Protein: it’s an essential part of any diet. And it’s especially important for those who exercise regularly, as it plays a major role in recovery. Protein has a lot of jobs, including helping your muscles repair, grow and get ready for the next workout. That’s why you’ll often see people at the gym consuming shakes and bars to maximise the impact of their workout.
Protein supplements are widely accepted as an effective way to make sure your body gets the nutrients it needs. These supplements come in many forms, but protein powder is enduringly popular. Most commonly added to water or milk to create a milkshake-like drink, different types of protein powder will have various effects on your body and how it operates, so it’s important to get a product that works well with your fitness goals. If you’re feeling a bit lost, have a look at this handy guide created by Fitness Market.
There are a number of healthy and tasty ways you can then incorporate protein powder into your diet, so read on to find 3 recipe ideas!
1. Protein Balls
Easy, customisable and great for packed lunches, these protein balls might taste like a naughty treat but they’re also packed full of nutrition and protein. In a food processor, add a punnet of dates (without the seeds), 2 tablespoons of raw cacao, 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut, 180g hazelnut meal, 2 tablespoons coconut oil and a couple of scoops of vanilla-flavoured protein powder, then blend it all together.
All measurements are approximate and can be simply altered to suit taste or texture; the only important thing is to make sure the mixture will stick together! Once the texture is consistent, scoop it out (1-2 tablespoons is a good size) then roll into balls and cover in desiccated coconut. Yum!
2. Pancakes
Who doesn’t love a good stack of pancakes? These can be created simply by adding water to your protein powder in small amounts until you reach a batter-like consistency. Then bake and eat! There are also other recipes such as the popular Cinnamazing option: ½ cup of oats, ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, ¾ cup egg whites (or substitute), ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ scoop vanilla protein powder and a dash of baking powder. Mix all of these ingredients until smooth with an electric beater, cook in the pan, and heartily consume!
3. A Classic Smoothie
Start with your flavoured or unflavoured protein powder, ice, a liquid base such as water, almond milk or coconut milk, and get creative! Pack your glass full of goodness by adding different fruit (e.g. blueberries are packed full of antioxidants and pair nicely with bananas and vanilla powder). Or if you have chocolate powder, think about adding dates or peanut butter to create a (healthy) Snickers smoothie! Combinations like these are delicious, nutritious and one of the best ways to get your daily protein.
How do you like to have your protein? Share how you customise your intake in the comments below!
You know, I would never have thought of using it for anything other than in smoothies. How smart… in protein balls and pancakes? Love it. Thanks for sharing.
I would love it in a smoothie. The pancakes are also a great idea.
Using the protein powder with pancakes is a great idea. I would have never thought to use it for those. I normally use it for smoothies.
I just started to experiment with protein powder. I will have to give these a try. I put it in my smoothie in the morning.
Protein powder is a great way to get protein in your daily diet. I will have to try the pancakes.
I had no idea you could use it in different ways! How cool. Thanks for the info!
We love to add it to pancakes and even refrigerator cookies! Yum! Gives an extra punch of protein so I can make it through the late afternoons.
These are great ideas!! I love making protein pancakes for myself on the weekends!
There’s a lot of different ways to get your protein powder! Thanks for sharing a few great ideas!
My husband is into protein shakes. We have never tried it in pancakes, but I know a lot of guys at the gym eat them!
I didn’t think about pancakes before. That’s a really smart idea!
Pancakes!! Why didn’t I think of that! My youngest was a self-professed vegetarian for at least 4 years (thankfully he eats chicken now). Having him eat any protein was practically impossible. We tried protein shakes, protein smoothies to no avail…if only we had thought of pancakes.