PROTEIN!!! These tasty whey protein recipes offer a healthy twist on some of your favorite comfort foods!
Protein shakes have gained popularity recently, and it’s easy to see why. Getting enough protein is essential for building muscle and feeling full after meals. The Harvard Health Blog suggests that about 15% to 25% (and up to 35%) of your daily calories should come from protein. Unfortunately, many Americans fall short of this important nutrient.
However, protein shakes can sometimes taste chalky, especially if you’re just mixing water and whey protein in a blender bottle. Plus, research indicates that people who drink their calories don’t feel as satisfied as those who eat solid food. If you’re looking to balance your macros and ensure you’re getting enough protein, consider swapping your shake for a hearty breakfast bar, pancakes, or even brownies. You’ll feel like you’re indulging, but you’ll actually be nourishing your body with essential nutrients.
At the end of the article, we’ll share our favorite protein powder brand, so be sure to check that out too!
Related Article: A Guide to Perfect Smoothie Bowls!
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It seems like everyone is making green smoothies these days. While many use bananas or other fruits, which is fine, if you’re trying to cut back on carbs or sugars, why not skip the sweet stuff?
Blend a scoop of protein powder with some unsweetened non-dairy milk—almond, coconut, or cashew milk work well—and a cup or two of raw spinach or kale. You can even add half a cucumber for extra nutrients. Trust me, you won’t miss the fruit!
If you crave carbs in the morning, rolled or steel-cut oats can provide a healthy grain option. This is one of my favorites! The best part is that you don’t even need to cook the oats if you pre-soak them. Soak 1/2 cup of rolled oats (one serving) overnight (or for 1-2 hours before eating) in water to make them easier to digest. Drain and rinse, then mix with 1 cup of non-dairy milk. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, then stir in 1/2 to 1 scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder. I also like to sprinkle cinnamon on top! You’ll be surprised at how the extra protein keeps you full all morning.
This smoothie is perfect when you need a boost of antioxidants. Try it in winter to support your immune system! Soak 1/4 cup of chia seeds in 1 and 1/2 cups of unsweetened non-dairy milk overnight or for at least an hour before blending.
Pancakes for breakfast are a classic American dish, but many are loaded with sugar and carbs. This recipe flips that idea on its head. Whisk together three egg whites, ¼ cup of water, and 1 scoop of protein powder in a bowl. Cook this batter just like regular pancakes. Use coconut oil for added crispiness and flavor. Top with almond butter and a drizzle of honey if you want some sweetness.
Greek yogurt is a healthier option than regular yogurt because it has less lactose and sugar, plus more protein. This is one of my go-to breakfasts! Look for Greek yogurt with 7g of sugar or less (Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt is a great choice). Don’t worry too much about fat; it should be between 0-10g per serving. Simply mix 1 serving (as per the package) with 1/2 scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder! I also like to add cinnamon!
If starting your day healthily is a challenge, make these pumpkin breakfast bars at the beginning of the week and enjoy them every morning. They’re moist and rich but have far fewer calories than typical breakfast treats. If you cut them into 30 squares, each square has about 40 calories.
To make them, combine the following ingredients:
Mix in:
Spread the batter in a 9” x 13” glass baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. After cooling, cut into 30 squares. Keep in mind that the oat flour does make them high in carbs, so consider that with your meals for the rest of the day!
Have you ever tried PB2? It’s powdered peanut butter with 85% fewer fat calories than regular peanut butter! It still tastes like peanut butter, making it perfect for smoothies!
In a large blender, add:
Optional ingredients: flax seeds, chia seeds, and rolled oats.
Blend and enjoy the peanut buttery goodness! This recipe is like a smoothie you can eat with a spoon.
In a high-powered blender, combine:
Freeze in an ice cream maker for soft-serve frozen yogurt. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. When you’re ready for dessert, blend several ice cubes until you reach an ice cream-like consistency.
This is just a classic breakfast smoothie with all your favorites blended into one! Soak 1/2 cup of rolled oats (one serving) overnight (or for 1-2 hours before eating) in water to make them easier to digest. Drain and rinse, then add to a blender with 1 cup of non-dairy milk.
Add 1 banana, a few strawberries, and a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder, and blend! You can also add some ice if you prefer your smoothies extra cold!
This cookie dough is meant to be eaten raw. In fact, you won’t be able to bake good cookies from it, so you might as well enjoy it straight from the bowl. It’s based on a recipe from Lauren Conrad’s blog, and we’ve added protein powder for extra nutrients.
In a blender or food processor, mix together:
Refrigerate or freeze for several hours before eating. It’s much tastier when it’s cold.
Our favorite is Dymatize Nutrition ISO 100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Protein Isolate because it tastes amazing and has far fewer artificial ingredients than other brands. You can find it at most supplement stores like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe, but it’s usually cheaper on Amazon!
Leave a comment below if you enjoyed this article on delicious whey protein recipes or if you have any questions!
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