Tag: #BariatricLifestyle

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!

Mom’s Bean Salad: A Recipe Filled With Memories

Lisa Kidd

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:

  1. Drain and rinse the kidney beans.
  2. Chop the hard-boiled eggs and vegetables.
  3. Combine everything in a bowl.
  4. Add mayonnaise and a squirt or two of yellow mustard.
  5. Season with salt.
  6. 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.

💛

How to Stay on Track While Traveling: My Bariatric-Friendly Vacation Tips

Lisa Kidd

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. 💛

Use my code BARIATRICLIVING101 for 10% off your first order at http://www.skinnymixes.com

Protein Caramel Maple Bourbon Pecan Latte

Lisa Kidd

A Cozy Fall Coffee Moment—Even While Traveling

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. 💛

More Protein Coffee Ideas You Might Like:

  • Pumpkin Spice Butter Toffee Protein Coffee
  • Salted Caramel Mocha Protein Latte
  • Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Coffee

✨ Stay cozy and protein-forward, friends!