Your morning protein powder can go in lots of things other than a drink. In fact, you can actually use protein powder as an ingredient for baking. At breakfast, for example, you can make yourself delicious protein waffles. These waffles taste great and contain protein-rich ingredients to help power you through the day.
Read below for recipes and serving ideas to help you get the most out of your next breakfast.
Breakfast: Start Your Day Off Right
Breakfast is an incredibly important and unique meal. Since your body has been at rest through the night (and therefore you have not been eating) breakfast literally means to “break the fast”. While it doesn’t necessarily need to be in the morning hours, the food you choose for your first meal of the day is extremely important. This is because it will set the tone for how you feel and metabolize calories for the rest of the day. You do your body a big favor when you take the time to eat something healthy for breakfast.1
Additionally, your body does quite a bit of work at night when you sleep. So, it’s important to re-supply it with food to recharge and power you up for the day ahead. Breakfast kick starts your metabolism to help you turn food into energy.2
Aside from increased pep in your step, a healthy breakfast also offers these potential benefits:
- People who eat healthy breakfast are more likely to get all their recommended nutrients for the day.
- Eating breakfast might help support concentration.
- Research shows that it’s easier to maintain weight loss and keep weight off when you eat a healthy breakfast.3
Choosing Healthy Breakfast Foods
In order to get the most out of breakfast, you’ll want to choose healthy and nutritious foods. This includes ingredients with protein, which your body needs for support and energy.4
Protein in the morning might help you feel satisfied and less hungry later in the day. That means a meal made with protein powder and other protein-rich ingredients could decrease the urge to eat right between meals.5
To start your day off right and feel full for a long period, consider making yourself some protein waffles. Read below for two protein waffles recipes and how to serve them.
Protein Waffles Recipes And Serving Ideas
Protein waffles are more than just a mixture of protein powder and water. This recipe includes ingredients that create a solid balance between nutritious and delicious. They are fast to make and a great way to start your day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup milk or milk-substitute like almond milk
- ¼ cup protein powder
- 1 banana
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Bonus: Add a scoop of dark chocolate chips after blending for extra flavor.
Note: Avoid whey protein powders for this recipe. They tend to get dense when baked. Use a plant-based protein powder when possible.
Instructions
- Place the oats and other ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Add water or almond milk if the batter is too thick.
- Turn on the waffle iron and allow time to heat. Let the batter rest while the waffle iron heats, so that the oats absorb the liquid.
- Grease the waffle iron and pour in the batter. Cook until golden brown. Makes about 6 waffles.
Serving Ideas
When your protein waffles are finished, add your favorite toppings. You can make these extra high protein waffles by adding peanut butter or almond butter.6,7 Here are a few additional topping ideas to get the most out of your protein waffles.
- Applesauce and cinnamon
- Greek yogurt and honey
- Maple Syrup and butter
- Fresh cut fruit that’s low in sugar, like berries
Vegan Protein Waffles: Recipe And Serving Ideas
Looking for a protein waffle recipe that’s vegan-friendly? No problem. This vegan recipe is equally easy to make and just as tasty. It includes plant-based protein substitutes for the eggs and milk. The coconut oil and almond flour help bind the batter in place of the egg.
Ingredients
1 cup oats- 1 cup almond milk
- ¼ cup plant-based protein powder
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 1 banana
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Note: You can make this a gluten free recipe with a few simple tweaks. Increase the protein powder ratio to 1 cup and the almond flour to ½ cup. Then, leave out the oats.
Instructions
- Place the oats and other ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Add water or almond milk as needed if the batter is too thick.
- Turn on the waffle iron. Let the batter rest while the waffle iron heats, so that the oats absorb the liquid.
- Grease the waffle iron and pour in the batter. Cook until golden brown. Makes about 6 waffles. Top with your favorite vegan ingredients, like peanut butter or low-sugar fruit like berries.
Additional Ideas For Your Protein Waffles
A few good protein waffles recipes may help you keep your energy levels up and those hunger levels down during the day. Keep these tasty breakfast options in the rotation often with the help of these ideas.
Great For The Freezer
You can make extra protein waffle batter to save for another day. Double the ratios of the recipes then save half of the batter in the freezer. This can come in handy for a quick snack or for a future batch of protein waffles.
Protein Pancakes
No waffle iron? No problem. You can use either of these protein waffles recipes to make pancakes as well. Pour ¼ cup portions of the batter onto a well oiled skillet or frying pan to get delicious pancakes. Top with peanut butter or maple syrup to your liking.
Bring Breakfast Back
Protein powder is a versatile ingredient that you can use in the kitchen for baking. By adding it to classic dishes like waffles, you can give yourself an extra dose of protein. This might leave you feeling more energized and full well after breakfast.
So, reclaim your mornings and make breakfast the most important and most delicious meal of the day. It may take a few extra minutes in the morning, but the pay-off is worth it. One bite of these delicious protein waffles will prove that.
Learn More:
Healthy Morning Habits To Start Your Day Off Right
Brew Your Own Tea At Home With This Fresh Ginger Tea Recipe
Daily Diet And Eating Habits: Portion Control Meals For A New Start To Weight Loss
Sources
1 https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/why-you-should-eat-breakfast
2 https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20181126-is-breakfast-good-for-your-health
3 https://healthcare.ascension.org/Blog/2017/05/Benefits-of-Eating-a-Healthy-Breakfast
4 https://www.eufic.org/en/whats-in-food/article/what-are-proteins-and-what-is-their-function-in-the-body
5 https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19993913/protein-breakfast-ideas/
6 https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172430/nutrients
7 https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170567/nutrients