Trying to lose weight?
If you are trying to lose weight, it is important not to focus too much on making harsh sacrifices. You are not supposed to suffer, when you are on a diet. Small, achievable steps are often the way to go, when you are trying to achieve a sustainable weight loss.
You can start by reducing your portion size by 1/3. An easy way to do this is to use a smaller plate, as this will make the portion appear bigger. It is also a good idea to introduce more fruit and vegetables into your diet to make it healthier and more balanced.
You might have heard, that these foods will cause issues with your ostomy, but as long as you consume them in moderation, this will rarely be an issue. If this is a major concern for you, try low fibre fruits and vegetables such as carrots and courgettes.
Tips for gaining weight
Sometimes it can be difficult to eat if you have to. If you need to gain weight and do not have much of an appetite, there is a few tricks you can use.
Try to eat at least something every 2 hours between meals. It does not have to be a large meal - a couple of biscuits, a yogurt or some crackers with cheese will do. If this is difficult for you, think of it as medicine - something you take to feel better, not necessarily to enjoy. In time your body will adapt, and your appetite will return.
Looking to add something new to your diet?
Having an ostomy should not keep you from trying new foods - or foods that you have enjoyed in the past. However, it is a good idea to be cautious until you know how your body (and your ostomy) will react.
Try following these ground rules to make the transition go without too many unpleasant situations:
- Write a list of 5 foods you would like to try in order of preference.
- Make sure you do not have anything planned the day after you try new foods.
- Start out with a little portion and see how you feel.
- Keep a diary of your ostomy output after trying new foods.
- If there are no issues, you can continue to enjoy the food without worrying.
- If you do experience issues, make sure you retry the food a couple of times before you decide to stay away from it completely.
Need inspiration? Make a plan!
Writing down a diet plan for the week can be helpful, when you are trying to keep a balanced diet - and it is great way to introduce new foods at a sensible pace.
