Very few things scream summer more than revelling in beautiful weather by enjoying the perfect BBQ in a friends back garden. Hearing the sizzling of the sausages and the smoky smell hitting you almost immediately can leave your mouth watering. Striking a healthy balance after bariatric surgery can be difficult, but we’ve put together our top tips on how to do so and survive BBQ season.
It’s worth knowing that if you have been invited to someone’s gathering, they’re likely to know about your situation and will be aware of the sort of foods that aren’t on your menu. If not, there’s nothing wrong with letting them know about your dietary requirements in advance.
If you’re uncomfortable with bringing up your weight loss surgery or feel awkward asking the host to modify their menu, why not create a healthy dish to contribute to the BBQ? You’ll be doing everyone a favour, and most importantly, yourself.
Those who have reached the eight-week mark of their recovery stage will be able to reintroduce lean meats into their diets. Traditionally barbecued meats like burgers and steak are likely to be too difficult to digest at this stage, though chicken skewers are ideal. Chicken is a lean protein and when served on skewers allows you to eat smaller pieces without missing out on that delicious barbecued flavour. If you don’t feel ready to eat meat just yet, try vegetable skewers instead. Whether you like peppers, onion and aubergine or more, veggies can provide you with the nutrients you need, are easy to digest and taste all the more delightful when cooked on the BBQ.
Turkey is also a great lean protein that can be cooked on the BBQ. You can also buy turkey substitute sausages which are a great alternative when you’re unsure about eating pork.
When it comes to dessert, it’s best to skip anything that has been laid out for you. A fantastic dessert for those who have undergone weight loss surgery is a summer fruit salad. We’d advise bringing your own with you to help avoid temptation from the sweet treats already on offer.
Before the BBQ, eat something small. Don’t go on an empty stomach as doing so will stop you from making sensible, healthy choices. A light snack of fruit or vegetables will help to curb your appetite. It’s also vital to stay hydrated at all times- water is, of course, the best choice. There’s likely to be a range of fizzy and alcoholic drinks available at a summer BBQ, though it’s vital you steer clear. Try a sugar-free squash or a non-carbonated, decaffeinated drink of choice for a flavour burst water can’t provide.
Remember that summer BBQ’s can be enjoyed regardless of bariatric surgery. By making the right decisions, you’ll be sticking to your post-surgery diet, remaining healthy and enjoying your time with friends and family.
If you’re interested in undergoing bariatric surgery, or have already undergone the procedure and need some help in making the right food choices, get in touch today. For more information, visit our contact page or give us a call on 01823 215714.
Disclaimer: Please note that weight loss surgery results and benefits are unique to each individual and in such The Bariatric Group cannot guarantee specific weight loss goals as results for each surgery can vary. If you have any questions or would like to know more about weight loss surgery please contact our expert team.
