Food Quality

[Gwyn]

Does anyone else notice that post-surgery they are naturally eating higher quality food? I rarely get any pre-made stuff, and when I want veggies I want them fresh. I typically buy organic meats and when possible veggies. I get heirloom organic potatoes and I try to get heirloom tomatoes when they're available. Pre-surgery I went out to eat a LOT. I've cut WAY back on that, and when I do go, I generally eat something simple or a soup. I've always been a fresh salad fan, but I also was prone to eating pre-made stuff. now I find I WANT to cook and I want to cook good food, not just throw something into the microwave.

[jdavido]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! I refuse to restrict myself and eat what ever the hell I want to - but I find that 98% of the time I don't WANT to make bad food choices. I find myself only shopping on the OUTSIDE isle's of the grocery store - produce, meat, dairy - not much venturing into the inside isle's where the processed shit lives.

I love cooking fresh and healthy foods - rather than the shit in a box you shove in a microwave.

[stephintexas]

I think because we are eating for health and fuel and not that gorging high from before, it makes a huge difference. I know it's like that for me.

[jdavido]

Awesome way to think of it, Steph. I am VERY aware of what I'm putting into my body and like feeding my body wholesome things -

[stephintexas]

What do ya'll think of this? I've been thinking about trying it

Julian Bakery Bread

[CraftyKelly73]

I was in a terrible rut, not cooking for my family. Now I plan our meals and have been cooking a lot again. I really need my kids to learn healthy eating habits too.

[headsntails]

i agree- i try to drink my 'jungle juice' everyday.. it is kale, celery, cucumber, carrots, beets, and apples juiced from a juicer. i watched a documentary titled, 'fat, sick, and nearly dead' and got the idea from it. it has done wonders for me as i don't have any needs to take vitamins or worry about what to eat for breakfast or lunch.. my skin has never been better and i feel great! but- yes. since the sleeve, it is much easier to choose healthier food since i know i need it for nutrition not necessary to satisfy my hunger.

[Santy]

I think this is the very big difference between the UK and the USA Gwynn. Here we still shop in local green grocers on the corner and cook every day and although pre prepared meals are available in the supermarkets it is still the norm to cook fresh food, There is concern that the families are going over to bought meals and that is contributing to obesity over here, they reckon we are ten years behind the USA in most things! That s the difference in the attitude to the post op diet as well with no dependance on protein shots etc as we get it from our cooked foods Good point to bring up Gwynn, are you from Welsh stock with your name by the way?

[Fluffy]

I know for me I get to eat so little that what I do eat I want to be the best. There are times when someone will apologize for eating something in front of me and really all I can think is ... it's really ok because I wouldn't eat that anyway, it's not worth the calories.

[brendadenton64]

I gave my microwave away so I wouldn't be tempted to use it. But I did buy a appliance called ready set go, it's awesome for a single serving yall check it out you will love it as well

[Gwyn]

I think this is the very big difference between the UK and the USA Gwynn. Here we still shop in local green grocers on the corner and cook every day and although pre prepared meals are available in the supermarkets it is still the norm to cook fresh food, There is concern that the families are going over to bought meals and that is contributing to obesity over here, they reckon we are ten years behind the USA in most things! That s the difference in the attitude to the post op diet as well with no dependance on protein shots etc as we get it from our cooked foods Good point to bring up Gwynn, are you from Welsh stock with your name by the way?

My family's origins is of some debate currently. I just really like Wales and the Welsh language. I've been thinking of getting the Rosetta Stone for it. ...not that I ever have anyone to speak it with, but still. My real name is Jennifer and I usually use the name Gwynhyffar when I create an online profile. For some reason this time I shortened it.

[Gwyn]

The whole food quality thing occurred to me when I was at the grocery store the other day. I eat a LOT of shrimp and scallops these days. Pre-surgery I ate them from time to time, but really found it expensive. Now, because I don't eat as much, I pretty much live on expensive cuts of organically raised live-stock and wild caught seafood. I will buy some frozen veggies, but it's rare and they tend to sit in freezer. I would much rather get that great looking fresh asparagus and cabbage and eat on it a little at a time than have it sit in the freezer. Some day I'm going to sit down and figure out how much money I save on groceries, even while eating the expensive stuff!

[RussianBlue_x2]

Does anyone else notice that post-surgery they are naturally eating higher quality food? I rarely get any pre-made stuff, and when I want veggies I want them fresh. I typically buy organic meats and when possible veggies. I get heirloom organic potatoes and I try to get heirloom tomatoes when they're available. Pre-surgery I went out to eat a LOT. I've cut WAY back on that, and when I do go, I generally eat something simple or a soup. I've always been a fresh salad fan, but I also was prone to eating pre-made stuff. now I find I WANT to cook and I want to cook good food, not just throw something into the microwave.

I absolutely agree with you. First of all, I don't have the cravings and food obsession I once had, so it is easier for me to say NO to junk food. I figure that I have gone through a lot of effort (both the surgery and post op) and want to make it worthwhile and make it work. I found the sleeve helps me to make easier, better choices - a real lifestyle change. I don't eat as much as I used to, and I don't go out to eat as much, so I use the money I save to buy higher quality fresh, mostly organic, vegan foods at places like Sunflower Market, Whole Foods and Vitamin Cottage. I am eating mostly fresh fruits and veggies (sometimes frozen) and vegan protein (beans, soy, faux cheese, etc). White carbs are mostly gone from my diet, as are the processed foods, such as anything in a box, mix, prepared, frozen meals, most canned goods. I read the labels on those products and the ingredients/preservatives are scary. I figure that I only eat a small amount of food per day, so it needs to be good, healthy fresh food. Because I eat so much less now, I am still saving money even when I shop at the more expensive good places. The reason I don't eat out much is because the portions are huge and it's just not worth the money. I can take leftovers home, but I still usually end up throwing most of it away, because some of those servings are so huge I could eat the leftovers for four days (and by then the food is no longer fresh or I'm sick of it). I went out to eat for a work function a couple of weeks ago and the plates/portions were gigantic, even by my own pre-op standards! I'm sure most of the customers loved it, as I once did, but that is just a waste of money to me now.

I am also (and have always been) a big fan of any type of salad, and my favorite way to eat tomatoes is pico de gallo.

[compact]

i am looking forward to becoming a consumer of small amounts of exquisitely fresh and well-prepared food. this thread is very encouraging, thanks to all (esp Gwyn for starting it).

[stephintexas]

My body responds to fresh fruit and protein like it used to respond to diet coke and sugar. Carbs such as bread are still a weakness but my doctor was right, if I try sweets, I don't get the same feeling that i used to. When I started eating salads, OMG, sooooo good. Whatever is in the salad, my body lights up like a Christmas tree. I think we definitely respond different to food after surgery and the better quality, organic is something I now invest in.