When you're trying to fit more protein into your diet, eating just whole foods can be a jaw-tiring, stomach-filling challenge. In search of more high-protein items to increase their daily protein intake, many people make the right choice of supplementing with quality protein powder. Where they often go wrong, however, is in their approach.
I see too many people fall into the cycle of chugging bland protein shakes in between equally bland meals of chicken and broccoli. Eventually, they end up hating the thought of having to slam down another shake to hit their macros. If you've fallen into this trap—or feel yourself teetering near the edge—the athletes of MET-Rx and I are here to help you switch things up and find the best alternative uses for your favorite protein powder!
If you've been slamming a shake for breakfast, consider this article your protein salvation. Jump out of bed in the morning and give one of these absolutely delicious protein-packed recipes a shot.
1. Banana Protein Muffins
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Who doesn't love baked goods in the morning? (No one I know.) This mouth-watering recipe is a favorite from four-time Olympia Figure champ Nicole Wilkins' kitchen. No need to hit the bakery—or blow your fitness goals—when you can make this tasty breakfast option in your own oven.
2. Pumpkin Vanilla Oatmeal
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Eating the same old oatmeal every morning is no fun. Mix things up with Nicole's new twist on oatmeal. In just five minutes, you'll have a new love and appreciation for the oats you've grown to adore!
3. Brownie Overnight Protein Oatmeal
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Just when you thought your protein-oatmeal barometer had reached the peak of awesomeness, and that a protein-rich breakfast couldn't get any better, I'm here to prove you wrong. This chocolate-loaded dish is one of Nicole's overnight-oat favorites. Add this amazing oatmeal recipe to your breakfast arsenal and pull it out when you're craving a little something sweet!
4. Protein Pancake Muffins
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Any protein breakfast recipe roundup would be seriously lacking without powered-up pancakes. Celebrity chef Gavan Murphy, otherwise known as "The Healthy Irishman," has whipped up some of the finest-tasting pancake muffins in all of the land. Check them out for yourself!
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
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Who said that in order to stay in shape you had to lay off the sweets? Not in this case! Here's a cookie recipe from Chef Murphy that uses protein powder and healthy fats to make dessert meet your macros.
6. Coconut Vanilla Protein Crepes
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You don't have to go to France in order to eat an amazing crepe. In fact, thanks to Chef Murphy, you can make them right in your own kitchen! Bon appétit!
7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cupcakes
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Model, actor, and Body Fortress athlete Mike O'Hearn doesn't have much time to spend in the kitchen baking. But when he decides to make himself a tasty breakfast treat to kick-start the morning, he whips up these bad boys. Try them for yourself, and let your inner superhero loose!
8. Sugar-Free Chocolate Craze Pudding
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When you're in a time crunch and need to get out the door as soon as possible, having a quick breakfast already prepared will help you resist the urge to walk out the door on an empty stomach. I keep a bowl of this delicious pudding in the refrigerator at all times for just such occasions!