Take a look at these high-protein bariatric snack ideas for easy ways to stay full and satisfied while sticking to your prescribed dietary guidelines after weight loss surgery. Try them all, or pick your favorites!
Snack Smarter
A common struggle I see patients dealing with after bariatric surgery is finding healthy snacks that both accommodate their prescribed dietary guidelines and keep them satisfied. This is especially true for those who need options to accommodate busy schedules and being on the go. For instance, many packaged, store-bought snack options are full of ingredients that are not bariatric-friendly. Not to mention, they’re often high in added sugars and chemicals and very low in protein. As a result, those items that are suitable for a bariatric diet leave patients feeling unsatisfied and hungry. So, to help you avoid the struggle of finding suitable options, I’ve rounded up 15 high-protein bariatric snack ideas that are easy to make and perfect for packing! First, take a look below at a few of the general guidelines to follow after bariatric surgery.
Bariatric Diet Guidelines
- Eat Balanced Meals with Small Portions.
- Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly, Taking Small Bites.
- Avoid Sugar, Sugar-Containing Foods, and Concentrated Sweets and Fruit Juices.
- Follow a Diet Low in Calories, Fats, and Sweets.
Of course, every patient’s needs will be different. So, be sure to consult your doctor if you have any specific concerns, and follow the guidelines given to you. However, for most patients, the high-protein snacks below serve as great options to add to your bariatric meal plans! (Source)
15 High-Protein Bariatric Snacks
Whether you’re looking for savory options, a sweet treat, or something in between, these high-protein snacks are guaranteed to meet your needs!
High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Seed Pudding
Versatile and delicious, this chia seed pudding recipe is made with chocolate protein powder to cure your cravings while sticking to your diet. Even better, it’s full of chia seeds that are rich in insoluble and soluble fiber as well as omega 3 fatty acids. This helps regulate digestion and reduce inflammation within the body!
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites
Made with a secret ingredient, these protein bites are full of fiber and ready in just 8 minutes! The recipe yields about 20 bites. So, they’re the perfect meal prep option for easy snacks all week long.
Caramelized Cinnamon Stuffed Pears
A satisfying snack, these stuffed pears are filled with cottage cheese (or ricotta, if you prefer) and baked in the oven to enhance the natural sweetness of the pears. Ready in 15 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack that is easy to whip up.
Breakfast Cookie
Made with simple ingredients and natural sugars, these breakfast cookies are the perfect make-ahead option for easy snacking throughout a busy week. They’re full of fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Plus, they even have hidden veggies! However, all you’ll taste is the sweet flavor.
Eggs
A classic snack option, eggs are budget-friendly, super quick to make, and delicious. Try hard boiling and keeping them on hand to go. Or, scramble them for a savory snack. Whichever way you prefer, you can even experiment with your favorite seasonings and sauces to enhance the flavor even more!
Protein Drinks
Pre-packaged protein drinks and powders are great options to keep on hand for all your snacking needs! There are a wide variety of bariatric-friendly choices and flavors available so you can easily find one that satisfies your taste buds.
Cottage Cheese
Providing a creamy texture, cottage cheese is an excellent option for many patients post-bariatric surgery. If your diet allows, try mixing in small pieces of fruit for added nutrients and a bit of a sweet flavor!
Lettuce Wraps
Suitable for a quick snack or even a small meal, lettuce wraps are a tasty snack that can be made in a wide variety of ways so you never get bored! Try including your favorite deli meats such as ham or turkey in a large lettuce leaf, and add your favorite toppings or condiments such as mustard. Then, roll the leaf into a wrap, and enjoy.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great option for a packable high-protein snack after bariatric surgery. Depending on what stage of the bariatric diet you’re in and the guidelines provided to you, you may be able to incorporate different flavors and fat contents. However, in general, it is recommended that patients opt for low-calorie, smooth yogurts or Greek yogurts. For a refreshing snack, try placing a popsicle stick in the center, and popping your yogurt cups in the freezer!
Soup
Not often a typical snack, soup should not be overlooked as an option! Keeping a batch of broth-based soup on hand such as High-Protein Chicken Soup or High-Protein Egg Drop Soup can make for quick snacks that double as whole meals!
Non-Fat Milk
Believe it or not, sipping on non-fat milk can be a great way to stay full between meals! Easy to find, family-friendly, and affordable, non-fat milk is very high in protein, vitamins, and minerals for a satiating snack.
White Bean Protein Crackers
Secretly full of beans, these protein crackers are a fun high-protein snack option that can be made ahead of time and eaten throughout the week. Consume them on their own or with your favorite dip for an easy snack everyone will love.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Perfect for a packed option, parties, and more, this salmon dip is made with simple ingredients and ready in 5 minutes for a creamy, high-protein snack idea that’s so tasty you won’t believe it’s low-calorie, low-carb, and bariatric-friendly.
Shrimp Cocktail
If you’re feeling fancy, shrimp cocktail makes a great high-protein snack that is super easy to pick up from the store. Plus, they’re a crowd-favorite even amongst non-bariatric patients!
Smoothies
Super versatile, smoothies make for an easy and refreshing high-protein snack and can be filled with lots of nourishing ingredients to fuel your body after surgery. Take a look here for a roundup of a few of my favorite recipes!
More High-Protein Bariatric Recipes You’ll Love
- High Protein Egg Salad
- High Protein Tomato Soup
- Low Carb Breakfast Burritos
- High Protein Butternut Squash Soup
I hope you found these high-protein bariatric snack ideas helpful! If you give any of them a try or have any recipes you’d like to share, I would love it if you let me know in the comments below!
