Tag: #BariatricLiving

Ranking Pork King Good’s Savory Pork Rinds | Bariatric Friendly Snack Review

Lisa Kidd

Finding satisfying crunchy snacks after bariatric surgery can sometimes feel impossible — especially when you’re trying to stay low carb and prioritize protein. That’s why I was excited to try the savory flavored pork rinds from Pork King Good for another taste testing video on Bariatric Living with Lisa.

And let me tell you… these did NOT disappoint!

I tried several savory flavors and ranked them from my favorite to my least favorite. Every flavor had great crunch and bold seasoning, but a few really stood out as absolute winners for me.

One thing I love about pork rinds is that they’re naturally low carb and high in protein, making them a great option for bariatric and keto lifestyles. They’re also perfect when you want something salty and crunchy without reaching for potato chips.

If you’ve been searching for new bariatric-friendly snack ideas, these are definitely worth trying.

Be sure to watch the full video on Bariatric Living with Lisa to see my complete rankings and find out which flavor took the top spot!

Creamy Tortellini Soup with Fresh Garden Spinach

Lisa Kidd

There’s nothing better than harvesting fresh spinach from the garden and turning it into a warm, comforting homemade soup. In today’s Bariatric Living with Lisa recipe, I made a rich and creamy Tortellini Soup loaded with Italian sausage, vegetables, cheesy tortellini, and fresh garden spinach.

This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in one pot. The fresh spinach adds beautiful color and freshness while the creamy broth and cheese tortellini make this meal feel extra cozy and satisfying.

One of my favorite parts of container gardening is being able to walk outside, harvest fresh ingredients, and immediately use them in recipes like this. It truly makes homemade meals taste even better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy one-pot meal
  • Comfort food with fresh vegetables
  • Great way to use garden spinach
  • Creamy, rich, and satisfying
  • Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

Ingredients

1 pound ground Italian sausage, browned

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 8oz pack of sliced mushrooms

  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • ½ Tablespoon Adobo Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups chicken broth 
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed and dissolved in 1/4 cup water
  • 36 ounces evaporated milk 
  • 12 ounce packet three cheese tortellini I used dried not fresh; choose any flavour you like
  • 5 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup milk, if needed

Instructions

  • Place the browned sausage, onion, carrots, celery, Adobo seasoning, Italian seasoning, chicken bouillon powder, salt, and broth in a Dutch oven. Cover and cook on Medium High until boiling and vegetables are tender.
  • Uncover and stir in the cornstarch mixture with the evaporated milk. Add the tortellini and the Spinach, mix well. Cover again and cook on Medium to Medium High heat until the soup has thickened, and the tortellini is soft and cooked through. You may need to add milk, a little bit at a time to thin out to your liking. Enjoy!

This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you make this recipe, let me know how it turned out and what you’re growing in your garden this season!

Viral High-Protein Pizza Bagel Using Rice Paper

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve been scrolling TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the viral rice paper “bagel” trend. People are making breakfast bagels, cheeseburger bagels, and pizza bagels using rice paper instead of traditional dough.

Of course, I had to make a Bariatric Living with Lisa version… and WOW, this turned out so crispy, cheesy, and delicious!

This recipe is packed with protein and gives you all the pizza flavor without the heavy carbs of traditional bagels or pizza crust.

What I Used

  • Pork sausage
  • Chopped onion
  • Chopped green pepper
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Tomato basil pasta sauce
  • Pepperoni
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Eggs
  • Rice paper wrappers

How I Made It

First, I browned my sausage in a skillet with the onions, peppers, and mushrooms until everything was cooked and flavorful.

Then I scrambled eggs on a baking sheet. I dipped two rice paper wrappers into the egg mixture and overlapped them slightly on my cutting board.

Next, I layered on the sausage mixture, tomato basil sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.

I rolled everything up lengthwise, then twisted it into a spiral shape to resemble a bagel.

Finally, I air-fried it at 350 degrees for 15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

The Result

The outside gets crunchy and crispy while the inside stays cheesy, savory, and packed with pizza flavor. It honestly tastes indulgent while still being protein-forward and bariatric-friendly.

The best part is you can customize these with endless filling ideas:

  • Breakfast versions
  • Cheeseburger versions
  • Buffalo chicken
  • Taco-inspired fillings
  • Ham and cheese
  • Philly cheesesteak

This viral trend definitely lived up to the hype in my kitchen!

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!

High-Protein Sugar-Free Tropical Parfait (Bariatric Friendly)

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that feels indulgent but still fits into your healthy lifestyle, this High-Protein Sugar-Free Tropical Parfait is exactly what you need.

This recipe combines creamy, fluffy filling with fresh tropical flavors and a satisfying crunch—without all the sugar. It’s perfect for bariatric patients, low-carb eaters, or anyone looking for a better-for-you treat.

🌴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein to keep you full
  • Sugar-free and low-carb
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy
  • Feels like a tropical getaway in every bite

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 box sugar-free coconut key lime pudding mix
  • 1 vanilla protein shake
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • Fresh pineapple, chopped
  • Keto granola
  • Heavy cream
  • Sugar-free pineapple syrup
  • Sugar-free whipped topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Mix pudding mix and protein shake until thick and smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar-free syrup until stiff peaks form.
  3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Combine pudding mixture with cream cheese until creamy.
  5. Gently fold in whipped cream.
  6. Chop fresh pineapple.
  7. Layer parfait: filling → pineapple → granola. Repeat layers.
  8. Top with sugar-free whipped topping and enjoy!

💡 Tips

  • Chill before serving for an even thicker texture
  • Swap pineapple for strawberries or mango for variety
  • Use small jars for portion control

💛 Final Thoughts

This parfait proves you don’t have to give up dessert to stay on track. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor—without the sugar crash.

One bite, and you’ll see why this feels like a tropical escape in every spoonful 🌴

High Protein Sugar-Free Blueberry Muffins (Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for an easy, high-protein recipe that actually tastes amazing, you have to try these blueberry muffins.

I found a version of this recipe going viral and knew I had to make it bariatric-friendly—and let me tell you, this one is a keeper. These muffins are soft, packed with blueberries, and have just the right amount of sweetness without any added sugar.

What I love most is how simple this recipe is. You only need three main ingredients, and it comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box Pillsbury Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix
  • 1 (5.3 oz) Oikos Triple Zero Blueberry Greek Yogurt
  • 1 (11 oz) Member’s Mark Vanilla Protein Shake
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, yogurt, and protein shake until smooth. Gently fold in the blueberries.

Spray a cupcake tin with cooking spray and use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion the batter. Bake for 19 minutes or until set.

This recipe makes 19 muffins and is perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts:
These have quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for a high-protein lifestyle after bariatric surgery.

Teaching My Son to Cook: Keto Reuben Roll-Ups

Lisa Kidd

One of the things I’ve realized as a parent is that kids don’t automatically learn how to cook — even when they grow up around it. So I decided to start a new series on my channel called Cooking with Chris, where I teach my grown son how to cook simple meals.

For his first lesson, we made Keto Reuben Roll-Ups, and they were a huge success!

These roll-ups are perfect for anyone living a bariatric lifestyle or following a low-carb diet. They’re simple, quick, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

6 slices Swiss cheese
12 slices corned beef lunch meat
Sauerkraut
G Hughes Sugar-Free Secret Burger Sauce

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Place the Swiss cheese slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and quickly add two slices of corned beef to each piece of cheese. Top with sauerkraut and drizzle with G Hughes Sugar-Free Secret Burger Sauce.

Carefully roll them up while the cheese is still warm.

That’s it! A super easy, delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick snack or light meal.

Chris did a great job with this one, and I think this series is going to be a lot of fun.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Cooking with Chris!

High-Protein Peanut Butter Mousse (3 Ingredients!)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for a quick, high-protein dessert that feels indulgent, this peanut butter mousse is going to become a favorite.

One of my YouTube subscribers recently sent me a recipe for a 3-ingredient peanut butter mousse, and I knew I had to try it. Of course, I put my own spin on it to make it more bariatric-friendly.

The original recipe used maple syrup, but I substituted Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Salted Caramel Sauce to keep the sugar lower while adding even more flavor.

The result is a rich, creamy mousse that tastes delicious — and you honestly can’t taste the cottage cheese at all!

Ingredients

8 oz cottage cheese
1/8 cup natural peanut butter
1½ tablespoons Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Salted Caramel Sauce

Optional topping:
Melted dark chocolate

Instructions

Add the cottage cheese, peanut butter, and salted caramel sauce to a blender.

Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. This step is important so the mousse has a silky texture.

Spoon the mousse into a small bowl and drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the top.

Place the bowl in the freezer until the chocolate hardens.

Once the chocolate shell is firm, crack it with a spoon and enjoy your delicious high-protein dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High protein
• Bariatric friendly
• Low sugar
• Only 3 ingredients
• Ready in minutes

This mousse is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but still want to stay on track with your nutrition goals.

Iced Cherry Caramel Crème Brûlée Protein Coffee

Lisa Kidd

If you’re craving a coffee shop drink but still staying focused on your protein goals, this recipe is for you. This Iced Cherry Caramel Crème Brûlée Protein Coffee is creamy, indulgent-tasting, and completely customizable for a bariatric lifestyle.

It has layers of flavor:

  • Rich caramel
  • Sweet cherry
  • Warm butter toffee
  • Creamy vanilla protein
  • A fluffy cherry cold foam on top

And the best part? You’re getting your protein in while enjoying every sip.

Ingredients

  • 8 ice cubes
  • Caramel sauce (sugar-free)
  • Butter toffee skinny syrup
  • Cherry skinny syrup
  • 1 Member’s Mark Vanilla Protein Shake
  • Brewed Cherry Vanilla Crème Brûlée coffee
  • Heavy cream
  • Salted caramel salt

Instructions

  1. Fill a large glass with ice.
  2. Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of the glass.
  3. Add butter toffee syrup and a splash of cherry syrup.
  4. Pour in the vanilla protein shake.
  5. Add brewed Cherry Vanilla Crème Brûlée coffee.
  6. In a separate cup, froth heavy cream with a little cherry syrup until thick and foamy.
  7. Spoon cold foam on top.
  8. Sprinkle with salted caramel salt and enjoy!

Why This Works for Bariatric Living

  • High in protein
  • Lower sugar than traditional coffee shop drinks
  • Keeps you full longer
  • Satisfies sweet cravings without derailing progress

This is one of those drinks that feels indulgent but still aligns with your goals — and that’s what Bariatric Living 101 is all about.

Butter-Fried Halloumi Cheese Fries (Bariatric-Friendly High-Protein Snack)

Lisa Kidd

If you’re in the bariatric stage where you’re tired of protein shakes and need something savory, this snack is a must.

Halloumi cheese fries are one of my favorite quick, satisfying, high-protein options when I want something warm, salty, and indulgent — without going off track.

I cooked these in a skillet with butter and the flavor is next-level. The outside gets beautifully golden and crispy while the inside stays soft and chewy. It honestly feels like a treat.

You can also make these in the air fryer if you want a lighter option, and they still turn out delicious.

Why this works for bariatric life:

  • High in protein
  • Low in carbs
  • Very filling in small portions
  • Helps curb cravings for fried foods
  • Quick and simple

This is one of those snacks that reminds you bariatric eating doesn’t have to be boring — it can still be comforting, flavorful, and satisfying.

Protein first. Flavor Always.