We are finally back home from vacation, and today felt like the perfect day to ease back into my normal morning routine. After traveling, eating differently, and being out of my usual rhythm, a simple high-protein breakfast always helps me reset.
This morning I wanted something quick, easy, and protein-forward to start my day off right. I made my go-to breakfast (just like I showed in the video!) and took a few minutes to chat about our trip while settling back into home life.
Even after vacation, getting back on track doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I always remind myself to focus on one meal at a time. A nourishing, protein-focused breakfast makes all the difference in how the rest of my day goes.
Traveling is wonderful, but coming home to routine is comforting in its own way. I’m excited to get back into the kitchen, create more recipes, and share more bariatric-friendly meals with you all.
If you’re just getting home from a trip too, give yourself some grace and start small — one choice at a time. You’ve got this! 💙
✨ Don’t forget: Use Code: BARIATRICLIVING101 at skinnymixes.com to get 10% off your first order!
There’s something extra magical about Christmas coffee flavors, and the moment I spotted the new Sugar Cookie Jordan’s Skinny Syrup at my local Bealls, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. This iced coffee is simple, delicious, and completely guilt-free — perfect for anyone living a bariatric, low-carb, or sugar-conscious lifestyle.
The best part? You only need a few ingredients, and you probably already have most of them on hand.
⭐ What You’ll Need:
1 Caramel Coffee K-cup, brewed over ice
Jordan’s Sugar Cookie Skinny Syrup (the star of the show!)
A splash of heavy cream for richness
A dash or two of Salted Caramel Salt
Ice + a good stir!
🎅 Why I Love This Recipe
It gives you that warm, cozy Christmas cookie flavor — but in a refreshing iced drink! It’s perfect for mornings, afternoons, or anytime you want a little holiday pick-me-up without the sugar.
This recipe aligns perfectly with my protein-forward, low-carb lifestyle, and it’s a great option for anyone who loves festive flavors without the guilt.
✨ Where to Find the Syrup
I stumbled on the Sugar Cookie flavor at Bealls, so definitely check your local store. You can also explore more holiday flavors online through Jordan’s Skinny Mixes at http://www.skinnymixes.com. Be sure to use my code: BARIATRICLIVING101 to get 10% off your 1st order.
☕ Try It & Share!
If you make this iced coffee, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your pictures or tag me — let’s celebrate the season with delicious, bariatric-friendly coffee creations.
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. 💛
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
Brew your K-Cup coffee and pour it over a cup of ice.
Add a splash of both syrups.
Pour in your Nurri Vanilla Protein Shake and stir.
Froth heavy cream with Toasted Marshmallow Skinny Syrup for a fluffy cold foam.
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.
If you love Mississippi Pot Roast but want a version that’s a little more hearty, veggie-forward, or family-friendly, this one is for you! I made this on vacation and it turned out absolutely delicious. Instead of using pepperoncinis, I swapped in a full blend of vegetables for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth roast that practically makes itself.
Everything goes straight into the crockpot — no searing, no prep work, no fuss. After cooking low and slow for 10 hours, the roast becomes so tender and flavorful that it falls apart with a fork. The vegetables soak up all the buttery, savory goodness from the ranch and au jus mix, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chuck Tender Roast
Red Potatoes
Onions
Celery
Baby Carrots
Ranch Dressing Mix
Au Jus Mix
Water
Butter
Instructions
Layer the vegetables in the bottom of your crockpot, place the roast on top, sprinkle the ranch and au jus packets, add water, and place the stick of butter right on top. Cook on low for 10 hours and enjoy the most comforting, fall-apart roast!
This recipe is perfect for busy days, cozy weekends, or anyone who loves easy dump-and-go crockpot meals. It also works great for meal prep — leftovers taste even better the next day.
Even while I’m on vacation, my day isn’t complete without my morning protein coffee! Today, I’m sharing the delicious Caramel Chai Maple Pecan Pie Protein Coffee I made in my friend Cherie’s kitchen — and trust me, it’s the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors that taste just like fall in a cup.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 Nurri Protein Shake (your favorite flavor!)
Maple Pecan Pie Coffee – freshly brewed
A splash of Jordan’s Caramel Skinny Syrup
A splash of Jordan’s Chai Skinny Syrup
A dash or two of Salted Caramel Salt
Top with a swirl of Whipped Cream
Directions:
Brew your Maple Pecan Pie Coffee.
Add the Nurri Protein Shake and your Skinny Syrups.
Give it a good stir and finish with a touch of Salted Caramel Salt.
Top it with whipped cream for that coffee shop finish.
The result is a cozy, creamy, protein-packed drink that keeps you full and satisfied. Whether you’re post-op bariatric, living a low-carb lifestyle, or just love creative coffee ideas — this one’s a must-try!
This week while visiting my friend Cherie, we sat down for a relaxed chat about something so many people ask me about — how to maintain healthy, bariatric-friendly habits while spending time with loved ones who don’t eat or live the same way.
The truth? It’s completely possible, and honestly… it’s easier when you have a friend like Cherie.
In our conversation, we talked about how differently we each approach food and health, yet how we’ve always supported each other’s goals. We shared what we’ve learned from one another over the years, and how friendship sometimes means simply listening and cheering each other on — even when our paths don’t look the same.
We laughed about our favorite memories from the week, and I opened up about the small choices that helped me stay protein-focused and balanced while traveling. From sugar-free coffee runs to mindful meals and enjoyable movement, this vacation was a beautiful reminder that healthy living can fit into any environment when you stay intentional.
As I head home, I’m taking with me not just the memories, but the reminder that support systems matter, and friendships like this make the journey even sweeter.
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!
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. 💛
As we get ready to head out on vacation, I wanted to share a mini protein snack haul with you! This first leg of our trip is just 4 hours long, but I always make sure I have healthy, protein-forward options packed and ready. Traveling can easily throw you off your routine, but with a little planning, it’s easy to stay on track.
For this trip, I focused on snacks that are:
Bariatric-friendly (small portions, high protein)
Low in carbs and sugar-free
Easy to pack for road trips or flights
Some of my go-to picks include:
Salami
String Cheese
Protein Shakes
I love sharing snack ideas that make healthy living after bariatric surgery simple and satisfying — even when you’re on the go!
If you’re planning a trip soon, take a few minutes to pack snacks that keep you feeling your best. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not scrambling for gas station food!
💬 Comment below with your favorite travel snack ideas!
Bariatric Living 