Developing Healthy Eating Habits

Daily habits have a big impact on our lives. Developing a healthy eating style can ensure a fast recovery from ostomy surgery, and continued health.

Discover healthy eating habits for people with ostomies.

The quality of your life is impacted by your daily routine. If you have an ostomy, it’s especially important to develop healthy eating habits. Start by understanding one key concept – all food and beverage choices matter. So, focus on variety, amount, and nutrition. Practice these four habits every day to keep you on track:

Make healthy food and beverage choices from all five food groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, protein foods, and dairy
Eat the right amount of calories for you. This should be based on your age, gender, height, weight, and physical activity.
Look for weight gain red flags. Avoid food and drinks that might cause you to gain a few pounds. You’ll also reduce your risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Make a habit of reading nutrition labels and ingredient lists. This will help you make healthy food and beverage choices. Look for foods lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

View or print the full PDF booklet: Living with an Ostomy: Healthy Eating

1 Shares
22 Recommended

Browse related articles

Tips on Staying Hydrated From a Marathoner With an Ileostomy

Ileostomate and athlete Collin Jarvis shares his recommendations for staying hydrated when you’re physically active.
Read More
A Life Rediscovered Through Stoma Surgery

Military veteran Derek Rutherford found himself at a crossroads when a cancer diagnosis led to ostomy surgery. Today, he proudly embraces an active family life and defies any potential constraints th...
Read More
Navigating Life as a Parent and an Ostomate

At the age of 47, Kimberly Holiday Coleman was diagnosed with cancer and underwent stoma surgery. Despite a shaky start, she soon gained the experience and confidence to manage both her ostomy and her...
Read More