Lately I have been really trying to eat clean and to limit foods with too many ingredients and to also get some protein right at the start of my day. besides having just eggs. My go-to breakfast option has been either protein packed pancakes, smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. The great thing about protein is it helps to slow the absorption of carbohydrates/sugars therefore reducing insulin resistance. With that also comes satiety.
My favorite breakfast as of late has been protein packed oatmeal. Oatmeal is an insoluble fiber, which means its easily digested and not as hard on the GI tract. Another bonus of insoluble fiber is that it acts like a sponge for removing cholesterol from the body.
Protein Packed Oatmeal Recipe
-1 cup Gluten Free oats
-1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I prefer Arbonne Vanilla protein powder because it is plant based)
-Cinnamon to taste
-If you are limited sugar I like to add Grade A organic Maple syrup for flavor. Approx 1 tsp
-Water, Almond milk, or Milk to coat and desired consistency. I like my oatmeal thick and not watery, so I add less water.
-Then I top it with antioxidant rich blueberries or raspberries. Other great topping almonds, pecans, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seed, cacao nibs, bananas
Protein Packed Smoothies
Smoothies are great because one can add to so many nutritious items to them. Here are a couple ones I recommend.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
-small container greek yogurt
-1 banana
-1/4 cup frozen strawberries
-2 scoops vanilla protein powder (again I use Arbonne Vanilla protein powder)
-handful Fresh Spinach
-Almond milk to desired texture
Blend and top with chia seeds (good source of fiber and omega-3s)
Chocolate Mocha Smoothie
-2 scoops chocolate protein powder (again I use Arbonne vegan chocolate protein powder)
-1/2 cup cold brew coffee
-Almond milk to desired texture
-this is also good with 1 TB of almond butter for an added fat.
-Ice
Blend and enjoy
Protein Packed Pancakes
I have played around with a few recipes but thus far this is my favorite
-2 scoops vanilla protein powder (I use Arbonne Vanilla)
-1 cup almond meal or flour
– 4 eggs
-1 tsp vanilla
-1 TB cinnamon
-Add water until at pancake texture
Mix to remove lumps. Then cook on griddle approx 2 min per side. If you like a thinner pancake add more water, thicker less.
I personally top mine with almond butter, a tiny bit of Grade A organic maple syrup, and raspberries.
Protein Packed Yogurt
Yogurt in and of itself is already loaded with protein and calcium. It also has probiotics that are great for gut health. To up the protein:
-1 cup greek yogurt or I use a plant based no sugar yogurt I get at Whole Foods
-1 scoop vanila protein powder
Stir. Add berries, granola, flax, chia, nuts to top.
Add some fruit or warm tea, coffee, or lemon water and enjoy!
