Adventures of Protein Powder

Recently I was at Target and saw that they had Rainbow Light protein powder on sale. I had been wanting to purchase some for a while but put it off due to how pricey protein powders can be. I figured this was a perfect opportunity for me to try it out. I bought the chocolate flavor and all I can say is that I am obsessed! My two favorite things I have made with the powder so far are a microwave chocolate cake and a chocolate banana smoothie. The smoothie is by far my favorite smoothie I have ever made. It's thick and creamy and leaves me satisfied for hours. The cake on the other hand is a great way to kick those sweet tooth cravings.

Chocolate-banana Protein Smoothie

 

Ingredients:

1cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1scoop chocolate protein powder

1tbsp cocoa powder

1 frozen banana

Handful of ice cubes

Microwave Chocolate Protein Cake

Ingredients:

1scoop chocolate protein powder

1tbsp cocoa powder

1tbsp unsweetened apple sauce

1/4tsp baking powder

3tbsp egg whites

Sprinkle of Stevia

1 or 2 drops of vanilla extract

Sprinkle of chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Mix together ingredients
2. Microwave for a minute

Hope you all enjoy these two! I wish I had the time to post as often as I did in the summer. I'll try to post at least every week from here on out!

Banana-blueberry Fiber Muffins

I've been making these muffins for the past few months and I must say, they are the most delicious things for breakfast or a snack! They are sweet, but not too sweet, and perfectly moist. The recipe is quick & easy and the muffins themselves are full of fiber and only 155 calories, making them a healthy alternative to those sinful treats at Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Kellogg's All-Bran Bran Buds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup olive oil (or canola oil)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (I use Bob's Red Mill 100% Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour)
• 2 1/2 tsps baking powder
• 1/4 cup sugar/sweetener (I use Sun Crystals)
• 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
• 2/3 cup fresh blueberries

Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 395°.
2. In a large bowl, let the bran cereal absorb the milk.
3. In a small bowl, mash up the bananas.
4. Add the bananas to the cereal mixture.
5. Add the oil and egg, beat well.
6. Add in the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
7. Fold in the blueberries.
8. Line or grease a muffin pan, divide batter (about 3/4 full).
9. Bake for about 25 minutes, test with a toothpick to make sure they are done.

They are delicious both hot or at room temp. At breakfast, I like to top mine with a little natural peanut butter and chia seeds for some added protein (and because peanut butter is my weakness).

Nutrition info (per muffin):

• 155 calories
• 7g total fat
• 5.7g fiber
• 8.5g sugar
• 3g protein

This recipe was adapted from Fuss Free Cooking.

4 sweet snack ideas for your mid-day cravings!

Being healthy doesn't mean cutting yummy snacks out of your diet! Snacking helps sustain your energy throughout the day and can aid in weight-loss by preventing over-eating at meals. Before reaching for something packed with refined sugars when you're craving something sweet, try one of these snack ideas that will not only delight your sweet tooth, but are also full of protein to keep you feeling satisfied for hours!

• Whole wheat bagel-thin; one half with non-fat cream cheese & strawberries and the other half with all natural peanut butter 16g protein

• Greek yogurt parfait (I prefer Chobani) add your choice of fruit and choose a granola that is low in sugar 19g protein

•  Green smoothie using 1 cup ice, 1 banana, 2 cups of spinach, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 4 large strawberries 8g protein

• Cottage cheese with fruit of your choice, a drizzle of agave nectar, and a dash of cinnamon 10g protein