High Protein Foods and Complex Carbohydrates
Whole Grains, Starchy Vegetables and Fruit
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Phase V begins after you have reached 75% of your excess body weight loss or via conversation with the registered dietitians or your medical doctor based on your nutritional status and food tolerances. This may be anywhere from 6 to 12 months after surgery.
Types of foods/liquids permitted: Soft proteins (Proteins should be moist and lean)
Seafood (canned or fresh) – soft flaky fish |
|||
Tuna |
Tilapia |
Grouper |
Salmon |
White fish |
Orange roughly |
Flounder |
Sole |
Snapper |
Catfish |
Perch |
Swordfish |
Halibut |
Cod |
Haddock |
Sea bass |
Shellfish (canned or fresh) |
|||
Scallops |
Lobster |
Shrimp |
Crab |
Low fat Dairy Products |
|||
Low fat, sugar free or carb-controlled, Greek yogurt without visible fruit pieces |
|||
Low fat cottage cheese |
Low fat farmer cheese |
||
Low fat ricotta cheese |
Low fat soft cheeses |
||
Eggs |
|||
Eggbeaters® |
Egg whites |
Whole egg | |
Boiled |
Scrambled |
Poached |
Baked |
Avoid fried or undercooked eggs |
|||
Poultry (canned or fresh, skin removed) |
|||
Turkey |
Chicken |
Game hen |
Duck breast |
Deli meats such as roast turkey breast or chicken breast |
|||
Meat (canned or fresh) |
|||
Low sodium, rind-less, no sugar added cold cuts and deli meats |
|||
Ham, red meat and pork may be difficult to digest; always check your tolerance level |
|||
Legumes |
|||
Black beans |
Kidney beans |
Garbanzo beans |
White beans |
Lentils |
Hummus and pureed beans may be well tolerated | ||
Soy and Tofu |
|||
Tofu burgers |
Boca-burgers® |
Morningstar ® brand soy products Soy beans (edamame unshelled) |
|
*** All burgers must be without the bun or lettuce, tomato etc. | |||
Nuts and Nut butters (May consume ~1 month out from surgery) Soft nuts such as walnuts and pistachios Natural whipped, low sugar peanut butter |
Proteins should be moist and lean
You may add low sodium broth or low fat, low sugar dressings to prepare proteins and add moisture
You may add Complex Carbohydrates
FACTS about COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES |
Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains, fruits, legumes and vegetables |
It is recommended that you begin with peeled fruit (raw or cooked)
You can have canned fruits that are without syrup and have “no-added sugar” |
Fruit juice is not recommended |
Avoid white flours, rice, pastas or bread that are “gummy” or “doughy” they are hard to tolerate |
Choose 100% whole wheat, 100% multigrain when selecting whole grains.
These are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals |
*** For more information on COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES see page 123
Starchy vegetables are permitted
FACTS about STARCHY VEGETABLES |
Limit portion sizes of starchy vegetables (peas, potatoes, corn) |
Protein powder can be added to mashed potatoes to increase their protein content |
Choose starchy vegetables without added salt and butter |
Types of foods/liquids NOT permitted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Important Nutritional Considerations
- The goal is to consume at least 60-80 grams of protein per day with the addition of vegetables, fruit and complex carbohydrates
- Consume 3 – 4 ounces of protein 3 times per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner – do not skip these meals)
- Always eat your PROTEIN foods first before eating the vegetables, fruits or complex carbohydrates
- Vegetables contain ~2g of protein per ½ cup serving
- Do not begin by eating your complex carbohydrates first. They contain little to no protein and protein is essential
- Add a variety of complex carbohydrates into your meal plan including vegetables, fruit and whole grain to ensure nutritional adequacy
- Continue to consume sugar-free, non-carbonated, decaffeinated clear liquids in between the high protein meals for a total of 64 ounces (8 cups) of liquids per day
- Use moist cooking methods such as boiled, baked, sautéed, poached, stewed or braised
- Choose low fat proteins and choose other healthy fats such as avocado, oils, olive oil
*** Continue vitamin and mineral supplementation with adjustments per the registered dietitian
Important Reminders
- “30-Minute Rule”: Do not drink any liquids 30 minutes before or after consuming “solid” proteins
- “30-Second Rule”: chew each bite 30 times or for 30 seconds before swallowing
- Take small bites and chew well
- Introduce one “new” food item at a time
- Always check your tolerance level and stop drinking or eating when full
- Do not use milk as a substitute for protein shakes (it does not provide enough protein per serving)
- Monitor tolerance extreme temperatures (extreme cold or hot)
- Remember to sip slowly, do not gulp, do not use a straw
- Do not skip meals. Have 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Give yourself 30-45 minutes for each of your main meals
- Avoid returning to your meal after a few hours
- Always remember to keep increasing physical activity as tolerated.
- Eat from smaller plates (salad plates) and use smaller utensils to assist with portion control
- You will only be able to eat a few tablespoons at a time
For long term success and nutritional health it is important to….
- Consume a healthy balanced diet that is adequate in protein and includes fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Monitor your nutritional status with yearly nutrition labs performed by your bariatric surgeon or primary care physician. Nutritional supplements may be needed long term to prevent nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption and decreased intake from the surgery.
- Stay adequately hydrated with water and other healthy forms of hydration.
- Consume protein throughout the day at all meals and snacks versus attempting to obtain all your protein at one time. This will ensure that you are promoting your metabolism and fueling your body appropriately.