Protein is a component of every cell in the body. It’s responsible for muscle growth and repair, healthy hair and nails, production of enzymes and hormones, and so many other vital bodily functions.
Many of us don’t get enough protein in our diets, so we need to supplement with protein powder.
Not only is protein powder a great, easy way to incorporate more protein into your diet, but it’s also very versatile and delicious!
You can bake with it, drink it, eat it with a spoon, whatever you like!
Check out some of these yummy recipes we’ve come up with using protein powder.
#1 VANILLA PEANUT BUTTER DIP
Ingredients:
- 1 c plain egg whites
- 2 scoops protein powder
- 2 tbsp PB2 (powdered peanut butter)
How To:
Mix all ingredients together and serve with your favorite fruit like strawberries, bananas, or apples.
Serves 1.
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
68 calories
12g protein
3g carbs
1g fat
#2 OATMEAL PROTEIN BREAKFAST BAR
Ingredients:
- 2 c rolled oats
- 1 c natural unsweetened applesauce
- 1 c unsweetened coconut
- 1 c vanilla protein powder
- 4 egg whites
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How To:
Mix oats and applesauce together in a bowl, add additional ingredients.
Spray 8×8 baker with non-stick spray.
Pour mixture in baking dish and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Makes 9 bars. Serving size is 1 bar.
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
207 calories
30g protein
25g carbs
12g fat
#3 CHOCOLATE CHIP OVERNIGHT OATS
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
- ½ tbsp coconut sugar
- ¼ c dry oats
- ½ c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 3 oz triple zero vanilla Greek yogurt
- ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp chocolate chips
How To:
Mix together peanut butter and coconut sugar, layer in bottom of mason jar and top with ½ of chocolate chips.
Mix together oats, almond milk, yogurt, and protein powder and layer on top.
Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on top.
Cover and refrigerate to enjoy the next day.
Serves 1
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
374 calories
30g carbs
27g protein
14g fat
#4 SWEET POTATO MUFFINS
Ingredients:
- 6 oz cooked sweet potatoes
- 1/3 c oats or oat flour
- 4 egg whites
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Topping: (optional)
- 1 tsp almond butter or 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder mixed with 1 tsp unsweetened almond milk
How To:
Preheat oven to 350.
Blend all ingredients together until smooth with a hand blender.
Pour in a lined muffin pan or spray with non-stick spray.
Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Top with icing.
Serves 1. Serving is 2 muffins.
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
178 calories
20g protein
18g carbs
2g fat
#5 BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP PROTEIN PANCAKES
Ingredients:
- 1 large banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 whole egg
- 1 tsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp low calorie syrup
How To:
Mash banana.
Add protein powder, egg, and almond butter.
Mix well until consistency is thick and smooth.
Heat up griddle and add mixture.
Top with chocolate chips.
Cook thoroughly on both sides.
Top with low calorie syrup.
Serves 1. Serving size is 3 small pancakes.
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
332 calories
33g carbs
30g protein
11g fat
#6 HEALTHY FRENCH TOAST
Ingredients:
- 2 slices sprouted grain bread
- ¼ c liquid egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp low calorie pancake syrup
How To:
Whisk egg whites, ½ scoop protein powder, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Dip bread in mixture and cook in skillet sprayed with non-stick spray until golden brown on each side.
Topping:
Mix together remaining ½ scoop vanilla protein powder and syrup until thick.
Spread on top.
Serves 1. Serving size is 2 pieces.
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
286 calories
33g carbs
29g protein
5g fat
#7 REESE’S DREAM SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 c unsweetened chocolate almond milk
- 2 tbsp PB2 (powdered peanut butter)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
How To:
Combine all ingredients in a blender with ice.
Blend until smooth.
Serves 1. Serving size is 1 cup.
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
240 calories
29g protein
13g carbs
9g fat
#8 ZUCCHINI ICE CREAM
Ingredients:
- 2 c frozen zucchini, peeled and diced
- 1 scoop protein powder (any flavor)
- Water or unsweetened almond milk
- Topping (optional):
- Strawberries, banana, and low calorie chocolate syrup for a banana split or ½ peanut butter quest bar chopped for a blizzard.
How To:
Add frozen zucchini to blender with 1 scoop protein powder.
Slowly add milk or water and blend to desired consistency.
Serves 1
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving without Topping
150 calories
22g protein
8g carbs
4g fat
#9 ALMOND JOY SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 c water
How To:
Combine all ingredients in a blender with ice.
Blend until smooth.
Serves 1.
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
246 calories
28g protein
9g carbs
12g fat
#10 BERRYLICIOUS SHAKE
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop vanilla or strawberry protein powder
- 1 c frozen mixed berries
- 1 c water
How To:
Combine all ingredients in blender with ice.
Blend until smooth.
Serves 1.
Nutrition Snapshot:
Per Serving
181 calories
25g protein
18g carbs
2g fat
Get your protein powder and kick those sweet cravings to the curb!
Pairing fruit with a protein will calm your craving and the protein-packed ingredients will keep you feeling satisfied longer. Kathy Siegel, MS, RDN, CDN New York-based registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for Triad to Wellness suggests trying a banana dipped in natural peanut butter, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds and cottage cheese or a smoothie made with berries, a banana, milk and ice. “Berries contain the polyphenols that inhibit many of the adverse consequences of the sugar contained in the fruit without affecting the taste,” says Dr. Barry Sears, president of the Inflammation Research Foundation. “However, still use these in moderation compared to non-starchy vegetables in your diet.”