We had a reader on our facebook page ask about storing food after gastric bypass surgery. The diet after such surgeries needs to be packed with protein. In researching and with my knowledge as a home economist this would be my recommendation.
After surgery it is crucial to eat good sources of protein. Complete proteins include: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Seafood and Fish, Eggs and Dairy. Let’s begin there.
Beef, poultry, pork and sea food can all be frozen, dehydrated and canned. If you are living in a small space canned or dried such as jerky, will be your best choice as you may not have room for a freezer.
Eggs can be frozen by cracking them out and beating them as you would for scrambles eggs. Place beaten eggs in ice cube trays and freeze. When frozen pop them out and vacuum seal them and they will keep for a year in the freezer. Two cubes equals one egg. You can also purchase egg powder which is excellent for baking and good for omelets if you add spices and veggies or cheese, otherwise they are pretty bland.
Cheese is available in powder form and also dehydrated or freeze dried and grated. They are both best in casseroles or in combination with other foods such as lettuce wrapped tacos or chicken. Cheese can also be frozen for years. I would not purchase grated cheese as it has been coated to keep it from clumping. Purchase blocks of cheese to freeze. Waxed cheese will last for years on the shelf without refrigeration. You can purchase wax for making your own or purchase it waxed.
Greek yogurt is also a complete protein and can be frozen in the original containers for a year. Be sure to stir well after unfreezing.
Milk freezes well if you have room. Freeze the boxed milk not the jugs as they can leak when defrosting. Be aware the other “milks” almond, cashew, oat, etc. are not complete proteins and should not be substituted for the real thing.
If you are lactose intolerant store shelf stable lactose free milk. These boxes will last on the shelf for a year. They can also be frozen but it is not necessary and a waste of freezer space.
Incomplete proteins do not contain all the nutrients necessary to build strong muscles, hair, nails, brain cells etc.
Incomplete proteins include: Beans, Lentils and split pea, Nuts and seeds, Grains and rice, Vegetables, protein powders and Jello
Beans need to be combined with rice to make a complete protein but rice is not good for this diet.
Quinoa is the most protein rich grain if you are combining food to create a complete protein.
If you are storing nut butters for long term protein, even tho incomplete, store almond butter which is the highest in protein.
Jello is 98 percent protein so it is good for snacking, just purchase the diet variety.
For those who have had this surgery or are storing for someone who has what do you recommend?