Hi everyone. Here is a reprint I have received numerous requests for. It involves understanding that weight management is important for a tkr person – or anyone, for that matter.

The less weight your joints need to deal with, the better. We all know that. Sometimes, though, it may seem easier said than done. It’s not easy to change eating habits, if you have them. It takes determination, perseverance and discipline. After undergoing a tkr, though, I believe anyone going through this surgery can accomplish anything they set their mind to. Weight management is crucial.

We all know what hard work is involved with going through our tkr recuperation process. I wanted to share some information on how it is possible to eat a healthy diet while losing weight. I know because I have done it. Hopefully, you will to. So….here goes. (I have also posted this to my natural foods blog, but wanted to share it here as well)….

Instead of turning to the doctor for a prescription or going to the store for appetite suppressants, try some natural remedies. You can feel full by consuming fewer calories. These techniques will fill you up the quick and easy way. Plus, they are easy on your budget.

Drink a glass of water 30 Minutes Prior to eating your meal. The water fills you up, and is a natural appetite suppressant. You won’t want to eat as much. Also, choose water instead of carbonated beverages to save on calories while also improving your health. Drink water throughout the day to keep your body properly flushed.

Eat broth-based or water-based Soup. You can either eat your soup 20-30 minutes prior to your regular meal, or choose the soup as your main dish. Choosing broth or water-based soup instead of cream-based soups will give you less calories and fat.

Making (or enjoying) a bowl of vegetable soup will provide you with nutrients and fiber. So, in addition to getting healthy, you will be filling yourself up from the fiber.

Personally, I enjoy making a pot of minestrone soup and eating a cup of it as a main dish. Having some whole grain crackers (made without shortening or partially hydrogenated oils) with my soup rounds out my meal before dessert. Dessert is usually a bowl of nonfat frozen yogurt or fresh banana. Water is my chosen beverage. Great stuff!

Snack on nutrient-rich, fiberful foods. Instead of snacking on dense, fatty foods such as potato chips or convenience foods, choose alternatives. Fresh fruits and vegetables will give you nutrients and fiber at the same time.

Fiber-rich foods will quench your appetite and desire to eat more. Apple slices with peanut butter or lowfat cheese, hummus on whole wheat crackers, or munching on baby carrots and broccoli cuts are good ideas.

Get more whole grains into your diet. Substituting whole grains foods for foods made with refined flours will not only supply you with valuable fiber, you will be getting more nutrients. Read the food labels. The ingredients need to state “whole grain”not “enriched” or some other word for refined.

For instance, I have noticed that whole grain Cheerios have whole oats as the number one ingredient. Knock-offs claiming to be the equivalent, have oat flour (which is the refined version of the whole oat) as the main ingredient. They are not the same. Choose whole grain products including cereals, breads, crackers, snack items and pastas – just to name a few.

Eat more apples. Apples are rich sources of fiber, pectin and nutrients. Fiber takes longer to digest, leaving you feeling fuller for longer periods of time. In addition to snacking on apples, try eating one 30 minutes prior to a meal. You may be surprised with how full you feel.

Use your imagination. It is not as difficult as you may think to cut your appetite the healthy way. After doing it for a while, it will become a natural part of your life.

There are two websites I found that I wanted to pass along. I hope the links show up properly.
You can get more information on eating less calories to lose weight by visiting the Mayo Clinic’s site at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/NU00195.

Another one I found is located at: http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/foods-that-make-you-full.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthHeartHealth_20090815

Enjoy!

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AUTHOR NOTE: Booktoots’ Healing helps total knee replacement patients find support throughout recuperation and beyond. Its mission is for patients to understand they are not alone in their ordeal with either a tkr or other physicality concerns.

This site is owned and operated by Marie Buckner, a published author and tkr patient who has been living with various physicalities for over 40+ years. She enjoys sharing her experiences to help others going through the same thing.

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