Being almost 11 years out from surgery, I don't eat too many protein bars, but I do like to keep a few of my favorites around for an occasional mid-afternoon snack.

Fit Joy bars are wonderfully delicious, high protein, low fat and a balance of carbohydrates - this one is a keeper! 

Great recipes finds! How much more simple can it be to get in your daily protein than with these yummy breakfast treats?

For recipes like this easy egg and ham muffins, packed with 16 grams of protein, and loads other protein-rich ideas go to: Daily Burn 

I share this following site to give you ideas for foods with high protein possibilities. Although Daily Burn is a great site for exercise and dietary helps, it doesn't necessarily mean that recipes conform to our specific bariatric guidelines. Make sure that the recipes you choose are within your bariatric limits for fat, sugar and carb content—or adjust them to fit.

Remember that the guideline for safe eating—weight loss or maintenance after surgery (per serving) is approximately or no more than:

• 5 grams fat or less
• 10 grams sugar or less
• 15 -20 grams carbs or less

UNJURY Protein Pumpkin Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 Package (1.4 oz) Sugar-Free Vanilla Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix *
• 3/4 Cup water
• 2 scoops Vanilla UNJURY®
• 2 tbsp canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1/2-1 tsp teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

• Measure 3/4 cup cold water (package directions calls for 2 cups milk)
• Add two scoops of Vanilla UNJURY to the 3/4 cup of water
• Mix thoroughly the dry UNJURY in water by shaking or stirring

Next, follow pudding package directions.

• Empty the Jell-O Sugar Free Instant (Not Cooked) Dry Pudding Mix into a bowl.
• Add pumpkin pie spice to dry pudding mix
• Blend spice and dry pudding mix thoroughly with a fork
• Pour in the previously-mixed UNJURY-and-water.
• Add 2 tbsp canned pumpkin
• Stir/Beat until thoroughly mixed (a wire whisk or mixer works best)

Place in small container and chill in the fridge.

Top with 1 Tablespoon Fat-Free Cool Whip. Enjoy!

Makes about 3 servings

Nutrition Facts per serving: 107 calories, 12 g carbohydrates, 3 g sugar, 14 g protein, 0 g Fat

Egg and Whey Protein Crepes

1/2 cup liquid egg whites or three whole eggs

1 scoop protein powder 

2 TBsp flour (optional)

2 TBsp whole or ground flax seeds

cinnamon or vanilla if desired 

¼ cup berries of your choice

Add 1-2 TBsp of almond milk if batter needs thinning

Sprinkle with Stevia to taste

Mix the egg whites, protein, flax, and Stevia (flour, cinnamon, or vanilla) together and pour thin layer in a pre-warmed skillet. Cook on med to low heat. When it starts to form a few bubbles, flip, like a pancake. Fill with berries, yogurt, or a little whipped cream if desired and roll. Yes, you can!

Nutritional Information: Calories: 189 cals, 1 g fat, 9 g carbs, 34 g protein.

Remeber the kids song that says: "Make me a cake and mark it with a B"? Well, you can mark this cake with a P—for perfect, protein pancakes. Protein powders can be added to pancake and waffle mixes. 

Peanut butter, agave nectar, nuts, or fruit can be great substitutes for high sugar syrups. 

Fruit and fruit compotes can make pancakes more moist. I like to add extra fiber, wheat germ, and even sweet potatoes to my pancake mixes. Sweet potatoes make a great topping also.

Vitalicious has a great low calorie pancake mix—see "Great Food Finds" section or google vitalicious.com. 

For pancake recipes and easy fruit compotes check out the "Recipe" section.