Bariatric Friendly Delight: Italian Ricotta Bake

Bariatric Friendly Delight for Post-Op Recovery

Regarding Italian cuisine, cheese and pasta often come to mind. However, many patients may struggle with the texture of pasta after surgery or may need to avoid it due to its high carb content. This recipe provides the delicious flavors of lasagna without the noodles, making it a Bariatric Friendly Delight.

Why This Recipe Works for Bariatric Patients

CER Bariatrics is committed to offering top-notch nutritional support for post-op patients. We focus on providing delicious, easily digestible meals that align with your health goals. This Italian Ricotta Bake exemplifies a Bariatric Friendly Delight, offering a tasty, high-protein, low-carb option that fits your needs.

High Protein Content: This dish delivers 12g of protein per serving, which is crucial for post-op recovery and muscle maintenance.
Low Carb: With only 4g of carbohydrates per serving, this recipe perfectly aligns with a low-carb diet.
Easy to Digest: The soft texture of the ricotta bake is gentle on your digestive system, making it an ideal choice after surgery.

Ingredients

8 ounces low-fat ricotta cheese
½ cup fat free grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Nonstick cooking spray
½ cup low-sugar marinara sauce
½ cup low-fat mozzarella cheese

Difficulty : Easy. Serves : 6

Cooking Steps

1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2

In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
3

Spray a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly in the pan.
4

Top the ricotta mixture with the marinara sauce, then sprinkle with the mozzarella.
5

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and serve.

Here are the serving suggestions for the Bariatric Friendly Delight Italian Ricotta Bake

Add ground Italian sausage or thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini between the layers for extra flavor and a fun twist.-

Use fresh ingredients like ricotta and Parmesan for better flavor.-
Customize your seasoning by adding extra Italian herbs or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.-
Incorporate vegetables like zucchini or spinach between the layers for added nutrients and texture. Bariatric Friendly Delight is the focus here, so enjoy creating this dish!

Nutrition Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the ricotta bake in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven.

Q: What other cheeses can I use? A: Cottage cheese or part-skim ricotta can be used as substitutes to reduce fat content further.

Q: Can this recipe be frozen? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked ricotta. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

The Italian Ricotta Bake is a delicious and nutritious option for bariatric patients looking for a satisfying, low-carb meal. CER Bariatrics is committed to providing recipes that support your health and recovery journey. Enjoy the flavors of Italian cuisine without compromising your dietary needs.

For bariatric patients with conditions like diabetes

For bariatric patients with diabetes, the Italian Ricotta Bake can still be a suitable option. However, there are some considerations to consider to ensure this dish remains bariatric-friendly.

Low-Sugar Marinara Sauce:
- Watch for Hidden Sugars: Even though the sauce is low in sugar, some brands might still contain small amounts of sugar that can affect blood sugar levels. Opt for marinara sauces with no added sugars or make your own.
Cheese and Sodium:
- Sodium Content: Both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses can be high in sodium. Excessive sodium can contribute to fluid retention and high blood pressure, which can be a concern for diabetic patients with cardiovascular issues. Choose low-sodium cheese options if needed.
Eggs:
- Cholesterol Levels: While eggs are high in protein, they also contain cholesterol. Patients with diabetes should monitor their cholesterol levels and may need to limit egg consumption if they have high cholesterol or other cardiovascular conditions
Portion Control: Balanced Meals
- Portion control is crucial. Even though the recipe is designed to be bariatric-friendly, patients should still monitor portion sizes to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and prevent overeating.
Digestive Sensitivity:
- Monitor Reactions: For some bariatric patients, dairy products can cause digestive discomfort or lactose intolerance. If cheese or dairy products lead to issues, consider using lactose-free alternatives.

By making these adjustments and monitoring your response, the Italian Ricotta Bake remains a Bariatric-Friendly Delight and can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet tailored to managing diabetes and other post-bariatric conditions. Remember, with proper adjustments, this dish can still be a delightful and bariatric-friendly addition to your menu.