Mindful eating after weight loss surgery is a valuable practice to maintain a healthy relationship with food. Mindful eating is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Be patient with yourself and continue to work on building a healthy, mindful relationship with food.
To practice mindful eating after weight loss surgery, follow these steps:
- Consult your healthcare team: Before making any changes to your eating habits, consult your surgeon, dietitian, or other healthcare professionals to ensure that you are following the appropriate guidelines for your specific surgery.
- Start with a calm environment: Find a quiet, comfortable space to eat, free from distractions such as television, phones, or other electronic devices.
- Use smaller plates and utensils: Using smaller plates and utensils can help you control portion sizes, slow down your eating pace, and allow you to better appreciate the food you are consuming.
- Focus on your senses: Pay attention to the sight, smell, taste, and texture of your food. This can help enhance the eating experience and make you more aware of the food you're consuming.
- Eat slowly and deliberately: Take small bites and chew your food thoroughly. Pause between bites, and try to savor each mouthful before swallowing. This can help you better recognize feelings of fullness and satisfaction.
- Be mindful of portion sizes: It's essential to stick to the recommended portion sizes after weight loss surgery. Follow your healthcare team's guidance on portion sizes and meal frequency.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you're hungry, and stop when you feel comfortably full. Avoid eating out of habit, boredom, or emotions.
- Practice gratitude: Before each meal, take a moment to express gratitude for the food you're about to eat. This can help you build a positive and mindful relationship with food.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day can help with digestion and appetite regulation. However, avoid drinking large amounts of water during meals, as this can cause discomfort or lead to overeating.
- Keep a food journal: Tracking your food intake, emotions, and hunger levels can help you identify patterns and better understand your relationship with food. This information can be useful when discussing your progress with your healthcare team. We suggest using an app, such as MyFitnessPal or Cronometer .
Remember, mindful eating after weight loss surgery is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Be patient with yourself and continue to work on building a healthy, mindful relationship with food.
**If you or anyone you know is interested in having affordable weight loss surgery, please visit www.beliteweight.com or call us directly (800) 215-6497 and we'll be happy to give you more information.