Are you unknowingly following some of your old dieting habits? After decades of dieting it can be hard to let go of old beliefs and behaviors. But be careful, some of those old rules and tricks are downright dangerous after WLS.

Bariatric Dietitian Elizabeth Anderson unveils 5 common but Dangerous Diet Myths.

Today, myth #2--low calorie food don't count.

Let’s start with pure, innocent popcorn.

Popcorn is a great, high volume, low calorie, whole grain snack-- if prepared in a healthful way.

Dieters love air-popped popcorn! It provides a BIG feeling of fullness for very few calories. It can be a great tool for managing late night snacking when you’re watching your weight …

if you aren’t a bariatric surgery patient.

For weight loss surgery patients, it’s that feeling of fullness that’s the concern. After WLS, you’ve got to be very careful about high volume foods—even if they’re ‘healthy’ or low calorie.

Those neat little bags of baby carrots are a classic example.

In many diet plans, these low calorie veggies are the perfect ‘free food’ because they’re high in nutrition. I’ve had many clients tell me this is their go-to snack because ‘they really don’t count.’

Don’t get me wrong, we all need vegetables and carrots ARE super healthy. But WLS surgery intentionally left you with precious little capacity in your pouch or sleeve.

For the very best and most healthy weight loss/maintenance, you need to fill that tiny space very strategically. Protein, vegetables, whole grains—in that order.

Be careful not to override your surgical tool with very low calorie vegetables or…popcorn. Yes, they’re healthy but standard dieting advice is just one more of things that don’t fit after WLS.

Tomorrow dangerous diet tip #3: Fooling Your Stomach with Fluid.

#Popcornisbetterthancoockies

Nuts, cheese, jerkey better than popcorn!

Nuts, cheese, jerkey better than popcorn!

Absolutely! Jerkey is one of my favorites.

I have had popcorn several times though. The SmartPop by Orville Redenbacher has 100 calories and 19 carbs for 5 cups. I measured out a single cup, and gave my DH the rest.

That cup of popcorn logs in at 20 calories and 5 carbs... it worked into my day just fine as a planned treat! The key is to not eat the whole bag, which I don't even think would be possible now!

One thing I've noticed after being on this forum for a year and a half is there seems to be a common thread with people who either stop losing or start gaining:

They've stopped following the protien first rule, and seem to be filling their pouch/sleeve with useless calories like crackers, Cookies chips, and yes, popcorn.

As a once in while snack, okay. But as pointed out above, nuts, Jerky and cheese will serve someone much better to lose weight and keep the weight off, plus giving you more of a nutritional bang for your buck.

How soon post-op did you guys start trying jerky? I've always been a jerky fan, but I'm sure I have weeks until I can eat it safely.

I didn't add jerky back into my diet until I was 6 months post-op and then it was turkey jerky. Beef didn't sit well with me until about 9 months post-op. Also remember to CHEW it till it is mush before swallowing. Now that I am over 2 years out I can enjoy all sorts of Jerky for a snack.

Baby carrots?

Seriously?

You're worried people are eating too many baby carrots?

Yes. Baby carrots. Because they filled you up and you won't be hungry or have room for the right foods that will meet your WLS nutrition needs.

5 months post op and I can't even consider jerky.. Can't eat steak or dense meats. Pot roast tho.. Pulled pork... Come to papa.. All four ounces that is.... Worth it, but now when I smoke meat I feed my entire cul-d-sac....

...

I'm over a year post op and feel that my capacity has increased quite a bit. If I was one of those that are full after a few tablespoons, then I would understand your point. However, I'm not.

If I've met my Protein requirement for the day (65 grams or more), then I rely on green vegetables to keep me full. There are certain veggies, like cucumbers and lettuce, that have high Water content to keep me hydrated and full. This aspect makes it almost impossible to overeat.

Although nuts, cheese, and Jerky are all great choices for Snacks, they are not my go to if I've already had enough protein in my meals. Why? A serving of these types of foods is quite miniscule. As I mentioned above, this may not be an issue for someone with a small capacity or less than 8 months post op.

I truly believe my green vegetable consumption is the key to maintaining goal (150+ pound loss), which I have successfully done for over five months now. My recent blood work is excellent and I feel great. I can still get in the necessary protein while remaining on a plant based diet.