Tag: #weightlossjourney

The BEST Carnivore Pizza Casserole (High-Protein & Low-Carb!)

Lisa Kidd

Sometimes you make a recipe that’s good…and sometimes you make one that immediately goes into your regular meal rotation. This Carnivore Pizza Casserole is definitely the second one!

I recently watched Becky from @EatLikeIts1965 make this recipe, and it looked so delicious that I just had to try it for myself. After one bite, I completely understood why people love it so much. It has all the comforting flavors of pizza without the crust, making it perfect for anyone following a bariatric, keto, carnivore, or low-carb lifestyle.

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

The star of this casserole is Becky’s incredibly rich and creamy white sauce. I doubled the recipe because I wanted every bite to be extra creamy, and it was absolutely worth it!

I layered my casserole with:

  • Shredded chicken
  • Ground beef
  • Bacon crumbles
  • Pepperoni
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Double batch of the creamy white sauce

Once baked, everything melts together into a cheesy, hearty casserole that’s loaded with protein and packed with flavor.

Creamy Carnivore White Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter (28 g)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (57 g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 mL)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (60 g)
  • Salt to taste (optional)

Directions 1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. 2. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. 3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue whisking until melted and fully incorporated. 4. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool for about 1 minute. 5. Whisk in the sour cream until smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt if desired. — Carnivore & Keto Pizza Bowl Layer your favorite cooked meats, pizza sauce of choice (this white sauce or Rao’s Pizza Sauce), and mozzarella cheese in an oven-safe baking dish. There is no right or wrong way to build it—customize it with your favorite ingredients and amounts.

Baking Instructions

After assembling the casserole:

  • Bake covered at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid.
  • Continue baking another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbling.

Your kitchen will smell just like your favorite pizza restaurant!

Why I Love It

Since my bariatric surgery, I’ve been looking for meals that are filling, satisfying, and high in protein. This casserole checks every box. It doesn’t leave me feeling like I’m missing out on pizza at all.

It’s also perfect for meal prep because leftovers reheat beautifully, making lunch or dinner quick and easy throughout the week.

Thank You, Becky!

I want to give a special thank you to Becky from Eat Like It’s 1965 for sharing her delicious white sauce recipe that inspired this casserole. If you enjoy carnivore or keto recipes, I highly recommend checking out her YouTube channel for more fantastic meal ideas.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave me a comment on YouTube and let me know your favorite pizza toppings to add to this casserole.

Happy cooking!

Lisa
Bariatric Living with Lisa

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

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.

A Day in My Bariatric Life: Meals, Grocery Shopping & Behind the Scenes

Lisa Kidd

One of the questions I get asked most often is what my everyday life actually looks like. While I love sharing recipes and cooking videos, there’s so much more that goes into living a healthy bariatric lifestyle.

So today, I thought I’d take you along for a typical day!

From my morning coffee to my meals throughout the day, you’ll see the foods that help me stay on track while still enjoying what I eat. Eating enough protein, staying hydrated, and making balanced choices have become part of my daily routine, and I hope seeing my day gives you ideas for your own journey.

You’ll also come shopping with me as I pick up ingredients for future recipes. I enjoy looking for products that fit my bariatric lifestyle while still keeping meals flavorful and satisfying.

One of my favorite parts of this video is showing you what happens behind the scenes. Creating YouTube videos involves much more than simply turning on a camera. From planning recipes and shopping to filming, editing, and sharing with all of you, every video is truly a labor of love.

Whether you’re considering bariatric surgery, are years into your journey, or are simply looking for healthier meal ideas, I hope this video reminds you that healthy living doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about making intentional choices one day at a time.

Thank you for spending the day with me. Your encouragement and support mean the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of the Bariatric Living with Lisa community.

If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look, let me know! I’d love to create more lifestyle vlogs, grocery hauls, meal prep videos, and “What I Eat in a Day” content in the future.

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

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

Fresh Spinach Harvest From My Container Garden

Lisa Kidd

One of the most exciting parts of container gardening is finally getting to harvest something you’ve grown yourself! In my latest Container Garden Update video on Bariatric Living with Lisa, I shared the progress of my patio garden and harvested some beautiful fresh spinach.

Watching these plants grow from tiny seedlings into healthy, thriving greens has been incredibly rewarding. Container gardening has become more than just a hobby for me — it’s also a relaxing and enjoyable way to support a healthier lifestyle.

The spinach looked vibrant, fresh, and ready to use in so many healthy meals. Homegrown spinach is perfect for salads, omelets, smoothies, soups, stir-fries, and my Tortellini Soup. There’s just something special about eating food you grew yourself!

If you’ve been thinking about starting a container garden, don’t be intimidated. Even a small patio or balcony can produce fresh herbs and vegetables with a little care and patience.

Thank you so much for following along on my gardening journey! Be sure to check out the latest video on Bariatric Living with Lisa to see the spinach harvest and all the garden updates. 🌱💚

Viral High-Protein Pizza Bagel Using Rice Paper

Lisa Kidd

If you’ve been scrolling TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the viral rice paper “bagel” trend. People are making breakfast bagels, cheeseburger bagels, and pizza bagels using rice paper instead of traditional dough.

Of course, I had to make a Bariatric Living with Lisa version… and WOW, this turned out so crispy, cheesy, and delicious!

This recipe is packed with protein and gives you all the pizza flavor without the heavy carbs of traditional bagels or pizza crust.

What I Used

  • Pork sausage
  • Chopped onion
  • Chopped green pepper
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Tomato basil pasta sauce
  • Pepperoni
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Eggs
  • Rice paper wrappers

How I Made It

First, I browned my sausage in a skillet with the onions, peppers, and mushrooms until everything was cooked and flavorful.

Then I scrambled eggs on a baking sheet. I dipped two rice paper wrappers into the egg mixture and overlapped them slightly on my cutting board.

Next, I layered on the sausage mixture, tomato basil sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.

I rolled everything up lengthwise, then twisted it into a spiral shape to resemble a bagel.

Finally, I air-fried it at 350 degrees for 15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

The Result

The outside gets crunchy and crispy while the inside stays cheesy, savory, and packed with pizza flavor. It honestly tastes indulgent while still being protein-forward and bariatric-friendly.

The best part is you can customize these with endless filling ideas:

  • Breakfast versions
  • Cheeseburger versions
  • Buffalo chicken
  • Taco-inspired fillings
  • Ham and cheese
  • Philly cheesesteak

This viral trend definitely lived up to the hype in my kitchen!

Dessert Pork Rinds Taste Test (High Protein, Low Carb Snack Review)

Lisa Kidd

If you told me I’d be eating dessert-flavored pork rinds, I probably wouldn’t have believed you… but here we are—and I’m glad I gave them a shot!

I recently found Pork King Good’s sweet-flavored pork rinds on TikTok and decided to do a full taste test for my Bariatric Living with Lisa channel.

The Flavors I Tried:

  • Cinnamon Churr-Whoa
  • Old Timey Butterscotch
  • Appley Cinnamon
  • Birthday Cake

My Honest Thoughts:

I went into this expecting them to be a little… questionable. But surprisingly, they were all really good! Each one had that crunchy, salty pork rind base with a sweet twist that actually worked.

The Winner 🏆

Old Timey Butterscotch was hands-down my favorite. The flavor was rich, sweet, and honestly felt like a treat—without the sugar overload.

Are They Worth It?

If you’re following a bariatric, low-carb, or keto lifestyle and struggle with sweet cravings, these are a great alternative. You’re getting protein in while still satisfying that dessert craving—which is a win in my book.

Final Verdict:

✔️ High protein
✔️ Low carb friendly
✔️ Surprisingly delicious

Would I buy them again? Absolutely—especially the butterscotch!