Protein Pudding

I’m always experimenting with whey protein to try and find new ways to incorporate more lean protein into my diet (and less carbs). Here’s some of my more successful experiments (I’ll spare you the horrible disasters).

• 1 box Jello Sugar-Free pudding mix prepared as directed on box
• 2 scoops whey protein

Prepare pudding according to directions on box. Stir in 2 scoops protein powder. Refrigerate.

I usually use chocolate fudge or butterscotch flavored pudding (butterscotch is my favorite) and chocolate flavored protein. However, Jello offers many different flavors that would be good with different flavors of protein powder (cheesecake pudding with strawberry protein, vanilla pudding with vanilla protein, banana cream pudding with chocolate protein, etc.).

After mixing I pour the pudding into small Tupperware containers and take it to work for lunch or a snack when I’m craving something sweet.

Chocolate Protein Pancake

• 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
• 2 egg whites

Mix egg whites and protein together well. Cook over medium-lo heat for 2 minutes per side.

This one is a little weird but a super low-fat source of protein and it tastes really good, just don’t think about it as chocolate scrambled eggs…

I usually top my pancake with almond butter, fresh fruit (strawberries, mmm), or sugar-free vanilla syrup. It’s like a thick, chocolate crepe. Great for breakfast. These keep pretty well in the fridge too if you wanted to make a few and save them for later.

Low-Carb Pumpkin Pie

• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup canned pure pumpkin
• 1 egg
• 2 scoops vanilla whey protein
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (4 parts cinnamon, 2 parts ginger, 1 part allspice/cloves, 1 part nutmeg)
• 1/4 cup Splenda (or more to taste)

Spread the oats evenly on the bottom of a pie pan. In a separate bowl mix together cottage cheese, pumpkin, egg, whey, splenda, and spices. Pour over oats. Bake at 350 F for 40 minutes or until firm.

This tastes really good, especially given it’s ingredients! Pumpkin is a super healthy food, tons of phytonutrients and fiber. Pumpkin contains more carotenoids than any other food. Why do we want carotenoids? They are suspected to help control immune responses, improve cell-to-cell communication and protect against various cancers. One carotene, alpha carotene, is suspected to slow aging.