Tag: food

Fluffy Cottage Cheese Blueberry Cloud Bread (Bariatric-Friendly)

Lisa Kidd

One of my favorite things to do is test viral recipes to see if they’re actually worth making—and this Fluffy Cottage Cheese Blueberry Cloud Bread definitely caught my attention!

Since cottage cheese has become such a popular high-protein ingredient, I couldn’t resist giving this recipe a try.

The Changes I Made

I rarely follow a recipe exactly, and this one was no exception.

Instead of powdered sweetener, I used Splenda, which worked perfectly. I also skipped the lemon zest because I didn’t have any on hand. After tasting the finished bread, I think the lemon zest would have added a wonderful fresh flavor, so I’ll definitely include it next time.

Another big change was the pan. Rather than using an 8-inch baking dish, I baked mine in a pan with six individual round wells. Because the portions were smaller, I lowered the oven temperature to 325°F and baked them for about 20 minutes.

They came out light, fluffy, and beautifully golden.

My Thoughts

This recipe has a texture that’s somewhere between a soufflé, cloud bread, and a light sponge cake. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert.

The blueberries add little bursts of sweetness throughout each bite, and the cottage cheese blends so smoothly that you would never know it’s there.

If I make this again—and I definitely will—I’ll add the lemon zest for a little extra brightness.

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • ½ cup full-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 tablespoon Splenda
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries

Optional:

  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 100
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fat: 5g

If you’re looking for another fun, high-protein recipe to add to your meal plan, this one is definitely worth trying. It’s simple to make, light, satisfying, and easy to customize with your favorite berries.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit my YouTube channel, Bariatric Living with Lisa, for more bariatric-friendly recipes, meal ideas, and realistic weight-loss lifestyle content.

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 Peach Pineapple Cobbler

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve been craving a warm, comforting dessert but still want to keep things lighter, this Sugar-Free Peach Pineapple Cobbler is such a delicious option. It’s sweet, fruity, easy to make, and comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

I love recipes like this because they let me enjoy a comforting dessert while still being mindful of my bariatric lifestyle and my goal of making better choices without feeling deprived. This cobbler combines juicy peaches, fresh pineapple, Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix, and butter for a golden, bubbly dessert that tastes like summer in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients
  • Uses Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix for a lower-sugar twist
  • Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, cookouts, or holidays
  • Delicious served warm on its own or with a lighter whipped topping

Ingredients

  • 3 cans sliced peaches in their own juice, drained (reserve the juice)
  • 1 fresh pineapple, cubed
  • 1 box Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix
  • 20 pats of butter
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch

How to Make Sugar-Free Peach Pineapple Cobbler

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Drain the peaches and set the juice aside.
  3. Add the peaches and cubed pineapple to a 9×13 baking dish.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch into the reserved peach juice until completely dissolved.
  5. Pour the peach juice mixture evenly over the fruit.
  6. Sprinkle the Zero Sugar Yellow Cake Mix evenly over the top.
  7. Place pats of butter all across the top of the cake mix.
  8. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips for Success

  • Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the peach juice so it helps thicken the fruit mixture evenly while baking.
  • Spread the butter across the top as evenly as possible so the cake mix bakes up golden.
  • If you want to make serving easier, let the cobbler rest for a few minutes after baking so it can set up slightly.

A Sweet Treat with a Lighter Twist

One of my favorite things about recipes like this is that they still feel fun and indulgent, but with a few swaps that better fit a healthier lifestyle. The peaches and pineapple bring plenty of natural sweetness and flavor, while the Zero Sugar cake mix helps keep it simple and lower in sugar than a traditional cobbler.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! And if you enjoy bariatric-friendly recipes, lighter comfort foods, and realistic healthy living inspiration, make sure you follow along with me on Bariatric Living with Lisa.

High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee

Lisa Kidd

If you grew up loving Fluffer Nutter sandwiches or peanut butter and banana sandwiches, this recipe is going to bring back some memories.

I wanted to create a protein coffee that tasted indulgent while still fitting into a bariatric-friendly lifestyle. The result is my High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee—a creamy blend of coffee, banana, peanut butter, marshmallow, and caramel flavors with a protein boost.

This drink feels like something you’d order from a specialty coffee shop, but it’s easy to make at home and can help you meet your daily protein goals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein
  • Lower in sugar than traditional coffeehouse drinks
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Bariatric lifestyle friendly
  • Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up

Ingredients

  • 8 oz brewed coffee
  • 1 Monster Alani Protein Shake (or your favorite protein shake)
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, divided
  • Skinny Mixes Caramel Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Marshmallow Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Salted Caramel Syrup
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee and allow it to cool.
  2. Blend the protein shake, banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Melt the remaining tablespoon of peanut butter.
  4. Drizzle melted peanut butter, caramel sauce, and marshmallow sauce around the inside of your glass.
  5. Fill the glass with ice.
  6. Add a drizzle of salted caramel syrup.
  7. Pour the blended protein mixture into the glass.
  8. Top with brewed coffee.
  9. Stir and enjoy!

Tips

  • Freeze your banana beforehand for an extra thick, frosty texture.
  • Use decaf coffee if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
  • Adjust the amount of syrup and sauce to fit your sweetness preferences.
  • Try different protein shake flavors for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

One of the biggest challenges after bariatric surgery can be finding enjoyable ways to prioritize protein. This recipe proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay on track.

If you make this High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment on my YouTube video or tag me on social media and share your creation!

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!

Creamy Tortellini Soup with Fresh Garden Spinach

Lisa Kidd

There’s nothing better than harvesting fresh spinach from the garden and turning it into a warm, comforting homemade soup. In today’s Bariatric Living with Lisa recipe, I made a rich and creamy Tortellini Soup loaded with Italian sausage, vegetables, cheesy tortellini, and fresh garden spinach.

This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in one pot. The fresh spinach adds beautiful color and freshness while the creamy broth and cheese tortellini make this meal feel extra cozy and satisfying.

One of my favorite parts of container gardening is being able to walk outside, harvest fresh ingredients, and immediately use them in recipes like this. It truly makes homemade meals taste even better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy one-pot meal
  • Comfort food with fresh vegetables
  • Great way to use garden spinach
  • Creamy, rich, and satisfying
  • Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

Ingredients

1 pound ground Italian sausage, browned

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 8oz pack of sliced mushrooms

  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • ½ Tablespoon Adobo Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups chicken broth 
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed and dissolved in 1/4 cup water
  • 36 ounces evaporated milk 
  • 12 ounce packet three cheese tortellini I used dried not fresh; choose any flavour you like
  • 5 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup milk, if needed

Instructions

  • Place the browned sausage, onion, carrots, celery, Adobo seasoning, Italian seasoning, chicken bouillon powder, salt, and broth in a Dutch oven. Cover and cook on Medium High until boiling and vegetables are tender.
  • Uncover and stir in the cornstarch mixture with the evaporated milk. Add the tortellini and the Spinach, mix well. Cover again and cook on Medium to Medium High heat until the soup has thickened, and the tortellini is soft and cooked through. You may need to add milk, a little bit at a time to thin out to your liking. Enjoy!

This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you make this recipe, let me know how it turned out and what you’re growing in your garden this season!

Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza (Carnivore Pork Crust)

Lisa Kidd

Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza with Carnivore Pork Crust

A Bariatric Living 101 Recipe

If you’re craving pizza while staying true to a bariatric-friendly, low-carb lifestyle, this Ketovore Hawaiian Pizza delivers all the comfort without the carb overload. 🍍🍕

This recipe is a twist on my Carnivore Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, but this version leans ketovore with classic Hawaiian flavors and a touch of sweetness — all built on a high-protein carnivore pork crust.

The crust is blended together in a food processor, creating a sturdy, flavorful base that holds toppings beautifully and reheats well for leftovers.

Carnivore Pork Crust Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup ground pork rinds
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tablespoons cream cheese spread
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • Dill, to taste

Ketovore Hawaiian Toppings

(All toppings are added to your liking)

  • Sweet Baby Ray’s No Sugar Added Barbecue Sauce
  • Chopped onion
  • Chopped green pepper
  • Black Forest ham, chopped
  • Pineapple chunks (drained, in its own juice — no heavy syrup)
  • Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Add all crust ingredients to a food processor.
  3. Blend until fully combined and a thick dough forms.

Step 2: Form & Bake

  1. Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
  2. Press mixture evenly into a pizza shape.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly golden.
  4. Carefully drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Toppings

  1. Spread Sweet Baby Ray’s No Sugar Added BBQ sauce over the crust.
  2. Add onion, green pepper, ham, and pineapple.
  3. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Final Bake

  1. Return pizza to the oven and bake an additional 8–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy mindfully.

Bariatric Living Tips

  • Pineapple is optional and can be reduced for stricter keto
  • This pizza reheats beautifully in the air fryer
  • Crust can be pre-baked and frozen for meal prep

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.

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! 🧡

The Cheesiest Protein Omelet Ever (Bariatric-Friendly!)

Lisa Kidd

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!