If you’re craving tacos but want something a little different, this Taco Sweet Potato is the perfect twist! It’s warm, filling, and loaded with bold taco flavor—plus it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
I start by baking sweet potatoes at 375°F for about an hour until they’re soft and tender. While the potatoes bake, I sauté a diced onion with one pound of ground pork (ground beef works great too) until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.
Next, I add one packet of taco seasoning along with about ¾ cup of water (or whatever the packet instructions recommend). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. While the meat is simmering, warm up a can of refried beans—I used black bean refried beans for extra flavor.
To assemble, slice open your baked sweet potato and add a little butter and salt if desired. Spoon one to two tablespoons of refried beans onto the potato, followed by a scoop or two of taco meat. Finish with shredded cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
This Taco Sweet Potato is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a fun dinner idea or even meal prep. It’s definitely a must-try!
Every once in a while, a recipe goes viral and you have to try it. This time, it was Ina Garten’s famous Brownie Pudding — rich, decadent, and perfectly underbaked in the center.
Of course, I wanted to see if I could make it low-carb and sugar-free.
The result? ✔️ Beautiful texture for a brownie ❌ Flavor that just didn’t work for me, and it didn’t have the lava pudding center
I made several substitutions, including swapping all-purpose flour for peanut flour. While the dessert baked great for a brownie, it didn’t have the lava pudding center I was hoping for. The peanut flavor overpowered everything else. It’s not something I’d personally make again — and that’s okay.
Low-carb and bariatric-friendly baking is a lot of trial and error. Some swaps behave beautifully. Others… teach us lessons.
I usually only share recipes that make it into my regular rotation, but I wanted to share this one too — because honesty matters. If you’re experimenting in your own kitchen, know that it’s normal when things don’t turn out perfectly.
Let’s Learn Together
If you try this recipe using different low-carb ingredients (like almond flour, different sweeteners, or adjusted eggs), I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment or message me — your version might be the one that works!
Because at Bariatric Living 101, we’re not chasing perfection — we’re building sustainable, real-life habits.
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:
Add all ingredients to a food processor.
Blend until completely smooth.
Transfer the sauce to a saucepan on the stove.
Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
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:
Drizzle a little olive oil into a skillet.
Add the steak and the Wow seasoning.
Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart until shredded.
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:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Add all ingredients to a food processor.
Blend until fully combined and the beef starts to ball up.
Line a pizza pan with parchment paper.
Spread the beef mixture evenly onto the pan, thinning it out to the edges.
(This recipe fits a 16-inch pizza pan.)
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
Remove the cooked beef crust from the oven.
Spread about ¼ of the cheese sauce evenly over the crust.
Layer with slices of provolone cheese.
Add Gary’s Quick Steak, onions, and green peppers (if using).
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
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.
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
Heat a skillet over medium and add a pat of butter. Let it melt and coat the pan.
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.
Pour the egg mixture into your heated skillet.
Add in the chopped ham.
When the omelet is almost cooked through, sprinkle on some shredded Colby Jack cheese and allow it to melt.
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!
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. 💛
As we get ready to head out on vacation, I wanted to share a mini protein snack haul with you! This first leg of our trip is just 4 hours long, but I always make sure I have healthy, protein-forward options packed and ready. Traveling can easily throw you off your routine, but with a little planning, it’s easy to stay on track.
For this trip, I focused on snacks that are:
Bariatric-friendly (small portions, high protein)
Low in carbs and sugar-free
Easy to pack for road trips or flights
Some of my go-to picks include:
Salami
String Cheese
Protein Shakes
I love sharing snack ideas that make healthy living after bariatric surgery simple and satisfying — even when you’re on the go!
If you’re planning a trip soon, take a few minutes to pack snacks that keep you feeling your best. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not scrambling for gas station food!
💬 Comment below with your favorite travel snack ideas!
Heading out on vacation soon? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a few weeks with family, staying on track with your bariatric goals while traveling doesn’t have to be hard! I’ve learned that a little preparation makes all the difference. In this post, I’m sharing what I pack for a bariatric-friendly trip — everything from my protein staples to my daily vitamins — so you can stay consistent, feel your best, and still enjoy your time away.
🧳 My Bariatric Travel Essentials
1. Protein Shakes & Drinks Protein is the foundation of my day, so I always make sure to pack my favorite ready-to-drink shakes. They’re quick, easy, and keep me full when I’m on the go.
2. Sugar-Free Syrups Coffee is a must when traveling — but I love flavor without the sugar! I bring a few of my Jordan’s Skinny Syrups in travel-size bottles for quick, guilt-free flavor options wherever I go.
3. Portable Ninja Blender & Frother These are game-changers for making protein coffee, shakes, or even quick smoothies right in the hotel room. My frother takes up almost no space and gives me that coffee shop feel every morning!
4. Vitamins & Medications Routine is key. I pack a weekly pill organizer with all my bariatric vitamins and any medications, so I never miss a day — even with a busy travel schedule.
5. Protein Snacks A few go-to travel snacks like protein bars, jerky, or low-carb cheese crisps help me avoid airport temptations and stay satisfied between meals.
🌟 Tips for Staying on Track While Traveling
Plan ahead: Bring what you know works for you instead of hoping to find it on the road.
Hydrate often: Flights, long drives, and salty snacks can sneak up on you — keep a refillable water bottle handy.
Don’t stress perfection: Vacations are about balance — enjoy the experience, make mindful choices, and get back on track with your next meal.
💬 Final Thoughts
Traveling after bariatric surgery doesn’t mean leaving your healthy habits behind. With a little planning, you can feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy your vacation — protein shake in hand!
If you want to see exactly how I packed for my trip, check out my YouTube video where I show all my bariatric-friendly travel essentials! 🎥
Bariatric Living 