High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee

Lisa Kidd

If you grew up loving Fluffer Nutter sandwiches or peanut butter and banana sandwiches, this recipe is going to bring back some memories.

I wanted to create a protein coffee that tasted indulgent while still fitting into a bariatric-friendly lifestyle. The result is my High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee—a creamy blend of coffee, banana, peanut butter, marshmallow, and caramel flavors with a protein boost.

This drink feels like something you’d order from a specialty coffee shop, but it’s easy to make at home and can help you meet your daily protein goals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein
  • Lower in sugar than traditional coffeehouse drinks
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Bariatric lifestyle friendly
  • Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up

Ingredients

  • 8 oz brewed coffee
  • 1 Monster Alani Protein Shake (or your favorite protein shake)
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, divided
  • Skinny Mixes Caramel Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Marshmallow Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Salted Caramel Syrup
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee and allow it to cool.
  2. Blend the protein shake, banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Melt the remaining tablespoon of peanut butter.
  4. Drizzle melted peanut butter, caramel sauce, and marshmallow sauce around the inside of your glass.
  5. Fill the glass with ice.
  6. Add a drizzle of salted caramel syrup.
  7. Pour the blended protein mixture into the glass.
  8. Top with brewed coffee.
  9. Stir and enjoy!

Tips

  • Freeze your banana beforehand for an extra thick, frosty texture.
  • Use decaf coffee if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
  • Adjust the amount of syrup and sauce to fit your sweetness preferences.
  • Try different protein shake flavors for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

One of the biggest challenges after bariatric surgery can be finding enjoyable ways to prioritize protein. This recipe proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay on track.

If you make this High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment on my YouTube video or tag me on social media and share your creation!

Happy sipping!

— Lisa
Bariatric Living with Lisa

Easy Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole

Lisa Kidd

If you are looking for an easy comfort food recipe with a tropical twist, this Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole is absolutely delicious! 🍍🌺

This recipe combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, colorful vegetables, and rice into one simple baked casserole dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes a great family dinner or meal prep recipe.

To make it more bariatric lifestyle friendly, I used a combination of jasmine rice and cauliflower rice. This helps lower the carbs while still keeping that comforting casserole texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy one-pan meal
  • Sweet & savory flavor combination
  • High in protein
  • Great for leftovers
  • Perfect for busy weeknights
  • Budget friendly

Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar or brown sugar substitute
  • ½ cup low sodium soy sauce (I used a sweet soy sauce)
  • 2 teaspoon Adobo garlic powder
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1½ cup uncooked instant white rice (I used ½ cup uncooked Jasmine rice and a frozen bag of Cauliflower Rice, microwaved)
  • 1 diced sweet onion
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits or chunks in juice, NOT drained
  • 1 lb. thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins, diced into bite-sized pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. I used a 13x 9 baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken broth.
  • Add uncooked rice, onion, bell pepper, pineapple and it’s juices and chicken. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 50 minutes. Once cooking is done, uncover and stir ingredients.
  • Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
  • Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

The pineapple gives this casserole a sweet tropical flavor that pairs so well with the savory chicken and soy sauce!

Final Thoughts

This recipe is the perfect combination of comfort food and tropical flavor. It’s filling, protein-packed, and easy enough for busy weeknights.

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!

Ranking Pork King Good’s Savory Pork Rinds | Bariatric Friendly Snack Review

Lisa Kidd

Finding satisfying crunchy snacks after bariatric surgery can sometimes feel impossible — especially when you’re trying to stay low carb and prioritize protein. That’s why I was excited to try the savory flavored pork rinds from Pork King Good for another taste testing video on Bariatric Living with Lisa.

And let me tell you… these did NOT disappoint!

I tried several savory flavors and ranked them from my favorite to my least favorite. Every flavor had great crunch and bold seasoning, but a few really stood out as absolute winners for me.

One thing I love about pork rinds is that they’re naturally low carb and high in protein, making them a great option for bariatric and keto lifestyles. They’re also perfect when you want something salty and crunchy without reaching for potato chips.

If you’ve been searching for new bariatric-friendly snack ideas, these are definitely worth trying.

Be sure to watch the full video on Bariatric Living with Lisa to see my complete rankings and find out which flavor took the top spot!

Creamy Tortellini Soup with Fresh Garden Spinach

Lisa Kidd

There’s nothing better than harvesting fresh spinach from the garden and turning it into a warm, comforting homemade soup. In today’s Bariatric Living with Lisa recipe, I made a rich and creamy Tortellini Soup loaded with Italian sausage, vegetables, cheesy tortellini, and fresh garden spinach.

This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in one pot. The fresh spinach adds beautiful color and freshness while the creamy broth and cheese tortellini make this meal feel extra cozy and satisfying.

One of my favorite parts of container gardening is being able to walk outside, harvest fresh ingredients, and immediately use them in recipes like this. It truly makes homemade meals taste even better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy one-pot meal
  • Comfort food with fresh vegetables
  • Great way to use garden spinach
  • Creamy, rich, and satisfying
  • Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

Ingredients

1 pound ground Italian sausage, browned

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 8oz pack of sliced mushrooms

  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • ½ Tablespoon Adobo Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups chicken broth 
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed and dissolved in 1/4 cup water
  • 36 ounces evaporated milk 
  • 12 ounce packet three cheese tortellini I used dried not fresh; choose any flavour you like
  • 5 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup milk, if needed

Instructions

  • Place the browned sausage, onion, carrots, celery, Adobo seasoning, Italian seasoning, chicken bouillon powder, salt, and broth in a Dutch oven. Cover and cook on Medium High until boiling and vegetables are tender.
  • Uncover and stir in the cornstarch mixture with the evaporated milk. Add the tortellini and the Spinach, mix well. Cover again and cook on Medium to Medium High heat until the soup has thickened, and the tortellini is soft and cooked through. You may need to add milk, a little bit at a time to thin out to your liking. Enjoy!

This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you make this recipe, let me know how it turned out and what you’re growing in your garden this season!

Fresh Spinach Harvest From My Container Garden

Lisa Kidd

One of the most exciting parts of container gardening is finally getting to harvest something you’ve grown yourself! In my latest Container Garden Update video on Bariatric Living with Lisa, I shared the progress of my patio garden and harvested some beautiful fresh spinach.

Watching these plants grow from tiny seedlings into healthy, thriving greens has been incredibly rewarding. Container gardening has become more than just a hobby for me — it’s also a relaxing and enjoyable way to support a healthier lifestyle.

The spinach looked vibrant, fresh, and ready to use in so many healthy meals. Homegrown spinach is perfect for salads, omelets, smoothies, soups, stir-fries, and my Tortellini Soup. There’s just something special about eating food you grew yourself!

If you’ve been thinking about starting a container garden, don’t be intimidated. Even a small patio or balcony can produce fresh herbs and vegetables with a little care and patience.

Thank you so much for following along on my gardening journey! Be sure to check out the latest video on Bariatric Living with Lisa to see the spinach harvest and all the garden updates. 🌱💚

Viral High-Protein Pizza Bagel Using Rice Paper

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve been scrolling TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the viral rice paper “bagel” trend. People are making breakfast bagels, cheeseburger bagels, and pizza bagels using rice paper instead of traditional dough.

Of course, I had to make a Bariatric Living with Lisa version… and WOW, this turned out so crispy, cheesy, and delicious!

This recipe is packed with protein and gives you all the pizza flavor without the heavy carbs of traditional bagels or pizza crust.

What I Used

  • Pork sausage
  • Chopped onion
  • Chopped green pepper
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Tomato basil pasta sauce
  • Pepperoni
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Eggs
  • Rice paper wrappers

How I Made It

First, I browned my sausage in a skillet with the onions, peppers, and mushrooms until everything was cooked and flavorful.

Then I scrambled eggs on a baking sheet. I dipped two rice paper wrappers into the egg mixture and overlapped them slightly on my cutting board.

Next, I layered on the sausage mixture, tomato basil sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.

I rolled everything up lengthwise, then twisted it into a spiral shape to resemble a bagel.

Finally, I air-fried it at 350 degrees for 15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

The Result

The outside gets crunchy and crispy while the inside stays cheesy, savory, and packed with pizza flavor. It honestly tastes indulgent while still being protein-forward and bariatric-friendly.

The best part is you can customize these with endless filling ideas:

  • Breakfast versions
  • Cheeseburger versions
  • Buffalo chicken
  • Taco-inspired fillings
  • Ham and cheese
  • Philly cheesesteak

This viral trend definitely lived up to the hype in my kitchen!

Dessert Pork Rinds Taste Test (High Protein, Low Carb Snack Review)

Lisa Kidd

If you told me I’d be eating dessert-flavored pork rinds, I probably wouldn’t have believed you… but here we are—and I’m glad I gave them a shot!

I recently found Pork King Good’s sweet-flavored pork rinds on TikTok and decided to do a full taste test for my Bariatric Living with Lisa channel.

The Flavors I Tried:

  • Cinnamon Churr-Whoa
  • Old Timey Butterscotch
  • Appley Cinnamon
  • Birthday Cake

My Honest Thoughts:

I went into this expecting them to be a little… questionable. But surprisingly, they were all really good! Each one had that crunchy, salty pork rind base with a sweet twist that actually worked.

The Winner 🏆

Old Timey Butterscotch was hands-down my favorite. The flavor was rich, sweet, and honestly felt like a treat—without the sugar overload.

Are They Worth It?

If you’re following a bariatric, low-carb, or keto lifestyle and struggle with sweet cravings, these are a great alternative. You’re getting protein in while still satisfying that dessert craving—which is a win in my book.

Final Verdict:

✔️ High protein
✔️ Low carb friendly
✔️ Surprisingly delicious

Would I buy them again? Absolutely—especially the butterscotch!

High-Protein Sugar-Free Tropical Parfait (Bariatric Friendly)

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that feels indulgent but still fits into your healthy lifestyle, this High-Protein Sugar-Free Tropical Parfait is exactly what you need.

This recipe combines creamy, fluffy filling with fresh tropical flavors and a satisfying crunch—without all the sugar. It’s perfect for bariatric patients, low-carb eaters, or anyone looking for a better-for-you treat.

🌴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein to keep you full
  • Sugar-free and low-carb
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy
  • Feels like a tropical getaway in every bite

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 box sugar-free coconut key lime pudding mix
  • 1 vanilla protein shake
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • Fresh pineapple, chopped
  • Keto granola
  • Heavy cream
  • Sugar-free pineapple syrup
  • Sugar-free whipped topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Mix pudding mix and protein shake until thick and smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar-free syrup until stiff peaks form.
  3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Combine pudding mixture with cream cheese until creamy.
  5. Gently fold in whipped cream.
  6. Chop fresh pineapple.
  7. Layer parfait: filling → pineapple → granola. Repeat layers.
  8. Top with sugar-free whipped topping and enjoy!

💡 Tips

  • Chill before serving for an even thicker texture
  • Swap pineapple for strawberries or mango for variety
  • Use small jars for portion control

💛 Final Thoughts

This parfait proves you don’t have to give up dessert to stay on track. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor—without the sugar crash.

One bite, and you’ll see why this feels like a tropical escape in every spoonful 🌴

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!