5 High-Protein Recipes for Bariatric Patients
Has it been difficult for you to eat enough protein after bariatric surgery?
If so, you’re not alone!
While most postoperative patients understand the importance of consuming enough protein each day, one of the most common questions asked is, “How am I supposed to eat that much protein?”
Protein intake recommendations after bariatric surgery
Per ASMBS guidelines,1 the daily recommended intake for protein after bariatric surgery varies based on several factors including:
- Age
- Gender
- Surgery type
- Activity level
Most patients are instructed to consume 60-120 grams of protein per day after surgery—for the rest of their lives!
Some studies indicate that even higher levels of protein are optimal in preserving lean muscle mass and preventing weight regain after bariatric surgery.2 Additionally, research indicates that many patients do not get enough protein on a daily basis, even long after their surgery was performed.3 Lack of adequate protein can lead to a protein deficiency, unfavorable body composition changes (more muscle mass loss than desired, and an increase in fat mass), and lack of energy.
Protein also plays a role in satiety, or satisfaction between meals, which is why it’s important to include at least 20 grams of protein with each meal.
An easy trick for increasing protein intake is to add protein powder to some of your favorite meals. Below are a few popular and delicious recipes created for bariatric patients, to help increase your daily protein intake. Enjoy!
#1 Bariatric Breakfast—Protein Pancakes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops Bariatric Advantage® High Protein Meal Replacement (Crème, Vanilla, or Banana)
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 Tbsp. unsweetened almond milk, milk, or water
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Directions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine first three ingredients.
- In a small bowl, beat eggs and add milk.
- Add eggs and milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix until completely combined.
- Heat skillet or electric griddle to medium.
- Once hot, add ¼ cup of pancake mix.
- Cook on first side for 3 minutes.
- Flip and cook 1 additional minute.
Yields: Four 4″ pancakes
Serving size: 2 pancakes
Nutrient Totals (per serving):
| Calories | 155 |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrate | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar (added) | 1 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
#2 Bariatric Lunch or Dinner—Cream of Broccoli Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement (Crème)
- 1 cup broccoli florets, well-steamed
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 4 oz. water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Add all ingredients, except protein powder, to a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add soup to small saucepan and simmer on low for 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
- Pour soup mixture into a bowl and add two scoops of protein powder. Stir to mix protein (do not add protein to pot of soup; high heat will make the protein gummy).
Nutrient Totals (per serving):
| Calories | 190 |
| Protein | 29.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 17 g |
| Fiber | 8.5 g |
| Sugar (added) | 1 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
Bariatric Planned Snacks
#3 Cranberry Oatmeal Energy Snacks
Looking for a quick breakfast option or afternoon snack? These homemade energy bars are filled with healthy and delicious ingredients. If you need more protein than what these provide, pair alongside Greek yogurt or eggs!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops Bariatric Advantage High Protein Supplement Mix (Vanilla)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup whole rolled oats
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ⅔ cup shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ⅔ cup applesauce, unsweetened
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°. Grease baking sheet with coconut oil.
- In a small bowl, melt coconut oil in microwave for 10 seconds, add honey, and whisk together. (If coconut oil is already melted, warm-up the mixture in the microwave for 10 seconds and then whisk together.)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cranberries, pepitas, High Protein Supplement Mix, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
- Next, add beaten eggs, applesauce, and coconut oil and honey mixture. Combine well with large wooden spoon.
- Drop ⅛ cup sized scoops onto baking sheet. Form into a circle and flatten slightly, or divide dough into two greased loaf pans.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
Yields: Approximately 16 bars. Place in refrigerator and eat within three days, or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrient Totals (per serving):
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar (added) | 3 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
#4 Green Drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops Bariatric Advantage High Protein Supplement Mix (Vanilla)
- ½ small avocado, pitted and peeled
- ½ cup spinach, fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup parsley, fresh
- Small lime, juiced
- 6 oz. water (or liquid of choice: milk, almond milk, soy milk)
- 4-6 ice cubes
Directions:
- Add all ingredients (except ice) to a high-powered blender.
- Blend until smooth; pour over ice.
Nutrient Totals (made with water):
| Calories | 215 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrate | 8.5 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar (added) | 1 g |
| Fat | 10.5 g |
#5 Bariatric Dessert—Peanut Butter Protein Truffles
Prep Time (excluding freezer time): 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement (Chocolate)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (or other nut butter of choice)
- Optional toppings: cinnamon, toasted coconut, sea salt, crushed nuts, etc.
Directions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine ingredients until well mixed.
- Place in freezer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from freezer. Using a teaspoon, form 8 equal truffles and place on a parchment paper lined plate.
- Add toppings of choice: cinnamon, toasted coconut, sea salt, nuts, etc.
- Place in freezer for at least 4 hours to chill.
- Remove from freezer, wrap individual truffles in plastic wrap, and place in freezer-safe storage with removable lid.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrient Totals (per truffle, without topping):
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrate | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 8.5 g |
| Sugar (added) | <1 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
References:
