I am a wife, a mom, a grandmother, and a pastry chef. Back in 2017, I used to weigh 332 pounds. I was very unhealthy, could barely move, and boy was I miserable. Also, that same year I wound up in the hospital with a saddle pulmonary embolism that traveled through my heart. I am told that I am very lucky to be alive. This is what got the ball rolling for me to get the bariatric surgery that I so desperately needed and now I want to share my journey with all of you.
If you love Mississippi Pot Roast but want a version that’s a little more hearty, veggie-forward, or family-friendly, this one is for you! I made this on vacation and it turned out absolutely delicious. Instead of using pepperoncinis, I swapped in a full blend of vegetables for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth roast that practically makes itself.
Everything goes straight into the crockpot — no searing, no prep work, no fuss. After cooking low and slow for 10 hours, the roast becomes so tender and flavorful that it falls apart with a fork. The vegetables soak up all the buttery, savory goodness from the ranch and au jus mix, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chuck Tender Roast
Red Potatoes
Onions
Celery
Baby Carrots
Ranch Dressing Mix
Au Jus Mix
Water
Butter
Instructions
Layer the vegetables in the bottom of your crockpot, place the roast on top, sprinkle the ranch and au jus packets, add water, and place the stick of butter right on top. Cook on low for 10 hours and enjoy the most comforting, fall-apart roast!
This recipe is perfect for busy days, cozy weekends, or anyone who loves easy dump-and-go crockpot meals. It also works great for meal prep — leftovers taste even better the next day.
Even while I’m on vacation, my day isn’t complete without my morning protein coffee! Today, I’m sharing the delicious Caramel Chai Maple Pecan Pie Protein Coffee I made in my friend Cherie’s kitchen — and trust me, it’s the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors that taste just like fall in a cup.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 Nurri Protein Shake (your favorite flavor!)
Maple Pecan Pie Coffee – freshly brewed
A splash of Jordan’s Caramel Skinny Syrup
A splash of Jordan’s Chai Skinny Syrup
A dash or two of Salted Caramel Salt
Top with a swirl of Whipped Cream
Directions:
Brew your Maple Pecan Pie Coffee.
Add the Nurri Protein Shake and your Skinny Syrups.
Give it a good stir and finish with a touch of Salted Caramel Salt.
Top it with whipped cream for that coffee shop finish.
The result is a cozy, creamy, protein-packed drink that keeps you full and satisfied. Whether you’re post-op bariatric, living a low-carb lifestyle, or just love creative coffee ideas — this one’s a must-try!
This week while visiting my friend Cherie, we sat down for a relaxed chat about something so many people ask me about — how to maintain healthy, bariatric-friendly habits while spending time with loved ones who don’t eat or live the same way.
The truth? It’s completely possible, and honestly… it’s easier when you have a friend like Cherie.
In our conversation, we talked about how differently we each approach food and health, yet how we’ve always supported each other’s goals. We shared what we’ve learned from one another over the years, and how friendship sometimes means simply listening and cheering each other on — even when our paths don’t look the same.
We laughed about our favorite memories from the week, and I opened up about the small choices that helped me stay protein-focused and balanced while traveling. From sugar-free coffee runs to mindful meals and enjoyable movement, this vacation was a beautiful reminder that healthy living can fit into any environment when you stay intentional.
As I head home, I’m taking with me not just the memories, but the reminder that support systems matter, and friendships like this make the journey even sweeter.
If you’ve ever been on a long road trip, you know how tough it can be to find healthy, protein-forward options at gas stations. But on my recent vacation, I stopped at the legendary Buc-ee’s, and wow — it completely changed how I look at road trip food stops!
When I walked in, I was instantly blown away by the size and variety of this place. It’s not your average convenience store — it’s more like a highway superstore filled with snacks, fresh food, and fun finds.
I started by checking out their White Cheddar Nug-ee’s, which are a crunchy, flavorful treat if you want something light. Then I discovered the massive coffee and tea station — perfect if you bring your protein shake or powder along to make a quick protein coffee!
To my surprise, Buc-ee’s also had yogurt parfaits, salads, and fruit cups — all fresh and easy to grab for a healthier meal on the go. And of course, no visit would be complete without exploring their World-Famous Wall of Jerky. There are so many high-protein options to choose from, including freshly made jerky in their deli display case.
And yes… I did treat myself to their famous Banana Pudding — and it was absolutely worth it!
Whether you’re traveling post-bariatric surgery or just looking for smarter road trip choices, Buc-ee’s has more to offer than you might expect. So next time you see one on the highway, stop in and explore — you’ll be surprised how easy it is to stay on track and still enjoy the journey!
There’s something about a cozy latte that just feels like home, even when you’re not at home. While visiting my husband’s family on vacation, I found myself missing my morning coffee routine — so I decided to recreate it, right there in their kitchen!
It felt a little awkward setting up to film while staying with family (I’m sure some of you can relate 😅), but once that caramel started drizzling and the espresso aroma filled the air, I was in my happy place again.
This Protein Caramel Maple Bourbon Pecan Latte combines rich espresso, a creamy protein shake, and the cozy warmth of caramel and maple bourbon pecan. It’s like fall in a mug — and the best part? It’s packed with protein and totally bariatric-friendly.
Here’s how to make it:
2 shots of espresso
1 can of Nurri Protein Shake (steamed)
Line your cup with Skinny Mixes Salted Caramel Sauce
Add a splash of Jordan’s Caramel Skinny Syrup
Add a splash of Jordan’s Maple Bourbon Pecan Skinny Syrup
Drizzle a little extra caramel on top
Sprinkle with Salted Caramel Salt
Give it a stir and enjoy that creamy, sweet, slightly salty sip of comfort.
Even when life gets a little out of routine — like traveling or staying with family — having something small and familiar can bring a sense of calm. For me, that’s my morning coffee.
So whether you’re at home or away, I hope this cozy little recipe brings you the same comfort it brought me. 💛
As we get ready to head out on vacation, I wanted to share a mini protein snack haul with you! This first leg of our trip is just 4 hours long, but I always make sure I have healthy, protein-forward options packed and ready. Traveling can easily throw you off your routine, but with a little planning, it’s easy to stay on track.
For this trip, I focused on snacks that are:
Bariatric-friendly (small portions, high protein)
Low in carbs and sugar-free
Easy to pack for road trips or flights
Some of my go-to picks include:
Salami
String Cheese
Protein Shakes
I love sharing snack ideas that make healthy living after bariatric surgery simple and satisfying — even when you’re on the go!
If you’re planning a trip soon, take a few minutes to pack snacks that keep you feeling your best. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not scrambling for gas station food!
💬 Comment below with your favorite travel snack ideas!
Heading out on vacation soon? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a few weeks with family, staying on track with your bariatric goals while traveling doesn’t have to be hard! I’ve learned that a little preparation makes all the difference. In this post, I’m sharing what I pack for a bariatric-friendly trip — everything from my protein staples to my daily vitamins — so you can stay consistent, feel your best, and still enjoy your time away.
🧳 My Bariatric Travel Essentials
1. Protein Shakes & Drinks Protein is the foundation of my day, so I always make sure to pack my favorite ready-to-drink shakes. They’re quick, easy, and keep me full when I’m on the go.
2. Sugar-Free Syrups Coffee is a must when traveling — but I love flavor without the sugar! I bring a few of my Jordan’s Skinny Syrups in travel-size bottles for quick, guilt-free flavor options wherever I go.
3. Portable Ninja Blender & Frother These are game-changers for making protein coffee, shakes, or even quick smoothies right in the hotel room. My frother takes up almost no space and gives me that coffee shop feel every morning!
4. Vitamins & Medications Routine is key. I pack a weekly pill organizer with all my bariatric vitamins and any medications, so I never miss a day — even with a busy travel schedule.
5. Protein Snacks A few go-to travel snacks like protein bars, jerky, or low-carb cheese crisps help me avoid airport temptations and stay satisfied between meals.
🌟 Tips for Staying on Track While Traveling
Plan ahead: Bring what you know works for you instead of hoping to find it on the road.
Hydrate often: Flights, long drives, and salty snacks can sneak up on you — keep a refillable water bottle handy.
Don’t stress perfection: Vacations are about balance — enjoy the experience, make mindful choices, and get back on track with your next meal.
💬 Final Thoughts
Traveling after bariatric surgery doesn’t mean leaving your healthy habits behind. With a little planning, you can feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy your vacation — protein shake in hand!
If you want to see exactly how I packed for my trip, check out my YouTube video where I show all my bariatric-friendly travel essentials! 🎥
If you’re craving something sweet and satisfying in the morning, this Blueberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt Bowl will make you feel like you’re indulging in dessert — without the sugar crash! This high-protein, low-carb breakfast comes together in just minutes and is perfect for anyone following a bariatric lifestyle or simply trying to eat more protein.
In a small bowl, stir the cheesecake pudding mix into the blueberry yogurt until smooth and well combined.
Add two dollops of sugar free Cool Whip and gently fold it in until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Drizzle a little sugar free blueberry sauce over the top and sprinkle with granola for crunch.
Enjoy immediately for a creamy, protein-forward breakfast or snack!
Why You’ll Love It: 💙 Tastes like cheesecake but packed with protein 💙 Quick and easy — ready in under 5 minutes 💙 Sugar-free and low-carb 💙 Great for bariatric-friendly meal plans
Make It Your Own: Try swapping the blueberry yogurt for strawberry or raspberry or use different sugar-free pudding flavors like white chocolate or vanilla for a fun twist!
As soon as the air starts to cool and the leaves begin to change, I instantly crave all things pumpkin spice. 🍁 There’s just something about that warm, cozy flavor that feels like a hug in a mug! But if you’ve had bariatric surgery or are living a low-carb lifestyle, most traditional pumpkin spice lattes from coffee shops are loaded with sugar — and that’s a no-go for me.
So, I created my own version: a Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte that’s sugar-free, low-carb, and still gives you all the creamy, comforting fall vibes you love. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable with your favorite Skinny Mixes flavors.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Sugar-Free & Low Carb
✅ Bariatric-Friendly
✅ Warm, Cozy, and Creamy
✅ Tastes like it came from a coffee shop — without the sugar crash!
🧡 Ingredients
1/8 to 1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
A splash of Jordan’s Pumpkin Spice Skinny Syrup
A splash of Jordan’s White Chocolate Mocha Skinny Syrup
A couple dashes of pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin spice coffee (brewed hot)
Optional toppings:
Salted Caramel Salt
Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Caramel Sauce
Ground cinnamon
👩🍳 Directions
In a small pot, pour your heavy cream over medium heat.
Add pumpkin purée, Pumpkin Spice Skinny Syrup, White Chocolate Mocha Skinny Syrup, and a couple dashes of pumpkin pie spice.
Stir well as the mixture heats up — you’ll start to see tiny bubbles forming around the edges. That’s your cue it’s ready!
Pour the mixture into your favorite mug and froth it up.
Add your hot pumpkin spice coffee and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish with a sprinkle of Salted Caramel Salt, a drizzle of Caramel Sauce, and a dash or two of cinnamon.
Sip, relax, and enjoy your cozy fall moment! ☕
💡 Tips
You can swap the heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk or half-and-half if you prefer it lighter.
Try other Skinny Mixes flavors like Butter Toffee or Vanilla Caramel Crème for fun twists.
Want extra protein? Add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder and blend until smooth.
🧁 About Bariatric Living
Hi, I’m Lisa — a Pastry Chef turned Digital Creator who’s transformed her love of baking into a bariatric-friendly lifestyle. Through Bariatric Living, I share protein-forward, low-carb recipes that prove healthy eating doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorites.
If you’re looking to make delicious, sugar-free versions of the foods and drinks you love, you’re in the right place. 💛
There’s something about cheesecake that feels luxurious — creamy, rich, and just a little indulgent. But what if you could enjoy that same classic flavor without the sugar or guilt? These Mini Sugar-Free, Low Carb New York Style Cheesecakes are proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up dessert!
Each mini cheesecake starts with a cinnamon pecan granola crust, baked just until golden. The filling is a smooth blend of cream cheese, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness from Jordan’s Skinny Syrups — giving you that classic New York-style flavor with a low-carb twist.
The real magic happens when you top them with a sugar-free blueberry sauce, thickened perfectly with a cornstarch slurry. It adds just the right touch of tartness and color — beautiful enough for a holiday dessert table, but easy enough for any day of the week.
🧁 Mini Sugar-Free, Low Carb New York Style Cheesecakes
Makes: 12 mini cheesecakes Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Chill Time: 2 hours Total Time: ~3 hours
⭐ Ingredients
Crust
5 oz Nutrail Cinnamon Pecan Keto Granola
1.25 oz melted butter
Cheesecake Batter
12 oz softened cream cheese
¼ cup Splenda (or your preferred sugar-free sweetener)
2 eggs, lightly scrambled
0.75 oz cornstarch
½ teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
2.7 fl oz heavy cream
2 splashes Jordan’s French Vanilla Skinny Syrup (adjust to desired sweetness)
Blueberry Sauce
24 oz frozen blueberries
¼ cup Jordan’s French Vanilla Skinny Syrup (or Blueberry Cobbler flavor if you have it)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
Add the Nutrail Cinnamon Pecan Keto Granola to a food processor.
Pulse until finely crushed.
Add the melted butter and blend again until combined.
Divide evenly into 12 lined muffin cups, pressing down firmly to create the crust base.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add Splenda, cornstarch, vanilla bean paste, and heavy cream. Mix until combined.
Pour in the two beaten eggs last and mix until smooth.
Add your Jordan’s French Vanilla Skinny Syrup for added sweetness and blend gently.
Use an ice cream scoop to portion the batter evenly over the cooled crusts.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecakes
Place the muffin tin inside a larger baking pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water to create a steam bath.
Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes, or until centers are just set.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Step 4: Make the Sugar-Free Blueberry Sauce
In a saucepan, combine frozen blueberries and Jordan’s Skinny Syrup.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer until berries break down and the sauce starts to thicken.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the blueberries and cook for 1 minute, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 5: Assemble & Enjoy!
Once your cheesecakes are chilled and set, spoon the blueberry sauce over each mini cheesecake. Garnish with a few fresh blueberries or a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream if desired.
Keep them stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve — they taste even better the next day!
💡 Tips & Notes
You can make these up to 3 days ahead — perfect for holiday prep!
Try swapping in raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
If you don’t have Vanilla Bean Paste, pure vanilla extract works just as well.
🎄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini cheesecakes are everything you want in a holiday dessert — rich, creamy, portion-controlled, and made with better-for-you ingredients. Whether you’ve had bariatric surgery or simply want to live a protein-forward, low-carb lifestyle, these are a dessert you’ll feel great about enjoying and sharing!
💬 Final Thoughts
Healthy living is all about balance — and dessert can absolutely be part of that! These little cheesecakes are a delicious reminder that you don’t need sugar to make something sweet and satisfying.
So go ahead and bake up a batch for your next gathering, or keep them in your fridge as a little treat for yourself. You’ve earned it!
Bariatric Living 