Protein power

I've found myself recommending protein powders to a lot of clients recently so I thought I'd share some recipes with everyone.

First of all, I know protein powders are hardly the unprocessed stuff I usually advise but I still think they can be useful, especially for vegetarians. I started using them when I was vegetarian and I still use them now when my meal is low in protein - when I work for example, I sometimes have a quick vegetable soup and a then a protein bar to keep me going in the afternoon.

Most people make milkshakes with protein powders but that try as I might I just don't like protein milkshakes, I don't know what it is about them but I hate them. Hence why I got the idea to experiment with bars.

Here are three recipes I make regularly and that I think are really tasty. You'll see, they all follow the same basic recipe and then it's a matter of tweaking a few things.

I know, I know, that's three recipes involving chocolate and some of you will wonder why she hasn't given you any non-chocolate recipes and that would be because she hasn't yet managed to come up with a non-chocolate recipe that doesn't taste like it's come out of a porcupine's bottom... When I do, you'll be the first to know.

I use Solgar Whey To Go chocolate powder because it tastes nice and it's a good quality with 20g of protein per scoop and rBGH free. It's quite expensive but it's worth it, there are some atrocities out there, full of chemicals and sugar. If you care about your health, care about the raw materials.

I've been told good things about Vital Health's vanilla powder but I haven't tasted it yet - I probably should since Solgar's vanilla powder is sooooooooooooo evil. Anyway, apparently it tastes nice and it's vegan.

Choco-seeds

Ingredients: (for 2 bars)

• 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
• 2 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp coconut flour (it prevents it mixture from being really sticky)
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 2 tbsp + 2 tsp water (40ml)

Method:

Place the protein powder, seeds, cocoa powder and flour in a bowl. Add the almond butter and squish it about to try and incorporate it to the powder. Add the water and mix until you get a slightly crumbly mixture and that kind of holds togehter. It probably will look too dry but trust me, and press it down with your hands to make it stick together. You really don't want too much water or you'll end you with a sticky mess. 

Once it all sticks together, shape it in a log and cut it into two to make 2 balls/bars. Wrap in non PVC film (not cling film please!) and store in the fridge. It keeps well for ages, although it doesn't really last long in our house so I can't tell you how long.

Choco-cocoa

Ingredients: (for 2 bars)

• 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp coconut flour
• 1.5 tbsp cocoa nibs
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 tbsp + 2 tsp water (40ml)

Method:

Same as above

Protein Bounty

I call them like this because they really do taste like Bounty bars but slightly healthier! I usually roll them in dessicated coconut once they're done but, for some reason, I forgot today.

Ingredients: (for 2 bars)

• 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp toasted dessicated coconut
• 1 tsp coconut flour
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (not 2 or it ends up being too greasy and not very pleasant)
• 2 tbsp + 1/2 tsp  boiling water (32.5ml)

Method:

Pretty much the same as before except that I mix the oil and the water together first and then add that to the dry mixture - I think it blends better.

That's the mixture, just before adding the water.

Ok, it doesn't look good and suspiciously familiar. Yet, if you have a 4 year old/husband, they'll think it's hilarious....

That's them done, ready for the fridge.