Bored of Eggs Post-WLS? 8 Ways to Make Them More Exciting

Article By: Whittany Gibson, RDN

Whittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in bariatric nutrition counseling, providing education and support prior to and following weight loss surgery.

Talk about an unlikely hero! Eggs may seem dull and boring, but don't let their reputation fool you — they can be a real powerhouse in the kitchen. Offering benefits like protein and other key nutrients, eggs are not only healthy but also less expensive than other proteins. With their light flavor and versatile cooking methods, eggs can make any meal more exciting and delicious! Try these simple meal ideas:

1) Scrambled. Haven’t you heard? Scrambled eggs are the new classic! They're so easy to make that even a beginner can do it! Just Google, "How to scramble eggs”, and you've got breakfast! But don't let this blank canvas become a tired, bland meal — adding some ricotta or cottage cheese for creaminess or smoked salmon for protein is an absolute no-brainer (plus omega-3 fatty acids as a bonus). If you want something extra special, just add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Now that's how you take scrambled eggs from basic to the next level! If you don’t tolerate whole eggs well after WLS, try liquid egg whites for near-equal protein.

2) Omelet. Want to get the most out of your morning meal without breaking the bank? Omelets are a fantastic option! You can create restaurant-worthy omelet dishes at home and save on all those extra unnecessary fats that restaurants love adding. Get creative by packing in nutrients with fresh vegetables like spinach, onions, or bell peppers — and add cheese if you want some richness! One hearty omelet may last for 2-3 meals depending on how many eggs and ingredients you choose. Now that’s meal prep for the win!

3) Frittata. Frittatas are the perfect way to make a delicious meal in no time! Whether cooking for yourself, making a dish for others, or prepping meals for the week, these baked breakfast delights are not only easy but also an upgrade from your usual omelet or scrambled eggs. Just throw some veggies, cheese, and eggs into a baking dish or cast iron skillet, then pop it in the oven... Voila! You can now enjoy that wonderful frittata goodness with minimal effort.

4) Quiche. Quiche is another delicious option for a budget-friendly breakfast or brunch. You can make quiches ahead of time and freeze them, saving money in the long run. You can also use less expensive fillings such as sausage or ham instead of more expensive seafood options. Quiche can be a little on the higher calorie side due to the fat from creamy and cheesy ingredients, so make this a special occasion dish.

5) Huevos rancheros. Huevos rancheros is a traditional Mexican dish with fried eggs, tortillas, beans, salsa, and cheese. It's a great option if you're looking for something that is both budget-friendly, flavorful, and filling. You can also add some shredded chicken or beef to make it a complete meal with extra protein!

6) Hard-boiled eggs. Hard-boiled eggs are a terrific budget-friendly meal option that requires very little skill. They're healthy and packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, hard-boiled eggs are easy to make... You only need eggs, water, and a saucepan! You can serve hard-boiled eggs as-is or top them off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and your favorite condiments like mustard. These are great meal prep options when you’re in a pinch. Divide them into lunch box kits, including healthy fruits and vegetables and a few pieces of sharp cheddar for a balanced meal!

7) Egg salad. Egg salad is a great way to utilize hard-boiled eggs that you may have on-hand. Chop the eggs and mix them with some mayonnaise, mustard, and dill seasoning or celery. You can then serve the egg salad on toasted high-fiber bread, high-fiber crackers, or celery sticks for a snack or light meal.

8) Deviled eggs. Deviled eggs are devilishly delicious! They’re also another great way to use hard-boiled eggs. Simply remove the yolks from the eggs and mix them with mayonnaise and mustard. You can then pipe the mixture back into the egg whites using a zip lock bag with the corner cut off and refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with sliced black olives or paprika, whatever sounds good!

Eggs are a great way to enjoy a budget-friendly meal after recovering from WLS. From classic scrambled eggs and hard-boiled eggs to exciting dishes like huevos rancheros and deviled eggs, there’s something that can fit everyone's tastes and preferences. Whether you're newly post-op or a more seasoned post-op patient, I encourage you to experiment with different egg dishes to find the ones you can make a part of your dietary routine! Who knows? Maybe some of these egg recipes will even become staples in your weekly meal rotation.

BariMelts provides general recommendations, not to be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor.