The holidays are here, and with them come tables overflowing with an abundance of delicious Christmas food. However, if you have gone through gastric bypass, the festive season may pose an unusual challenge for you. You need to be very careful with your food choices during the holiday season to avoid complications that may arise after gastric bypass. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to deal with food after gastric bypass during the holidays.
1. Be mindful of portion sizes
When you’re at a social gathering, food temptations may surround you, making it easy to overeat. However, remember that overeating is not an option for individuals that have gone through gastric bypass. One way to overcome temptation is to use a smaller plate to manage portion sizes. Take a small portion of your favorite food and savor it slowly. This will not only help you avoid overeating but also allow you to enjoy each bite more fully.
2. Remember to stay hydrated
During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in all the festivities and forget to stay hydrated. Remember that after gastric bypass surgery, your body needs more water. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip on it regularly to avoid dehydration. Drinking water will help you feel fuller and prevent you from overeating.
3. Stick to your dietary restrictions
Holiday feasts are usually filled with unhealthy foods that may not be recommended for a gastric bypass patient. Remember to stick to your dietary restrictions despite the distractions surrounding you. Avoid sugary and fatty foods, and opt for healthier options such as lean meat, vegetables, and fruits. Sticking to your dietary restrictions is the best way to avoid complications after gastric bypass surgery.
4. Plan ahead
If you’re attending a holiday dinner party, don’t hesitate to ask about the menu beforehand. Make a mental note of which healthy foods will be available and which ones you should avoid. This way, you’ll be able to plan your meal beforehand to avoid getting tempted with unhealthy food options. You could also bring along a healthy dish to share with others. Doing this will help ensure that there is at least one healthy option that you can eat.
5. Don’t give in to peer pressure
Peer pressure can be a real challenge during holiday gatherings. Friends and family may encourage you to eat foods that are not good for your health or that don’t fit well with your dietary restrictions. Don’t feel obligated to overeat or indulge in unhealthy foods to please others. Remember, you’re working towards a healthier you, and you need to make conscious choices to maintain your progress.
The holiday season can be a great time to celebrate with friends and family. However, for those who’ve undergone gastric bypass surgery, the festive season can present a challenge in terms of food choices. By following these tips, you’ll be able to stick to your dietary restrictions and maintain your progress towards a healthier you. Remember to be mindful of portion sizes and stay hydrated, plan ahead, and don’t give in to peer pressure. With these tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying a happy, healthy holiday season.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by intense and unstable emotions, extreme mood swings, and impulsive behaviors. It affects nearly 1 in every 100 adults in the United States (including my partner) and can significantly impair one's quality of life. While traditional treatment methods such as therapy and medication can be effective, there are other complementary therapies such as aromatherapy that can also offer relief. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the benefits of aromatherapy for patients with BPD.
Aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety and stress
One of the hallmark symptoms of BPD is intense anxiety and stress. Aromatherapy can be incredibly beneficial in reducing these symptoms by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are known for their calming effects and can be diffused or used in topical applications like massage oils to promote relaxation.
Aromatherapy can improve mood stability
One of the biggest struggles for BPD patients is their mood instability. Aromatherapy can help with this by improving overall mood stability and creating a sense of balance. Essential oils like peppermint and lemon are known to have mood-boosting effects and can be diffused or used in baths or shower gels.
Aromatherapy can help reduce insomnia
Another common issue for BPD patients is insomnia or difficulty sleeping. Aromatherapy can be incredibly effective in promoting sleep by creating a calming environment. Essential oils like lavender or bergamot can be diffused or added to bathwater or massage oils to create a relaxing atmosphere that encourages healthy sleep patterns.
Aromatherapy can promote mindfulness
Another aspect of BPD that can be difficult is being present in the moment or practicing mindfulness. Aromatherapy can be used as a tool to help promote mindfulness by using scents to ground oneself in the present moment. Essential oils like frankincense or sandalwood can be diffused or used in meditation practices to help facilitate mindfulness.
Aromatherapy can enhance self-care practices
Finally, aromatherapy can be a great addition to self-care practices for those with BPD. Taking a few moments to diffuse an essential oil or run a bath with added essential oils can be a great way to prioritize self-care and relaxation. This can be especially helpful in times of crisis or high stress.
In conclusion, aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in managing some of the symptoms associated with BPD. By promoting relaxation, stability, and mindfulness, essential oils can help improve overall quality of life for those with BPD. As with any therapy, it's important to find what works best for you personally, but integrating aromatherapy into your self-care routine is certainly worth considering. It has been working well for my partner.
