Cooking with Chris: Easy Rotisserie Chicken Stir-Fry

Lisa Kidd

One of my favorite things about this new Cooking with Chris series is showing just how simple home cooking can be.

In this episode, Chris and I turned leftover rotisserie chicken into a quick stir-fry dinner packed with colorful vegetables and protein. This is one of those easy meals that feels wholesome, tastes amazing, and helps make the most of what you already have.

The combination of bell peppers, broccoli, frozen mixed vegetables, and tender chicken makes this recipe super versatile. The homemade stir-fry sauce adds just the right balance of savory, sweet, and a little warmth from the ginger.

For the bariatric lifestyle, this recipe works beautifully because you can:

  • focus on the chicken first for protein
  • load up on the veggies
  • serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
  • use it for meal prep leftovers

It’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and beginner-friendly—which made it the perfect recipe for Chris to learn.

I hope this inspires you to turn simple ingredients into something delicious for your family too.

My Beginner Container Garden Update: Days 4–21

Lisa Kidd

One of the most exciting parts of starting my very first budget-friendly container garden has been watching the progress every single day.

In this update, I’m sharing how my seedlings changed from day 4 through day 21, and the growth has honestly surprised me!

I started this project using 2-inch Jiffy pots inside a foil baking pan with a plastic lid, creating a simple greenhouse effect on a budget. I planted a mix of herbs and vegetables, and now several of them are thriving.

Some seeds sprouted quickly, while others took more patience, which has been a great lesson for a beginner gardener like me. Seeing the tiny sprouts turn into stronger seedlings has been incredibly rewarding.

This journey fits perfectly into my Bariatric Living with Lisa lifestyle because growing fresh herbs and vegetables at home supports healthy cooking and meal prep.

I’m excited for the next step—moving these seedlings into containers and continuing the journey toward harvest!

High Protein Sugar-Free Blueberry Muffins (Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for an easy, high-protein recipe that actually tastes amazing, you have to try these blueberry muffins.

I found a version of this recipe going viral and knew I had to make it bariatric-friendly—and let me tell you, this one is a keeper. These muffins are soft, packed with blueberries, and have just the right amount of sweetness without any added sugar.

What I love most is how simple this recipe is. You only need three main ingredients, and it comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box Pillsbury Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix
  • 1 (5.3 oz) Oikos Triple Zero Blueberry Greek Yogurt
  • 1 (11 oz) Member’s Mark Vanilla Protein Shake
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, yogurt, and protein shake until smooth. Gently fold in the blueberries.

Spray a cupcake tin with cooking spray and use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion the batter. Bake for 19 minutes or until set.

This recipe makes 19 muffins and is perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts:
These have quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for a high-protein lifestyle after bariatric surgery.

Sweet & Spicy Southwest Breakfast Stack

Lisa Kidd

Sometimes the best recipes come from simply experimenting in the kitchen, and that’s exactly how this Sweet & Spicy Southwest Breakfast Stack came to life.

I wanted a breakfast that was hearty, full of flavor, and high in protein. After looking through what I had on hand, I decided to combine seasoned roasted sweet potatoes with a savory mixture of chorizo, ground beef, and onions, and then top it all with scrambled eggs and melted cheddar cheese.

The sweet potatoes are seasoned with chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, and just a touch of brown sugar substitute. This gives them a slightly sweet flavor with a warm, southwest-style spice.

Layered together, the combination of sweet potatoes, spicy chorizo, savory beef, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors.

This dish is filling, satisfying, and perfect for anyone looking for a high-protein breakfast while living the bariatric lifestyle.

2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
Chili powder
Cumin
Oregano
Garlic powder
Paprika
Brown sugar substitute
Salt

½ lb chorizo
½ lb ground beef
½ onion, diced

3–4 eggs
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Season diced sweet potatoes with chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar substitute, and salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast until tender.

While the sweet potatoes are baking, cook the chorizo, ground beef, and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Scramble the eggs in a separate pan. Once cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt.

To assemble the stack, start with a layer of roasted sweet potatoes, then add the chorizo and beef mixture, and finish with the scrambled eggs and melted cheese.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Teaching My Son to Cook: Keto Reuben Roll-Ups

Lisa Kidd

One of the things I’ve realized as a parent is that kids don’t automatically learn how to cook — even when they grow up around it. So I decided to start a new series on my channel called Cooking with Chris, where I teach my grown son how to cook simple meals.

For his first lesson, we made Keto Reuben Roll-Ups, and they were a huge success!

These roll-ups are perfect for anyone living a bariatric lifestyle or following a low-carb diet. They’re simple, quick, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

6 slices Swiss cheese
12 slices corned beef lunch meat
Sauerkraut
G Hughes Sugar-Free Secret Burger Sauce

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Place the Swiss cheese slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and quickly add two slices of corned beef to each piece of cheese. Top with sauerkraut and drizzle with G Hughes Sugar-Free Secret Burger Sauce.

Carefully roll them up while the cheese is still warm.

That’s it! A super easy, delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick snack or light meal.

Chris did a great job with this one, and I think this series is going to be a lot of fun.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Cooking with Chris!

Starting My First Container Garden on a Budget

Lisa Kidd

I’ve decided to try something new this year — growing my own herbs and vegetables in a container garden.

I have never been much of a gardener, but I love the idea of having fresh ingredients right outside my door to use in my recipes. Plus, gardening can be a great way to save money and eat healthier.

So I’m starting small and learning as I go.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Today I planted 10 different types of seeds using small 2-inch Jiffy pots.

To keep things simple and budget-friendly, I placed all of the pots inside a foil baking pan and covered them with a plastic lid to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps keep moisture and warmth inside so the seeds can germinate.

What I Planted

I decided to start with a mix of herbs and vegetables that I hope to grow in containers later.

Starting from seed is one of the most affordable ways to start a garden, and it’s exciting to see the plants grow from the very beginning.

This Is Just the Beginning

Since I’m brand new to gardening, I thought it would be fun to turn this into a series so you can follow along with me.

In future updates, I’ll share:

• When the seeds start sprouting
• Moving seedlings into containers
• Setting up my container garden
• Harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables

I’m excited to see how this experiment turns out.

If you’d like to follow the journey, make sure to watch the video on my Bariatric Living with Lisa YouTube channel.

Let’s see if I can grow my own food!

Protein Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Smoothie (37g Protein)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and protein-packed smoothie, this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Protein Smoothie is a must try!

It tastes just like a creamy slice of cheesecake but is designed to help you stay on track with your protein goals. This recipe is perfect for a bariatric lifestyle, especially on busy mornings when you need something fast and filling.

One of the things I love most about this smoothie is how simple it is. Everything goes right into the blender and within minutes you have a sweet, creamy drink that tastes like dessert but gives your body the protein it needs.

Even better — this smoothie packs 37 grams of protein, making it a great option for breakfast, a snack, or anytime you need a protein boost.

Ingredients

4 oz frozen strawberries
2 oz banana
3 oz vanilla Greek yogurt

A splash of Jordan’s Cherry Skinny Syrup
1 Tablespoon sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
1 vanilla protein shake (I used Member’s Mark Vanilla Protein Shake)

Optional topping:
White Chocolate Cold Foam

Instructions

Add the frozen strawberries, banana, vanilla Greek yogurt, sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix, Jordan’s Cherry Skinny Syrup, and vanilla protein shake to a blender.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a glass and top with white chocolate cold foam if desired.

Enjoy!

Why This Smoothie Is Great for Bariatric Living

After bariatric surgery, getting enough protein each day is incredibly important. Smoothies like this make it easy to stay on track while still enjoying something that tastes amazing.

This recipe is:

✔ High protein
✔ Quick and easy
✔ Bariatric friendly
✔ Perfect for on-the-go

If you enjoy simple recipes like this, be sure to check out more recipes on Bariatric Living with Lisa where I share easy ways to make bariatric living delicious and sustainable.

High-Protein Peanut Butter Mousse (3 Ingredients!)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for a quick, high-protein dessert that feels indulgent, this peanut butter mousse is going to become a favorite.

One of my YouTube subscribers recently sent me a recipe for a 3-ingredient peanut butter mousse, and I knew I had to try it. Of course, I put my own spin on it to make it more bariatric-friendly.

The original recipe used maple syrup, but I substituted Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Salted Caramel Sauce to keep the sugar lower while adding even more flavor.

The result is a rich, creamy mousse that tastes delicious — and you honestly can’t taste the cottage cheese at all!

Ingredients

8 oz cottage cheese
1/8 cup natural peanut butter
1½ tablespoons Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Salted Caramel Sauce

Optional topping:
Melted dark chocolate

Instructions

Add the cottage cheese, peanut butter, and salted caramel sauce to a blender.

Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. This step is important so the mousse has a silky texture.

Spoon the mousse into a small bowl and drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the top.

Place the bowl in the freezer until the chocolate hardens.

Once the chocolate shell is firm, crack it with a spoon and enjoy your delicious high-protein dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High protein
• Bariatric friendly
• Low sugar
• Only 3 ingredients
• Ready in minutes

This mousse is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but still want to stay on track with your nutrition goals.

Easy Spaghetti Squash Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Lisa Kidd

High-Protein | Low-Carb | Bariatric-Friendly

If you’re missing creamy Alfredo pasta but trying to stay on track with your bariatric lifestyle, this recipe is going to make you so happy.

This Spaghetti Squash Chicken Broccoli Alfredo gives you all the creamy, cheesy comfort — without the heavy carbs from traditional pasta. And the best part? It’s easy. No homemade sauce required.

As someone living the bariatric lifestyle, I love recipes that:

  • Prioritize protein
  • Keep carbs lower
  • Use convenient ingredients
  • Fit real life

This recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 jar Alfredo sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 bag frozen broccoli florets
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place face down on a baking sheet and bake for 30–40 minutes.
  5. While squash is baking, heat jarred Alfredo sauce in a saucepan.
  6. Stir in shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
  7. Microwave broccoli according to package directions and stir into sauce.
  8. Once squash is tender, shred the inside with a fork.
  9. Mix spaghetti squash strands into the Alfredo mixture until well coated.
  10. Spoon mixture back into squash shells.
  11. Top with shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  12. Return to oven and bake until bubbly and golden.

Why This Works for Bariatric Living

  • Spaghetti squash replaces traditional pasta
  • Rotisserie chicken makes hitting protein goals easier
  • Broccoli adds fiber and volume
  • Portion-controlled “boats” help prevent overeating

This is comfort food made smarter — and easier.

If you try it, let me know! And if you’re on this journey too, you are NOT alone. ❤️

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Ranch + 0 Net Carb Mozzarella Sticks

Lisa Kidd

If you’re following a bariatric lifestyle, getting enough protein in can sometimes feel repetitive. This recipe is one of my new favorites because it takes something we all love — ranch dressing — and turns it into a protein-packed powerhouse.

And trust me… you cannot taste the cottage cheese.

Why This Works for Bariatric Living

  • High in protein
  • Low in carbs
  • Simple ingredients
  • Great for snacks or light meals
  • Helps you hit protein goals without feeling heavy

High-Protein Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cottage cheese
  • 1 oz + 1 Tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 7 Tablespoons dill pickle juice

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

This ranch is thick, tangy, and perfect for dipping or spreading.

0 Net Carb Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

  • String cheese
  • 0 net carb tortillas
  • Butter, melted
  • Seasonings of choice

Instructions:

  1. Roll each string cheese in a tortilla.
  2. Brush the outside with seasoned butter.
  3. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  4. Serve immediately with high-protein ranch.

This combo is crispy, cheesy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying — without blowing your carb count.

Perfect for:

  • Mid-day snack
  • High-protein lunch
  • Party appetizer
  • Late-night craving

If you try this recipe, let me know! I love seeing how you’re living your bariatric life successfully.