Quick Lemon Garlic Bean Dip

Incorporating protein into snacks is important for your post weight loss surgery diet. Whether you’ve had gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or lap band surgery, ensuring you are eating enough protein is important for maintaining your health. One way to incorporate protein is to use beans. White beans, like cannellini beans, are low in calories at only 90 calories per cup, have 7 grams of protein, and provide 6 grams of dietary fiber to keep you feeling fuller longer. You can easily toss them into salads and pasta dishes for extra protein, but a simple and delicious way to enjoy them is in a dip. By pureeing the cannellini beans, they can easily transform into a delicious and protein packed dip. Serve with your favorite vegetables for a quick and healthy snack or as an appetizer with company. You can also plan ahead and separate into individual serving containers to pack with a bag of your favorite raw vegetables for a snack at work to keep your diet on track.

Lemon Garlic Bean Dip

• 1 15.5 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cloves of chopped garlic (you can also try roasting the cloves for more complex flavors)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• salt and pepper to taste

Blend beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in the food processor. When smooth, pulse in the chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to a serving dish, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until serving.

This recipe was provided by the staff at Dr. Shillingford’s Boca Raton office. Dr. Shillingford is a board certified surgeon specializing in lap band, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy surgeries, serving all of South Florida. His patients are often looking for protein rich snacks to help promote and maintain their weight loss successes.