Ingredients to Add to Your Bariatric Protein Shake Recipes
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD
Lifestyle
April 5th, 2023
Consuming enough protein each day can be a challenge no matter who you are. But it’s an exceptional challenge when you are post-bariatric surgery.
It is typically recommended to consume 60-100 grams of protein each day following weight loss surgery1. However, these numbers can vary based on various factors, please follow your physicians’ recommendations for you personally.
Consuming this much protein is difficult for post-op patients because solid foods can’t be consumed until weeks after bariatric surgery. So how are you supposed to get that much protein in?
This is where utilizing the Celebrate bariatric protein powders really comes in handy. The Rebuild Protein Plus Probiotic Powder offers 20 grams of whey protein, 90-120 kcals, and only 0-3 grams of sugar per serving. Drinking three shakes a day already gets you to that minimum protein consumption of 60 grams. A vegan bariatric protein powder is also available utilizing pea protein and still offering 20 grams of protein per serving!
HOW TO MAKE A SHAKE?
Okay, you get it. Protein is important. So how do you actually make a protein shake?
In any protein shake, you’re going to need protein powder and a liquid of some sort for the base. You can then mix in any ingredients after that for more fiber and flavor.
Follow these easy steps to make your own delicious bariatric protein shakes!
Step 1. Simply choose your favorite protein flavor!
Celebrate has both whey and vegan bariatric protein options. REBUILD WHEY PROTEIN POWDER comes in Chocolate, Peanut Butter Cookie, Berry Burst, Cookies & Cream, Iced Decaf Coffee, and Unflavored. The CELEBRATE NATURAL VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER comes in the flavor’s lemon cream and vanilla chai.
Step 2. Choose your liquid.
When choosing your liquid, you want to be cautious of the calories, fat, and sugar content of the liquid. Fruit juices can be utilized, but keep an eye on the sugar content, as most tend to have high amounts of sugar per serving. Various milk options are also a great choice to use. Soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk are all great options. Even low-fat milks can be used. Just be aware that some low-fat milks cause GI stress in bariatric patients, so keep that in mind when utilizing it as your liquid of choice. When in doubt, you can always use water as well!
Step 3. Choose your mix-ins!
This is the step where you can customize your bariatric protein shake to the flavors you want. We recommend any low-calorie fruits and veggies such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, spinach, kale, etc. Fruits and vegetables contain high fiber contents, which are beneficial in making you feel full longer. Fiber also helps with constipation that may occur following bariatric surgery. Other high-fiber foods that you can add to your shake include chia seeds, flax seeds, and almonds.
PROTEIN SHAKE RECIPES
Bariatric protein shakes are a great way to meet your nutritional needs without feeling like you have to constantly eat/overeat. They’re especially great when you are having trouble tolerating foods post-surgery. Here are a few of our favorite bariatric protein shake combinations. Each of the shakes is high in protein, low in sugar, and delicious, of course!
Frozen Peanut Butter Cookie Protein Shake
Who doesn’t love peanut butter cookies?? This peanut butter cookie shake is not only delicious but it's packed with protein and will help you reach your daily bariatric protein goal!
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops Peanut Butter Cookie Rebuild Protein + Probiotic Powder
- 8 oz Milk of Choice (we recommend skim or almond)
- 2 tbsp Peanut Butter Powder
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup ice
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth. Serve immediately.
Frozen Mint Chocolate Protein Shake
Mint chocolate chip ice cream has been a long-time fan favorite. This frozen bariatric protein shake gives you the same mint-chocolate flavor without all that added fat in ice cream.
Pro tip: add a few extra ice cubes to thicken the texture to create a high-protein ice cream!
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops Chocolate Rebuild Protein + Probiotic Powder
- 8 oz Milk of Choice (we recommend skim or almond)
- 1 tbsp Sugar-Free Chocolate Sauce
- ¼ tsp Mint Extract
- ½ cup Ice
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth. Serve immediately.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shake
I’m convinced strawberries and chocolate are the ultimate combination. The same holds true when you put them in a protein shake! Try out this chocolate-covered strawberry bariatric protein shake recipe with fresh or frozen strawberries and our unflavored rebuild protein powder, and let us know what you think!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 5-6 strawberries (fresh or frozen fruit)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 serving Unflavored ReBuild Protein + Probiotic Powder
- 1 tbsp sugar-free chocolate syrup
- *Optional: 1 tbsp sugar-free whipped cream
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Drizzle 1 tbsp chocolate syrup on the sides of the glass and allow it to drip down. Pour shake into the glass, and top with whipped cream if desired.
SUMMARY
Consuming adequate protein post bariatric surgery isn’t an easy thing to do. Especially when you’re having to re-learn what you can and can’t eat.
Bariatric Protein shakes are a great way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients that you need without overeating. They can also be a great way to satisfy that sweet tooth you might have!
References:
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). 2021
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