Protein Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Smoothie (37g Protein)

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and protein-packed smoothie, this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Protein Smoothie is a must try!

It tastes just like a creamy slice of cheesecake but is designed to help you stay on track with your protein goals. This recipe is perfect for a bariatric lifestyle, especially on busy mornings when you need something fast and filling.

One of the things I love most about this smoothie is how simple it is. Everything goes right into the blender and within minutes you have a sweet, creamy drink that tastes like dessert but gives your body the protein it needs.

Even better — this smoothie packs 37 grams of protein, making it a great option for breakfast, a snack, or anytime you need a protein boost.

Ingredients

4 oz frozen strawberries
2 oz banana
3 oz vanilla Greek yogurt

A splash of Jordan’s Cherry Skinny Syrup
1 Tablespoon sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
1 vanilla protein shake (I used Member’s Mark Vanilla Protein Shake)

Optional topping:
White Chocolate Cold Foam

Instructions

Add the frozen strawberries, banana, vanilla Greek yogurt, sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix, Jordan’s Cherry Skinny Syrup, and vanilla protein shake to a blender.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a glass and top with white chocolate cold foam if desired.

Enjoy!

Why This Smoothie Is Great for Bariatric Living

After bariatric surgery, getting enough protein each day is incredibly important. Smoothies like this make it easy to stay on track while still enjoying something that tastes amazing.

This recipe is:

✔ High protein
✔ Quick and easy
✔ Bariatric friendly
✔ Perfect for on-the-go

If you enjoy simple recipes like this, be sure to check out more recipes on Bariatric Living with Lisa where I share easy ways to make bariatric living delicious and sustainable.

High-Protein Peanut Butter Mousse (3 Ingredients!)

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.

Sugar-Free Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes (Bariatric Friendly)

If you’re craving cinnamon rolls but want something portion-controlled and lower in sugar, these mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes are the perfect solution. They’re creamy, spiced just right, and finished with a swirl of sugar-free cream cheese icing to mimic a classic cinnamon roll.

The best part? They truly don’t taste sugar-free.

These are perfect for anyone living a bariatric lifestyle, watching sugar intake, or just wanting a lighter dessert that still feels indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Portion-controlled mini desserts
  • Lower in sugar
  • Rich, creamy texture
  • Classic cinnamon roll flavor
  • Crowd-pleasing and freezer-friendly

Flavor & Texture

The crust gives a buttery cinnamon crunch, followed by a smooth cheesecake center layered with brown sugar-style cinnamon filling. The icing on top brings everything together for that authentic cinnamon roll finish.

Bariatric Tips

  • Eat slowly and mind portions
  • Great for special occasions
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated
  • Freeze extras for later treats

Ingredients

Crust

  • 3 oz Nutrail Cinnamon Pecan Keto Granola
  • 1 oz butter, melted

Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling

  • 38 grams melted butter
  • 110 grams Splenda Magic Baker Brown Sugar
  • 19 grams all-purpose flour
  • ½ tablespoon cinnamon

Cheesecake Batter

  • 12 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ⅛ cup Splenda
  • ⅛ cup Splenda Magic Baker Brown Sugar
  • 2 eggs, scrambled before adding
  • 0.75 oz cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2.7 fl oz heavy cream
  • Splash Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Butter Toffee Skinny Syrup (to taste)

Sugar-Free Cream Cheese Icing

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1¾ cups Swerve Confectioners Sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Add keto granola to a food processor and pulse until finely crushed.
  3. Add melted butter and blend until well combined.
  4. Divide evenly among 12 mini cheesecake cups and press firmly.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

  1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar substitute, flour, and cinnamon.
  2. Mix until fully combined.
  3. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Batter

  1. In a blender or mixing bowl, combine:
    • cream cheese
    • Splenda
    • Splenda brown sugar substitute
    • cornstarch
    • cinnamon
    • vanilla
    • heavy cream
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add scrambled eggs last and mix just until incorporated.
  4. Add a splash of Butter Toffee skinny syrup to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecakes

  1. Before adding batter, place about ¾ of a cookie scoop of cinnamon filling on top of each crust.
  2. Use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion cheesecake batter into each cup.
  3. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon filling on top.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Place cheesecakes in a steam bath.
  2. Bake at 300°F for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  4. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to fully set.

Step 6: Make the Sugar-Free Cream Cheese Icing

  1. In a mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add vanilla and confectioners sweetener.
  3. Blend until fully combined and fluffy.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

  • Pipe or swirl cream cheese icing on top of each cheesecake to resemble a cinnamon roll.
  • Chill until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

These mini cheesecakes are proof that you don’t have to give up dessert after bariatric surgery. You can still enjoy comforting flavors—just in smarter portions and with lower sugar.

If you make these, share them and tag Bariatric Living 101. I love seeing your creations! 💛

2-Minute Cottage Cheese Brownie (High-Protein & Bariatric-Friendly)

If you’ve ever had a chocolate craving hit out of nowhere, you know how hard it can be to find something quick, satisfying, and still aligned with your bariatric lifestyle.

This Cottage Cheese Microwave Brownie checks all the boxes.

It’s:

  • high in protein
  • low in sugar
  • fast to make
  • and actually tastes like a real brownie

I discovered this recipe from Calla’s Clean Eats and had to test it for Bariatric Living 101 — and it did not disappoint.

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup cottage cheese
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons Splenda (or monkfruit sweetener)

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend until completely smooth.
  3. Spray a ramekin with cooking spray.
  4. Pour batter in and top with a few chocolate chips.
  5. Microwave 1½–2 minutes, depending on your preferred texture.

That’s it. You’ll have a warm, chocolatey, protein-packed dessert in minutes.

This is perfect for bariatric patients who:

  • need more protein
  • want portion-controlled sweets
  • are trying to avoid sugar crashes
  • still want to enjoy chocolate

You can also customize it with:

  • sugar-free peanut butter drizzle
  • protein frosting
  • crushed nuts
  • sugar-free caramel

Simple, fast, and satisfying — the kind of recipe that makes long-term lifestyle change sustainable.

Easy Protein Overnight Oats (Bariatric-Friendly Meal Prep Breakfast)

If you’re looking for a simple, high-protein breakfast that fits into a bariatric lifestyle, these Protein Overnight Oats are one of the easiest meal prep options you can make.

In just a few minutes, you can prep multiple breakfasts for the week with zero cooking required. I made four bowls at once — two vanilla and two chocolate — so my mornings are already handled.

This recipe is great for busy schedules, post-op routines, and anyone trying to stay consistent with protein-forward meals.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup quick oats
  • 1/2 cup protein shake (Nurri Vanilla or Fairlife Chocolate — or your favorite)
  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl or container.
  2. Mix well until fully combined.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Grab, stir, and enjoy in the morning.

Why this works for bariatric lifestyles

  • Prioritizes protein first
  • Easy portion control
  • No morning prep required
  • Keeps you full and satisfied
  • Great texture and flavor options

Make a batch ahead of time and rotate flavors to keep breakfast from getting boring.

Vanilla or chocolate… which one are you reaching for first?

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

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.

The Cheesiest Protein Omelet Ever (Bariatric-Friendly!)

If there’s one thing I love, it’s starting my morning with something warm, cheesy, and full of protein. This simple omelet checks all the boxes — it’s fast, filling, and completely bariatric-friendly. Whether you’re fresh on your journey or years into maintenance, meals like this help keep you on track without feeling deprived.

Today I’m sharing the omelet I made in my latest video, and it’s honestly one of my favorite go-to breakfasts because it uses ingredients I always have on hand.

Ingredients

  • 1 pat of butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 spoonful of cottage cheese
  • 2 slices of ham, chopped
  • Shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • Shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium and add a pat of butter. Let it melt and coat the pan.
  2. In a small cup or bowl, crack in two eggs and add a spoonful of cottage cheese. Blend or whisk until well combined and creamy.
  3. Pour the egg mixture into your heated skillet.
  4. Add in the chopped ham.
  5. When the omelet is almost cooked through, sprinkle on some shredded Colby Jack cheese and allow it to melt.
  6. Fold the omelet, plate it, and finish with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan for that extra cheesy zing.

Why This Omelet Works for a Bariatric Lifestyle

After bariatric surgery, making sure each meal has a strong protein base is key — and eggs are one of the easiest ways to do that. Mixing in cottage cheese not only adds creaminess, but also boosts the protein even more. Ham brings saltiness and texture, and the cheeses add flavor satisfaction without needing huge amounts.

It’s a balanced breakfast that feels indulgent but supports your goals.

Serving Ideas

  • Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients
  • Pair with fresh berries
  • Enjoy it on its own for a light, filling, low-carb meal

Final Thoughts

This cheesy omelet is a perfect reminder that bariatric-friendly food can still be delicious, comforting, and satisfying. If you try it, let me know how you customize yours!

Protein Caramel Maple Bourbon Pecan Latte

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!