Going Protein Crazy

If you just met me this week, you'd probably think all I consume is protein powder.  I swear that's not true.

Fact is, I have a difficult time getting all the protein I need for the day without also ending up with a lot of carbs and unhealthy fats.  I know that this is partially due to just not planning beforehand and looking at what I'm eating that day, but the cycle is probably not going to break.  I just don't have the energy for it right now.

I went into GNC looking for someone who has actually had all of these powders to give me advice.  My first container of protein powder ended up in the garbage because the chocolate flavour had wayyyyyy too much 'protein funk' going on.  I tried to make protein bars out of it and nothing could mask that taste.  GNC had a buy one get one 1/2 off sale on, so I settled on two containers of Whey Iso Burst in natural and chocolate. 

The first thing I decided to make was protein pancakes.  While they came out looking like perfect little pancakes, and they tasted pretty good, they had the texture of sponge.  And one of my weird things is texture.  The next day I threw some banana slices into the batter and that was better but still not perfect....

The next day (yes, officially looking like a crazy protein person), I tried something that I feared so much.  Just making a shake.  Into my cute little blender cup went 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 scoop chocolate powder, and a big hunk of frozen espresso (forgot it in the freezer when I was cooling it).  And surprisingly (!) it tasted like those sugar laden milkshake drinks you can get at the convenience store.

So day three is upon us, and you can see I'm going a little crazy with this protein powder thing.  I also tried something that has failed me in the past, baking gluten free and with protein powder.  BUT thanks to the amazing Powercakes I found a recipe that FINALLY works.  These are so good!  Especially when topped with Cream Cheese Protein Frosting a la Truly Jess.  Yep, I went there.

Moving on, I decided to make a protein microwave cake, with protein fudge.  Oh gosh, I'm looking nutty right now aren't I?

Last but not least, the star of the show:

Better Than Starbucks Protein Frapp

I swear on my protein powder that this thing was better than anything Starbucks could offer.  It's got little added sugar (and really, you could take those ingredients out) and has the potential to throw some greens in or customize however you want.

Ingredients

1/2 frozen banana

5-6 frozen coffee cubes (this is the key)

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 cup of milk (I chose 1/2  soy and 1/2 coconut)

Add ins: 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips and 1 tbsp shredded coconut and 1 tbsp of just peanuts peanut butter

Directions

Add banana and coffee cubes to blended with a little bit of the milk.  Pulse and/or ice crush until this started to look frap like.  Add the rest of the milk and protein powder and blend.

Add in whatever you want to make it your own.  

I went with the pb just because I love it in smoothies, and the chocolate and coconuts because it's my favourite Starbucks drink!  I think this will quickly become a new staple!