Tag: #weightlossjourney

Refreshing Sugar-Free Protein Drink Hack

Lisa Kidd

If you’re tired of drinking plain protein shakes, this simple protein drink hack is about to become your new favorite. It’s light, refreshing, sugar-free, and completely customizable — perfect for bariatric life or anyone focused on high-protein, low-carb living.

One of the biggest challenges after surgery (or during weight loss) is finding ways to enjoy protein without getting bored. This drink feels more like a fun, flavored refresher than a traditional protein shake — and it’s incredibly easy to make.

🥤 Protein Drink Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 sugar-free drink packets (any flavors you love)
  • A small amount of water
  • Ice
  • 1–2 splashes of sugar-free syrup (optional)
  • 1 ready-to-drink protein shake

Directions:

  1. Add the drink packets to a cup with a small amount of water and stir until fully dissolved.
  2. Fill the cup with ice.
  3. Add a splash or two of sugar-free syrup if desired.
  4. Pour in your protein shake.
  5. Stir well and enjoy!

Flavor Combo I Used

  • Welch’s Cherry Pomegranate
  • Sonic Ocean Water

This combo is fruity, refreshing, and perfect for warmer days — but the possibilities are endless.

💡 Why This Works for Bariatric Life

  • Helps increase protein intake
  • Encourages hydration
  • Sugar-free and low-carb
  • Easy on the stomach
  • Totally customizable

If you try this protein drink, let me know your favorite flavor combo! And be sure to follow Bariatric Living for more protein-forward recipes and tips that make this lifestyle easier — and more enjoyable.

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! 🧡

Protein Caramel Maple Bourbon Pecan Latte

Lisa Kidd

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!

Mini Protein Snack Haul for Vacation | Bariatric-Friendly, Protein-Forward Travel Ideas

Lisa Kidd

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!

Packing for a Bariatric-Friendly Vacation: My Protein-Forward Travel Essentials

Lisa Kidd

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! 🎥

Blueberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt Bowl — A High-Protein Breakfast That Tastes Like Dessert

Lisa Kidd

If you’re craving something sweet and satisfying in the morning, this Blueberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt Bowl will make you feel like you’re indulging in dessert — without the sugar crash! This high-protein, low-carb breakfast comes together in just minutes and is perfect for anyone following a bariatric lifestyle or simply trying to eat more protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (5.3 oz) container Blueberry Light Greek Yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding Mix
  • 2 dollops Sugar Free Cool Whip
  • A spoonful of Sugar Free Blueberry Sauce (recipe here → https://youtu.be/GLin2RgCFEo
  • Sprinkle of Nutrail Cinnamon Pecan Keto Granola

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, stir the cheesecake pudding mix into the blueberry yogurt until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add two dollops of sugar free Cool Whip and gently fold it in until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Drizzle a little sugar free blueberry sauce over the top and sprinkle with granola for crunch.
  4. Enjoy immediately for a creamy, protein-forward breakfast or snack!

Why You’ll Love It:
💙 Tastes like cheesecake but packed with protein
💙 Quick and easy — ready in under 5 minutes
💙 Sugar-free and low-carb
💙 Great for bariatric-friendly meal plans

Make It Your Own:
Try swapping the blueberry yogurt for strawberry or raspberry or use different sugar-free pudding flavors like white chocolate or vanilla for a fun twist!