Healthy Bariatric Snacks: A Guide
Bariatric snacks can help you maintain a balanced and nutritious diet as part of your bariatric lifestyle. Snacks should be low in calories, high in protein, and high in fiber. These snacks will help keep you feeling full while providing your body with essential nutrients that are key in preserving post-surgery weight loss results.
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What Are Bariatric Snacks?
Bariatric snacks are low-calorie, high-protein and high-fibre snacks that can be eaten between meals to help maintain a healthy bariatric diet. Bariatric-friendly snacks can be delicious for you at the same time.
Bariatric Snack Ideas
Bariatric-friendly snacks are designed to provide essential nutrients without adding unnecessary calories to your daily intake. Some examples of bariatric snacks are a great source of protein and include the following:
- Protein shakes
- Energy bars
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Vegetables like celery sticks or baby carrots
- Greek yogurt
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Protein bites
- Hummus
- Low-fat peanut butter
- Egg Salad
- Poached Egg
- Boiled Eggs
- Tuna Salad
- Shrimp Cucumber Bites
- Turkey Cucumber Boats
Be sure to check this list of Soft Food Meal Ideas
Healthy Snacking After Weight Loss Surgery
Healthy snacks following bariatric surgery will help stabilize blood sugar levels and fuel your body with the essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary to stay healthy.
The general guidelines for snacking post-bariatric surgery is to consume snacks with 200 or fewer calories and that are low in fat, sugar and carbohydrates.
Choosing Light Snacks
When selecting a healthy snack, make sure to include protein in the form of lean meats like turkey, chicken, fish and eggs as well as healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts. Additionally, adding high-fibre fruits and vegetables to your snacks can help keep you satisfied for longer.
High Protein Low Carb Snacks
It’s important to remember that snacking should be done in moderation. Eating too much or eating unhealthy snacks can lead to weight gain, which is the opposite of what bariatric surgery is meant to achieve.
Choosing high protein low carb snacks or high protein low-calorie snacks will help to keep hunger at bay and help your muscles to get the nutrition they need.
What Snacks Are High In Protein?
Examples of high protein low carb snacks include hard-boiled eggs, nuts, yogurt and celery with peanut butter.
Is Snacking Okay After Weight Loss Surgery?
Yes! Snacking should be an important part of your bariatric lifestyle as it helps to keep hunger at bay and provide essential nutrients for optimal health. Eating healthy snacks between meals will help you stay on track with your weight loss surgery and maintain your results. Be sure to have small portions and choose healthy bariatric-friendly snacks whenever possible.
Is Popcorn Healthy For Bariatric Patients?
Popcorn can be an excellent source of fiber for bariatric patients. However, popcorn should not be eaten in large portions. Eating too much corn can lead to gas, bloating and discomfort.
It is best to moderate your portion size and try to avoid adding butter or extra salt, as these ingredients provide unnecessary calories that may prevent you from achieving your ideal weight loss.
How To Eat Bariatric-Friendly Snacks
Following weight loss surgery whether eating a meal or a snack there are a few rules you should follow.
Good bariatric snacks should be eaten every few hours. You should eat your high-protein snacks slowly. When you eat slowly, your body has time to register when it is full.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids After Bariatric Surgery
Additionally, be sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day and avoid drinking while eating as this can lead to bloating and discomfort.
Most patients should aim to drink between 64 and 96 ounces of fluids each day.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are eating healthy snacks that will help fuel your body with the essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health.
With bariatric-friendly snacks, you can maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying the foods you love.
What Is The 30/30 Rule For Bariatric Patients?
The 30/30 rule for bariatric patients states that you should wait at least 30 minutes before eating something else after finishing your meal or snack.
This gives your body time to digest the food and for hunger cues to return. It is important to listen to your body’s hunger cues and adjust your portions accordingly.
Don’t Skip Meals For Bariatric Snacks
It’s important not to skip meals to save calories for snacks. Eating regularly will help regulate your blood sugar levels and provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
It is suggested that you should eat three meals plus two snacks per day, no more than four hours apart and never skip a meal or snack.
Read this article: Foods to avoid after gastric bypass surgery
What Sweets Can I Have After Bariatric Surgery?
Sweets can be enjoyed in moderation after bariatric surgery. However, you should try to limit your intake of sugary snacks and opt for healthier alternatives such as low-sugar fruit or dark chocolate.
It is important to remember that high-calorie sweets add up quickly and can prevent you from achieving your weight loss goals.
Can I Have Smoothies After Bariatric Surgery?
One question bariatric patients ask is whether or not they can have smoothies following weight loss surgery. The answer depends on the type of smoothie you wish to drink and the type of weight loss surgery you have undergone.
Have High Protein Smoothies
Generally speaking, smoothies that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates are a good choice. Additionally, it is important to use a blender instead of a juicer as the blending process helps break down the food particles, making the nutrients more easily absorbed.
If you’ve has a gastric bypass, you’ll want to be sure a smoothie is not too sugary and that it does not lead to dumping syndrome.
Creating Your Own Bariatric Snacks
Creating your own bariatric snacks is a great way to ensure you are getting the nutrients your body needs while still satisfying your cravings.
Some good snack ideas include Greek yogurt and granola, homemade trail mix or a hard-boiled egg.
You can also check out some of our recipes for healthy bariatric snacks including these tasty shrimp devilled eggs and homemade greek yogurt recipe.
