Protein Princess

My fitness journey is long and has become apart of my lifestyle. I wanted to be the type that gets jacked (this means ultra muscley in bro language) in 8 weeks but it’s never really happened like that for me. I don’t think it means I’m not dedicated or that I have excuses, I think like everything in my life, my body responds to consistent hard work.

During my journey I had to tweak my diet to see the results I was looking for. At times in my life that meant laying off the boxes of wine and truckloads of Nutella I was consuming. The not so fun part of being 5 feet tall is that if you indulge and eat poorly for a week or two that it catches up with you because there ain’t nowhere to hide your chubby/bloated-ness.

One of the strategies that worked for me was increasing the amount of protein I was eating. I found it keeps me full for a longer period of time. It stops me from reaching for sugar at 2PM. I typically eat 1 gram of protein for 1 gram of body weight. This helps me build muscle, which is what I’m working on these days because at 7 months postpartum, I’ve lost quite a bit of it. (PS I’m not a dietician, this works for me)

The protein powder I use is from Arbonne, it’s a vegan based protein, which is derived from peas, cranberries and brown rice bran. I’m so pumped about pea protein, in Canada we grow lots of peas and they’re excellent for the health of the soil.  Behind the fitness lover is a straight up dirt queen, I love everything about soil and agriculture. Arbonne protein powder happens to be gluten free as well, which is a bonus if you struggle with celiac disease or an intolerance.

There are so many protein powders out there and it’s a bit of a maze to find the one that works for you. Arbonne is the one that works for me. Next time you see me ask me about how fun I am to be around when I use whey…(momma stinks).

Below are some protein recipes that I have used over the years to increase the level of protein in my snacks. These are all relatively easy recipes and I wanted to share. Enjoy!

PPS. If  you want more info on Arbonne protein let me know, I’ll hook you up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cookie dough protein balls

Ingredients
2 Cups Cashew Butter  (I get mine at Bulk Barn if you’re in Canada – it’s way cheaper than at the grocery store)
1 Tbsp Honey  (You don’t have to add this if you’re worried about sugar content, still tastes good without it)
1 Tsp Vanilla
2 scoops Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder
1 Cup Mini semi sweet chocolate chips
1 Tbsp Hemp Hearts
1 Tbsp Ground Flax
1 Tsp Sea salt
1/4 Cup Chia Seeds
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Coconut

Method
In Medium/Large bowl mix cashew butter, honey and vanilla. Microwave for 30 seconds or so, depends on how hot your microwave is, you are looking to soften it up so its easy to stir. Stir so it’s thoroughly mixed.  Add the rest of the ingredients and thoroughly mix.

Wet your hands in cold water. Then take a table spoon of the dough and form into balls. Put in a container and store in the fridge.

Macros for 24 balls
Calories  206
Fat           15.2 grams
Carbs      14.7 grams
Protein   4.4 grams

Yam Protein Muffins
Yams you say, into muffins? Yes they taste like a delicious spice muffin. This recipe is thanks to my bestie Megan. She uses Isagenix Protein, which is also very delicious.

Ingredients
2 cups of cooked mashed yam
2 eggs
2 Scoops of Arbonne Vanilla protein powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 cup of pumpkin seeds
1 1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg (you can add more if you’d like – nutmeg and I have a complicated relationship)

Method
Cook a large yam. I typically bake them in the oven – poke some holes in it and put in pan of sorts and walk away for 45 min or so. They take forever to cook. You can also put them in the microwave I think.
Once it’s cooked, mash it up really good. Add 2 eggs and mix thoroughly. Add the protein powder, baking powder, and spices. Then add the seeds, nuts and raisins – you don’t have to add these if you don’t want to but I like to pretend these muffins are carrot cake with yummy treats in them. I know not everyone likes raisins but I love them so they’re in my muffins ok!
While your yam was cooking you can grease a muffin tin with some butter or oil. I use silicon muffin molds, I find everything pops out easier. This recipe makes 6 muffins in the muffin molds I use, they’re quite large.
Cook for 60 minutes in a 350 F oven. I find these muffins cook depending on the yam, if it has quite a bit of moisture in it them they take longer to cook. Stick a toothpick in them, if it comes out clean they’re done.

Macros
Calories  300
Fat           6.7 grams
Carbs      54.2 grams (remember yams are a complex carb that is slow digesting and gives you fuel for life, which can be a real bitch so don’t forget to eat carbs)
Protein   9.5 grams
Sorry I don’t have a picture of these, imagine orange looking puffy muffins.

Below are some of the other recipes I have used are through the links below.
Zucchini Banana protein bread: https://www.kimscravings.com/zucchini-banana-bread-with-protein/ 
This recipe uses Quest baking protein, which is unflavored. This is a great product if you’re looking to add protein to recipes without the added taste and sugar.

These other recipes are not protein powder based but are delicious.

Grilled Avocado Chicken Burger: http://www.smokedngrilled.com/grilled-avocado-chicken-burger/
I used the Tostitos that are black bean and roasted garlic instead of lime chips in this recipe. I freakin love those chips! They blend up really nicely in a nutribullet.

Quinoa Cups: https://iowagirleats.com/2012/02/16/mini-ham-cheese-quinoa-cups/
I made these with bacon instead of ham because…bacon. I even have the macros on them… 27 cal, 3 g carbs, 1 g fat, 4 g protein.

Protein Pancakes: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/oatmeal-blueberry-yogurt-pancakes-gluten-free-high-protein/
I have made this with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt and I preferred the yogurt. I also used Saskatoon berries instead of blueberries because like a weirdo, I only like Saskatoons and blueberries are inferior to me.

Hope you like the recipes! Let me know if you want me to make these on Instagram stories because that can be arranged! Stay full and lift heavy bitches!

Courtney