Fruit

Whats the deal with fruit? I put a 1/4 to 1/2 a small banana in my protein shake...I ate a tiny piece of melon on Easter...What else have you tried that didnt have to go into the blender?

Besides banana, I've added a few peach slices or 1/4 cup of blueberries or strawberries to my vanilla shakes. Lovely! And I eat a few grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, or other fresh fruit at the end of my dinner. I can only fit a bite or two, but it's such a treat! I savor the moment! Fruit is not a no-no, but following the rule of protein first at every meal, then veggies, then fruit, I can fit in a small amount and be very happy, plus get the needed vitamins, etc.

Hugs!

I thought we had to avoid grapes and raisins because they dont break up well? I know anything with seeds should be avoided too. Also, the white part of an orange or any citrus.

I put them in my Magic Bullet, so they are pureed and I have no problem digesting them...but I don't have any restrictions on what I can eat this far out. My Bariatric Nurse Practitioner told me to put banana in my shake because my potassium was a bit low. 

Talk to your NUT if you have any questions on what you can or can't have. Every doctor seems a little different in some areas.

Hugs!

Every plan is different, my plan called for only eating berries and other low carb fruit until goal.  Bananas were definitely out because of the high sugar content.  It was easy for me because I lost most of my weight during the winter months.

 Elina:

How long have you been at goal and how is your willpower at this point?  do you find eating much easier (in terms of normalcy, not amount) now?
 

I have been at goal for about 16 months now. My willpower is OK, I find that most days I am just fine, it does get harder for a few days right before my TOM.  I am still eating protein first most meals, but I have treats most days now too.  I eat between 1200-1800 calories now and try to get in about 70 g. of protein.

 1200-1800 calories sounds great without weight gain and sensible eating.  How are you able to take that much in?  

It is about what a normal woman my age and height and weight needs to maintain.  I eat closer to the 1200 amount on most days, but if I feel like it, I eat more.  I really use the scale to tell me how I am doing.  This can drive some crazy, but it really works for me.  I try to stay in the 103-105 range.  If I go over that even for one day, I pull back on the calories and the carbs to the 800 range until the weight comes off.  This usually takes a few days.  Some people think it is obsessive to do this, but it is what I think I need to stay on top of this.  I think in maintenance there are many different ways of making it work, and each body is so very different.  Maintenance is all about learning about yourself and having a plan and sticking to it.  At least that is what it is for me.

My fave breakfast is 3 oz of Breakstone's 2% cottage cheese with a little tub of mandarin oranges mixed in (the snack size for  kid's lunches).   I drain the juice.
Love it!