3 Quick and Easy Bariatric-Friendly Recipes for Busy Weeknights
If you're a bariatric patient, meal planning and preparation can be a challenge. Busy weeknights often mean reaching for unhealthy fast food options or skipping meals altogether. But with these three quick and easy bariatric-friendly recipes, you can enjoy a delicious and balanced meal without sacrificing time or health.
Importance of Meal Planning After Bariatric Surgery
After undergoing gastric bypass surgery or gastric sleeve surgery, it's crucial to plan meals that are high in protein and low in sugar and fat. Meal planning can also help you stay on track with your weight loss goals and prevent overeating. By preparing meals in advance, you'll be less likely to reach for unhealthy options when you're short on time.
Recipes for a Balanced Diet
These three bariatric-friendly recipes are not only quick and easy to prepare but also provide a balanced diet that's high in protein and low in carbs.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken: This easy recipe involves marinating chicken in a lemon and garlic sauce before baking it in the oven with veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. It's high in protein and low in carbs, making it the perfect meal for bariatric patients.
Cauliflower Fried Rice: This recipe replaces traditional rice with cauliflower rice, making it low in carbs and high in fiber. Add in protein sources like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, along with veggies like peas, carrots, and onions for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus: This sheet pan recipe involves baking salmon and asparagus with a lemon and garlic marinade for a flavorful and nutritious meal. It's high in protein and low in carbs, making it a great option for bariatric patients.
Time-Saving Tips for Cooking
Preparing healthy meals doesn't have to be time-consuming. By following these time-saving tips, you can enjoy healthy and delicious meals without sacrificing your busy schedule.
Meal Prep: Preparing meals in advance can save you time during the week. Try prepping ingredients like veggies, marinades, and protein sources on the weekend so that they're ready to go when you need them.
Use Sheet Pans: Sheet pan recipes involve baking all the ingredients on one pan, saving you time and clean-up.
Buy Pre-Cut Veggies: Buying pre-cut veggies can save you time on meal prep and make cooking quicker and easier.
Conclusion
Eating healthy meals doesn't have to be a daunting task for bariatric patients. With these three quick and easy bariatric-friendly recipes, you can enjoy a delicious and balanced meal without sacrificing time or health. By following time-saving tips and using sheet pan recipes, you can easily prepare healthy meals that are high in protein and low in carbs.