Many here are limited in diet, to that of liquids and/or pureed foods. This may be due to a surgical procedure months long recovery), or one that is ongoing.
I found that when my swallowing issue surfaced, in the days prior to and after endoscopy, the Dr recommended ensure. He was either not listening, or noting the measures that I had put in place. In my case it may be due to language barriers, for I am in Mexico. Irregardless, I have seen many here who are experiencing those restrictions.
I am sure others have great nutritional tricks... and I sure would love to hear them!
This post is for those people, for I would like to bring up the topic of nutrition while on liquids or pureed foods.
I cannot imagine putting starches (eg mashed potatoes), sugars (eg ice cream) or ensure (full of chemicals with about
as much actual nutritional value as most commercial junk food).
Let's ignore the wasted energy with questions such as "Did your Physician/Surgeon recommend that poor nutrition". Instead let us focus on a greater good in reviewing our nutritional choices.
My approach is this:
If we are limited either in portion, or what we are able to get down, we must choose the highest quality fuel for our recovery, gut and immune system.
In my mind I was left without choice but to take that approach. Granted I have a background in nutrition and had all the ingredients at my fingertips. I understand to first begin researching at a crucial time such as after a surgical procedure, is daunting and draining.
So for those who may be interested in feeling energized (Yes I do feel much more energized - that is a bonus after being on this full regimen for 3 weeks time) and nourished by quality nutrition...
Here is my regimen (easy as can be - easier than cooking for sure):
I use a green superfood powder. After trying many I found this to be best quality: Green Vibrance (from Vibrant Health). I tried their other products and they just were not right for me. I use half a scoop in the AM and half a scoop in the PM.
That half a scoop goes in the blender like this: 8 (or more) oz water, Banana, Avocado (easy on the avocado, for it makes it very thick), maybe a little fruit like frozen organic strawberries. I sometimes add some Garden of Life Plant Protein Powder to this mix, much less than the recommended scoop (1/4 to 1/2 a scoop).
Mid day I take out my Acme Vegetable Juicer. My mother in the 50's taught me all about
juicing. I still have her Acme Juicer (now sold as Warring Juicer), and have picked up two back ups cheap on Ebay (most people never use their juicer as they are lazy- you can get a great gently used juicer easy on Ebay). I have back ups for I am in Mexico, and finding a place to service a juicer here is not easy like in the states. These juicers last forever, and only need to be balanced/lubed every few years after lots of use.
My juicer regimen is as follows:
If you are a beginner start with (all items organic) Carrots. That, if organic will taste like quite the treat. Then next step is to put some celery (1 stick will do) at the end). Then when your taste buds begin to process the sugar withdrawal from stopping the sweet snacks.. You will notice your juice even celery and greens added will taste surprisingly sweet. After you have the nice little carrot/celery mix down... take a handful of organic romain lettuce as the first ingredient in the juicer, adding your carrot after, and your celery third. Once this tastes yummy... a tiny touch of spinach preceding those three. Always use leafy first... solid veggies next. I have other advice here but that is a start.. ONLY JUICE BETWEEN 3-5 OUNCES AT A TIME. That is right... less is more and that is so quickly absorbed into your system that even dumping syndrome won't flush it out before you absorb and benefit from this.
When you are ready to add solids, choose very wisely. After all this calmed down, I decided one beautiful solid meal a day was in order. I choose meat and vegetable, not empty starches or dessert items.
The beauty of this is the longer you stay clear of the junk food and sweets, the closer you are to this good food finally waking up your taste buds to the natural sweetness in foods.
PS While the Green Vibrance Powder above is fortified with many vitamins/minerals/probiotics, I also have other supplementation in place.
Anyone who wants to experiment/has questions about
where to obtain all these items, feel free to reply here. Happy to help. I honestly do not know where I would have been without knowing about
this source of nutrition. I am sure this will come in handy, should I elect to do surgery for my situation which is a HH 5cm.
Post Edited (RRose) : 5/4/2018 11:42:33 AM (GMT-6)