Protein shakes, not quite your McDonalds milkshake are they?
Having said that, If you’re struggling to get your protein in and hitting your daily target, protein powders and other supplements are a great way to bump it up. It’s easy, cheap and convenient.
(If you want to find out how much protein you need and why you need it you can check out our post all about protein HERE.)
Some people can stomach a protein shake just fine but many can’t which is why we’ve gathered a few ways you can get a bit more out of your protein powders and actually enjoy them.
You’ll probably be surprised to hear that we very rarely drink protein shakes. That’s not to say we don’t use protein powder though, we just use it in much more creative ways to bump our protein intake whilst still filling us up.
1) “Proats”
Protein + Oats = Proats
Oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates and very popular in the morning. Lets be honest though, they don’t taste all that great on their own. Add a scoop of protein however and you can boost the flavour and take it from a carb rich bowl to a much more balanced breakfast.
Top Tip: Add the protein AFTER you’ve cooked it!
2) Protein Yoghurt
Fat free greek yoghurt such as Fage Total 0%, Liberte 0% or our favourite Tesco’s finest 0% is already high in protein but lacks a lot in flavour. Unfortunately, go for a flavoured yoghurt and the carb content shoot right up. Create the flavour by adding a scoop of protein and bumping up the protein content even more!
3) Protein Fluff
A dieters dream. Takes a bit of effort but will give you a more food volume than your stomach will know what to do with and what good isn’t worth working for? Protein fluff is a great way of keeping you full on a diet if you’re struggling with satiety and hunger.
Ingredients
- 200g Mixed Frozen Berries
- 40g Casein Protein (must be Casein)
- 60ml Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Xanthan Gum (optional but makes it thicker)
Instructions
- Blend the berries and almond milk until smooth.
- Add to large mixing bowl along with protein powder and xanthan gum if using.
- Whisk using an electric whisk for 3-5 minutes or until suitably “fluffed”.
- Eat immediately before it melts!!
4) Protein Cheesecake
For the keen bakers out there, why not try baking a protein packed cheesecake? Just try not to eat it all at once!
Ingredients
- 400g Extra Light Soft Cheese
- 500g Lemon Flavoured Quark
- 4 Whole Eggs
- 20g Granulated Sweetener
- 40g Vanilla Protein Powder
- 60ml Unsweetened Almond Milk
Instructions
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin.
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk using an electric whisk for 3-5 minutes until small air bubbles form.
- Pour into an 8 inch/20 cm non stick spring form baking tin.
- Place tin in a non preheated oven on the middle shelf and turn heat to 140C/310F for 35 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to 80C/190F for a further 60 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, allow to cool completely and place in the fridge overnight.
Calories Per Slice (8) – 161 / Protein – 18g / Carbohydrates – 12g / Fat – 5g / Fibre – 1g
5) Protein Pancakes
A lot of supplement companies have clocked on to protein pancakes now and have even started to bring out ready made protein pancake mixes which are admittedly, pretty good. If you’re still not convinced or don’t want to buy another product then you can create your own using protein powder and just a few simple everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
- 40g Oats
- 20g Protein Powder
- 3 Egg Whites (100g)
- 1 Banana
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a nonstick pan over a medium heat.
- Combine the dry ingredients and blend into a flour.
- Add the egg whites and banana and blend to create a batter type consistency. Add unsweetened almond milk or a dash of water if too thick.
- Pour into a pan and cook for roughly 1 minute each side or until golden brown.
- Top with choice of toppings. Our favourites are fruit, Greek yogurt or sugar free maple syrup.
Calories – 344 / Protein – 30g / Carbohydrates – 44g / Fat – 5g / Fibre – 8g
TPP Top Protein Picks
Harry’s top picks:
- Dymatize XT Blueberry Muffin
- Trutein Cinnabun
Jerome’s top picks:
- MyProtein Impact Whey Blueberry Cheesecake
- Dymatize XT Fudge Brownie
Nicks top picks:
- Gaspari Strawberries and Cream
- Optimum Nutrition HydroWhey Chocolate Peanut Butter
What’s your favourite protein?
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Harry Ranson
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