Easy Bariatric Recipes

Bariatric surgery is considered as the last resort for extreme obesity treatment, when other traditional ways of shedding extra kilos do not work out. Having participated in the surgical procedure is not the end of story to control weight and stay healthy.

But, one needs to plan a post surgery diet stringently. In fact, the outcome depends on the diet followed after surgery. Thus, identifying easy and healthy bariatric recipes becomes a necessity for every candidate who had undergone the surgery.

The bariatric diet comprises successive phases, which a candidate is expected to complete before resolving to regular meal serving. In the first week after surgery, only liquid food is allowed, while pureed food can be supplemented in the second week. Likewise, gradually include semi-solid and soft-solid foods in the second month.

The last is called the weaning phase, in which low sugar and low fatty meals are served. After this, one can try easy dishes, only if they are low in calories.

Ingredients

• Apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp.
• Light mayonnaise, 2 tbsp.
• No-calorie sweetener, 2 tbsp.
• Broccoli florets, 4 cups (finely chopped)
• Red onion, ¼ cup (chopped)
• Sunflower seeds, 2 tbsp. (salted and roasted)
• Raisins, 3 tbsp. (seedless)

Directions

To prepare this healthy salad, combine together cider vinegar, mayonnaise, and sweetener in a large bowl. Add broccoli, onion, sunflower seed, and raisin. Toss well for even coating, and chill for 1 hour. It is sufficient for serving 6 persons, while each serving yields 60 calories.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, 1½ lb.(skinless)
• BBQ sauce, 1 cup
• Onion, 1 medium (sliced)

Directions

Add chicken, sauce, and onion in a slow cooker. Stir lightly with a wooden spatula. Adjust heat setting to low, and cook for 7 - 8 hours. Lastly, shred meat with forks, and cook for 30 minutes more. For beef lovers, replace chicken breast with lean beef and follow the same cooking method. This post surgery diet recipe make 6 servings, and each serving yield 180 calories.

Ingredients

• Lentils, 1 cup
• Low-sodium chicken broth, 4 cups
• Red onion, 1 medium (minced)
• Garlic, 2 cloves (minced)
• Carrots, 2 large (chopped)
• Celery, 2 stalks (chopped)
• Broccoli, 1 large stalk (chopped)
• Olive oil, 1 tbsp.

Directions for Preparation
To start with, heat olive oil in a pan over medium low heat, and sauté onion and garlic for 2 - 3 minutes. Stir in carrot, celery, broccoli, and continue to cook for 5 - 6 minutes. Following this, add lentils and chicken broth.

For vegetarians, chicken broth can be replaced with low-salt vegetable stock. Bring soup to a rolling boil, and reduce heat.

Simmer and cook for 40 minutes more to get a tasty lentil soup. If it becomes too thick, pour water to make the desired consistency. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot. One serving of this lentil soup gives about 260 - 270 calories.

Everyone of us get fed up with the same type of meal servings, irrespective of how tasty the dishes are. So, try to come up with more bariatric friendly recipes, ensuring that the dietitian's suggestions are followed properly.