Starting Cardio

[JamieLogical 8,727]

I am exactly three weeks post-op as of today and I am supposed to start doing 60-90 minutes of brisk walking in addition to my normal daily steps. I am a little worried about starting more intense exercise while my calorie intake is still so low. I've been working hard the past few days to get more calories in and over the weekend I was able to get up over 700 calories, but it's a lot easier to do that when I am home all day and can snack more. On weekdays, I'm at work and it's much harder to get in any food between "meals".

I'm still on pureed foods and some soft foods. Next week I can start ground meats and Beans. Anyone have any suggestions for getting my calories up into the 800 range so I can sustain daily exercise?

Right now my week days look something like this:

Breakfast: Protein shake

Lunch: Soup or tuna salad (the tuna salad is still a bit hard for me to eat)

Afterwork Snack: 2 oz. of low fat cottage cheese or a scrambled egg

Dinner: Shelley's Ricotta Bake (Google the recipe! It's so good!)

Late Snack: Protein Shake

I feel like I could probably get up to 800 calories if I could squeeze in some Snacks while I'm at work.

[butterfyeffect 257]

My doctor allowed string cheese while I was on the pureed phase. I get cheddar ones (I can't remember the brand name) and eat one or two almost every day still. They're a quick snack that I can sneak in anywhere, and they add 7-14 grams of Protein to my day.

[4grands 10]

You can also try greek yogurt if you like, just watch the sugar content. I've also eaten refriend Beans with shredded cheese and lobster or crawfish bisque. After all, it's just a Soup, but very fulfilling. Refried Beans with a very soft egg on top and a mild taco sauce is very good as well.

As of Protein shakes, I like Isoplus or Muscle Milk ones. I have also tried Carnation instant Breakfast drinks. They only have 10g of Protein but works well for on the go people, like myself.

Good luck on your Quest to find a healthier you!!!