Some recipes live on a page. Others live in your heart.
This bean salad is one of those recipes for me.
My mom used to make this for me, and it was always my favorite thing she made. There were no measurements, no fancy ingredients — just simple food made with love. Especially around the holidays, I find myself missing both my mom and dad, and recreating this dish helps me feel close to them again.
This isn’t a “perfect” recipe, and that’s exactly the point. It’s meant to be made to your taste, just like my mom always did.
Ingredients (All To Taste):
Kidney beans
Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Shredded mild cheddar cheese
Onion, finely diced
Green pepper, diced
Celery, diced
Mayonnaise
Yellow mustard
Salt
How to Make It:
Drain and rinse the kidney beans.
Chop the hard-boiled eggs and vegetables.
Combine everything in a bowl.
Add mayonnaise and a squirt or two of yellow mustard.
Season with salt.
Stir gently and adjust everything to your liking.
That’s it. No rules. No pressure.
A Note for Bariatric Living
This recipe can easily be adjusted based on your personal needs. You can change ingredient amounts, swap items, or enjoy it in smaller portions. What matters most is that food can still be meaningful, comforting, and nourishing after bariatric surgery.
Sometimes, healing comes from honoring where we’ve been — and who loved us along the way.
Traveling is one of my favorite things—new places, new foods, visiting friends and family, and stepping outside of the normal daily routine. But when you’ve had bariatric surgery or you’re trying to maintain a protein-forward, low-carb lifestyle, vacation can feel a little intimidating.
The good news? With a little planning and a few simple habits, you can stay on track and fully enjoy your trip. These are the exact tips I used on my recent vacation, and they made all the difference!
1. Pre-Plan Your Food for the Road
Before leaving home, I always pack protein-forward, travel-friendly snacks so I’m never stuck without options. Things like protein shakes, jerky, cheese sticks, low-carb snacks, and even my portable Ninja blender help me stay consistent.
Packing a few staples also prevents those “last-minute drive-thru” decisions that can happen when hunger hits. When your protein is covered, everything else becomes easier.
2. Enjoy a Picnic at Rest Stops
One of my favorite parts of road trips is stopping at a rest area with my husband, spreading out our little cooler, and having a healthy picnic.
Fresh air, shade trees, a little walk to stretch your legs—it’s such a peaceful way to break up the drive. It also keeps us from stopping at fast-food restaurants where choices can be more tempting.
It’s simple, budget-friendly, and keeps you in control of your food choices.
3. Prioritize Hydration (Especially Because of Swelling!)
Traveling—especially long car rides—can make you swell. That’s why staying hydrated is so important. I always bring my refillable water bottle and pack plenty of sugar-free drink packets so I can make flavored water anywhere.
Hydration helps: ✔ Reduce swelling ✔ Keep you energized ✔ Prevent mindless snacking ✔ Support digestion
It’s such a small thing that makes a huge difference in how you feel on vacation.
4. Don’t Skip Your Vitamins + Supplements
Just because you’re out of your routine doesn’t mean your vitamins take a vacation! I pack all of mine in a travel organizer and make it part of my morning ritual—even while away.
Travel tip: If you ever forget your prescription or can’t get it refilled before your trip, you can call a local pharmacy where you’re staying. They can contact your pharmacy back home and transfer the prescription for you (as long as you’re in the area for a few days).
5. Make Smart Choices While Eating Out
Eating at restaurants is part of the fun of traveling—but it doesn’t have to throw you off track. My husband and I almost always share a plate, which helps with portion control and reduces waste.
I choose protein-first meals like: • Grilled chicken or steak • Seafood • Bunless burgers • Veggie sides instead of heavy carbs
You don’t have to be perfect—just choose the best option available and enjoy the experience.
6. Most of All… Enjoy Your Vacation
This is the part people forget: you are allowed to enjoy your trip. You’re allowed to relax, taste new foods, spend time with people you love, and take in the sights.
Staying healthy doesn’t mean missing out—it just means being mindful and making choices that support how you want to feel.
Travel is about memories, not macros.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and a few intentional habits, staying on track during vacation becomes much easier. Pack your protein, hydrate, bring your vitamins, choose wisely at restaurants, and embrace the moments that make traveling special.
You deserve to feel your best—no matter where you are. 💛
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. 💛
Bariatric Living 