almond milk

Protein Pancakes

These are not your ordinary pancakes, these are Protein Pancakes!
We all have big tubs of protein powder laying around the kitchen don’t we?
You know the story… You get on a health kick, start drinking protein shakes after workouts, and then a week later put the jar in the back in the pantry. Let’s be real, no one can live on protein shakes, they get old fast. I for one would rather eat my calories than drink them anyway.

So how do you put that protein powder to good use? You turn it into warm fluffy pancakes with a purpose!

Kiss the Bisquick goodbye. I promise you won’t even miss it!

Hemp Prtein Pancakes

Protein Pancakes
Recipe By TIU
Makes 1 serving of 4, four-inch pancakes, or one large pancake

Batter:
1 scoop protein powder – any kind or flavor (I used hemp protein powder, hence the green color)
1 Tbsp ground flaxseed (optional for an added nutritional boost)
2 Tbsp almond milk
1/4 cup egg whites
1/2 banana – mashed
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (if your protein powder is plain)

Toppings:
1 Tbsp sliced almonds or almond butter
1 Tbsp low sugar syrup

In a small bowl, mash half of a ripe banana and set aside. In another bowl, combine one scoop (or one serving listed on packaging) of protein powder, ground flaxseed, almond milk, egg whites, and cinnamon. Add the mashed banana and stir all ingredients together until smooth batter is created. If using a unflavored protein powder, pure vanilla extract can be added into the batter. Lightly coat a pan with nonstick cooking spray, and place on stove over medium heat. Pour the batter into 4 inch circles (or one gigantic pancake!). Flip pancakes once they start to bubble. Top with sliced almonds or almond butter and low sugar syrup.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: no grains for this one! Keeping it simple and low carb
Protein: protein powder
Plant Based Fat: ground flaxseed and sliced almonds

If you’re interested in Hemp Protein Powder, I used Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder + Fiber. This particular powder is unsweetened and unflavored and has an earthy taste to it. It can be found at Whole Foods or your local health food store.

Green Smoothie

My obsession with Chef AJ’s recipes is still going strong! I’m quite positive I will make everything out of her book.
Her “It’s Easy Being Green Smoothie” is on my top 3 list of green smoothies.

My obsession began with my first green smoothie called the “Glowing Green Smoothie” by  LA Nutritionist Kymberly Snyder. After my first experience of blended green goodness, I tried countless different recipes varying from sweet to rather savory and well… green tasting. I think I’m going to have to do a comparison post with my favorite green smoothie recipes in the future!

The great thing about green smoothies is that they are filled with vitamins and minerals to keep you energized and healthy, but unlike a juice, the fiber from the fruits and vegetables still remains, which helps to keep you fuller longer!
This smoothie is more on the sweet side, which is a great intro smoothie for someone who wants to try, but is a little hesitant.


It’s Easy Being Green Smoothie:
Recipe by Chef AJ
serves 3

1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup almond milk
1 bunch kale
2 frozen ripe bananas (peel and freeze beforehand)
2 cups frozen mango
about 1 cup of mint leaves (start with less and add to taste)

Start off by combing orange juice and almond milk with kale and blend until smooth. Then add the frozen banana, mango, and mint leaves.
Blend until thick and smooth, pour into 3 glass jars and enjoy. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

 

Avocado Honey Snack

I was feeling really snacky today so I decided to nosh on something that would not only satisfy my hunger, but my sweet tooth as well.

Today’s power snack was half of a Hass avocado drizzled with 1 tsp of honey, a sprinkle of crunchy sesame seeds and a side of homemade vanilla almond milk.
Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid.
This will satiate your sweet tooth, give you a little bit on crunch to nibble, and keep you full until dinnertime! Win win… win!

Shortcut Homemade Vanilla Almond Milk
For those of us who don’t have time to soak, and strain our almond milk!
makes 4 cups/servings 

4 cups water
2 Tbs unsalted almond butter
6 pitted Medjool dates (optional for sweetness)
1/2 Tbs pure vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Serve chilled.

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