The journey through bariatric recovery is already complex, but add in the relentless marketing schemes of the food industry, and it becomes downright infuriating. While our focus is on building healthier lives, Big Food seems more interested in capitalizing on our challenges.

Here’s a closer look at six ways the food industry tries to profit from bariatric journeys, and why it’s time to break free from the nonsense.

1. The ‘Healthy’ Snacks: High Protein, Higher Regret

You’ve seen them—“high-protein” chips that are marketed as the perfect bariatric snack. But what’s really in them? A mix of chemical mystery powders that leave you questioning your life choices, plus a hefty price tag. Instead of nourishing your body, they’re preying on your desire for convenience.

The Alternative: Skip the processed snacks. Reach for whole foods with natural protein like Greek yogurt or hard-boiled eggs.

2. The Sugar-Free Trap

“Sugar-free” sounds like a dream, but it often translates to “artificial sweetener overload.” These products might have fewer calories but come with a host of gut issues, weird aftertastes, and double the price.

The Alternative: Stick to naturally sugar-free options like fruits or beverages sweetened with stevia or monk fruit. Check labels for sneaky sugar alcohols like erythritol that can wreak havoc on digestion.

3. Protein Everything: The Overpriced Obsession

Protein water, protein cookies, protein cereal—it’s a never-ending list. The kicker? Most of these products contain more marketing fluff than actual nutrition. Do you really need a $5 bottle of “protein water”?

The Alternative: Invest in high-quality protein powders or, better yet, prioritize real food sources like chicken, fish, or beans for a fraction of the cost.

4. The ‘Lite’ Con: Reduced Quality, Not Calories

Reduced-fat and reduced-calorie products often seem appealing, but they’re usually packed with fillers, additives, and artificial flavors. These items do more harm than good, leaving you unsatisfied and still hungry.

The Alternative: Focus on portion control with wholesome foods rather than relying on “lite” versions of processed items.

5. Fake Fiber: A Digestive Disaster

“Boost your fiber!” the labels scream, but the fiber they’re talking about is synthetic and unrecognizable to your body. Instead of aiding digestion, it can leave you bloated, uncomfortable, and regretting every bite.

The Alternative: Turn to natural fiber sources like apples, broccoli, or chia seeds for gut-friendly nutrition that works.

6. The “Bariatric-Friendly” Label: A Pricey Gimmick

Nothing irks a bariatric warrior more than seeing the word “bariatric-friendly” slapped onto products with inflated prices. Most of these items are just regular food with clever rebranding to cash in on a vulnerable audience.

The Alternative: Read labels critically and don’t be swayed by trendy labels. True bariatric-friendly foods often don’t need a label—they’re whole, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense.

Taking Back Control

The bariatric journey is about empowerment, not falling victim to gimmicks. By understanding how the food industry markets to us, we can make better choices that support our health and goals.

Remember: You don’t need overpriced, over-marketed products to thrive. Stick to real, whole foods, and keep breaking free from Big Food’s traps—one label at a time.

Are you ready to rewrite your relationship with food? Let’s do this together.