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20th December 2016
12:10am GMT
So, it's March and well, you still haven't started your 'New Year' diet.
With a few weeks to summer time, it's probably time to whip your diet into order – and what easier way to start with adding extra protein. Protein helps you burn up fat quicker, speed up muscle growth, while also helping your body recover after you workout. For girls that are scared to take protein, just remember you're not gonna end up 'bulky'.
Girls' bodies are so low in testosterone production, it's much harder for us to get lean and it takes a hell of a lot more protein intake than boys for us to get in any way bulky. Also I probably should add that within a week of taking protein you'll notice stronger nails, shinier hair and clearer, softer skin – sounds pretty good right?
Okay, so now that we've agreed on the benefits of protein, it's time to start taking some! Having protein powder with water or milk can get so boring and quite sickening after a while. So, we've got a few suggestions for how to add extra protein into your meals, while making them tastier and keeping your muscles strong and healthy after you work out!
What a way to start the day, they take a little bit of extra effort, but these pancakes are seriously good. To make them really healthy and super filling, use blended oats or spelt flour mixed with your protein. You can also make these pancakes with peanut butter, berries or some mushed banana for extra sweetness. A personal favourite of mine is chocolate protein with blended up hazelnuts - just like guilt free Nutella!
Protein oats - proats! Adding a bit of flavoured protein powder into your porridge in the morning is a great alternative to using sugar or honey. Mix the powder with your milk or water before adding your oats and heat! We recommend using some coconut water or almond milk for an extra yummy nutty flavour. The best flavours with porridge have to be chocolate or cookies and cream. Top your oats with some peanut butter, nuts, seeds, berries, sliced banana, desiccated coconut or just sprinkle with some cinnamon!
Whisk up your yoghurt with some flavoured protein - anything from chocolate or cookie, to strawberry or banana! Pour this over some dark chocolate chunks, fruits, berries, nuts or granola and bon appetite!
On the go? Bake some protein muffins the night before and take a couple with you to work or to the gym for your post workout snack. Using flavoured protein powder means your muffins are gonna be lower in sugar and you can be extra healthy by swapping white flour for whole wheat, coconut or spelt, swap butter for coconut oil and add some berries for extra taste - delicious!
Nothing is more refreshing than a fruit smoothie. I usually add banana, loads of berries and some oats to get me started for the day. Adding in some strawberry or banana flavour protein powder gives your smoothie an extra fruity boost! Add some coconut water or almond milk to make sure your protein doesn't clump.
I'm such a sucker when it comes to mochas and hazelnut lattes. But with this one, I can get my coffees in without feeling too guilty! Make your regular black coffee, add some milk (low fat, soy, almond - whatever your preference) a scoop of protein (chocolate, vanilla - or a bit of both) and a bit of cocoa powder to give a stronger chocolatey taste. Add to a blender, blend and heat. If you want a cold one, add some ice cubes and frozen banana to give it a good froth! If you feel like it - add some cinnamon or peanut butter to taste.
If you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen and have some spare time on your hands, you seriously have to give these a try. There are so many great recipes for these out there, containing ingredients like nut butter, coconut, dates, dark chocolate and of course, protein powder. These little balls of goodness will keep you full and feeling guilt free!
So what are you waiting for? Up your protein, and start noticing the difference!
