Tag: bariatric-friendly-recipes

🍎 Chicken, Apple & Onion Stew – Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Lisa Kidd

There’s something about the fall season that makes me crave cozy, hearty meals — but I still want them to be healthy and protein-forward. This Chicken, Apple & Onion Stew brings together the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, all simmered into one comforting bowl.

It’s simple to make, packed with lean protein, and has that perfect touch of apple that makes every bite feel like autumn comfort — without the carb overload.

🥘 Ingredients

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • Olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 ½ tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 2 Cosmic Crisp apples, peeled and cubed
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup sugar-free apple cider
  • 1 tsp. yellow mustard

Optional for serving:

  • Garlic & Herb Cauliflower Rice

👩‍🍳 Directions

  1. Heat the Oil – Drizzle a little olive oil into your Dutch oven or large skillet and heat over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken – Add the cubed chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Onion – In the same pot, add your sliced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
  4. Add Garlic & Thyme – Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, letting the flavors bloom for about a minute.
  5. Add the Apples – Toss in your cubed apples and stir to combine.
  6. Deglaze the Pan – Pour in the apple cider vinegar and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom for extra flavor.
  7. Combine Everything – Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, sugar-free apple cider, and yellow mustard. Stir well.
  8. Simmer – Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve & Enjoy – Spoon the stew over a bed of Garlic & Herb Cauliflower Rice for a satisfying, low-carb comfort meal.

💪 Bariatric-Friendly Tips

  • Protein First: Chicken breast keeps this dish high in protein and low in fat — perfect for post-bariatric surgery meals.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Serving over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice keeps this meal lighter and low-carb.
  • Balanced Flavor: The apples add a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory thyme and tangy mustard.

🍽️ Final Thoughts

This Chicken, Apple & Onion Stew is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your bowl with nourishing goodness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet comforting enough to serve to guests on a chilly evening.

Whether you’re newly post-op or years into your bariatric journey, this stew is a delicious reminder that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor or comfort.

✨ Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments below!

High Protein Banana Cream Pudding | Sugar-Free Bariatric-Friendly Dessert

Lisa Kidd

This creamy High Protein Banana Cream Pudding is light, sugar-free, and perfect post-bariatric surgery. Made with Greek yogurt and sugar-free pudding mix, it’s the perfect sweet treat that fits your goals!

🍨 A Dessert You Can Feel Good About

There are days when you just need something sweet — a little comfort in a bowl. But after bariatric surgery, finding desserts that satisfy that craving without derailing your progress can be tricky.

That’s why I love this High Protein Banana Cream Pudding. It’s light, creamy, and tastes just like banana cream pie — only this version is sugar-free, low-carb, and packed with protein.

It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but supports your goals, reminding you that life after surgery can still taste delicious.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ High in protein — thanks to Greek yogurt
✔️ Sugar-free & low-carb — no added sugar, no guilt
✔️ Quick & easy — ready in minutes, no baking required
✔️ Creamy & comforting — the perfect texture and flavor combo

🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 5.3 oz vanilla light Greek yogurt
  • ½ tablespoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
  • ½ tablespoon sugar-free banana cream pudding mix
  • 2 dollops sugar-free Cool Whip (for that mousse-like texture)
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • A sprinkle of keto Nutrail cinnamon pecan granola for crunch
  • Extra Cool Whip for topping

👩‍🍳 Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt and both pudding mixes. Stir until smooth and thick.
  2. Fold in two dollops of sugar-free Cool Whip to make it light and fluffy.
  3. Slice the banana and layer it in your serving dish.
  4. Spoon the pudding mixture over the banana slices.
  5. Sprinkle granola on top for a bit of texture and crunch.
  6. Add a final dollop of Cool Whip on top — and enjoy!

✨ Tips & Variations

  • Use different pudding flavors like chocolate, butterscotch, or cheesecake for variety.
  • Swap banana for berries if you want to lower the carbs.
  • Chill for 30 minutes before serving for an extra creamy texture.

💬 From My Bariatric Journey to Yours

After surgery, our relationship with food changes — but that doesn’t mean food can’t still bring joy. Recipes like this remind me that we can nourish our bodies and our souls at the same time.

This High Protein Banana Cream Pudding hits that perfect balance: sweet, creamy, comforting, and completely guilt-free. It’s proof that you can love dessert and still love your goals. 💛

🍌 Nutrition Benefits (Approximate)

  • High in protein
  • Low in sugar
  • Lower carb
  • Source of calcium and probiotics

💪 Perfect For:

  • A quick and satisfying dessert
  • A sweet mid-day pick-me-up
  • A post-surgery treat that still fits your plan

If you try this recipe, tag me @BariatricLiving101 — I’d love to see your version!
And if you’re craving more protein-forward, low-carb recipes, make sure to subscribe to Bariatric Living for weekly recipes and inspiration.