FISH FOR DINNER TONIGHT!
Wouldn't it be great if a diet purported to be good for you recommended hamburgers and French fries, cookies and ice cream? It's never that way though. We all know what we're supposed to eat and, no matter the medical condition, there is very little variation.
A classic diet for a recovering surgical patient is as predictable as a hospital menu.
1. Fiber! Yes, it is good for lowering cholesterol but more importantly, it helps prevent constipation which is often a post surgery problem. Whole grain bread and high fiber cereals, without a lot of sugar, are the basis of this food group.
2. Lean meat , baked or broiled, is a great source of protein, vital to recovery. Chicken, turkey, the "new" pork, and FISH should be the foundation of your meal plan. If you are vegetarian, substitute soy, tofu or beans.
3. Fresh fruits and vegetables round out a balanced dinner plate. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Fresh fruits are preferred over canned. Smoothies are a popular way of consuming fruit in a convenient and portable manner.
4. Protein and calcium are essential for healing and recovery. A great source is low fat dairy foods. It seems more and more folks are lactose intolerant but there are many alternatives. Constipation can be a side effect of dairy but increasing fiber may solve that difficulty.
5. The good news is that this is one of the few times you are advised to increase your caloric intake. Your body needs the increase for healing and energy. Get more calories by adding larger portions of lean meat, smoothies that incorporate less sugary fruits, and protein powder.
At least we don't have to dive and catch our fish like the osprey in the photo above. But it would be cheaper than the grocery store!
2. Lean meat , baked or broiled, is a great source of protein, vital to recovery. Chicken, turkey, the "new" pork, and FISH should be the foundation of your meal plan. If you are vegetarian, substitute soy, tofu or beans.
3. Fresh fruits and vegetables round out a balanced dinner plate. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Fresh fruits are preferred over canned. Smoothies are a popular way of consuming fruit in a convenient and portable manner.
4. Protein and calcium are essential for healing and recovery. A great source is low fat dairy foods. It seems more and more folks are lactose intolerant but there are many alternatives. Constipation can be a side effect of dairy but increasing fiber may solve that difficulty.
5. The good news is that this is one of the few times you are advised to increase your caloric intake. Your body needs the increase for healing and energy. Get more calories by adding larger portions of lean meat, smoothies that incorporate less sugary fruits, and protein powder.
At least we don't have to dive and catch our fish like the osprey in the photo above. But it would be cheaper than the grocery store!
Archive timeline: 2014: May and June - preparing for surgery, July - surgery and post op problems, August - recovery and physical therapy, September...
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