We need protein for a whole variety of different reasons. We need it for our cells to work as they should, we need it for our brains, and we need it for getting Swole. That’s right, without protein, you can say goodbye to any aspirations you may have for getting big and jacked because it just isn’t going to happen. Protein is found in a number of whole food sources, with meat, fish, and eggs, all being prime examples. You can also find protein in nuts, seeds, and other plant-based sources. The bigger you are and the more muscle you want to build, the more protein you will need to consume. This is where some people struggle with whole food sources alone. Not only is it difficult to eat a lot of whole food protein sources, but it is also expensive. To make life easier, people often invest in protein powder supplements. If the thought of chugging down yet another protein shake is turning your stomach, you’ll be pleased to know that there are other creative ways of using protein powder. Here’s a look at 6 creative uses for protein powder.
Protein coffee
If you’re looking for the ultimate early morning pick-me-up, this first suggestion should sound very appealing. Some people struggle to find energy and motivation in a morning, which is why they turn to caffeine. Sure, coffee does taste nice, but coffee’s main appeal is its high caffeine content. Once the caffeine kicks in and the coffee works its magic, your energy levels increase, your brain works more effectively, and you become a more productive human being. To start your day off right and to help you meet your daily macro requirements for protein, why not add a scoop of protein powder to your coffee? Simply brew a cup of your favourite coffee, add a scoop of protein powder, top up with almond or coconut milk and give it a good mix. You can, in theory, use any flavour you like, although chocolate works very well, as creates a mocha. A scoop of protein powder in your coffee is a quick and easy way to up your protein intake and get you started nice and early.
Sprinkle over your meals
For anybody looking for a subtle way of slightly increasing their protein intakes, without consuming too much protein powder, this is the perfect way of doing exactly that. It sounds a bit extreme, and it doesn’t really add anything in terms of taste in most cases, but it is very effective. Simply make your meal as required, and right before serving, simply sprinkle over a little protein powder to up the protein and amino acid content. Flavourless protein powder works best, unless you use a flavour that compliments the meals that you have prepared. A dessert for example, could benefit from a sweet flavour like chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla. Just be careful not to use too much, otherwise you’ll be chewing on clumps of raw powder, and nobody wants that.
Proats
Oatmeal is a staple ingredient in many a bodybuilder’s diet. The problem with the whole bodybuilding lifestyle however, is the fact that it’s based around being healthy and healthy oats generally don’t taste too great. Oatmeal works best if you spruce it up with ingredients like butter, sugar, salt, syrup, cream, and milk. Powdered oats mixed with water generally don’t cut it. If you want to up your oatmeal game however, you could try using your favourite protein powder. Simply make your oatmeal how you’d make it normally, and right before the end, stir in a scoop of protein powder and give it a good mix. Add a little more liquid if it’s too thick and dry, and enjoy. To really spruce it up, you can try sprinkling over some nuts, seeds, and/or berries to increase the nutritional content.
Protein fudge
Who says that bodybuilders can’t enjoy the occasional treat now and then? When people hear the word ‘fudge’ they automatically think of rich, decadent, and delicious treats packed full of fat, sugar, calories, and deliciousness. This simple protein fudge recipe that we’re about to share with you however, is actually very healthy and is great for anybody looking to bulk up and add muscle mass to their frame. Simply take a large saucepan, add a cup of non-dairy milk of your choosing, along with 8 scoops of vanilla whey protein and a cup of oats. Mix it all together, heat gently, and then remove the mixture, transfer to a shallow baking tray and chill the mixture in the fridge. Once set, cut into squares, and enjoy.
Protein ice cream
Ice cream is another treat that, with a little tweaking, you can make and enjoy in the comfort of your own home without sacrificing your gains. To make protein ice cream, simply take a cup of coconut milk, or yoghurt if you would prefer, and combine it with 2 scoops of your favourite protein powder. Give it all a good mix, and place into the freezer. Check the mixture every hour and stir regularly to give it that wonderful ice cream texture that we all know and love so much. Once you’re happy with the consistency, enjoy at your own leisure.
Baked goods
Finally, we’re going to leave you with a look at how you can make baked goods with your favourite protein powder. Protein powder can be used to make protein flapjacks, protein bars, waffles, pancakes, muffins, mug cakes, and much more besides. These recipes work very well for bodybuilders as the protein powder not only provides muscle-building amino acids and protein, but the powder also functions as a flour and as a sweetener as well.
