After bariatric surgery, strenuous exercise can be very challenging depending on your mobility. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t lead a healthy life. Thankfully, there are ways you can lose weight without exercise after bariatric surgery and without following an intense workout routine. We put together the following advice to help you lose weight when regular physical activity may not be an option.
4 Ways to Lose Weight without Exercise
Get Your Diet Straight
The best way to lose weight, no matter one’s mobility level, is to eat healthy. That means avoiding overly processed foods and drinks, which is already a dietary guideline after weight loss surgery. However, when you eat processed foods, make sure they are as natural as possible, such as pre-made bread. Yet you will want to try to limit carbs, whether processed grains or whole grains, after your bariatric procedure.
Processed sugars are also unhealthy and can cause weight gain. Similarly, a diet high in sugar and processed foods after bariatric surgery can lead to dumping syndrome, defined as the body’s intolerance to foods high in sugar and fat. These high sugar and fatty foods empty quickly from the stomach into the intestines causing nausea, clamminess, sweating, cramping, pounding heartbeat, light-headedness, and diarrhea.
Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks such as soda, sweetened coffee drinks, alcohol, and even fruit juice. Instead, drink water or unsweetened tea. Refreshing and healthy, upping your water intake will also help you process the foods you eat.
Consider the Calories
Americans are not very good at planning their meals. We eat 25 percent more calories today than we did in 1970, which partly explains the rising obesity rates in our society. Our portions are huge, and the calories per plate of food match. Even healthy foods, in excess, can have detrimental effects on our weight. Portioning meals is essential for weight loss, just as much as eating nutritious foods is.
Consider a meal delivery service if you struggle with portion control or need help making nutritious meals. These services supply you with fresh ingredients while simultaneously providing the ideal amount. They’re convenient and an excellent way to diversify your diet in a healthy way. Otherwise, invest in an app that allows you to keep track of calories (we recommend MyFitnessPal) or a food scale to give you better portion control. Even keeping a calorie journal can make sure you don’t overspend with your meals and make healthful choices.