They increase their activity levels 

 

This is a marathon, not a sprint.  Surgery is a wonderful tool but don’t let the “honeymoon period” lie to you.  Quality food and quality decisions for your health is always the answer.  Always.

Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group.

I would love to connect with you.

Price list for Bariatric Procedures in Tijuana and Cancun

 

Much success in your journey.

Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com

1 800 210 5124

Reach out to us if you have questions !

13Feb

Okay Bariatric Pre Ops and Post Ops, so before you start making excuses and complaining how busy you are this week or that you can’t cook, hear me out!

Eating at home does require more time and effort, but can we talk about some of the positive sides for a few minutes instead?
 

    1. Homemade meals cost less, so lets begin with that – you’ll save money.
    2. By eating at home, you’ll always know what’s in your food.  You’ll also be more likely to eat a LOT less calories! 
    3. Dining out means you are exposed to greater temptations. And we all know most of us eat with our eyes first!
    4. Eating a healthy diet will definitely give you more energy throughout the day… which leads to more confidence, increased productivity, and better relationships.
    5. Cooking gives you the opportunity to have quality time with your family and friends.  Memories of cooking dinner and eating as a family last a lifetime.

 

So if you’re leading a busy lifestyle and you dine out a lot, this may be challenging for you at first. 

3 Key Tips for making this week a success: 

  1. Plan all of your meals ahead of time – do it today !
  2. Save time by doing a 2-3 hour cooking session where you make ALL of your food for the entire week!
  3. Always keep ready-to-eat food nearby.  Most people fail when they are hungry and run out of great options at home or at the office!

Your challenge this week is to prepare your own meals and eat at home.  If you already have plans for brunch or dining out, invite them over for a nice home cooked meal!
 
P.S. Be sure to pack your favorite protein powder !

You’ve Got This!  You’ve already overcome many obstacles just to have bariatric surgery, just keep going.  Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group. I would love to connect with you.

Make February 2017 YOUR Month!  

If you are looking for high quality Bariatric Protein Supplements Plant Based Bariatric Protein

Ready for a Bariatric Detox :  10 Day Bariatric Detox 

If you have a re-gain or a stall, you can reach out to the “Bariatric Food Experts” for the Bariatric Reset Program.

Interested in Low Carb / High Fat ?  reach out for the Bariatric Keto Program.

Time for a “bariatric expert” multivitamin ?  Here is a perfect way for bariatric patients to get it now on Amazon:  Bariatric Expert MultiVitamins

Eat Like a Bariatric Expert with our Nutrition Plans.

Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group. I would love to connect with you.

Stay motivated with Bariatric Wristbands – post your results online !

Price list for Bariatric Procedures in Tijuana and Cancun

 Much success in your journey.

Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and RHN Registered Holistic Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com

1 800 210 5124

Reach out to us if you have questions !

9Feb

 Post Ops, snacking is very important!

Snacks have such a bad reputation… and for a good reason considering what MOST people consider a snack!  

Between the stops at the vending machine and the grab-and-go at the gas station- most people are grabbing whatever is fast, sugary, and convenient.  

However- if you’re doing it right, snacks can be really great for keeping energy levels high, maintaining blood sugar, helping to nourish your body, and of course if you have kids- keeps them happy ☺ 

Choose snacks that COUNT…  that are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber to help you stay full longer and won’t spike your blood sugar.

Just because they are healthy, doesn’t mean they won’t taste great!  

Remember:  

  • ALWAYS listen to your body
  • Keep your daily caloric intake in mind 
  • Only eat when you’re hungry
  • Plan your snacks in advance
  • Always have healthy snack options available 

I know it’s hard to make smart decisions when your stomach is growling…that’s exactly why it’s SO IMPORTANT to make sure you’ve always got healthy snacks on hand.  

One of my fav go-to snacks is an apple with a little almond butter.  Simple, easy to make, tastes great, and will boost your energy while nourishing your body. 

So are you up for this week’s “Snack Responsibly” Challenge!?

 Nobody said it was going to be easy but I promise you it’s worth it !

 Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group.  I would love to connect with you.

Make February 2017 YOUR Month!  

Price list for Bariatric Procedures in Tijuana and Cancun

 Much success in your journey.

Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com

1 800 210 5124

Reach out to us if you have questions !

6Feb

Hey Bariatric Pre Ops and Post Ops!  Are you craving sugar ?  Let’s chat…


Do you know how much sugar you eat during the day (be honest!), and then use ingredient labels or simply Google how many grams of sugar each food has and count. 

The World Health Organization recommends about 25g (or less!) added sugar per day. 

This is because excess sugar intake can spike your blood sugar levels, cause you to feel more hungry, have mood swings, store excess fat, and worse… can cause diabetes and a whole host of other issues.  

Think you may be consuming too much sugar? Here are a few ways you can reduce your daily sugar consumption:
 

  1. Be more aware of what’s in the food you’re eating by reading the labels.
  2. Drink more water, especially when you feel like snacking (because cravings could be a sign of dehydration!)
  3. Try using Stevia (which won’t raise blood sugar).
  4. Have a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner (so you’ll be less hungry afterwards and won’t go around hunting for snacks.)
  5. Try preparing your meals at home instead of eating out, because that’s one of the surest ways to control what you are eating.

 

So let’s kick this inflammation-causing fire-starter to the curb and not invite it into your body in the first place.  

Let’s try something for a week.  Let’s try to keep added sugars to UNDER 25 grams per day!   Sugar that is naturally occurring in the whole foods that you’re eating is ok.  

But this means that any recipe that has “sugar” in it should get shuffled to the back of the box!  This also means you need to limit the sugar in your coffee and check EVERY label of everything you’re eating this week!
 
 Nobody said it was going to be easy but I promise you it’s worth it !
 

Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group. 

Price list for Bariatric Procedures in Tijuana and Cancun

 Much success in your journey.

Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com

1 800 210 5124

Reach out to us if you have questions !