Let’s face it – sometimes your taste buds want something that crunches. Before surgery, we see lots of snack foods (chips, crackers, etc.) listed on food logs. These types of foods fall under the carbohydrate food category and are limited after surgery.
Thankfully, there are some protein-rich chips on the market. For a whey-based chip, look for Quest chips at Walmart (pharmacy area), GNC, Sprouts, SAM’s Club and online. Depending on the flavor, these packs have 18-20 grams of protein and have five grams or less of carbohydrates per bag.
There are a couple of soy-based chip products on the market. Kay’s Naturals chips are occasionally seen in grocery stores but are more likely available online. FLEX chips can be found at a local SAM’s Club or online.
Cheese crisps or wisps are also on the market. These are comprised of shredded cheese that has been baked until it is crunchy. These crisps can be found in the produce section of grocery stores. If you prefer, you can make your own cheese crisps at home. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place a silicone mat or parchment paper on a baking sheet. For each crisp, place two tablespoons of shredded cheese on the baking sheet and flatten to make an even thickness. Leave at least two inches between each cheese crisp and bake for five to six minutes until they are a light, golden brown color. While these cheese crisps provide some crunch and protein, they are higher in saturated fat. Try to use these as treats, not as a meal.
If you can have fresh vegetables, then lots of “crunch” options are available. Think beyond basic celery and carrot sticks. Foods like cucumbers, snow pea pods and sugar snap peas are good options as well. They offer that desired crunch with fewer calories and a bonus of fiber. They can be paired with a higher protein dip like ranch made from Greek yogurt or hummus. These dips provide an added flavor and additional protein.
Happy crunching!
Information provided by René Norman, RD/LD.