By Dr. Seun Sowemimo
After living through 2020, we’re all justifiably ready to kick back, let loose and enjoy every minute of this summer. But for people who need to carefully manage their weight–before, during or after weight loss–this season can be as tricky to navigate as the holiday season. And summer is three months long–not just a day or two.
The good news is you can enjoy an icy treat, eat a burger (ideally a plant-based burger 🙂 and not face catastrophic weight gain.
You should have a treat, you should enjoy yourself.
But don’t let it get out of hand.
Losing or maintaining weight loss is not rocket science, I promise you–
If you over-indulged over the weekend, be extra strict with your Monday – Friday nutrition plan.
If you exceed your calorie limits, reduce your calorie intake and boost your exercise for the next two to three days.
Lori Skurbe, our staff dietitian, offers more great ideas for summer weight loss:
- Bring a dish to a picnic or BBQ that is both healthy and tasty–a fresh fruit salad, marinated grilled vegetables or chicken are always welcomed.
- Use the smallest plate available for your meal. After you eat, see if you really need a second helping.
- Eat your healthy protein first — whether it is grilled chicken or a turkey burger patty.
- Drink plenty of calorie-free beverages. It is easy to become dehydrated post weight loss surgery and even easier in the hot, humid summer months. Make sure you have plenty of water or 0 calorie, non-carbonated beverages available.
- Watch those “slider foods”! Slider foods are usually excessively high-carb snack foods–chips, popcorn, crackers, cookies–that do not offer much nutrition, do not keep you full very long and go down way too easy — hence the name slider foods…
- Take a look at what is being served at the picnic or BBQ and plan your meal in advance. Remember to follow your bariatric meal plan — protein first, then vegetables, then a carb.
- Get active! Plan physical activities during summer outings – volleyball, badminton, horseshoes or just go for a walk. Not only will you burn extra calories, you will also have fun and get away from all that tempting food!
Finally, why waste calories on alcohol?
Don’t fall prey to peer pressure to drink alcohol, which wastes too many calories.
Carry your red Solo cup around–just keep it filled with non-sweetened iced tea or water.
You’ll feel much better tomorrow morning 😉
If the long Covid-19 era or recent events in your life have thrown you off course and you need help, call our Prime Surgicare weight loss team at (732) 414-2707 and schedule an appointment; we’ll strategize a back-on-track plan together that will work for your lifestyle and get the scale moving downward again!