Anytime is sushi time for me, lunch, dinner or snack...

One of my favorite thing to eat since having weight loss surgery is sushi.  

Sushi is a great source of protein, I just have to watch the rice.  I must say, this is about the only time I eat rice.  Before having surgery, rice was my number one food item I did not want to give up.  I just didn't think I could live without it.  Rice, especially sticky rice is a high glycemic index food, which spikes your blood sugar.  

One of the "success" tips about eating sushi, for me, has been to keep the rice serving very low (1/2 cup or less) and make sure I get plenty of fish, salmon has enough protein and fat to balance the meal. Tuna has little fat, so I often add spicy mayo with flaxseed oil (when at home) or sesame seed oil when at a restaurant.  Fat helps slow down the absorption of the carbohydrates.  

I didn't eat it for years after having surgery.  Then one day I found sushi. Sushi is a great source of protein and with nigiri sushi you can better control the amount of rice you eat. Nigiri sushi has the protein on top of the rice not rolled in.  

Yes, I did give up this food for awhile, but it doesn't mean forever.  Just until I could gain control, learn the proper portion size that works for me and making better, wiser and more balanced food choices.  

My favorite place to eat sushi is Fresh Market.  They make it fresh everyday and if I go at the right time...I can catch the attendant making it, then I can get it just the way I like it.  

I must admit, I get a funny look when I ask for only half the rice.  

The first time I purchased it.  I came home and disassembled it, measured it, weighted and counted the calories. This way I can be a better judge when eating out.  Memorizing in your head what certain amounts look like is the key.    

I usually ask for the multi grain brown rice.  The brown rice keeps my blood sugar more level.  Since I ask for only half the rice, I measured out about 1/2 cup. Then I weighted the tuna, salmon or shrimp.  It is usually somewhere around 2.5 to 3 ounces.  I usually add a little avocado, - got to have that mufa-good fat food with every meal!  I ask for avocado on the side and usually get about about 1/8 to 1/4 cup.  

Another caution about rice, take it slow and easy, eating a little at a time, stopping with the measured amount will ensure you don't overdo it.  Rice swells in the tummy, so be sure not drink while eating.  

When eating at my favorite restaurant, I try to find a roll with no rice, or remove some of the rice before eating.  Getting enough vegetables is another concern for me, but soybeans fit the bill if I'm not eating rice. Ask for steamed or grilled veggies on the side, most sushi restaurants should have them.

Habachi is also good, again, watch the rice.  Pasta noodles might be a better choice, since pasta is low glycemic. You just have to ask for what you want, be kind but assertive. They have egg, chicken, shrimp or seafood, and grilled veggies, perfect.  You don't have to accept the rice, ask for extra egg or veggies.  I also don't get red meat, I find it too dry and not nearly tender enough.  

And of course, there is always tofu,  not my favorite, but if you are a vegetarian, or if you like it, go for it! 

Some of my local favorites are Niki's Steakhouse, Bento Box, Yosake-downtown (they have a 1/2 appetizer special for early birds) 

enjoy...yes you can, you have many more miles to go.