Much of Christmas is about food as we are surrounded by deliciously tasty traditions, festive treats, endless chocolate, selection boxes, nibbles and alcohol. Add in the Christmas parties and social events and it’s hard to avoid losing our way with planning what to eat and eating well.
However, the new year is all about fresh starts and getting back on track with the way we eat and move. For ostomates, planning what to eat in January takes focus and dedication and it is achievable with a good plan!
Follow our five areas you may want to look at when deciding meal planning for 2025.
Balanced nutrition:
Opt for Low-Fibre Foods
In the initial stages after surgery, high-fibre foods may be difficult to digest. When preparing meals, prioritise low-fibre options like well-cooked vegetables, tender meats, and white bread or pasta as it helps to thicken your output. Avoid fibrous foods like raw fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as the skins and nuts can lead to blockages.
Choose Easily Digestible Proteins
Lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs are excellent sources of protein that are typically well-tolerated by ostomates. These foods help with healing and provide sustained energy. Soft, well-cooked legumes like lentils and beans can also be included if they are tolerated.
Avoid Gas-Producing Foods
Certain foods, such as cabbage, beans, carbonated drinks, and onions, can produce excess gas, leading to discomfort when out in public. If you’re meal planning, try to limit or avoid these foods.
Incorporate healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. These fats help you maintain a balanced diet and support cell function, but keep portions moderate, as large amounts of fat may be harder to digest.
Trigger foods
Planning a meal for someone with an ostomy requires careful attention to both nutritional needs and digestive comfort. Any individual who has undergone ostomy surgery may experience unique dietary challenges, such as difficulty digesting certain foods or the need to avoid foods that can cause blockages or excess gas.
Monitor New Foods – If you are wanting to incorporate more variety into your diet, it’s important to monitor how new foods affect digestion. Gradually introduce small portions of unfamiliar foods to see if they are well-tolerated. Keep a food diary of any items which cause discomfort or loose stools so you can review which foods you may want to limit.
Hydration
Dehydration is a common concern for ostomates, so it’s important to include fluids throughout the day. Water, clear soups, and herbal teas can help maintain hydration. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can lead to dehydration.
Stoma-friendly recipes ideas
Don’t avoid meals because you have a stoma but look at ways you can adapt the recipe so that it is safe to eat and doesn’t give you any issues.
Look at cooking vegetables thoroughly so that they are soft and easily digestible, a good way is by casseroles and one pot dishes. Pasta dishes are also easy to make, and you can create delicious homemade sauces of your liking, with vegetables and meats of your choosing.
Potatoes are always a good staple to which you can add a variety of nutritious toppings. Similarly, try making soups and blend the vegetables to add more diversity to your diet.
Smoothies are another nutritional addition, but be careful of using too much fruit as it may cause diarrhoea.
Food planning
It is a good idea to plan your meals ahead of time, so that you have a few ideas up your sleeve. Try mapping out nutritious and healthy meals for the next few days, so that you can shop accordingly. There’s nothing worse than being hungry and not having the right ingredients available when you need it. Select warming, feel good foods which give you fuel and energy for the months head.
