First things first, protein powder is NOT just for guys and it will NOT make girls bulk up like guys either. It is an easy and delicious way to up your protein intake, especially for vegetarians/vegans, without worrying about getting “too big.” Protein powder comes so many different flavors and there are a bunch different brands you can choose based on your gender and/or your goals. Not only does it have tremendous nutritional value, but it can be used as a substitute for some less healthy ingredients; making all of your baking creations 10x healthier! Get creative in the kitchen with these 5 recipes I have personally tried that are both tasty and healthy.
1. Breakfast Coffee Protein Shake
Now, I know protein shakes are a given when it comes to protein powder so you’re probably wondering why I added this. When I found this recipe, it was basically a god-sent. If you’re someone who always needs their coffee in the morning (like I am), this is the perfect way to incorporate protein into your morning routine. It is an easy and quick recipe that gives you a ton of energy to start your day. Click Here to find the recipe which is about 2/3 of the way down the page.
2. 3-Ingredient Protein Pancakes
Who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast…Or for dinner? Or any meal for that matter? Also, who doesn’t love something that only takes 3 simple ingredients? These protein pancakes are healthy, delicious, and super easy to make! As cliché as it is, breakfast IS the most important meal of the day and starting your day off right will give you the energy you need to stay awake during those ever-so boring classes. Also, you can top them with fruit, peanut butter, or honey to make them even better. For the recipe for these protein pancakes, Click Here!
3. No-Bake Protein Bars
No-bake protein bars are probably my personal favorite because they are super easy and super filling when you’re in a hurry and need to grab a quick snack. Also, there is a wide variety of different ingredients that you can incorporate into your bars to make them specific to your likes. The two main ingredients are any kind of nut butter and protein powder. From there, you can make it whatever you want! I personally love adding oats, coconut flakes, and chia seeds. Click Here to find the recipe for your new favorite high-energy snack!
4. Protein Cheesecake
Yes, you read correctly, that does say CHEESECAKE! Your prayers have been answered with this super healthy protein cheesecake recipe. Although this recipe may take a bit longer than the other ones, it is so worth it. It is very difficult to find healthy dessert recipes that also taste good because, let’s be honest, it is definitely not as satisfying to eat a “healthy brownie” as it is to eat a double chocolate, gain 10 pounds from just eating one, brownie. I can assure you that this recipe tastes EXACTLY like regular cheesecake, minus the pounds of cream cheese that goes into it (even though it does use some). This is 100 calories of pure bliss. Click Here to enjoy!
5. Strawberry Banana Protein Muffins
Baking with fresh strawberries and bananas is probably one of my favorite things to do because it makes for such a delicious and sweet flavor all the while keeping whatever it is you are baking very moist. Muffins for breakfast, snack, or dessert are definitely strongly suggested in my book, but they can come at a caloric price. These strawberry-banana protein muffins are as good as they get. There is not a single unhealthy ingredient that goes into these; even the flour used is whole wheat! You can’t go wrong with this delicious treat at only 100 calories per muffin. Click Here to start baking!