Protein Powder: Not Just For Shakes Anymore

I used to have nightmares about protein powder.  Choking it down every morning at 5:30 a.m. before early morning track workouts in college, I made it my goal to take the shit down as quickly as possible. It was chalky and brown and disgusting and apparently meant to taste like that lovely substance known as chocolate.  But it didn't.  Instead it was just some dark, horrible mess that I had to force myself to drink because it was apparently "good for me" to have something in my system before lifts, sprints and any other form of torture my coaches could come up with.

Now, granted, at the time I'm sure better, more delicious powders existed, I didn't know about them.  Instead I let my horrible boyfriend of the moment (moment actually being about three years too long) pick something.  Given the number of times the jackass cheated on me with underage girls I probably shouldn't have trusted him with such decisions; his taste in protein and his taste in side-pieces both sucked.

So when I began getting more serious about my fitness, I realized that *GASP* I would once again be forced into a world of protein enriched powders to aid in my diet.  I was scared shitless as nightmares of chugging ickiness returned to my mind.  I was afraid of the whey.

Observe my Optimum addiction. It makes my muscles smile.

And then, after a few hits and misses, I tried Optimum Gold Standard Whey.  It was love at first drink.  This was not the protein I remembered, but rather something truly delicious.  Not only was it freakin' good, it had flavor options I'd never considered.  Chocolate Malt, Banana, Caramel Toffee Fudge, Cinnamon Graham Cracker!!  I was in protein heaven after spending years in the dark.

Then I figured out that protein isn't just for mixing with water or other liquids and parading as a milkshake.  My world was rocked.  I experimented.  I added it my oatmeal (which is crazy fabulous), used it to make pancakes (which is for a post all it's own), mixed in baking powder and egg whites to make mug cakes, added it to Greek yogurt, baked into truly amazing protein bars.  The possibilities both in my own mind and found in the far reaches of Google were endless.

Protein powder was, and is, downright awesome shit and I had had no idea.

Here are some of my favorite protein-a-licious treats:

• Protein Oatmeal: Exactly as it sounds, you add a scoop (or half a scoop, or two scoops, or whatever you require) to your oats and water before microwaving.  Not only does it taste good, but it adds a really nice, creamy texture to the whole situation.
• Protein Mug Cake:  Yes, this really exists and while it's not a Hostess CupCake (may she rest in peace) it's a pretty yummy treat for someone eating really damn healthy.  To make simply add a pinch of baking powder, about a teaspoon of sugar free pudding mix - to make it moist, a splash of egg white and enough other liquid (water, almond milk) to make a cake batter.  Throw it in a mug, turn down the power on the microwave and give it a minute.  Legit, dudes.
• Jamie Eason's Pumpkin Protein Bars:  Go HERE and make this shit now.  Seriously.  I made these and shit you not no one thought they were good for you.  Probably one of my very favorite protein recipes, she has lots of varieties.  This just happens to be my favorite.

Additionally, there are lots of websites devoted purely to healthy cooking that include all sorts of recipes using protein powders.  A simple search will return you all sorts of results.  However, perhaps the ultimate resource is Protein Pow(d)er.  The site is dedicated to protein recipes not only using whey, but a variety of protein powders (also for another post).  All of the recipes I have tried off this site have been nothing short of amazing.

So protein powder doesn't have to be the type of scary shit you shake up and drink in the darkness of your apartment early in the morning hoping you don't spew the crap all over your white cabinets (totally happened once).  Instead, it's actually some versatile shit that can help you get to your goals while still being enjoyable.  Healthy and delicious and not drinking all your meals can exist!

Welcome to the light.


Please note that protein powders are meant as a supplement to a rounded diet.  I prefer to get most of my protein needs from real, solid, doesn't come in a container, food.  However, protein powders are excellent way to meet your daily intake needs when living an active lifestyle.