Before eating off track, give yourself a moment of pause first so you don’t eat impulsively. You're not alone if you've regained weight after your surgery, but find yourself returning to old habits or being tempted by foods you know won't help you reach your weight loss goal or to lose weight regain. Don't be

This Spicy Salmon with Jalapeno and Lime Recipe is made with ginger, jalapeno, and lime, and is packed with flavor, low carb and keto-friendly, and ready in just 15 minutes.  Spicy Salmon with fresh ginger, jalapeno, garlic, and lime juice is one of those simple recipes you will make again and again. I am always

Does logging your food make you cringe? Do you resist keep track of what you eat? Do meal prep, meal plans, and food tracking make you yawn? You're not alone, however, the benefits are substantial to you and your weight loss journey. Research suggests that when you log your food, it creates self-monitoring, which is

How Your Metabolism Changes Throughout Your Life - It’s a well-known fact that metabolism (the chemical process by which the body converts food into energy for life-sustaining tasks) decreases with age, but a recent study reveals some surprising results. Before we dive into the details and implications of this information and what it means for

This delicious chocolate peanut butter protein fluff is so good, that you’ll think you are cheating on your diet! It’s simply made with protein powder, peanut butter powder, almond milk, xanthan gum, sugar-free pudding mix, and sugar-free chocolate chips. Oh, you know how I am…. reaching my protein goals with DESSERT!This peanut butter fluff has

As you approach your surgery date, this is a perfect time to prepare a checklist to ease the transition of recovery from hospital to home. It is important to get ready for your WLS so that you are prepared. Get Ready for Your WLS In the two weeks leading up to surgery, take time to

The anticipation before having surgery can often be the most difficult part of the entire process.  Despite what type of procedures you are scheduled to undergo, there are many ways that you can help reduce anxiety before bariatric surgery and plastic surgery.  Researching what to expect during and after your operation is common, but most

When it comes to wholesome comfort food, meatloaf is a great way to go. You can pack in all kinds of nutritious ingredients: lean meat, oats, veggies… plus a whole lot of FLAVOR! These muffin-pan versions are as healthy & tasty as they are adorable. Pair a couple with your side dishes of choice, and

What Is Self-Esteem? Self-esteem refers to the cumulation over a lifespan of thoughts and feelings that construct our perceived self-worth in the context of our relationships. Self-esteem supports or empowers us to achieve goals, make changes, and determine the course of our own lives. When it comes to creating a healthy lifestyle, self-esteem underlies the

We're kicking off our ObesityHelp National Conference on Friday with Marilyn Clark and stretching out the kinks with light exercise to start the day. We'll then have our Mix & Mingle with interactive games and prizes! You'll also have the opportunity to stop by the Clothing Exchange and visit with the bariatric-friendly vendors in the

Made simply with wholesome and flavorful ingredients, this Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa is the ultimate healthy summer recipe. Pair it alongside your grain of choice and a salad for an unforgettable meal that promises to be a crowd-pleaser. This delicious healthy recipe is all about striking the perfect balance between savory and sweet. Between

Protein and Weight Loss: You have probably heard the saying, “protein is the building block of cells”.  Every cell in the human body contains protein.  Your body needs protein in the diet to maintain lean body mass (muscle!), help your body repair cells, and help your body make new cells.  Over the past 20 years,

Compulsive overeating can also be referred to as Binge Eating. Compulsively overeating is when we eat excessive amounts of food either in the context of hunger or outside of hunger and feel “out of control”, impulsive and unable to satiate. Binge Eating which has a similar profile, in which a person will eat unusually large

Make healthy, grilled Chick-fil-A nuggets from home. It’s easy and delicious! Plus, a recipe for a low-calorie Chick-fil-A dipping sauce to go with it! I think most people under-appreciate how tasty the grilled chicken is at Chick-fil-A. So many of their customers go for the breaded chicken sandwiches, or the breaded chicken nuggets. Not me!

126 million! That’s the number of results that came up on Google when I searched the words “inflammation and diet”. Is inflammation a good thing or a not-so-good thing? When talking about your body, it can be both. Inflammation is good when it’s short term such as when you cut yourself and your immune system sends

Bariatric surgery is a big step in someone’s weight loss journey. It is a procedure that changes your life in so many ways. However, I have often seen patients focus on the numbers on the scale and forget to see the big picture. It is important to know that it’s not about the scale. Let’s

One of the best things about baking dinner in the oven? All you need to do is prep it; then you can go hang out on the couch while it cooks! (We especially appreciate this on the weeknights.) Make this delicious Cheesy BBQ Bacon Stuffed Chicken entrée for two, or multiply the recipe if you

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein® 15 servings (depending on the size of the cookie scoop)Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: Overnight to chill No-bake cookies have always been a family favorite! First of all, no-bakes are a fun and easy-to-make recipe that kids of ALL ages love helping to make as much as they love helping

Obesity is associated with a variety of degenerative and inflammatory health conditions and joint pain is one of the more significant and often limiting impacts of obesity on the obese individual. Obesity is a clear risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder that not only causes pain but reduces mobility and

A quick 5 step guide to help conquer emotionally triggered eating would be a lie. Cessation of emotional eating is not a trick or skill that be used in an “emergency” setting. To conquer this skill takes work and daily practice.  The skills to reduce or even stop triggered eating are cultivated in our daily

Easy 20 Minute Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Recipe. With only three ingredients and 20 minutes, you can have this low calorie, low carb, high protein meal of prosciutto wrapped chicken on the dinner table tonight! For four ounces of chicken breasts and two slices of prosciutto, you can have your entrée for 180 calories, 33 grams

Mindset is a very interesting word. How do you see yourself? How do you think about the foods that you choose to eat? How do you perceive your lifestyle? You may need to change your mindset. Change Your Mindset About Food and Stay On Track This is a very loaded question.  Perception is NOT always reality. 

Why I decided to have WLS Before & After RNY with Melissa, down 200+ pounds: No one wakes up and thinks, “I’m going to have weight loss surgery.” That was never on my radar. Like many other people, I struggled with weight my entire life. I was always the biggest kid in class. I was

Weight Regain From Medications or Surgical Procedures: One of the biggest fears of people who are considering or who have had weight loss surgery is the potential to regain their weight in the years following surgery. Many people who turn to weight loss surgery have spent much of their lives in a yo-yo pattern of

This easy keto Mexican chicken casserole is so rich and tasty it will be sure to earn a place on your meal plan. Full of cheesy Mexican flavor, you can throw this low-carb dinner together in minutes and then just bake it. This chicken casserole is keto comfort food. Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Recipe by: Denise Wright of

There are many bariatric surgery issues and symptoms that patients can experience after surgery. Find out the short-term and long-term issues that can occur that patients need to know about and contact your bariatric surgeon. Bariatric surgery issues and symptoms short-term issues 1. Shortness of Breath This is a symptom of a wide range of

After having regained weight after weight loss surgery (WLS), many people may feel shame, guilt, or disappointment. According to Brene Brown, Ph.D., LCSW, shame is “an intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of acceptance and belonging,” (2006). Brown (2006) proposes that some ways people experience shame feel

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein® Makes 1 serving Prep Time: 10 minutes; Time: Chill overnight Vanilla Berry Chia Seeds Parfait This recipe is made with fresh or frozen berries when combined with the Premier Protein® Vanilla Ready to Drink Shake, giving it that berries and cream flavor. It can be layered with fruit, nuts, or unsweetened

Our bodies contain more bacterial cells than actual human cells. Therefore, it is probably not surprising that our gut microbiome plays a role in many different body processes – likely more than we are even aware of. While it is well known that our microbiota plays an important role in our immune health and digestion,

These Low-Carb Double Cheesy Scrambled Eggs are sure to make for a great morning! To make scrambled eggs that are low in calories, that have 36 grams of protein and only 5 grams carbs, and still cheesy and delicious, try cheese powder and fat-free cheddar cheese. The combination is out of this world! Recently I

B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning any abundance of the B’s will be released through urine during the day. It can cause your urine to be a bright, neon color at times. Therefore, supplementing daily is vital to avoid deficiencies or shortages. B Vitamins As you consume a high protein diet, the B vitamins are crucial

Are you struggling to lose weight after surgery? Although weight loss plateaus are not uncommon after surgery, there are many habits that could be contributing to a lack of weight loss. 6 Reasons for Lack Of Weight Loss 1. Inadequate Protein Intake Protein is undoubtedly the most important nutrient in the bariatric diet. Protein plays

Carb Myths Debunked by a Registered Dietitian: Carbohydrates (aka carbs) don’t have a great reputation, especially in the weight loss world. Many of my clients’ fear eating carbs and feel the need to cut them out of their diet completely to be successful. This only leaves them feeling deprived, low energy, and miserable. What if

The Importance of B12 Vitamins: B12 is another B vitamin that is water-soluble.  Small traces of it are absorbed and stored in the liver, some utilized, and the rest is urinated out. It has an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health, DNA synthesis and assists in red blood cell growth. Good sources of B12 are

If you're taking a break from using the stove or oven, we strongly suggest using your slow cooker and making this Slow-Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe. Make delicious food with minimal effort AND without overheating your kitchen! This easy recipe is packed with flavor! As a result of the long, low-temperature cooking, slow cookers help tenderize

Strategies to Change Your Mindset: It’s not unusual for me to start and stop a new written piece many times, so I was not surprised that I had that experience writing about “I have to” versus “I want to.” The surprise was the wave of the deep emotion that washed my heart as I pondered

Before and After RNY with Valerie V: What is the difference between January 2003 and January 2022? A hundred pounds. January is my anniversary month. 19 years ago, I had gastric bypass surgery, specifically the roux-en-y. It was picking up in popularity, motivated by the change of Carnie Wilson. I researched the topic. Between the

Losing Weight Lowers the Risk of Common Conditions: Obesity is when your body weight is above normal. Having extra weight can predispose you to several medical conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, arthritis, infertility, and certain cancers. The combination of excess weight and these diseases leads to

This healthy queso dip tastes amazing. It has all the flavor and none of the guilt! Make this dip with sharp cheddar and jalapenos, you won't regret it. It is the ultimate lightened-up queso dip that's made with real ingredients (no Velveeta here) and tons of flavor. This healthier cheese dip is the perfect addition to

For potential bariatric surgical patients, we often begin our consultations for weight loss surgery by explaining, “We are operating on you, not making the Twinkie or potato chips healthier.” Sounds obvious, but the point is often missed. For those afflicted with weight issues, there is constant turbulence. They are often judged as not caring about

If we are honest, we have all found ourselves trying to get back on track in life, at one time or another. Whether it is trying to get back on track financially, emotionally, physically, or in some other way, having to obtain a goal we have already achieved in the past can seem daunting and downright

These Cottage Cheese Omelet Muffins are the ultimate healthy low-carb breakfast. Whether you’re following Keto or just looking for a high-protein breakfast, these delicious muffins do not disappoint. They are fluffy, flavorful, and beyond easy to make. On more occasions than I can count, I have thanked my lucky stars that I had a few

Understand the Anxiety and Compulsive Eating Connection: As a survival mechanism, the human brain is hard-wired with the instinct to eat in response to hunger cues. Beginning in infancy, the brain rewards eating with “feel good” neurochemicals that produce a sense of pleasure. As children grow, feelings that are more complex emerge including anxiety, loneliness,

Nobody wants to be overweight. Just about every patient I see has tried desperately hard to lose weight, often starving themselves for weeks and exercising until they are injured. Why is it hard to lose weight? An interesting study was done interviewing people with different ailments and asking these people if they would trade afflictions.

If you are looking for a sweet and savory dish, try this delicious Raspberry Chipotle Pork Tenderloin Recipe! Only four ingredients to this sweet with heat meal. This recipe is super easy and full of flavor. Even the biggest critics will like the flavor. How can you not! To be able to prepare it quickly, to

Working the night shift is becoming more common in our 24/7 society. Research shows that working the night shift does make managing weight more challenging. Studies have shown shift workers are 1.3 times more likely to be overweight than day workers, so the challenge is real with maintaining weight loss post-surgery on the night shift.

I hear this from patients all the time: “I am good all day and then I snack all evening.”  Snacking, grazing, nibbling, or noshing after dinner can be problematic if it gets out of control. For bariatric patients, snacking is how you eat around your surgery. Weight loss surgery stops one from overeating in one

We are currently accepting OH2022 speaker submissions for the 2022 ObesityHelp National Conference! Our mission is to provide education, support, and empowerment. If you are as passionate as we are about our mission, you can submit to be a speaker at the OH22 National Conference! Call For OH2022 Speaker Submissions! Conference Dates: Friday, September 30 to Saturday,

Motivation is fleeting. Habits last. When your motivation fails you, healthy habits are something you can fall back on. But when you are building your healthy habits, what happens if you lose motivation? What can you fall back on? The answer is a question: What's your “why”? When you can truly connect to your purpose

A simple but tasty recipe, this 3 Pepper Pork Tenderloin Medallions is an easy skillet dinner you can make in under 30 minutes. Tender pork medallions and spicy peppers make for a delicious low-carb dinner any night of the week. Only 5.3g net carbs per serving. I use a mixture of hot, sweet, and pickled peppers and