Tag: #BariatricFriendly

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Protein Smoothie

Lisa Kidd

Apple pie in a glass! 🍎🥧

If you’re craving the warm, cozy flavors of fall but want something quick, easy, and packed with protein, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Protein Smoothie is the perfect treat.

This smoothie combines creamy vanilla, applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, brown sugar cinnamon, and salted caramel flavors to create something that tastes remarkably like a slice of apple pie.

And there’s no pie crust required! 😉

Even better, this smoothie contains 45 grams of protein, making it a delicious way to add more protein to your day.

🍎 Ingredients

  • 8 cubes of ice
  • 1 vanilla protein shake
  • ½ cup low-sugar applesauce
  • 5.3 oz Oikos Triple Zero Vanilla Greek Yogurt
  • A drizzle of Salted Caramel Skinny Syrup
  • A drizzle of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Skinny Syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salted Caramel Salt

🥤 How to Make It

Add the ice, vanilla protein shake, applesauce, Greek yogurt, Salted Caramel Skinny Syrup, Brown Sugar Cinnamon Skinny Syrup, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon to your blender.

Blend everything together until smooth.

Pour into your favorite glass or jar and finish it with a sprinkle of Salted Caramel Salt.

That’s it!

🍎 The Result?

Apple pie in a glass!

The apple and cinnamon flavors give this smoothie that classic apple-pie taste, while the salted caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

And with 45 grams of protein, this isn’t just a delicious fall-inspired drink—it’s a protein-packed addition to your day.

🍂 Perfect for Fall

I absolutely love taking classic comfort-food flavors and turning them into bariatric-friendly options that fit the way I eat.

This smoothie would make a great breakfast, snack, or afternoon treat when you’re craving something sweet.

And honestly, if you love apple pie, you need to try this one! 🍎🥧❤️

📺 Watch the Recipe

Come join me in the kitchen on Bariatric Living with Lisa as I make this delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Protein Smoothie!

I hope you’ll subscribe and follow along for more high-protein, low-carb and sugar-free recipes, food ideas, and real-life bariatric living.

What’s your favorite fall flavor—APPLE PIE or PUMPKIN? 🍎🎃

Sugar-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Lisa Kidd

Chocolate brownies meet creamy pumpkin cheesecake in this delicious sugar-free fall dessert! 🎃🍫

If you’re anything like me, when fall arrives, you’re ready for all things pumpkin. Pumpkin spice, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread…give me all of it!

But sometimes you want something a little more indulgent without loading your dessert up with sugar.

That’s exactly why I decided to make these Sugar-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies.

They combine a chocolate brownie base with a creamy pumpkin cheesecake layer flavored with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Then everything gets swirled together before baking to create those gorgeous chocolate-and-pumpkin ribbons throughout the dessert.

And just look at them! 😍

What You’ll Need

For the brownie layer, I used Pillsbury Zero Sugar Brownies, prepared according to the package directions.

For the pumpkin cheesecake layer, you’ll need:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¼ cup Splenda
  • 1 egg
  • ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Prepare your brownie batter according to the directions on the box. Reserve a small amount of the brownie batter to use for the swirl.

Next, make the pumpkin cheesecake layer.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, Splenda and egg until well combined. Add the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and whisk again until everything is incorporated.

Spread the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.

Now comes the fun part!

Drop small teaspoons of the reserved brownie batter over the pumpkin cheesecake layer. Take a skewer or the tip of a knife and gently swirl the brownie batter through the pumpkin mixture.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached.

Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing.

🎃 A Perfect Fall Treat

I absolutely love how these brownies bring together two classic flavors: chocolate and pumpkin cheesecake.

The pumpkin layer is creamy and warmly spiced, while the brownie gives you that rich chocolate flavor. And those swirls make them look extra special without requiring anything complicated.

They’re the kind of dessert that would be perfect for a fall gathering, a family dessert table, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and pumpkin-y at home.

And if you’re following a bariatric lifestyle like I am, finding ways to enjoy familiar flavors while being mindful of your food choices can make a huge difference.

Sometimes you don’t have to give up your favorite flavors—you just have to find a way to make them work for you. ❤️

🍫 Final Thoughts

These Sugar-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies are definitely going on my fall dessert list!

If you love pumpkin, cheesecake AND chocolate, I think you’re going to love this combination.

🎃 Pumpkin + 🍫 Chocolate + 🧀 Cheesecake = FALL PERFECTION!

If you try this recipe, let me know how yours turned out!

And don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel, Bariatric Living with Lisa, for more bariatric-friendly recipes, low-carb ideas and sugar-free treats.

Happy baking! ❤️

Carnivore-Style Beef & Sausage Queso Bake

Lisa Kidd

There are some recipes that just scream comfort food, and this Carnivore-Style Beef & Sausage Queso Bake is definitely one of them!

I recently made a Carnivore Beefy Queso Bake and decided to put my own spin on it. I added pork sausage and shredded queso cheese, and I’m so glad I did! The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and that golden cheesy topping made this casserole absolutely delicious.

It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

As someone who focuses on protein-forward, low-carb recipes, I love finding meals that feel indulgent while still fitting into the way I like to eat.

This bake combines ground beef and pork sausage with cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, queso cheese, eggs, and sour cream.

And let’s talk about that topping! The casserole bakes until the center is set and the cheese on top is melted with beautiful golden edges.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb pork sausage
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded queso cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup sour cream

How to Make It

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Brown the ground beef and pork sausage together in a large skillet, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted. Add the heavy cream and simmer briefly until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the queso cheese. Stir that mixture into the warm beef and sausage mixture.

Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar and queso cheese.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the center is set and the cheese is melted with golden edges. Let it rest for about 8 minutes before serving.

My Twist on the Recipe

The original recipe was titled Carnivore Beefy Queso Bake. I made it my own by adding sausage and shredded queso cheese, which gave it even more savory flavor and cheesiness.

And let me tell you… that cheesy top was AMAZING! 🧀

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, protein-packed comfort food recipe, this Carnivore-Style Beef & Sausage Queso Bake is definitely worth trying.

It’s simple, flavorful, and makes a wonderfully satisfying meal.

If you make my version, I’d love to hear what you think!

❤️ Happy cooking from Bariatric Living with Lisa!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Protein Coffee

Lisa Kidd

There is something about waking up to the smell of pumpkin spice that makes a fall morning feel extra special. 🎃🍂

This morning, I decided to get ahead of the game and create a Pumpkin Cheesecake Protein Coffee for Bariatric Living with Lisa, and I’m so glad I did!

This coffee combines creamy cheesecake flavor, pumpkin spice, maple bourbon pecan, and homemade pumpkin cold foam into one delicious three-layer drink.

And the best part? It isn’t just delicious—it fits perfectly into the kind of coffee I love making: high-protein, low-carb, and sugar-free.

☕️ Why Add Pumpkin Pie Spice to the Coffee?

Instead of simply adding pumpkin spice to the finished drink, I added Pumpkin Pie Spice directly to my Folgers coffee grounds before brewing.

When the coffee started brewing, my entire kitchen smelled like fall!

The pumpkin spice infused the coffee with a warm, cozy flavor that made the perfect foundation for this drink.

🎃 The Three Delicious Layers

One of my favorite things about this coffee is that you can actually see the three layers in the glass.

1. Cheesecake Layer

I started with a vanilla protein shake and added 2 teaspoons of sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix.

I mixed it really well until the pudding mix was completely incorporated.

This creates a creamy cheesecake-flavored base that makes this coffee taste like dessert!

2. Pumpkin-Spiced Coffee Layer

Next, I added ice and a drizzle of Maple Bourbon Pecan Skinny Syrup.

Then I poured in my freshly brewed pumpkin-spiced coffee.

The maple bourbon pecan flavor pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice and cheesecake.

3. Pumpkin Cold Foam

Now for my favorite part!

I combined:

  • Heavy cream
  • A drizzle of Maple Bourbon Pecan Skinny Syrup
  • A spoonful of pumpkin puree

I frothed everything together until it became light and creamy, then gently poured the pumpkin cold foam over the coffee.

Finally, I sprinkled a little Salted Caramel Salt over the top.

🤎 The Finished Coffee

The combination is incredible!

You get creamy cheesecake flavor from the bottom, rich pumpkin-spiced coffee in the middle, and a fluffy pumpkin cold foam on top.

The Maple Bourbon Pecan Skinny Syrup ties everything together and adds a delicious fall sweetness without adding regular sugar.

And visually, those three layers make this coffee so much fun to serve!

🎃 Pumpkin Cheesecake Protein Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

Cheesecake Layer

  • Vanilla protein shake
  • 2 teaspoons sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix

Coffee Layer

  • Folgers coffee
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • Ice
  • Maple Bourbon Pecan Skinny Syrup

Pumpkin Cold Foam

  • Heavy cream
  • Maple Bourbon Pecan Skinny Syrup
  • Pumpkin puree

Topping

  • Salted Caramel Salt

Instructions

  1. Add Pumpkin Pie Spice to your coffee grounds and brew your coffee as usual.
  2. Pour your vanilla protein shake into a mason jar.
  3. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix and stir until well combined.
  4. Add ice to the jar.
  5. Drizzle in some Maple Bourbon Pecan Skinny Syrup.
  6. Pour the pumpkin-spiced coffee over the ice.
  7. For the cold foam, combine heavy cream, Maple Bourbon Pecan Skinny Syrup, and pumpkin puree.
  8. Froth until thick and creamy.
  9. Spoon or pour the pumpkin cold foam over the coffee.
  10. Finish with a sprinkle of Salted Caramel Salt.
  11. Give it a stir before drinking and enjoy!

🍁 A Cozy Fall Coffee Without Giving Up Your Goals

One of the things I love most about making my own coffee creations is that I don’t have to give up the flavors I love just because I’m living a bariatric lifestyle.

Pumpkin spice season doesn’t have to mean giving up your protein goals!

This Pumpkin Cheesecake Protein Coffee gives me all those cozy fall flavors while keeping my coffee protein-forward, low-carb, and sugar-free.

And honestly… waking up to the smell of pumpkin spice coffee brewing might just be the best part! ☕️🎃

If you make this recipe, let me know what you think. I’d also love to know what fall coffee creation I should make next!

💕 Welcome to Bariatric Living with Lisa—where we’re finding delicious ways to live well, one bite and one sip at a time.

High-Protein Tiramisu-Inspired Overnight Pudding

Lisa Kidd

If you love the flavors of tiramisu but want a simpler, higher-protein, lower-carb, and sugar-free option, this Tiramisu-Inspired Overnight Pudding is a delicious treat to try!

This easy recipe combines creamy vanilla Greek yogurt, vanilla protein shake, chia seeds, and espresso for a delicious coffee-flavored pudding. A dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder on top gives it that classic tiramisu-inspired finish.

It comes together in just minutes and sets overnight in the refrigerator, making it a great option for an easy breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup vanilla protein shake of your choice
  • 1 teaspoon Nescafé Espresso
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for topping

Instructions

  1. Add the chia seeds, vanilla Greek yogurt, vanilla protein shake, and espresso to a bowl or container.
  2. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
  3. Sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder over the top.
  4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  5. The next day, stir if desired and enjoy your delicious tiramisu-inspired protein pudding!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is:

  • High in protein
  • Low in carbohydrates
  • Sugar-free
  • Easy to prepare
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • A delicious way to satisfy a coffee and chocolate craving

The espresso and cocoa powder give this pudding those delicious tiramisu-inspired flavors, while the Greek yogurt and protein shake help make it a more protein-forward option.

Bariatric-Friendly Recipe Note

This is a simple recipe that can be enjoyed as part of a protein-forward lifestyle. As with any recipe, portion sizes and individual tolerance can vary, especially after bariatric surgery. Always follow the recommendations and guidance of your healthcare team.

If you try this recipe, I hope you enjoy this simple and delicious twist on tiramisu! ☕🍫💕

Espresso + Dates = Caramel!

Lisa Kidd

I’d love to share one of my newest coffee discoveries because it honestly surprised me!

Like many of you, I’ve been seeing the viral date caramel coffee everywhere online. At first, I wasn’t sure if dates could really create a caramel flavor, but after trying it myself, I completely understand why this recipe has become so popular.

The process is simple. I soaked pitted dates in freshly brewed espresso for a few hours until they became nice and soft. Then I used an immersion blender to blend everything together into a smooth, thick caramel consistency. It looks just like homemade caramel sauce!

Next, I filled a glass with ice and poured in about 8 ounces of Fairlife milk. If you’re looking to add even more protein, you can easily substitute your favorite Fairlife protein shake instead.

To make this drink extra special, I whipped up a quick cold foam using heavy cream and a drizzle of Salted Caramel Skinny Syrup. After frothing it until light and fluffy, I poured it over the coffee and finished everything with a sprinkle of salted caramel seasoning.

The result is a creamy, naturally sweet coffee with wonderful caramel flavor—without relying on refined sugar. The dates provide the sweetness while also adding fiber and a rich, almost buttery texture.

If you’re living a bariatric lifestyle but still enjoy treating yourself to specialty coffees, this recipe is definitely one to try. It’s easy to customize, tastes indulgent, and feels like something you’d order from your favorite coffee shop.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments on YouTube, and don’t forget to subscribe to Bariatric Living with Lisa for more high-protein recipes, coffee creations, and bariatric-friendly inspiration.

High Protein Dalgona Coffee (30g Protein)

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve never tried Dalgona coffee before, you’re in for a treat! This viral whipped coffee is incredibly creamy and delicious, and I’ve given it a bariatric-friendly makeover by pairing it with a 30-gram vanilla protein shake.

The result is a rich, coffeehouse-style drink that’s low in sugar, packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 30 grams of protein
  • Bariatric-friendly
  • Low in sugar
  • Rich and creamy texture
  • Easy to make in just a few minutes
  • Feels like a gourmet coffee shop drink

Ingredients

Whipped Coffee

  • 2 Tablespoons instant coffee (I used Decaf Nescafé Gold Espresso)
  • 1 Tablespoon Splenda
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Caramel Crème Skinny Syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons very hot water

Coffee Base

  • Ice
  • Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Marshmallow Sauce
  • One 30-gram vanilla protein shake

Instructions

  1. Add the instant coffee, Splenda, skinny syrup, and hot water to a small bowl or glass.
  2. Using a handheld frother, whip the mixture until it becomes thick, fluffy, and several times its original volume.
  3. Drizzle the inside of a serving glass with sugar-free caramel and marshmallow sauces.
  4. Fill the glass with ice.
  5. Pour in your vanilla protein shake.
  6. Spoon the whipped coffee over the top.
  7. Stir everything together before drinking and enjoy!

My Thoughts

This drink honestly tastes like dessert in a glass. The fluffy coffee melts into the creamy protein shake, creating a smooth, velvety texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The caramel and marshmallow drizzle take it to another level and make it feel like a specialty coffeehouse drink without all the sugar.

If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy your daily protein, this recipe is a fun and delicious option.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment on the YouTube video and let me know your favorite sugar-free syrup combinations.

Happy sipping!

— Lisa

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!

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!

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.