Most people don’t think of protein powder as an exciting ingredient. You can chalk that up to a lack of imagination. Whey protein powder, for instance, can be used in several ways to help you sustain a healthier diet.
It’s understandable if that sounds surprising to you. After all, just a few years ago, most New Zealanders consumed supplements through protein bars. That’s not the case anymore. You can take whey and whip it into anything you want now.
So, the four ideas listed here are just meant to be a stepping-off point for you. Read on to know more.
Four ways you can incorporate protein powder into your regular diet
The first thing to understand about whey is that it has several benefits. From helping control your appetite to giving you a burst of energy, whey protein powder can be incredible when used right.
Protein pancakes
Everybody loves pancakes. However, you can’t have them often if you are a fitness nut. That’s an easily solvable dilemma, though.
Switch out the flour in the batter for protein powder. This makes for a low-carb dish that tastes just as good, if not better. To keep sugar to a minimum, use coconut cream instead of the regular variant.
Ditching processed carbs and sugar will keep you steady for an extended period and lower your blood sugar.
Blended coffee shots
Caffeine is a part of most people’s diets. It’s fine as long as you don’t overdo it.
If you want to reduce your daily caffeine intake, consider mixing a bit of whey into the blend. That sounds crazy, but it isn’t. All you need to do is measure the powder proportionately with the amount of coffee you will use.
The protein will provide the same energy, only this time you will take in less caffeine.
Protein cookies
Most baked goods contain a lot of sugar. While it may taste delicious, sugar lowers your energy and leaves you feeling dull. It even makes you crave more food which can lead to weight gain.
Whey, however, helps you lose fat and suppresses your appetite. This makes it an excellent ingredient for cookies and other baked goods. Whichever recipe you follow, switch half the flour for protein powder. For instance, if the instructions say a cup of flour, you put in ½ a cup and substitute the remaining amount with whey.
Usually, you’ll be eating cookies and other similar snacks to hold you off till the next meal. Protein cookies will get the job done better, and you’ll also eat fewer of them.
Vanilla Shake
Shakes and smoothies go hand-in-hand with protein powder. However, a single recipe on repeat can end up feeling incredibly monotonous. If you’re facing something similar, consider the recipe below.
Chill some milk in the fridge overnight. If you aren’t a dairy fan, go for alternatives such as almond or coconut milk. Measure out a scoop of whey protein powder and mix it into the milk alongside some vanilla extract. Use a blender for the best results.
Now you have a hearty shake that is perfect for holding you till dinner. If you want to drink it post-workout, it’s recommended that you do it within 20 minutes of finishing the set.
The more you experiment, the more creative you can get with recipes. The issue isn’t in the ingredient itself. It’s the fact that people have looked at protein powder in a specific way for too long.
Once you shed that outlook and view it as something you can use however you like, you’ll realise that it’s not such a bland ingredient after all.
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