Tag: #BariatricFriendly

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potato

Lisa Kidd

If you’re craving tacos but want something a little different, this Taco Sweet Potato is the perfect twist! It’s warm, filling, and loaded with bold taco flavor—plus it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

I start by baking sweet potatoes at 375°F for about an hour until they’re soft and tender. While the potatoes bake, I sauté a diced onion with one pound of ground pork (ground beef works great too) until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.

Next, I add one packet of taco seasoning along with about ¾ cup of water (or whatever the packet instructions recommend). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. While the meat is simmering, warm up a can of refried beans—I used black bean refried beans for extra flavor.

To assemble, slice open your baked sweet potato and add a little butter and salt if desired. Spoon one to two tablespoons of refried beans onto the potato, followed by a scoop or two of taco meat. Finish with shredded cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.

This Taco Sweet Potato is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a fun dinner idea or even meal prep. It’s definitely a must-try!

Sugar-Free Ambrosia Salad (Inspired by Courtney Cook)

Lisa Kidd

Ambrosia Salad is one of those classic recipes that instantly brings back memories — creamy, fruity, and always present at family gatherings. When I saw Courtney Cook’s Ambrosia Salad, I knew I had to try it… but of course, I wanted to make it sugar-free and a little more elevated.

This version keeps all the nostalgic flavor while creating a smoother, creamier texture that fits beautifully into a bariatric and low-sugar lifestyle.

Why I Love This Version

  • Completely sugar-free
  • Creamier and smoother texture
  • No nuts (but you can add them if you’d like!)
  • Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or make-ahead desserts

Ingredients

  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in its own juice
  • 2 (15 oz) cans mandarin oranges in their own juice, drained
  • 1 family-size box sugar-free lime Jell-O
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 (8 oz) tub sugar-free Cool Whip

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), mandarin oranges, and sugar-free lime Jell-O.
  2. Refrigerate for about 3 hours until partially set.
  3. In a blender, blend the cottage cheese and cream cheese until completely smooth.
  4. Stir the blended mixture into the Jell-O mixture.
  5. Gently fold in the sugar-free Cool Whip.
  6. Refrigerate for several more hours or overnight until fully set.

Final Thoughts

This sugar-free Ambrosia Salad is creamy, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. It’s proof that you don’t have to give up classic comfort recipes just because you’re living a bariatric or low-sugar lifestyle.

If you try this recipe, let me know — I’d love to hear what you think!

I Tried the Viral Ina Garten Brownie Pudding — Low-Carb Edition (And It Wasn’t a Win)

Lisa Kidd

Every once in a while, a recipe goes viral and you have to try it. This time, it was Ina Garten’s famous Brownie Pudding — rich, decadent, and perfectly underbaked in the center.

Of course, I wanted to see if I could make it low-carb and sugar-free.

The result?
✔️ Beautiful texture for a brownie
❌ Flavor that just didn’t work for me, and it didn’t have the lava pudding center

I made several substitutions, including swapping all-purpose flour for peanut flour. While the dessert baked great for a brownie, it didn’t have the lava pudding center I was hoping for. The peanut flavor overpowered everything else. It’s not something I’d personally make again — and that’s okay.

Low-carb and bariatric-friendly baking is a lot of trial and error. Some swaps behave beautifully. Others… teach us lessons.

I usually only share recipes that make it into my regular rotation, but I wanted to share this one too — because honesty matters. If you’re experimenting in your own kitchen, know that it’s normal when things don’t turn out perfectly.

Let’s Learn Together

If you try this recipe using different low-carb ingredients (like almond flour, different sweeteners, or adjusted eggs), I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment or message me — your version might be the one that works!

Because at Bariatric Living 101, we’re not chasing perfection — we’re building sustainable, real-life habits.

💛

Viral Sweet Potato Stuffed With Cheese (Bariatric-Friendly Take)

Lisa Kidd

Viral recipes don’t always work for a bariatric lifestyle—but every once in a while, one catches my attention. The sweet potato stuffed with cheese, originally shared by Courtney Cook, is one of those recipes I had to try for myself.

Sweet potatoes often get a bad reputation, but when eaten in moderation and paired with protein and fat, they can absolutely have a place in post-op life. This recipe is simple, comforting, and incredibly customizable.

Why This Recipe Works for Bariatric Living

  • Simple, whole-food ingredients
  • Easy to control portions
  • Can be paired with added protein if needed
  • Comfort food without feeling over-the-top

How I Made It

I baked my sweet potato until soft, cut one end off, and ran my knife down the center of the potato, and stuffed it with cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy, satisfying filling. From there, you can customize it—add protein, seasonings, or keep it simple depending on your goals and tolerance. I cut mine in quarters, added some chicken and green beans to my plate to make a rounded-out meal. Delish!!

Bariatric Tips

  • Focus on portion size
  • Consider adding protein (chicken, ground beef, cottage cheese, etc.)
  • Eat slowly and mindfully
  • Remember: balance > perfection

Viral recipes don’t have to be off-limits. With a little intention, they can be enjoyed in a way that supports your bariatric journey.

If you love trying viral food trends through a bariatric-friendly lens, be sure to follow Bariatric Living for more recipes, encouragement, and real-life after surgery.

Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza (Carnivore Pork Crust)

Lisa Kidd

Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza with Carnivore Pork Crust

A Bariatric Living 101 Recipe

If you’re craving pizza while staying true to a bariatric-friendly, low-carb lifestyle, this Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza delivers all the comfort without the carb overload. 🍍🍕

This recipe is a twist on my Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, but this version leans ketovore with classic Hawaiian flavors and a touch of sweetness — all built on a high-protein carnivore pork crust.

The crust is blended together in a food processor, creating a sturdy, flavorful base that holds toppings beautifully and reheats well for leftovers.

Carnivore Pork Crust Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup ground pork rinds
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tablespoons cream cheese spread
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • Dill, to taste

Ketovore Hawaiian Toppings

(All toppings are added to your liking)

  • Sweet Baby Ray’s No Sugar Added Barbecue Sauce
  • Chopped onion
  • Chopped green pepper
  • Black Forest ham, chopped
  • Pineapple chunks (drained, in its own juice — no heavy syrup)
  • Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Add all crust ingredients to a food processor.
  3. Blend until fully combined and a thick dough forms.

Step 2: Form & Bake

  1. Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
  2. Press mixture evenly into a pizza shape.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly golden.
  4. Carefully drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Toppings

  1. Spread Sweet Baby Ray’s No Sugar Added BBQ sauce over the crust.
  2. Add onion, green pepper, ham, and pineapple.
  3. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Final Bake

  1. Return pizza to the oven and bake an additional 8–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy mindfully.

Bariatric Living Tips

  • Pineapple is optional and can be reduced for stricter keto
  • This pizza reheats beautifully in the air fryer
  • Crust can be pre-baked and frozen for meal prep

Refreshing Sugar-Free Protein Drink Hack

Lisa Kidd

If you’re tired of drinking plain protein shakes, this simple protein drink hack is about to become your new favorite. It’s light, refreshing, sugar-free, and completely customizable — perfect for bariatric life or anyone focused on high-protein, low-carb living.

One of the biggest challenges after surgery (or during weight loss) is finding ways to enjoy protein without getting bored. This drink feels more like a fun, flavored refresher than a traditional protein shake — and it’s incredibly easy to make.

🥤 Protein Drink Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 sugar-free drink packets (any flavors you love)
  • A small amount of water
  • Ice
  • 1–2 splashes of sugar-free syrup (optional)
  • 1 ready-to-drink protein shake

Directions:

  1. Add the drink packets to a cup with a small amount of water and stir until fully dissolved.
  2. Fill the cup with ice.
  3. Add a splash or two of sugar-free syrup if desired.
  4. Pour in your protein shake.
  5. Stir well and enjoy!

Flavor Combo I Used

  • Welch’s Cherry Pomegranate
  • Sonic Ocean Water

This combo is fruity, refreshing, and perfect for warmer days — but the possibilities are endless.

💡 Why This Works for Bariatric Life

  • Helps increase protein intake
  • Encourages hydration
  • Sugar-free and low-carb
  • Easy on the stomach
  • Totally customizable

If you try this protein drink, let me know your favorite flavor combo! And be sure to follow Bariatric Living for more protein-forward recipes and tips that make this lifestyle easier — and more enjoyable.

Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza (Ketovore Option)

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve been missing pizza while following a carnivore or keto lifestyle, this Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is about to become a staple. It’s high-protein, low carb, and bariatric-friendly, with a rich beef crust, creamy cheese sauce, and classic Philly cheesesteak flavors.

I made mine ketovore-style with onions and green peppers, but if you’re strict carnivore, simply leave the vegetables off — it’s just as delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Protein-forward and very filling
  • Low carb and blood-sugar friendly
  • Easy to customize for carnivore or ketovore
  • Bariatric-friendly with soft textures
  • Tastes like real pizza, not a substitute

Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe

1️⃣ Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cottage cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.
  2. Blend until completely smooth.
  3. Transfer the sauce to a saucepan on the stove.
  4. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
  5. Set aside. (You will only use about ¼ of this sauce for the pizza.)

2️⃣ Gary’s Quick Steak

Ingredients:

  • Gary’s Quick Steak (large slab)
  • Olive oil
  • Wow seasoning packet (included with the steak)

Instructions:

  1. Drizzle a little olive oil into a skillet.
  2. Add the steak and the Wow seasoning.
  3. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart until shredded.
  4. Set aside.

3️⃣ Beef Crust

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup (about 2 oz) pork rinds, ground in food processor
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tablespoons cream cheese spread
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, pepper, and taco seasoning to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Add all ingredients to a food processor.
  3. Blend until fully combined and the beef starts to ball up.
  4. Line a pizza pan with parchment paper.
  5. Spread the beef mixture evenly onto the pan, thinning it out to the edges.
    • (This recipe fits a 16-inch pizza pan.)
  6. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the edges.

4️⃣ Toppings (Ketovore Option)

  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

(Omit for strict carnivore.)

5️⃣ Assemble the Pizza

  1. Remove the cooked beef crust from the oven.
  2. Spread about ¼ of the cheese sauce evenly over the crust.
  3. Layer with slices of provolone cheese.
  4. Add Gary’s Quick Steak, onions, and green peppers (if using).
  5. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Return to the oven and bake at 425°F until:
    • Cheese is melted and golden
    • Onions and peppers are tender

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

Slice, eat, and enjoy a pizza night that fits your lifestyle!

Tips for Bariatric & Carnivore Lifestyles

  • Eat slowly and stop at satisfaction — this is very filling
  • Save leftover cheese sauce for casseroles, bowls, or dipping
  • Reheats well in the oven or air fryer
  • Works great for meal prep

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it — carnivore or ketovore!

Follow Bariatric Living for more high-protein, low-carb recipes made for real life.

Sugar-Free Apple Cranberry Dump Cake

Lisa Kidd

If you love classic comfort desserts but want a lower-sugar option, this Sugar-Free Apple Cranberry Dump Cake is a must-try. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone following a bariatric or low-sugar lifestyle.

This recipe combines tender apples, tart cranberries, warm spices, and a buttery cake topping—all without traditional sugar. It’s one of those desserts that no one will believe is sugar-free.

Ingredients

  • 5 apples, cubed
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup Splenda
  • ⅛ cup Jordan’s Caramel Skinny Syrup
  • ⅛ cup Jordan’s Brown Sugar Cinnamon Skinny Syrup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Pillsbury Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix
  • 16–20 pats of butter

Instructions

  1. Sauté apples and cranberries in a skillet with butter, Splenda, and both Skinny Syrups until tender.
  2. Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry and stir into the fruit mixture until thickened.
  3. Transfer fruit filling to a 9×13 baking dish.
  4. Evenly spread the zero-sugar cake mix over the fruit.
  5. Top with butter pats.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 30–40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

One of my favorite ways to add flavor without added sugar is by using Jordan’s Skinny Syrups. The caramel and brown sugar cinnamon flavors give this dump cake that classic holiday taste without the sugar spike.

👉 You can save 10% on your first order at skinnymixes.com by using my code: BARIATRICLIVING101

Final Thoughts

This sugar-free dump cake is proof that you don’t have to give up dessert to stay on track. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for holidays or anytime cravings hit.

Butter Toffee White Chocolate Mocha Protein Coffee (With Toasted Marshmallow Cold Foam!)

Lisa Kidd

Even on vacation, you can stay healthy, protein-forward, and deliciously satisfied! While staying at my brother’s house, I whipped up this Butter Toffee White Chocolate Mocha Protein Coffee using just his Keurig and a few of my favorite ingredients.

This drink is creamy, sweet, and feels like a coffee shop treat — without all the sugar.

☕️ Ingredients

  • 1 K-Cup of roasted coffee
  • Ice
  • Splash of Jordan’s Butter Toffee Skinny Syrup
  • Splash of Jordan’s White Chocolate Mocha Skinny Syrup
  • 1 Nurri Vanilla Protein Shake
  • Heavy cream
  • Jordan’s Toasted Marshmallow Skinny Syrup
  • Salted Caramel Salt

🥤 How to Make It

  1. Brew your K-Cup coffee and pour it over a cup of ice.
  2. Add a splash of both syrups.
  3. Pour in your Nurri Vanilla Protein Shake and stir.
  4. Froth heavy cream with Toasted Marshmallow Skinny Syrup for a fluffy cold foam.
  5. Pour on top and add Salted Caramel Salt.

✨ Save on Skinny Mixes!

If you want to try any of the Skinny Syrups I used, you can take 10% off your first order at skinnymixes.com using my code:

👉 BARIATRICLIVING101

It’s the perfect time to stock up on syrups for your protein coffees!

🌟 Perfect for Travel

This recipe proves you can stay consistent while traveling. All you need is a Keurig, a protein shake, and your favorite syrups.

✨ Try it and tag me @BariatricLiving!

Bariatric-Friendly Finds at Buc-ee’s: Protein-Packed Road Trip Snacks & a Sweet Surprise!

Lisa Kidd

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!