Just because you have had Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) does not mean you cannot have a cool, refreshing summer treat once in a while. Even better, you can have it and still stick to your healthy eating plan! There are many ways you can make your own healthy ice pops or popsicles, by using protein drinks or powders, fresh or frozen (unsweetened fruit) and other healthy ingredients. If you are not into making your own, there are some ready made products that can be included in your bariatric eating plan. Below are some ideas for store bought and homemade summer treats.
Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars
These bars are sold in most grocery stores and come in 15 different flavors. Each bar contains approximately 80–130 calories and 5 grams of protein. The one down side is they do contain 12 to 17 grams of sugar per bar, which may be too high for some. Not all the sugar is added sugar, some sugar comes from the natural sugars that are found in the main ingredients. My suggestion would be to look for the bars that are between 80–100 calories and under 14 grams of sugar.
Enlightened Ice Cream Bars
These bars come in 11 flavors and are also sold in most grocery stores. Each bar contains between 70–100 calories, 6–8 grams of protein, 3–6 grams of sugar and 5–6 grams of dietary fiber depending in which flavor you choose.
Halo Top Ice Cream
This ice cream comes in over 20 flavors and is sold in most grocery stores. Each ½ cup serving contains 70–90 calories, 5 grams of protein, 6–8 grams of sugar, and 2–3 grams of dietary fiber depending on the flavor. Also comes in dairy free.
The above products are not the only ones on the market that may be appropriate for WLS patients, but do provide a low calories, high protein option that won’t get you off track. Check the labels on any products you may be looking at carefully. Always check the serving size amount first (and stick to that amount), make sure the calorie level is 100 or less calories, at least 5 grams protein and under 14 grams of sugar (10 or less grams of sugar may be better for some people).
Make Your Own Treat
You can also make your own summer treats by freezing your favorite protein drink into an ice pop mold. You can also add a few fresh berries, powdered peanut butter, a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts and nonfat Greek yogurt to add more color, flavor, texture and nutrition. Have fun, be creative and most of all — enjoy! Below are 2 recipes from ObesityHelp’s website for you to try.
Raspberry & Vanilla Cream Protein Popsicle
Servings: 3 popsicles
Serving Size: 1 popsicle
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Premier Protein Clear Raspberry Protein Drink
- 9 Raspberries
- ¼ cup Premier Protein Vanilla Shake
- 2 Tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
Directions
- Place 3 raspberries in each popsicle mold.
- Pour Premier Protein Clear Raspberry Protein Drink evenly into each mold.
- Place cap and popsicle sticks into the mold and freeze overnight.
- Mix Premier Protein Vanilla Shake and nonfat Greek yogurt.
- Remove popsicle mold from freezer.
- Pour vanilla mixture into the popsicle mold.
- Return popsicle mold to the freezer.
Nutritional Info Per Serving
Calories 29; Protein 5g; Fat 0g; Carbs 2g; Sugar 1g
Peanut Butter Fudge Protein Popsicle
Servings: 3 popsicles
Serving Size: 1 popsicle
Ingredients
- 1 scoop Premier Protein Chocolate Whey Powder
- 3 Tablespoons peanut butter powder
- 3 Tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup of water
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture into the popsicle mold.
- Place popsicle mold in the freezer overnight.
Nutritional Info Per Serving
Calories 91; Protein 14g; Fat 2g; Carbs 6g; Sugar 3g
Source: ObesityHelp. Accessed: 8/5/18
Dietitian’s Corner by Lori Skurbe
Dietitian’s Corner is a monthly column for post-op and pre-op patients of bariatric surgery in NJ written by Prime Surgicare’s Lori Skurbe. Lori has been a dietitian for over 20 years with an extensive background in weight management, bariatric nutrition and diabetes education.