All posts by proteinartist

I had RNY gastric bypass weight loss surgery in June 2014. Prior to my surgery, I was determined to prepare meals in advance to satisfy my 60-80 gram requirements per day. As a student with a meager income, I had to find a way to make my food intake be as protein-rich as possible, and made from scratch to save me money. My total prep for six weeks of post-op food cost me $75. Unable to afford protein powders, I was amazed at how successful I was with my meal ideas. I hope you can enjoy these recipes and make weight loss surgery work for you, no matter your budget.

Ten-Minute Vegetarian Mexican Bowls, 8.5 grams protein, 194 calories

4 oz Bariatric Meal Ideas, Legumes and Beans 1 Comment

Cook everything in a saucepan for ten minutes, and you have yourself a vegetarian Mexican dinner! I also found a ladle in my house that measures 4 ounces exactly. Divide the portions into small GladWare Mini Round Food Storage containers and freeze. Reheat as needed, and top with ¼ avocado and ½ ounce cheese for necessary fats and calories. Ingredients ½ cup quinoa, uncooked 2 cups water 1 can black beans 1 cup corn kernels from the can 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste 1…

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Chicken Tarragon Salad on Apple Chips, 11.2 grams protein, 170 calorie

4 oz Bariatric Meal Ideas, Chicken, Beef, Turkey

Let the feasting begin!  Your meal might look like a plate of hors d’oeuvres, but you will be filling up with sweet and juicy goodness.  At only 2 ounces, this meal can afford a side dish as well.  Works fantastic with the savory Low-Carb Cauliflower Latkes Bites at 6.3 grams protein, 110 calories. Together, your meal will total to 17.5 grams protein, 280 calories. The cold chicken salad is specifically made with fresh boneless skinless chicken thigh cutlets, the juiciest part. Do not overcook! The…

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Flourless Mini Pizza, 18.5 grams protein, 240 calories

4 oz Bariatric Meal Ideas

This mini pizza relies on a single slice of Cornmeal Cheddar Sandwich Bread which has 15 grams protein, 187 calories.  Add 1 tablespoon of salsa and 1 heaping tablespoon shredded cheese, and top with your favorite topping.  Bake for ten minutes. Ingredients: 1 Cornmeal Cheddar Sandwich Bread (15g,187c) 1 tablespoon salsa  (5c) 1 heaping tablespoon (⅛ cup) shredded cheese (3.5g,40c) 2 olives, sliced (8c) Directions: Place bread slice on baking tray.  Spread salsa and sprinkle cheese. Add olive slices. Bake on 350 for 10 minutes or…

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Cornmeal Cheddar Crackers or Sandwich Bread, 15 grams protein, 187 calories

Foundation Prep Recipes

In this recipe, you can freeze the dough mixture in a roll, and then cut small slices to bake. These will be little crackers to go with your favorite dips or toppings. The other option is to freeze the mixture and then form 2 ounce balls which can be flattened into patties. These will be a perfect sandwich size for an amazing meal to go. Sandwich breads work excellent for grilled cheese or mini pizzas. Flourless, Low Carb, Low/No Sugar, Gluten-Free. Ingredients: 8 ounces reduced…

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Low-Carb Cauliflower Latkes Bites, 6.3 grams protein, 110 calories

Side Dishes

You want the taste of greasy potato latkes, but you don’t want the fat or the carbs. You want the high protein but you also want that deep onion flavor.  So here you have it; the best of both worlds.  Conveniently packed into mini muffin sized bites for portable nutrition. Store three pieces in a ziplock bags and freeze. Reheat as needed. Pairs well with Creamy Protein Dipping Sauce for an added 3 grams protein per meal. Ingredients 4 ounces cauliflower, fresh or frozen (1.9g,25c)…

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Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, 18 grams protein, 284 calories

Dessert and Snack 2 Comments

You haven’t died and gone to heaven yet. Therefore, I unleash these protein powder miracles unto you.  Prepare for a business class seat on the first flight to heaven, no belt extender!! I have recently discovered the Folgers Flavors Coffee Enhancer Vanilla Squirt Bottle, and it has the most amazing vanilla flavor with zero calories.  I have also tried several unflavored brands of protein powder for incorporating into recipes, and only the Unjury brand stands apart from the rest. It has 21 grams protein, and absolutely…

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Mock Potato Salad with Cauliflower, 6 grams protein, 68 calories

Eggs, Side Dishes

Cauliflower is a virtuous replacement for potatoes.  When flavored properly, this tastes like the real thing. In this recipe, the cauliflower is cooked in the microwave for convenience. You can cook it on the stove, but make sure not to overcook. You want the florets to still hold shape and not get mushy. Ingredients:  3 hard-boiled eggs 2 pickles (or 6 mini dill) 8 ounces cauliflower Dressing: 2 oz. Greek Yogurt, 0% 1 teaspoon spicy brown  mustard 1 teaspoon chopped dill (or 1 frozen cube)…

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Oven-Baked Pastrami Eggrolls, 12 grams protein, 214 calories

4 oz Bariatric Meal Ideas, Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Resources

In this recipe, I replaced the cabbage and carrots with a package of broccoli slaw. You can find broccoli slaw in most supermarkets in the vegetable isle near the salad mixes.  The meat will only taste as good as the quality of your deli purchase. Ingredients:  1 package Broccoli Slaw 1 Package Pastrami, 7 ounces 1 Package Eggroll Wrappers 1 teaspoon chopped Ginger 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil  1 Tablespoons Teriyaki ½ teaspoon Mustard 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon white pepper Directions:  Stir-fry the broccoli slaw…

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Three-Cheese Avocado Bites, 11 grams protein, 265 calories

4 oz Bariatric Meal Ideas, Cheese, Eggs

Your home will smell like breakfast when these are baking in the oven.   The finest of omelettes packed into a muffin cup for quick meal prep. Keep refrigerated, and reheat as needed. Two muffins is a single meal serving, since they weigh about 2 ounces each. This recipe will prepare you for six meals. The avocado and olive oil will give you the essential fatty acids that you will need for breaking down the protein. Ingredients: 4 eggs 1 ripe Fresh California Avocado, seeded, peeled and diced…

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Edamame Frozen Microwave Meal, 12 grams protein, 220 calories

4 oz Bariatric Meal Ideas, Cheese, Legumes and Beans, Pack-a-Punch Lunch for post-op bariatric weight loss surgery protein meals, Resources

This is the by far the fastest meal to heat up and enjoy.  You can freeze the mixture in a microwave safe container and heat up for lunch straight from the freezer.  The onions will caramelize in the microwave, the cheese will melt, and the edamame will be infused with the teriyaki flavor. This practical meal will surprise you. What a perfect lunch to grab for work. Ingredients: 1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled (5g,60c) 2 ounces edamame (5.5g,61c) 1 tablespoon purple onion, chopped (4c) 1…

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