Bariatric Diet: How to Satisfy Yourself and a Finicky Family

After weight loss surgery you have probably learned what foods are best for you and most tolerated by your modified digestive system. But is your family on board with your new diet? Some bariatric patients find themselves making two meals: one that is suitable for a bariatric diet and one that the rest of the family will eat.

Low Calorie Pizza for the Whole Family

Since you are eating healthier now there is no reason that your family can’t too – and enjoy their meals. Pizza may have been a dietary staple for your family. It’s a favorite with most kids. You can still have pizza but in a more healthy (and delicious) way.

Homemade pizza is not as difficult as you might think. It’s a great way to have the whole family participate in meal preparation and choices. Individual pizzas can be made quite easily and make everyone feel special with their own pizza.

Use a low-fat, whole wheat pita bread for the base. Add a little bit of seasoned tomato sauce and then stack on the vegetables. Sliced turkey sausage makes a great addition too. Top it off with low-fat, part-skim mozzarella cheese and you have a pizza fit for a king. Keep in mind that this meal should be a treat, and not a staple.

Salads can be Fun

If your finicky eaters usually turn their noses up at salads let them pick some of the ingredients and help prepare them. Some fun ingredients are sunflower seeds, craisins, strawberries, raspberries, and mandarin oranges. They help make a colorful and appetizing salad.

Who Doesn’t Like Shakes?

If your brood loves milk shakes and frozen smoothie drinks, you can all have this tasty blender drink with healthy ingredients. Try making a shake with low-fat yogurt, strawberries, frozen bananas, or pineapple. Throw in a little vanilla or almond extract to liven up the flavors.  Let the kids pick their favorites and flip the switch on the blender.

Including the Family in Meals Makes a Difference

It’s a great way to bring the family together by letting them participate in the food choices. Everyone usually has a favorite. A good way to keep them all happy is to let them each have a day of the week where they get to have their favorite food included somewhere in the menu. Everyone will soon realize eating can be enjoyable and healthy.

Getting the proper vitamins into your family does not have to be difficult. Although you will need to always take your bariatric vitamins, eating healthy and setting an example will benefit your whole family.  You’ll feel better knowing your family will be in good physical shape too.

As your healthy journey continues you certainly want your family to be healthy too. Showing them healthy ways to enjoy meals will help their lives be more vigorous and long lasting. Even the finicky ones can learn good habits and have a great time.