Holiday Travel and Bariatric Nutrition
Does your holiday or business traveling include involve an airport? Healthy food choices for choices for bariatric patients are not abundant in airports. As a bariatric patient you have to plan ahead to have appropriate nutrition available. If your holiday or business traveling involves an airplane, keep in mind what diet stage you are in. After reviewing the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) policy about bringing food through the security check points, it states that you can bring food through the security checkpoint as long as is wrapped or in a container. Always check with TSA to make sure the current policy accepts the food item you want to bring through the security checkpoint, as the policy can change.
Consider pre-packaged, single servings of protein powder, light yogurt, cheese sticks or low fat cottage cheese. Pack plastic spoons for the yogurt and cottage cheese or to stir the protein powders into a liquid. Eat the yogurt, cottage cheese or cheese sticks within a couple of hours after you take them out of the refrigerator.
Several sources of single servings of protein powders are available online. Brands include Bariatric Advantage meal replacements, Nectar Grab N Go and Unjury. These are whey protein isolate powders and come in flavors from the standard chocolate, vanilla and strawberry to other flavors like fruit, cookie, chicken and de-caf cappuccino. Protein powders can be mixed with water or low fat milk. The chicken and de-caf cappuccino can be mixed with very warm water. Vanilla or chocolate protein can be mixed with decaf coffee for a mocha or latte. Unflavored protein powder can be added to a broth based soup or hot cereal to boost protein. Remember that whey protein must be kept under 140 degrees Fahrenheit, or it will curdle. For every 6-8 ounces of liquid, add up to 10 grams of protein powder.
Protein bars are also options. Look for Quest, Nature Valley Protein bars, Pure Protein or Premier Protein. If the protein content in the protein bar is the same or higher than the carbohydrate, then it’s an acceptable choice. Search for a food service that offers scrambled eggs, grilled chicken or fish. If you’ve had success bringing bariatric friendly foods through the TSA checkpoints or found healthy food options in an airport, please let us know what has worked for you.
Rene Norman, RD/LD
René Norman, RD/LD is a registered and licensed dietitian. René has provided medical nutrition therapy for cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity, celiac disease, wellness and disease prevention in a variety of settings. While working in a private practice, René enjoyed counseling individuals and families and delivering presentations to schools, community groups and corporations. Guided by evidence based practices, emerging research, non-diet approaches to weight management and nearly a decade of experience with bariatric patients, René works with bariatric patients to educate them about nutrition before and after surgery.
Rene’ graduated from the University of Tulsa and completed her dietitian internship through Oklahoma State University. Rene’ is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and has served in leadership positions in local and state dietetics associations.
Balancing holiday travel with bariatric nutrition can indeed be a challenge. When I traveled to Dubai post my surgery, I was equally concerned about sticking to my dietary guidelines. Apart from the culinary temptations, I found a unique way to stay active and burn some calories - wakeboarding! It was not only a great workout but also an incredibly fun experience. Being on the Water was refreshing, and it distracted me from overindulging in local treats. If you're looking for something active to do while in Dubai or want to try something different, check out https://yeprent.com/wakeboard-dubai. It might just be the holiday activity you need to maintain balance!
Edited by lovvetyga
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I flew last month and wanted to bring a Greek yogurt with me for Breakfast (early 6 am flight). Good thing I asked the TSA agent before I went through the security checkpoint because yogurt is considered a liquid and the Greek yogurt is higher than the oz allowed for carry-on. If you are bringing yogurt with you put it in a insulated lunch bag and in your checked luggage! I was able to bring the mozzarella cheese stick and Quest bars in my carry on with me no problem. I also brought small individual packets of peanuts for my snack so I didn't get tempted by the airline Snacks. The RTD Protein Shakes (Atkins) also had to go in my checked luggage.
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