Tag: #BariatricLiving

Mini Sugar-Free Salted Caramel Pumpkin New York Style Cheesecakes

Lisa Kidd

The holidays are the perfect time for cozy flavors, and these Mini Sugar-Free Salted Caramel Pumpkin New York Style Cheesecakes check all the boxes. They’re rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and finished with just the right touch of salted caramel — without all the sugar.

These mini cheesecakes are portion-controlled, bariatric-friendly, and ideal for holiday gatherings, dessert trays, or just a special treat at home.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 5 oz Nutrail Cinnamon Pecan Keto Granola
  • 1.25 oz butter, melted

Cheesecake Batter

  • 12 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup Splenda
  • ¼ cup 100% pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs, scrambled before adding
  • 0.75 oz cornstarch
  • 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 2.7 fl oz heavy cream
  • 1 splash Jordan’s Brown Sugar Cinnamon Skinny Syrup (to taste)
  • 1 splash Jordan’s Caramel Skinny Syrup (to taste)
  • Toppings
  • Salted caramel salt
  • Skinny Mixes caramel sauce

Instructions

💡 Affiliate Note: I use both Jordan’s Skinny Syrups and Skinny Mixes products in this recipe. If you’re shopping Skinny Mixes, you can save 10% on your first order with my code BARIATRICLIVING101 at checkout.

Step 1: Make the Crust

  1. Add the keto granola to a food processor and pulse until finely crushed.
  2. Add melted butter and blend until well combined.
  3. Divide evenly among 12 mini cheesecake cups and press firmly.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter

  1. In a blender or mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Splenda, pumpkin puree, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla, and heavy cream.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add scrambled eggs last and blend just until incorporated.
  4. Add a splash of both skinny syrups to your desired sweetness.

Step 3: Bake

  1. Use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion batter into each crust.
  2. Place cheesecakes in a steam bath.
  3. Bake at 300°F for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Cool & Finish

  1. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle salted caramel salt on top while warm.
  2. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  3. Drizzle with Skinny Mixes caramel sauce before serving.

These mini pumpkin cheesecakes are a must-have for the holiday season. They’re festive, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy dessert while staying mindful of sugar and portions.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out — and don’t forget to check out more sugar-free and bariatric-friendly recipes here on Bariatric Living! 🧡

Gingerbread Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte (Holiday Coffee Magic!)

Lisa Kidd

If you love holiday flavors, this cozy latte is going to be your new favorite. It blends warm chai spices with classic gingerbread flavor and the seasonal comfort of pumpkin spice. It tastes like Christmas morning in a mug!

Ingredients

  • A splash of heavy cream
  • Jordan’s Gingerbread Skinny Syrup
  • Jordan’s Chai Skinny Syrup
  • Pumpkin Spice Coffee
  • Skinny Mixes Caramel Sauce
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice

How to Make It

  1. Add a small amount of heavy cream to your coffee mug.
  2. Add a splash of Gingerbread Skinny Syrup and a splash of Chai Skinny Syrup.
  3. Froth until it becomes creamy and fluffy.
  4. Pour in your freshly brewed Pumpkin Spice coffee.
  5. Drizzle with Skinny Mixes Caramel Sauce and add a dash or two of pumpkin pie spice.

This latte is warm, festive, and perfect for mornings when you want something special without heading to a café. It’s quick, simple, and full of cozy holiday flavor!

✨ 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!

Autumn Skillet Dinner

Lisa Kidd

There’s just something about fall that makes you crave warm, cozy meals — and this Autumn Skillet Dinner fits the season perfectly. It’s packed with flavorful smoked beef sausage, sweet roasted vegetables, caramelized onions, and a simple garlic-butter sauce that brings everything together.

This dish is hearty, colorful, comforting, and comes together with simple ingredients. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it over jasmine rice like I did.

⭐ Ingredients

  • 2 (10 oz) packages smoked beef sausage
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 (12 oz) bags Brussels sprouts
  • 2 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 oz butter
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt, Pepper, and Paprika to taste

🍽️ Instructions

1. Prep & roast the veggies

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Add them to a baggie with a drizzle of olive oil, plus salt and pepper. Shake until coated, then spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Microwave each bag of Brussels sprouts for about 30 seconds — just enough to soften slightly. Slice them in half, add to a baggie with olive oil, salt, and pepper, shake, and place on the same baking sheet.

Bake the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts at 400°F for 30–45 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden.

2. Brown the sausage

Slice the smoked beef sausage. Add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Caramelize the onions

Add the sliced onion to the skillet with the drippings from the sausage. Add a little more olive oil if needed. Season with a pinch of salt and cook until caramelized. Remove and set aside.

4. Make the garlic butter sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir until fragrant. Add the butter and let it melt, creating a buttery garlic sauce.

5. Combine everything

Once the roasted veggies are done, add them to the skillet along with the caramelized onions and browned sausage. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the butter sauce.

Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

6. Serve & enjoy

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over jasmine rice for a heartier meal.

If you make this Autumn Skillet Dinner, be sure to tag me — I love seeing your recreations! 🍁

Back Home & Back Into My Morning Routine

Lisa Kidd

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!

🎄 Sugar Cookie Iced Coffee: A Festive, Bariatric-Friendly Treat!

Lisa Kidd

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.

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

Butter Toffee White Chocolate Mocha Protein Coffee (With Toasted Marshmallow Cold Foam!)

Lisa Kidd

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

  1. Brew your K-Cup coffee and pour it over a cup of ice.
  2. Add a splash of both syrups.
  3. Pour in your Nurri Vanilla Protein Shake and stir.
  4. Froth heavy cream with Toasted Marshmallow Skinny Syrup for a fluffy cold foam.
  5. 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.

✨ Try it and tag me @BariatricLiving!

Veggie-Loaded Mississippi Pot Roast (Slow Cooker Version)

Lisa Kidd

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.

Caramel Chai Maple Pecan Pie Protein Coffee – The Ultimate Cozy Vacation Coffee

Lisa Kidd

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:

  1. Brew your Maple Pecan Pie Coffee.
  2. Add the Nurri Protein Shake and your Skinny Syrups.
  3. Give it a good stir and finish with a touch of Salted Caramel Salt.
  4. 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!

Real Talk with Cherie: Friendship, Food, and Finding Balance on Vacation

Lisa Kidd

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.