Managing Easter Chocolate Temptations

 

 

Managing Easter Chocolate Temptations, cravings and consumption of Easter eggs after weight loss surgery can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can enjoy the holiday without derailing your weight loss progress.

 

In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for managing chocolate cravings and enjoying Easter eggs after weight loss surgery.

 

 

Plan Ahead

Before Easter arrives, plan ahead for how you’ll manage your chocolate cravings and consumption of Easter eggs. Consider setting goals for how much chocolate you want to consume and plan your meals and snacks accordingly. You may want to consult with your weight loss surgeon or dietitian to develop a plan that’s right for you.

Choose Small Portions

When it comes to Easter eggs and other chocolate treats, portion control is key. Instead of indulging in a large Easter egg or box of chocolates, choose small portions that fit within your daily calorie and protein goals. For example, you could enjoy a small Easter egg after a high protein meal or split a larger Easter egg with a friend or family member.

Opt for Dark Chocolate

If you’re going to indulge in chocolate, opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and more cocoa solids, which can provide health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Just be sure to choose dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa solids to maximize the health benefits.

Don’t Forget Protein

After weight loss surgery, getting enough protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and supporting weight loss. When you’re indulging in Easter eggs or other treats, don’t forget to include protein-rich foods in your meals and snacks. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, and protein shakes.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a technique that involves paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues and savouring the taste and texture of your food. When you’re indulging in Easter eggs, try to practice mindful eating by taking small bites, chewing slowly, and focusing on the flavours and textures of the chocolate. This can help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions and reduce the risk of overeating.

Find Alternative Easter Activities

Finally, consider finding alternative Easter activities that don’t revolve around chocolate and sweets. You could plan an Easter egg hunt with non-food prizes or organize a family game night or movie marathon. By focusing on activities that don’t involve food, you can reduce the temptation to indulge in Easter treats.

 

In conclusion, managing chocolate cravings and consumption of Easter eggs after weight loss surgery can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can enjoy the holiday without derailing your weight loss progress.  To find out how we can help you manage your chocolate cravings go to our website www.savvybariatrics.com.

 

Remember to plan ahead, choose small portions, opt for dark chocolate, don’t forget protein, practice mindful eating, and find alternative Easter activities. Happy Easter!

 

Stay Savvy

 

 

Because, Because I Can

Because, Because I Can

I’m sitting here on a wonderful sunny day with a pot of freshly brewed tea in a regal looking cup and saucer fit for a queen.  Peaceful, warm. Feeling a slight breeze and very content with my lot.  Then I realise I’m eating this delicious long pastry with cream, jam, and fabulous pink icing on top.  It looks spectacular.

 

I bite into this artwork of pastry in anticipation it will taste amazing. My reality is, I can’t even taste it.  If there is a taste, it’s one of those overly sweet sugary types. You know the ones, they have you wondering just how many teaspoons of sugar you are consuming in that one piece of deliciousness.

 

There is no enjoyment in eating this.  I am somewhat disappointed.  So, I ask myself WHY?  Why are you eating this?  Because I can.  Because no one can tell me not to.  Because it’s there.  Because it just looks so damn good.

 

Because, Because, Because,  Because, Because.

 

For me, the epitome of being slimmer, was being able to sit down in a café enjoying a coffee and a sweet treat without being judged by anyone for doing so.  Just being there, being normal, feeling normal.  Feeling confident. Because slim people could do that.  I wanted to do that.

 

So much of my life what I ate was scrutinised by my father.  He meant well.  He really did.  However, his actions and over concern for my weight initiated a myriad of issues including, secret eating habits and buying of “forbidden” food.  Thus began the installation of a relationship with food that was totally toxic and secretive. They were hard years.  They were sad years.

 

As I look back at this pastry thingy, I wonder if I am eating it out of rebellion?  Just to reinforce that no one is the boss of me, and I can eat whatever I want?  Maybe, maybe not.  WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT I HAVE A CHOICE.   DO I need it?  NO.  Do I want it?  NO. Am I hungry?  NO. What will I get from eating it?  NOTHING.

 

So Why did I order this artistic masterpiece of pastry?  Habit.

It’s what I used to do in My Fat Life. I ate unconsciously.  What triggered this hiccup?  Feeling somewhat flat and isolated due to a health issue and it had been some time since I was able to frequent a cafe.  It’s very normal to revert to what made us feel safe or secure in the past.  It cocoons us.  The question is do we stay in the cocoon because it feels familiar and safe in the moment?  For me, luckily, my years of training and working with bariatric weight loss clients kicked in exactly as it was supposed to.  Having control over the seductiveness of that pastry is a major triumph.

 

You want to know if I continued to eat it don’t you? 

I didn’t.  I had no want to.

 

Soaking up the glorious sun I continued to enjoy the flavour and aroma of my freshly brewed tea in my regal style crockery.  Content knowing that I can choose to eat what I want without guilt, shame, or judgement. Because, Because I Can.

 

Living and eating consciously is what I do now.  I moved out of that cocoon.

 

Stay Savvy

 

PS. :   If you want to live and eat consciously schedule a free strategy call and let’s have a chat