Bariatric Foodie Play with your food
~by Nikki
In my family, Christmas dinner isn’t exactly dinner. It’s more like a compilation of appetizers. We have a very laid back holiday tradition. The divas and I open presents at home, then we trek to my mom’s house where we open presents there, watch movies and eat…all while never getting out of our pajamas (we literally drive there in our pj’s).
BUT…on Christmas Eve I throw a big dinner for the divas’ paternal family (who rarely get to see them on the actual day). Right after my surgery, I resigned myself to making regular versions of dishes and just refraining from them (or partaking in tiny amounts for fear of getting sick).
But more and more lately, I’ve been “passing” dishes as regular when they are actually WLS friendly. The key is to make sure it still tastes good. And don’t tell anyone it’s healthy!!! (Yes, I know I sound like a broken record, but it really is an important point).
At any rate, you want something you can eat at Christmas dinner, am I right? Well, here’s some suggestions for dishes that will meet both your family and your pouch’s approval.
Jen’s Green Bean Casserole
This thing was the overwhelming hit of the 2010 Pouch Party™ Holiday Preview. We still get e-mails from people who have tried it and loved it! With a few simple swaps, your casserole can work for you, not against you!
Nik’s Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
This recipe is for Nik’s mashed cauliflower cups, but you could just as easily transfer your cauliflower and veggies to a baking dish, cover it with cheese and bake it as a side dish. For a bit of indulgence, go for pork bacon and add about ½ c. of Greek yogurt to your cauliflower mixture for added creaminess.
Because seriously? This stuff is goooooooooood. It’s rich and creamy and…just everything you THINK post-op food is not supposed to be. But it is!
This isn’t a traditional Christmas dish…but it is red and green! And yummy too. It’s packed with vitamins and flavor, so it’s something you can feel good about your whole family enjoying.
This makes a great starter for any meal…but especially a holiday meal. It’s warm, creamy and screams “comfort!”
These are five sure-to-please dishes that even the pickiest eaters in your family will love. They go with just about any meat, poultry, or fish, so no matter what protein you’re serving as the main dish, these will complement it nicely. Happy Holidays!
