X Protein Powder Baking Ideas You Will Love
Protein powder is one of the most popular health supplements on the market and is a powerful tool for helping people reach their fitness goals. Millions of people love this incredible supplement for how it seamlessly fits into their lives and gives them the protein boost they aren’t getting from their normal diet. On top of that, protein powder is considered to be fairly safe, and while it should never replace protein from meals, generally people can use it worry-free.
Importance of a Protein Supplement
Protein doesn’t just help people build muscle, but it’s also instrumental in helping people recover from their exercises. One way to gauge whether or not you are getting enough protein is by the level of soreness you experience post-workout. Yes, without a doubt, you will always feel some good ole DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) after a workout. This is a good thing that you want to feel, but if the pain or discomfort lasts too long or is too intense, it could indicate that your protein intake is too low.
Protein is how the muscle builds back after a workout, and it doesn’t just serve the purpose of bulking. All body types and sizes need protein in order to build lean muscle and become more fit. While a rest day may not call for extra protein outside of your normal diet, any kind of physical exercise and especially intense training, often times does.
The great thing about protein powder is that there are so many great ways that you can enjoy it. If you are determined to be uncomfortable and not enjoy the experience of using protein powder, you can down it as a dry scoop. This is hard, unpleasant, and never really advisable. Mixing flavored protein powder with water, your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk, is easy and can be delicious. Some protein powders taste so good, that they can act as a reward after putting in the work at the gym.
Finding ways to incorporate protein powder into your day before or after the gym is easier than you may think. Protein powder can save you time and stress while still getting you the high-quality, protein that you need.
Protein Powder Baking Ideas
There are other ways of enjoying your protein powder aside from making a smoothie or shake. In fact, if you want to level up the amount of protein you get out of your daily meals, here are some awesome protein baking ideas that you should try!
1. The Protein Brownie
Okay, seriously, what is better than a fresh, chocolate, gooey brownie? When it comes to enjoying your favorite baked snacks, adding protein powder to the mix might be easier than you think. The best part about this is that you get to enjoy everything you love about a brownie, while also getting the supplemental protein that you need.
If you were to create the perfect post-gym reward, this would arguably be it. One thing you do have to note is that you use the correct recipe when adding protein powder to a brownie. Using store-bought, ready mixed box brownies might not be the best idea, as the extra powder can thicken the batter which leads to dry brownies.
2. Good Morning Oatmeal
Want to get that boost of fiber and protein right off the bat in the morning or after an early workout? The absolute easiest way to do this is by simply mixing your favorite protein powder into your favorite oats. Whether you make your oats on the stovetop, in the microwave, or overnight, just mix in your protein powder and enjoy.
This is also a good chance to use flavored protein powder to enhance your oatmeal. Don’t be afraid to still mix in your favorite berries, nuts, and other toppings. A chocolate protein oatmeal bowl with blueberries and almonds sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
3. Pancakes That Pack a Wallop
Another great breakfast option to get you both the carbs and the protein you need for your day, is protein powder pancakes. This is much easier than making protein brownies because you can use scratch or store-bought ready-mixed pancakes. All you do is add your favorite protein powder, flavored or unflavored, to your pancake mix and then add water or milk to get a perfect consistency.
If you are looking for a way to boost your morning even more, skip the syrup and opt for honey! Make sure and top with your favorite fruits, veggies, and nuts to get more vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Protein powder as a supplement is convenient above anything else. Finding ways to enjoy your favorite snacks, or breakfast foods with the added boost of protein powder is easier than you may think. With these three easy protein ideas, you can get all the protein you need while enjoying your day without adding a lot of unnecessary stress or hassle.
