In this episode of The Busy Bariatrics Podcast, I sat down with Kristen Willard—a registered dietitian who lives and breathes bariatric nutrition. We talked about what actually works when it comes to meal prep after surgery, and why cookie-cutter meal plans don’t cut it when your stomach's been surgically resized.

Kristen broke down how to adapt your favorite recipes post-op, how to pivot when food intolerances pop up, and why flexibility—not perfection—is the real secret to consistency. We also got into the shift we’ve seen on social media, where more RDs are stepping up and cutting through the BS with real talk and evidence-based advice.

We dug into emotional eating, micronutrient gaps most people miss, and how to build a system that supports your goals even when life gets chaotic. If meal planning feels overwhelming or restrictive, this conversation is going to reframe it for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Nutrition and Meal Prep

02:51 The Evolution of Social Media in Nutrition

05:43 Understanding Meal Prep for Bariatric Patients

08:24 The Importance of Flexibility in Nutrition

11:30 Quick and Easy Meal Ideas for Bariatric Patients

14:21 Navigating Food Tolerances Post-Surgery

17:03 The Role of Protein in a Bariatric Diet

20:03 Challenges in Plant-Based Nutrition for Bariatric Patients

22:41 Revisiting Food Tolerances and Preparation Methods

24:58 Understanding the Balance of Now vs. Forever in Nutrition

28:19 Emotional Triggers and Food Choices

30:32 Mindfulness: The Space Between Impulse and Action

33:38 Overcoming Meal Prep Hurdles

37:31 The BUSY Method: Building Healthy Habits

39:52 The Importance of Micronutrients

40:53 Staying Active: Finding Joy in Movement

42:51 Showing Up for Yourself: Being Present

44:13 Finding Healthy Sources of Dopamine

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