Tag: #easyrecipes

Soft & Delicious Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies

Lisa Kidd

If you’re craving cookies but want something a little healthier, these Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies are going to become one of your favorites!

I know cottage cheese in cookies might sound unusual, but trust me—it creates a wonderfully soft texture while adding extra protein. Combined with rolled oats, peanut butter, and sugar-free salted caramel syrup, these cookies are hearty, satisfying, and naturally sweet without tasting “healthy.”

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple it is. Everything mixes together in one bowl, and they’re ready in just minutes. The biggest tip is not to overbake them. Pull them from the oven after about 11 minutes, and they’ll stay soft and tender inside.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • ¼ cup Salted Caramel Skinny Syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: Sugar-free chocolate chips or raisins

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix together the cottage cheese, oats, and peanut butter.
  3. Stir in the Skinny Syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until a thick dough forms.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips or raisins if desired.
  5. Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet using a small cookie scoop.
  6. Flatten each cookie slightly since they won’t spread much while baking.
  7. Bake for 11 minutes.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool for 5–10 minutes before enjoying.

My Tips

  • Blend the cottage cheese first if you’d like a smoother cookie.
  • Don’t overbake them—they’re best when they’re still soft in the center.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for an easy grab-and-go protein snack.

These cookies are a wonderful option for anyone following a bariatric lifestyle, trying to increase their protein intake, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cookies.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment on the YouTube video and let me know if you added sugar-free chocolate chips, raisins, or another fun mix-in.

Happy baking!

– Lisa ❤️ | Bariatric Living with Lisa

2-Ingredient Viral Parmesan Bites

Lisa Kidd

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones, and these 2-Ingredient Parmesan Bites prove exactly that!

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen this viral recipe making the rounds. I had to give it a try, and I’m happy to report that they’re crispy, cheesy, satisfying, and a wonderful high-protein snack for anyone following a bariatric or low-carb lifestyle.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it only takes two ingredients that many of us already have in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 egg whites

Directions

  1. Combine the grated Parmesan cheese and egg whites in a bowl.
  2. Mix until well combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
  4. Place them on a tray or plate and freeze for 2 hours.
  5. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve warm with your favorite sugar-free marinara sauce for dipping.

Why I Love This Recipe

As someone living a bariatric lifestyle, I’m always searching for recipes that are:

  • High in protein
  • Low in carbohydrates
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Made with simple ingredients
  • Full of flavor

These Parmesan Bites check every box. They’re perfect as an afternoon snack, party appetizer, or even alongside a salad or bowl of soup.

If you make them, I’d love to hear what you think! Be sure to leave a comment on my YouTube video and let me know if you added any seasonings or dipping sauces to make them your own.

Happy cooking!

— Lisa
Bariatric Living with Lisa

High Protein Dalgona Coffee (30g Protein)

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve never tried Dalgona coffee before, you’re in for a treat! This viral whipped coffee is incredibly creamy and delicious, and I’ve given it a bariatric-friendly makeover by pairing it with a 30-gram vanilla protein shake.

The result is a rich, coffeehouse-style drink that’s low in sugar, packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 30 grams of protein
  • Bariatric-friendly
  • Low in sugar
  • Rich and creamy texture
  • Easy to make in just a few minutes
  • Feels like a gourmet coffee shop drink

Ingredients

Whipped Coffee

  • 2 Tablespoons instant coffee (I used Decaf Nescafé Gold Espresso)
  • 1 Tablespoon Splenda
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Caramel Crème Skinny Syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons very hot water

Coffee Base

  • Ice
  • Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Marshmallow Sauce
  • One 30-gram vanilla protein shake

Instructions

  1. Add the instant coffee, Splenda, skinny syrup, and hot water to a small bowl or glass.
  2. Using a handheld frother, whip the mixture until it becomes thick, fluffy, and several times its original volume.
  3. Drizzle the inside of a serving glass with sugar-free caramel and marshmallow sauces.
  4. Fill the glass with ice.
  5. Pour in your vanilla protein shake.
  6. Spoon the whipped coffee over the top.
  7. Stir everything together before drinking and enjoy!

My Thoughts

This drink honestly tastes like dessert in a glass. The fluffy coffee melts into the creamy protein shake, creating a smooth, velvety texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The caramel and marshmallow drizzle take it to another level and make it feel like a specialty coffeehouse drink without all the sugar.

If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy your daily protein, this recipe is a fun and delicious option.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment on the YouTube video and let me know your favorite sugar-free syrup combinations.

Happy sipping!

— Lisa

Sugar-Free Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Refresher with Strawberry Cold Foam

Lisa Kidd

If you’re looking for the ultimate summer drink that’s refreshing, fruity, and sugar-free, you’ve found it!

This Sugar-Free Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Refresher with Strawberry Cold Foam has quickly become one of my favorite warm-weather treats. It’s packed with fresh strawberry flavor, perfectly tart lemonade, and topped with a creamy strawberry cold foam that makes every sip taste indulgent.

One of my favorite things about creating recipes is finding healthier alternatives to popular café drinks. This recipe delivers all the flavor without the added sugar, making it a wonderful option for anyone living a bariatric lifestyle or simply trying to make healthier choices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sugar-free
  • Bariatric-friendly
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Refreshing on hot summer days
  • Budget-friendly
  • Tastes like a specialty coffee shop drink

Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 packet sugar-free lemonade
  • Water
  • Ice
  • Jordan’s Strawberry Skinny Syrup
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Directions

  1. Add the frozen strawberries to your blender cup.
  2. Fill with water to the max fill line.
  3. Add one packet of sugar-free lemonade.
  4. Blend until smooth.
  5. Fill a mason jar with ice.
  6. Add a splash of Jordan’s Strawberry Skinny Syrup.
  7. In a separate cup, combine heavy cream with another drizzle of strawberry syrup and froth until thick and creamy.
  8. Pour the frozen strawberry lemonade over the ice.
  9. Spoon the strawberry cold foam on top.
  10. Stir together and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This drink is everything I want in a summer refresher—cold, fruity, creamy, and incredibly satisfying without all the added sugar.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave me a comment on YouTube and let me know if you tried it or added your own twist.

Happy sipping!

— Lisa
Bariatric Living with Lisa

Easy Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole

Lisa Kidd

If you are looking for an easy comfort food recipe with a tropical twist, this Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole is absolutely delicious! 🍍🌺

This recipe combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, colorful vegetables, and rice into one simple baked casserole dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes a great family dinner or meal prep recipe.

To make it more bariatric lifestyle friendly, I used a combination of jasmine rice and cauliflower rice. This helps lower the carbs while still keeping that comforting casserole texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy one-pan meal
  • Sweet & savory flavor combination
  • High in protein
  • Great for leftovers
  • Perfect for busy weeknights
  • Budget friendly

Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar or brown sugar substitute
  • ½ cup low sodium soy sauce (I used a sweet soy sauce)
  • 2 teaspoon Adobo garlic powder
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1½ cup uncooked instant white rice (I used ½ cup uncooked Jasmine rice and a frozen bag of Cauliflower Rice, microwaved)
  • 1 diced sweet onion
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits or chunks in juice, NOT drained
  • 1 lb. thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins, diced into bite-sized pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. I used a 13x 9 baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken broth.
  • Add uncooked rice, onion, bell pepper, pineapple and it’s juices and chicken. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 50 minutes. Once cooking is done, uncover and stir ingredients.
  • Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
  • Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

The pineapple gives this casserole a sweet tropical flavor that pairs so well with the savory chicken and soy sauce!

Final Thoughts

This recipe is the perfect combination of comfort food and tropical flavor. It’s filling, protein-packed, and easy enough for busy weeknights.

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!

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.

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.