8 Ways to Achieve Lap Band Success on Memorial Day
I always tell my patients: with the Lap Band, there are no foods you can’t eat, but there are definitely some you shouldn’t. As we’re about to embark on Memorial Day and a string of other junk food filled summer holidays, we all need to remember to keep an eye on what we’re eating.
Fortunately, the Lap Band doesn’t make us give up all our favorite foods. So, if you really want to enjoy the occasional taste of burgers, potato salad, chips or ice cream, you can. For me personally, it’s all about chocolate! But you can’t eat it all at once or your Lap Band will remind you what a bad idea that was!
So, how are you going to get through all those Memorial Day celebrations, followed by the Fourth of July picnics, the beach barbecues and the ice cream outings? Here are a few tips for you coming from a girl who’s lived through seven summer seasons without my Lap Band telling me I went too far and without regaining the weight.
- Offer to bring food. If you’re going to a friend’s house, they may have limited healthy choices to eat. Offer to contribute to the spread and bring an item or two that you really love so you can join in eating with everyone else.
- Fire up the grill. If you’re hosting, light a fire and grill something healthy and delicious like chicken and vegetable kebabs. Just be sure you don’t overcook the meat; most of us with Lap Bands can have trouble with dry, rubbery meat. (Yuck, who wants to eat that anyway?!)
- Eat before the party. Not a cook? Too busy to bring something for the buffet? Then eat your own light meal before you go. If you’re already full when you arrive, you won’t be as tempted by the hot dogs, chips and other junk.
- Plan your buffet strategy. Walk the buffet before you start piling stuff on your plate, and select the best choices for your meal in advance. You’ll be less likely to end up with too much or lots of fatty foods.
- Indulge with intention. If you want to indulge, pick the one item you simply can’t live without, and put some on your plate. That taste will help satisfy any itch to overdo. It’s good to treat yourself occasionally in moderation.
- Eat the good stuff first. Munch on the good stuff first, like grilled meats and veggies and fruit. Then you won’t have as much room for the less healthy choices.
- As always, eat slowly and chew thoroughly. When you’re at a party with friends, it’s easy to get caught up in conversation and forget about what or how you’re eating.
- Relax and enjoy! This is why we all got banded. My Lap Band Buddy is always there to help me stay on track and not overindulge.
Looking for some ideas for your own Memorial Day picnic? Check out these light, healthy summer suggestions:
What about you? Have a delicious and healthy Memorial Day recipe to share? Share links in the comments below!
Being active when you’re trying to lose weight doesn’t have to mean running a marathon, pumping iron or taking aerobics every day. But to get started, put on your fuzzy slippers.
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