When you think protein powder, chances are you automatically think âprotein shakesâ. Adding protein powder to your diet is an excellent way to reach your daily protein intake. Getting enough protein each day is vital for building muscle, burning fat, and recovering from intense workouts. Protein powder, which can hit you with over 20g of protein in one shot is a super easy way to make sure youâre reaching your protein goals. However, while protein shakes are an easy way to get the protein goodness of protein powder into you, theyâre not the only way to go. In fact, there are several ways to use protein powder that arenât plain shakes. So, if youâre a little bored with your daily shake routine, well, good news, weâve put together this blog with 6 protein hacks to help you get creative when using protein powder.
1. Protein Muffins
While muffins typically conjure up images of sugary, fat-laden treats, there are ways to create healthy, protein-rich snacks that are actually good for your body. For example, when making muffins â whether they be savoury or sweet â you can substantive Âœ cup of clour for Âœ of protein powder in most recipes. It might take you a go or two to get the consistency right, however, but donât give up! Youâll get there eventually and be able to make a winning and delicious protein muffin thatâll help you reach your daily protein needs.
2. Pancake
Pancakes are another typical food thatâs seen as a treat, but there are actually plenty of ways to make pancakes in a way that are tasty but much healthier than your standard pancake. Basically, take your typical pancake batter (eggs, flour, baking powder, milk) and add a scoop or two of protein powder into the mix. You might need to add more milk or other liquid to ensure the batter isnât too dry. You can also add some stevia for added sweetness, although depending on the protein powder you use, it might already be sweet enough.
3. Protein-packed soup
While the weather may be heating up in Australia, thereâs no reason you canât still enjoy a delicious soup. If typically protein powder doesnât do it for you, collagen is one of the newest and most popular ways to get your daily dose of protein, and itâs great for the more savoury dishes. The benefit of collagen powder, which can come from a variety of animals, is that it doesnât compromise on flavour, because itâs essentially flavourless. A little goes a long way with collagen as well, so you certainly get bang for your buck.
4. Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed puddings are a tasty and easy way to fuel your body with protein as chia seeds contain a good dose of it on their own. However, if you pair it with protein powder, youâll get an increased hit of protein, while also making your chia pudding more creamier, thicker and more flavourful (like a chocolate chia seed pudding if you have chocolate protein powder!) A basic recipe to start is 1tbsp of chia seeds, 1 cup of milk and 1 scoop of protein powder.
5. Bliss Balls
Bliss balls or energy bites â whatever you like to call them â these little balls of goodness are a great snack when youâre on-the-go, or when you need to hit your protein count but arenât hungry enough for a muffin or something more filling. There are plenty of recipes out there, but the good thing about energy bites is you can really add whatever you want to them! People typically include ingredients like dates, nut butter and the like, but add a bit of protein powder too and youâve got yourself a real protein-dense treat â perfect for a post-gym refuel too.
6. Protein Oats
Who doesnât love a good bowl of oats? Itâs as good as a big warm hug from nanna, right? While oats do contain a decent amount of protein in and of itself, adding some protein powder to your oats will take your morning meal to the next level. Not only will it leave you feeling fuller for longer, you can also make some delicious âproatsâ combinations â chocolate proats? Yes, please!
Have we missed any awesome ways to use protein powder? Tell us in the comments below your favourite way to use protein powder.
