{Pina Colada Protein Energy Bites}

"If you like Pina Coladas.... {name that tune} :)

Looking for a yummy way to increase your protein intake?? These are PERFECT!! I love the fact that you can prep these on the weekend and they are the perfect snack after your workout or really any time of the day! Such a great combo of protein and healthy fat! WARNING: THESE ARE ADDICTIVE!!

{Pina Colada Protein Energy Bites}

• 3 scoops Vanilla protein powder (I used Ryno Power Whey French Vanilla protein powder)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes + extra for rolling
• 2 tbsp. coconut oil
• 3 tbsp. coconut milk (full fat, the one in the can)
• 1/4 cup dried pineapple (optional)

Pulse in food processor until it is all mixed and looking "dough" like.  Roll into balls using your tablespoon to measure. Sprinkle some extra coconut flakes on a plate and roll each ball in them to coat.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy straight out of the fridge or allow to sit at room temp a few minutes to soften.

* These are also yummy rolled in chopped walnuts :)

ENJOY!

Chocolate lover.....no worries...I've got you covered! Try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy bites



!

{Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins}

My husband really wants to start working out in the morning before work. He absolutely loves to eat muffins and drink coffee on the way to work. It's his thing. He doesn't like to put much time into breakfast....he is more of a grab and go kind of guy. I thought adding protein powder to the muffins would be perfect to eat on the way to work after his morning workout. These would really be great any time of the day. They are super tasty and he inhaled 6 of these after I made them! They are that good!

I am super picky about protein powder. I look for ones with natural sweeteners, no artificial flavors and non-GMO. Oh and tasting good is definitely on my list! I am loving Ryno Power protein right now and it is definitely my new go-to!

Cinnamon Roll Protein Muffins

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (I used Ryno Power French Vanilla Premium Whey Protein Powder)
• 1/3 cup organic cane sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. cinnamon plus more for topping
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional) **Chopped walnuts would also be yummy

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

Add all ingredients (except for raisins) to blender and blend until combined. Pour into muffin tin that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Add raisins evenly to each muffin. Sprinkle tops with a dash of cinnamon. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out mostly clean and edges are golden brown.

Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes for removing from pan. Store in an airtight container.

***My husband likes these warm with a little melted organic butter on the top. I really think a little drizzle of maple syrup would also be tasty!

ENJOY!!!

Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes

The weather is getting a tad bit cooler these days and sometimes after my workout...I crave something warm and protein packed....not a smoothie. Shocker...I know! This is the perfect post-workout breakfast or snack to give you a good boost in protein in a warm and comforting way!

I love Naked protein powder. It is a new love of mine. Best part....one ingredient ya'll!  I used brown rice protein powder here because I like the texture of brown rice protein powder for baking/pancake recipes.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes

• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup brown rice protein powder (unsweetened)**I used Naked Brown Rice Protein
• 4 oz. unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp. canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin spice
• 1 tsp. Maple syrup (if using unsweetened protein powder)

Add all ingredients to blender or bowl. Pulse or whisk until combined well. Add to skillet or griddle that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. I made 3 small pancakes but feel free to make them any size you want.

Flip carefully after 5 minutes or so. Cook until done on both sides. Add to plate and top as desired. I like to eat mine with a drizzle of maple syrup and walnuts. Almond butter or organic whipped topping would also be yummy!!

Enjoy!!!

{Protein Chocolate Pudding}

This is a super simple snack/dessert that my husband and I have really been enjoying lately! It's sweet and creamy and packed with protein! Eat it cool or freeze it for an hour or so to make it thick and almost ice cream like!! This recipe is all around the internet but let me show you how I make it!

Protein Chocolate Pudding

(Serves 2)

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 2 packs Stevia 
• 1 tbsp. dark cocoa powder
• Optional: 2 tsp. almond butter 

Mix ingredients in a medium bowl. Enjoy right away or pop in the freezer for an hour or so! Delish!

**If you are doing the 21 Day Fix...I count this as 1.5 Reds!

Yum!! I think I am going to make some of this now!

{Dark Chocolate Peanut Protein Bar}

I have a real treat for you guys today!! These are OH SO GOOD!! I did a little dance after my first bite...if that tells you anything! They were a huge hit with my husband too!! The only problem is that I could have eaten the whole pan without any problem! Luckily, I packaged these up individually. That way I could convince myself that one was enough! They are super easy and way better for you than most other protein bars on the market. You know exactly what you are eating! No hard words to pronounce. OH and the best part, well other than the taste, is that they are CHEAP to make!! No spending $2.00 for one tiny bar! You can make these with ingredients that you already have!

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

adapted from: Running with Spoons

{Makes 10 bars}

• 1 cup oat flour (I just process old fashioned oats into a flour consistency with my food processor)
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder 
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 1/2 crispy rice cereal (I used Natural Puffed Rice}
• 1/3 cup natural crunchy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp. dark chocolate chips (optional)

Spray loaf pan (9x5) with coconut oil or olive oil spray. Set aside. 

Combine flour, oats, protein powder, cocoa powder and rice cereal in medium sized bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Place peanut butter, honey and vanilla in a small microwavable bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. This will make it easier to mix!

Pour wet ingredients over dry and mix thoroughly until combined well. Pour into loaf pan and press firmly to spread evenly. 

Place chocolate chips (if using)  in microwavable bowl and microwave for 20 second intervals until chocolate is melted. Drizzle over top of protein bars.

Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Cut into 10 bars.

**I like wrapping these up individually and keeping in the fridge. They are perfect to grab and go! Each bar is around 200 calories and makes a perfect snack!!

ENJOY!!