If you've been following my content for a while, it probably comes as no surprise to you that I was absolutely horrified by the food options provided to me during my recent hospital stay. In a place that is supposedly designed with healing and recovery in mind, it is appalling to see what is on the menu... because it is everything but that. Junk food, artificial ingredients, food dyes, GMOs, added sugars, seed oils... I mean, it's almost offensive! In my most vulnerable state, mere hours after birthing a child via cesarean, when I should be provided with the most nutrient-dense foods possible, this is what you offer? As a healthcare facility? Heck, I'd even be willing to pay a premium for access to halfway decent options! Instead, it's fast-food menu items clearly made as cheaply as possible. The American healthcare system is a broken disgrace. But that's for another post...
Instead of ranting about that (don't tempt me...), I wanted to share what I did to eat as well as possible, given my temporary medical prisoner circumstances prior to my premature emancipation. (Article on that whole charade to follow!) Here's how you, too, can try to navigate unhealthy food during a hospital stay:
Tip #1 - Ask how the food is being prepared, and request adjustments.
There's nothing wrong with asking! I have a gluten allergy, so I'm used to inquiring about food preparation anyway, but do not be shy about this. Is it battered? Is it fried? Can it be baked? Can it be grilled? Can you sub out the bun for a side of rice? Can it be prepared without the marinade? Are the chips made on the premises or are they from frozen? These are just some examples of things to consider when browsing the menu and trying to make better choices.
Tip #2 - Have them cook your meal in EVOO or butter instead of seed oils.
When ordering breakfast during the first morning of my hospital stay, I simply asked if they could fry up my eggs in butter instead of vegetable oil. The response was subtle confusion initially (I assume the phone operator for the cafeteria has never gotten that request before), but then, "I don't see why not." It was that simple. Even though I may not be able to get really picky with what's organic or grass-fed, at least it's better than getting a plate drenched in canola oil.
Tip #3 - Read the ingredients listed when food arrives, and don't be afraid to send it back or throw it away.
For anything that I could not decipher the makeup of from the menu, I just took a closer look at when it arrived on the tray. For example, when the jello was laden with horrible ingredients, I just said no. On the tray it stayed on the journey back to the kitchen a few hours later. I used to feel guilty about wasting food, but now I feel worse about knowingly putting bad shit into my body, especially when I'm trying to recover from surgery and breastfeed. In the wise words of Randy Jackson, "It's a no from me, dawg!"
Tip #4 - Find as much decent protein as possible.
The most important thing to get into my system postpartum (besides adequate hydration) was protein! My husband and I scoured the menu daily for the best meat and dairy options available, and surprisingly found that the whole milk offered was not terrible. We both made sure to order at least one each with every meal and it helped satiate us and give our bodies much-needed nutrients during this stressful and tiring time.
Tip #5 - Avoid anything prepackaged and shelf-stable, and opt for any fresh, whole foods available.
If it comes in a bag with an expiration date months (or years!) out, you can be sure it's not going to be great for you, and likely have a tremendous amount of additives and preservatives in order to help this "food" stand the test of time. I always asked what was freshly made on site, or simply chose from whatever whole food options were listed. In this case, it often meant fresh fruits, vegetables, broths, eggs, and some meat & dairy.
And don't forget to bring your own snacks from home or have visitors deliver your favorites when they stop by!
The point is, the hospital won't change until we demand it. And they know most people aren't exactly "choosing" their stay there, so they will keep producing the lowest cost options they can get away with for as long as possible. (This also straight from the mouth of the corporate kitchen rep who made the unfortunate mistake of stopping by our room randomly to ask how we were enjoying the food options... LOL.) So with that being said, educating yourself in what is best for you is your first line of defense in this situation. Secondly, not being afraid to ask for what you want is paramount - the worst they can say is no. Thirdly, eat what makes sense, toss what doesn't, and don't feel bad about making healthy choices for you and your family. Lastly, bring some favorite, healthy pantry staples with you from home to snack on, and allow your guests to treat you to something delicious and nutritious when they come! Hey - I'd take a steak over a flower bouquet and "welcome" balloon any day. ;)
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