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.

Chocolate Chia Seed Yogurt

Want a delicious, sweet breakfast that will fill you up?
Try this chocolate chia seed yogurt. I was full before I even finished the bowl.
That's what's so great about chia seeds; they fill you up fast!

Recipe:

• 6oz of greek non-fat plain yogurt
• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 tbs of chia seeds
• 1 tbs Hershey's special dark chocolate powder 
• 1/3 tbs light agave nectar (if you'd like it a little more sweet)  

Mix all the ingredients together and let it sit in the refrigerator for a minimum of a half hour. The chia seeds will soak up the liquids, making it a thicker consistency. If you let it sit overnight, it will be even better!

I topped mine with a tablespoon of Teddy Peanut Butter with Flaxseed and a half of a banana. Some other great toppings would be strawberries and walnuts or you can always just eat it on it's own!

Nutrition info (with toppings):

• 320 calories
• 12g fat
• 25g protein
• 9g fiber
• 42% of daily calcium

Blueberry-ginger detox smoothie!

RECIPE!
1 cup frozen wild blueberries
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 banana, frozen
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp chia seeds
1/2 cup ice cubes

 After a day (or two) ending with a night on the couch, spoon and peanut butter jar in hand, I decided to take it upon myself to do a little detoxing. I had recently purchased some fresh ginger and frozen blueberries, so I figured the combination was perfect for a little bit of a cleanse! 

This smoothie is rich in antioxidants from the blueberries and full of fiber from the banana and chia seeds. Chia seeds are one of my favorite thing to throw into almost everything. They are full of calcium and omega-3, but what makes them so great is that they expand up to 12 times their weight, keeping you feeling full for longer. Fresh ginger is also a great ingredient to add to any recipe if you have an upset stomach or are having any gastrointestinal problems. 

 Try out this smoothie the next time you're feeling like you need a little cleanse!