We all love sipping on a sweet protein shake after training, but do you ever feel the urge to get creative with your protein powder? Here are 3 different ways to use protein powder and none of them involve a shake!
Protein pancakes
If you haven't tried protein pancakes yet, you have a treat in store. This is one macro-friendly meal which feels like a total cheat, but can be made to fit almost any diet, even when you're cutting for a show or shoot. There are a variety of ways to make protein pancakes, from carb-free versions to heftier and more calorie-dense recipes (ideal for bulking, or perhaps for after a leg session!)
Try this version to begin with, and take it from there.
Blend:
1 cup liquid egg whites
1/2 cup whey concentrate protein powder or micellar casein (your favourite flavour)
1/4 cup rolled oats, quick oats or superfine oats
2 tablespoons pureed/canned pumpkin or half a banana
2 teaspoons coconut flour or almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Liquid flavour drops to suit your taste
Heat some coconut oil in a heavy pan, pour the mixture in (either as one big pancake, or as several little ones), wait until the edges are bubbling, then flip to cook the other side. Eat as they are, or top with berries, nuts, nut butter, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, heavy cream, sliced banana, honey or whatever fits your macros!
Alternatively you can try out our Mass Gainer Pancake Mix!
Proats (protein oats)
Why throw your oats into a shake when you could make so much more out of your carbohydrate allowance? Cook your oats in water as usual, until they're just a bit more watery than the consistency you love (we know how personal the subject of oatmeal can be for bodybuilders!) Take the pan off the heat and stir in a scoop of your favourite whey concentrate or micellar casein. This will thicken the mixture a bit. Any flavour works well but try vanilla for a creamy taste, or banana for a custard type of dish. The most delicious way to eat your breakfast or post-workout carbs and protein!
Protein "icecream"
This works great with micellar casein. Simply blend a scoop of casein powder with ice-cubes and a little water (to loosen the mixture). You can use a food processor or a little bullet blender. Add a pinch of xanthan gum to really thicken the mix - it reacts with the ice to churn your mixture into a smooth and creamy ice-cream texture. Spoon it out into a freezer-safe bowl and pop in the freezer whilst you prepare your toppings: how about some chopped nuts, a spoonful of drippy nut butter, some chopped dark chocolate, or berries? It's like ice-cream, but with amazing macros! Ideal for a bedtime snack.
