Question

I'm six weeks out from surgery and last Thursday my doctor said I could start eating the following: 

-Low fat or fat free cottage cheese

-Low fat or fat free cheese

-Eggs

-Smooth, reduced fat peanut butter

Potato-not fried or skins

-Fish/Seafood

-Chicken or turkey small pieces chewed really well

-Fat free crackers

-Pasta

-Fruits and veggies (there was a long list including salad)

-Fat free dressings

-Breads (toasted or untoasted...best to avoid if possible)

I'm not sure how many calories/carbs/protein I should be striving for? My doctor never said what this should be, he just said that I need to increase my workouts from walking/light weights to more moderate weights and to use them on my arms, legs, back, and hips.  

I was kind of floored when I saw that my list contained crackers, pasta, and bread. I did eat some tuna and five mini crackers but the pasta and bread I'm not touching.  

Any advice?

 

I try not to eat bread pasta , and I try to get all my carbs from fruits and veggies ,

my doctor will not give me a calorie amount , but I keep it between 500 -800 , mostly around 700 , I try for 80 gm protein and try to stay under 30 gm carbs

my nut says this is a good amount for me

bread pasta and crackers are wasted cal, by the time you get your protein in there is not much room for much also and you should try for 8 gm of fiber or you will get constipated 

This is just me, but no bread, pasta, crackers etc.  I try and keep my carbs around 20-30g a day and those foods are a deal breaker.  I picked up some PB 2 if I feel the urge to have a small bite of peanut butter. It has 85% less fat and calories than regular peanut butter. I buy nonfat greek yogurt because it has twice the protein of regular yogurt. I add berries to it or Torani SF no calorie flavor syrup. 

 

You should ask for a protein target, given that it is based on size.  I am 6'2'' (female) and was given a target of 80 grams per day, although I routinely did 110 per day.  Processed white carbs are terrible for you, and I would highly recommend you avoid them.  Crackers- Fibergourmet makes some that are very high in fiber, and much lower in calorie (70 cals, 4 protein, 22 carbs, 12 g fiber) and come in different flavors- those work really well and may be found on netrition.com.  I once in a while do a whole grain pasta or the Fibergouirment pasta (again, high fiber and easier on the glycemic index).  

Stick to protein first and then high quality carbs like green leafy veggies.  The processed stuff will cause cravings due to spiking the insulin levels.  Read up on the glycemic index and select foods low on the index.

Thanks everyone for the advice!