Tag: #BariatricLiving

Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza (Ketovore Option)

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve been missing pizza while following a carnivore or keto lifestyle, this Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is about to become a staple. It’s high-protein, low carb, and bariatric-friendly, with a rich beef crust, creamy cheese sauce, and classic Philly cheesesteak flavors.

I made mine ketovore-style with onions and green peppers, but if you’re strict carnivore, simply leave the vegetables off — it’s just as delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Protein-forward and very filling
  • Low carb and blood-sugar friendly
  • Easy to customize for carnivore or ketovore
  • Bariatric-friendly with soft textures
  • Tastes like real pizza, not a substitute

Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe

1️⃣ Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cottage cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.
  2. Blend until completely smooth.
  3. Transfer the sauce to a saucepan on the stove.
  4. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
  5. Set aside. (You will only use about ¼ of this sauce for the pizza.)

2️⃣ Gary’s Quick Steak

Ingredients:

  • Gary’s Quick Steak (large slab)
  • Olive oil
  • Wow seasoning packet (included with the steak)

Instructions:

  1. Drizzle a little olive oil into a skillet.
  2. Add the steak and the Wow seasoning.
  3. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart until shredded.
  4. Set aside.

3️⃣ Beef Crust

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup (about 2 oz) pork rinds, ground in food processor
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tablespoons cream cheese spread
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, pepper, and taco seasoning to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Add all ingredients to a food processor.
  3. Blend until fully combined and the beef starts to ball up.
  4. Line a pizza pan with parchment paper.
  5. Spread the beef mixture evenly onto the pan, thinning it out to the edges.
    • (This recipe fits a 16-inch pizza pan.)
  6. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the edges.

4️⃣ Toppings (Ketovore Option)

  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

(Omit for strict carnivore.)

5️⃣ Assemble the Pizza

  1. Remove the cooked beef crust from the oven.
  2. Spread about ¼ of the cheese sauce evenly over the crust.
  3. Layer with slices of provolone cheese.
  4. Add Gary’s Quick Steak, onions, and green peppers (if using).
  5. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Return to the oven and bake at 425°F until:
    • Cheese is melted and golden
    • Onions and peppers are tender

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

Slice, eat, and enjoy a pizza night that fits your lifestyle!

Tips for Bariatric & Carnivore Lifestyles

  • Eat slowly and stop at satisfaction — this is very filling
  • Save leftover cheese sauce for casseroles, bowls, or dipping
  • Reheats well in the oven or air fryer
  • Works great for meal prep

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it — carnivore or ketovore!

Follow Bariatric Living for more high-protein, low-carb recipes made for real life.

Sugar-Free Apple Cranberry Dump Cake

Lisa Kidd

If you love classic comfort desserts but want a lower-sugar option, this Sugar-Free Apple Cranberry Dump Cake is a must-try. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone following a bariatric or low-sugar lifestyle.

This recipe combines tender apples, tart cranberries, warm spices, and a buttery cake topping—all without traditional sugar. It’s one of those desserts that no one will believe is sugar-free.

Ingredients

  • 5 apples, cubed
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup Splenda
  • ⅛ cup Jordan’s Caramel Skinny Syrup
  • ⅛ cup Jordan’s Brown Sugar Cinnamon Skinny Syrup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Pillsbury Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix
  • 16–20 pats of butter

Instructions

  1. Sauté apples and cranberries in a skillet with butter, Splenda, and both Skinny Syrups until tender.
  2. Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry and stir into the fruit mixture until thickened.
  3. Transfer fruit filling to a 9×13 baking dish.
  4. Evenly spread the zero-sugar cake mix over the fruit.
  5. Top with butter pats.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 30–40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

One of my favorite ways to add flavor without added sugar is by using Jordan’s Skinny Syrups. The caramel and brown sugar cinnamon flavors give this dump cake that classic holiday taste without the sugar spike.

👉 You can save 10% on your first order at skinnymixes.com by using my code: BARIATRICLIVING101

Final Thoughts

This sugar-free dump cake is proof that you don’t have to give up dessert to stay on track. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for holidays or anytime cravings hit.

Peppermint Mocha Sugar Cookie Iced Coffee – A Festive Christmas Coffee

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to enjoy coffee this holiday season, this Peppermint Mocha Sugar Cookie Iced Coffee is the perfect Christmas treat. It’s creamy, refreshing, and packed with classic holiday flavors—peppermint, chocolate, and sugar cookie—all in one cup.

I love using Jordan’s Skinny Syrups in my coffee because they add incredible flavor without added sugar, making them a great option for bariatric-friendly lifestyles.
👉 You can save 10% on your first order at skinnymixes.com with my code BARIATRICLIVING101.

Ingredients:

  • French Vanilla Coffee
  • Jordan’s Peppermint Mocha Skinny Syrup
  • Jordan’s Sugar Cookie Skinny Syrup
  • Heavy Cream
  • Salted Caramel Salt (optional but highly recommended)

How to Make It:

  1. Brew your French vanilla coffee and let it cool slightly if making iced coffee.
  2. Fill a cup with ice and pour in the coffee.
  3. Add a couple splashes of peppermint mocha skinny syrup and a splash of sugar cookie skinny syrup.
  4. Add heavy cream to taste.
  5. Finish with a dash or two of salted caramel salt.
  6. Stir well and enjoy your festive Christmas coffee 🎄☕

This drink is perfect for holiday mornings, Christmas movie nights, or anytime you want a little seasonal joy in your cup.

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!