Updated February 2024: Bariatric-friendly weeknight recipes to hit your protein goals when life gets busy. Bariatric-friendly recipes are high in protein and lower in carbohydrates. Bariatric programs will differ in what food is approved for Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, or more. Follow your bariatric program recommendations. When approved, these recipes are a great fit for making a quick weeknight meal high in protein after weight loss surgery! This blog was more difficult to create than I thought. Why? Because all the recipes I post are bariatric-friendly weeknight recipes!!! Ahem. What I mean to say is, it was really hard to pick twenty-five! This website is AD FREE! Many recipes are free for anyone and you won’t see a single pop-up. However, notall recipes are visible to everyone. Some are reserved for Premier Access Members – my highly popular library of bariatric nutrition resources, education, and community! We’ve hosted over 6,500 members since 2015. Without further delay, here are25 Bariatric Friendly Weeknight Meals! Note: these are not slow cooker meals..because that’s another blog altogether! These recipes were created by a Bariatric Dietitian to focus on bariatric meals ideas her patients. Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass recipes with protein and vegetables. 1. Avocado Chicken Burger Elevate your bariatric-friendly meal game with these mouthwatering Avocado Chicken Burgers! Lean ground chicken and creamy avocados in a juicy patty, grilled to perfection. This recipe is not only delicious but also mindful of your bariatric needs, bringing you a protein-packed, flavor-packed delight! 2. Hamburger Salad A delicious twist on the classic burger, this hamburger salad is fast and easy because it’s deconstructed! Lean, seasoned ground beef on top of greens for a flavorful crunch with your protein and vegetables. Add other toppings you like on your version of a burger or keep it simple with mustard and ketchup. 3. Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Peppers Premier Access Recipe There are two veggies I love stuffing more than anything. Zucchini and bell pepper. These types of recipes are perfect for bariatric patients because they can focus on the protein inside the veggies and also enjoy the vegetables all within one dish! As for stuffed bell peppers? Well, this Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Pepper is certainly up there along withItalian Stuffed Red Peppersand theseTex Mex Peppers. Okay, I’m getting hungry over here. Buffalo sauce is a great condiment to liven up your Bariatric pantry. Yes, I am talking about Buffalo Wing Sauce. It’s only 15 calories per tablespoon (depending on the brand). 4. Sun-Dried Tomato Mini Meatloaf Meatloaf is like the laid-back hero of weeknight dinners – it’s easy, quick, and downright comforting. When you’re racing against the clock, this recipe’s got your back. Just toss together some ground meat, grated parmesan cheese, eggs, and spices, and you’re on your way to a tasty, no-fuss dinner. The best part? It’s like a culinary chameleon – you can switch up ingredients based on what’s in your kitchen! Plus, leftovers are its gift that keeps on giving. 5. Baked Pork with Apples Your bariatric menu gets an upgrade with this bomb Baked Pork with Apples! Picture this: juicy pork chops chillin’ with sweet baked apples, creating a flavor party that’s high on protein and low on effort.Dinner ideas after Gastric Sleeve, Bypass, Duodenal Switch high in protein and quick to cook
What makes a recipe bariatric-friendly?
Something to know before you scroll:
It’s the ultimate weeknight sidekick – toss it all in the oven, and you’re a culinary genius. The result? Pork so tender it practically melts in your mouth, infused with that cozy apple vibe. No more stressing in the kitchen, just good vibes and a seriously easy, high-protein dinner.
6. White Enchilada Zucchini Boats
Premier Access Recipe
Ditch the ordinary and dive into flavor town with these White Enchilada Zucchini Boats – your new weeknight bariatric BFF! Packed with goodness, these boats are like a low-carb fiesta.
Fresh zucchini, stuffed with creamy goodness and shredded chicken. The best part? It’s easy peasy – perfect for those hectic nights when you’re craving something delicious but bariatric-friendly. Just pop ’em in the oven, and voila! Healthy, tasty, and ready to tackle your cravings without the guilt. Get your taste buds ready for a weeknight win!
7.
Get ready for a flavor explosion with Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Baked Chicken – the ultimate weeknight bariatric hero! These juicy chicken breasts are like a party for your taste buds, smothered in sun-dried tomato goodness and crumbled feta. Talk about a taste sensation!
It’s crazy easy to whip up, perfect for those nights when you want something delicious and bariatric-friendly without the fuss. Just toss it in the oven, kick it back, and let the oven do the magic. Healthy, hearty, and hassle-free – your weeknight dinner just got a serious upgrade!
8. Smokey Chipotle Chicken Chili
Premier Access Recipe
Spice up your post-weight loss surgery menu with Smoky Chipotle Chicken Chili – because flavor shouldn’t be sacrificed on the journey to healthier living!
This one-pot wonder is a breeze to whip up on busy nights. Ground chicken and veggies dance in a smoky chipotle symphony, giving you that satisfying warmth without the guilt. Easy to make, easier to savor – perfect for those days when you crave comfort food minus the fuss. Say hello to a chili that’s as friendly to your taste buds as it is to your post-surgery goals!
9. Chicken Pesto Skewers
These Chicken Pesto Skewers are a taste sensation: tender chicken chunks, kissed by zesty pesto goodness. What’s the secret? It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Thread ’em, grill ’em, devour ’em.
Perfect for post-weight loss surgery, they’re high in protein and big in flavor. Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to a culinary win that’s as easy on your stomach as it is on your taste buds. Your tastebuds and your post-surgery journey will thank you!
10. Roasted Fish and Veggies
Premier Access Recipe
Revolutionize your weeknights with Roasted Fish and Veggies – the easiest bariatric-friendly dinner that’s big on taste! Just toss your favorite fish fillets and colorful veggies on a baking sheet, sprinkle some love (aka hazelnuts), and let the oven work its magic. Voila!
Healthy, hearty, and done in a flash – perfect for busy nights when the kitchen clock is ticking.
11. Crockpot Cheese Steak and Peppers
These bite-sized delights are not just easy; they’re bariatric-friendly magic on a plate. I LOVE the smell of rosemary in my kitchen and pork cooks so quickly.
This is one of those weeknight recipes that makes me feel like I’m having a fancy dinner but it took me less than 20 minutes from fridge to table.
12. Nacho Chicken Chili
Turn up the flavor with Nacho Chicken Chili – a popular recipe for our Premier Access Members! Tender flank steak meets nacho heaven in this quick and easy recipe. Just marinate, sizzle on the grill, and get ready for a taste explosion. Loaded with protein and big on taste, it’s a win-win for your taste buds and bariatric goals. No complicated steps, just savory goodness on a plate. Spice up your week with a dish that’s as hassle-free as it is tasty!
13. Salmon Burgers
Premier Access Recipe
I love recipes and I can keep all the ingredients on hand…just in case.
Just in case I didn’t get to the store when I thought I would. Or just in case we ended up at home for a meal I thought we were eating out. Just in case my husband ate all the leftovers that I had planned on for lunch.
This meal is just that. Canned salmon in the pantry is a great ideajust because of this recipe. Canned meats are also less expensive and wonderful for a budget shopperlike myself.Make up a batch and eat them for lunch or serve the family a really quick dinner.
14. Southwest Chicken Salad
I happened upon this by total accident when we needed to grab dinner before leaving town. I had chicken in the fridge and needed to come up with something unplanned.
Black beans, some seasonings, and that chicken I need to use up turned into a new go-to lunch recipe!
15. Shredded Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Slow Cooker Shredded Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are easy, FULL of flavor, and bring in 17 grams of protein for one serving! (One serving is two lettuce wraps).
I love the moisture this chicken keeps as it cooks in the slow cooker with broth and hot sauce. Get creative with other seasonings as you’d wish but this will provide LOTS of flavor as it is too! I used Franks® Hot Sauce in my recipe but you can use any of your favorite bottle hot sauce or wing sauce options.
16. Tuscan Pork Chop Skillet
Premier Access Recipe
Another weeknight recipe favorite of mine that uses rosemary! I love these Rosemary Pork Medallions but this recipe takes just a couple more ingredients and delivers a fancier version!
17. Easy Italian Meatloaf
I just plain adore meatloaf. This Easy Italian Meatloaf is both easy and full of Italian seasonings. Amazing.
Over a decade ago I started working in bariatric surgery and the dietitian who was training me mentioned swapping grated Parmesan cheese for breadcrumbs. Not only is it delicious, and makes a great texture but is an easy swap to limit carbohydrates in this main protein source entree!
Serve it with a non-starchy vegetable (green beans, steamed carrots or salad are my go-to) and you’ll get carbohydrates in a more fiber-based veggie!
Easy to make and you can change your approach every time!
Tex Mex Meatloaf
Barbecue Meatloaf
Classic Meatloaf
and…..Italian Meatloaf.
18. California Burger
Premier Access Recipe
This recipe is full of flavor but only a few ingredients. I love the lean ground beef patty topped with fresh cilantro, turkey bacon, avocado, and cheese.
This recipe is also very easy to batch cook and have for lunches. Separate the toppings and grill several burger patties at once!
For more burger recipes that are bariatric surgery friends, check out this recipe roundup of Turkey Burgers!
19. Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken
You’re only four ingredients away from a very delicious grilled chicken dinner!
After weight loss surgery such as the Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass, it’s difficult to keep variety in your meals. If you find yourself eating toomuch grilled chicken you’ll soon be burnt out and reaching for anything else.
When you DO keep the variety, then you can turn to grilled chicken with a few fresh ingredients and feel satisfied in your mouth and your tiny tummy!
20. Turkey Kielbasa and Sweet Peppers Skillet
Because this recipe calls for pre-cooked turkey kielbasa sausage, there is no true cooking involved! The most work you’ll have for this Turkey Kielbasa and Sweet Peppers Skillet is to slice the ingredients.
Once the peppers, onions, and turkey sausage are sliced, all you’re doing is heating it all together! The flavor and aroma is delicious on this one. I love being able to run into my house and have an amazing-smelling dinner ready 20 minutes later.
(This is another favorite “no-cook” style recipe using chicken/turkey sausages and pineapples.)
21.
You know what I love about this meal?? I can have the ingredients on hand as a “backup meal” and not worry about it going bad.
Frozen shrimp, canned tomatoes, and a packet of seasoning are all you need to keep in the house to put this together. If you can add shaved parmesan and some basil on top…then you’re rolling in it. So when you have been out of town and just got home but don’t know what to do for a meal…you’re set. Or if you had plans to go out to eat with friends and they had to cancel, you’re still set. I love backup meals!
22. Baked Chicken with Caesar Slaw
Premier Access Recipe
Some days you just want a classic meal. Classic Caesar with baked chicken. MmmmMmm.
Some post-op bariatric surgery patients have a hard time tolerating lettuce. If that’s you, this recipe could be created as a carrot slaw or broccoli slaw. If you dotolerate lettuce, be sure to focus on the chicken more than the salad/slaw to fill up on protein and stay full much longer after your meal.
23. 20 Minute Taco Chili
This is a STAPLE around my house. This is one of the fastest and most flavorful chili recipes ever. I’ve cooked it for events and received texts later asking for the recipe!
I also love that this taco chili has so few ingredients I have it memorized. Making it a perfect weeknight recipe.
24. Pork Tenderloin with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Premier Access Recipe
I’ve been on a kick in recent months with sun-dried tomatoes. I didn’t use them before this summer. Now I keep dreaming up new meals!
Some of my highlights:
Sun-Dried Tomato Mini Meatloaves
Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Chicken
Simple meals that provide a pack of flavor with this lovely ingredient. I always buy the jarred SDT (yes, I started abbreviating sun-dried tomatoes..but then had to type this out so not a time saver in the end.) I buy the jarred but put them in a colander and run them under warm water to rinse all the oil off. It will be pretty darn oily, so leave it there for a little while and toss it on occasion until you feel they are de-oiled.
25. Spiced Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Premier Access Recipe
This recipe was tweaked from a Racheal Ray Pamphlet in her magazine YEARS ago for a Spiced Yogurt Marinade. My version keeps the best flavors but is a better fit for Bariatric patients!
I love how the Greek yogurt locks the moisture in.
Check out these other popular bariatric recipe roundups!
25 Bariatric Friendly Crockpot Recipes
Bariatric Lunch Ideas and Recipes
