HEALTHY Carrot Cake Protein Pancakes

Well, it's been 3 days since the Butler game and my voice still isn't back! It hasn't caused too many problems other than when I tried to tell my hair stylist how I wanted my hair cut. Thankfully I had a picture to show because if not who knows what kind of hack job I would have walked out of there with. The annoying part is even though she knew I had no voice she still persisted to ask me 100 questions. Typical. 

On Sunday night, Kyle and I were both feeling breakfast for dinner, so I tried out a recipe I've been waiting a while to make - Carrot Cake Protein Pancakes. I know, they sound sinful and unhealthy, but guess what... they are 100% healthy, gluten free, and packed with protein. It doesn't get much better than that. The best part is, you can have three pancakes for about 230 calories and 18 total grams of protein. You won't find that in your average pancake. 

Another great thing about making this pancake is your throw everything into the blender, so it's pretty quick and easy. I think Kyle and  I will finish the left overs tonight after our spinning date night! 

                                                       Carrot Cake Protein Pancakes

                                                          Inspired by Dashing Dish

                                                               Makes 2 Servings 

Ingredients

1/4 C Vanilla Protein Powder

1 C Old Fashioned Oats

2 Eggs

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

2 Carrots, Peeled and finely chopped

1/4 C Skim Milk

1/2 C Plain or Vanilla Greek Yogurt

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Pinch of Ginger and Nutmeg

Pinch of Salt

1 T White Sugar

1 Carrot, Peeled and grated

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients EXCEPT the grated carrots into a blender. 

2. Blend until smooth. 

3. Fold in the grated carrots. 

4. Heat a griddle and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

5. Using a 1/4 measuring cup, scoop batter onto the griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. 

Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip

Rumor on the street is the weather is supposed to get cooler this weekend! I cannot explain how excited that makes me! It is time to dig out my fall clothes (and purchase some new ones), stock up on pumpkin/squash, and enjoy some football. Life doesn’t get much better than that. I will warn you now; I love pumpkin and squash, so prepare to see me use it in a lot of future recipes.

Fall has always been my favorite season. Not only do I love to watch the trees change, but fall also means its volleyball season. For those of you who do not know, I was blessed to play volleyball at the collegiate level, and the sport still holds a special place in my heart. I often find myself day dreaming about the good old days of high school and college volleyball.  I admit, I miss it a lot, but some days my body thanks me for not making it jump three hours a day.

I miss game day!

Enough reminiscing, it's snack time! If you are looking for a healthy snack, try this Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip. It is simple to make, and filled with protein to keep you satisfied for hours! The base is pretty flexible, so feel free to add in other ingredients. For example, if you are looking for a little sweetness add in dark chocolate chips, or if you want to add more heart healthy fats try some chopped nuts. Eat it with apples (or other fruit), and you will find yourself in engrossed in the prefect snack made up of carbs, fibers, protein, and healthy fats. This snack will keep you fueling strong throughout the whole day!

                                                         Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip

                                                         Inspired by Hello Giggles

                                                                      Serves 2 

 Ingredients

1 single serving container of Vanilla Greek Yogurt

1 1/2 T Peanut Butter (Crunchy or Creamy)

1/4 tsp Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Honey

Start Mixing

1. Combine all of the ingredients above
2. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving
3. Serve with apples, bananas, pretzels, and/or graham crackers

Protein Oats

Happy birthday to my favorite 2 year old! My adorable nephew turns 2 today, and I cannot wait to go to Indiana this weekend to see him! Last weekend, Kyle and I went on an adventure to find the best gift for him. He loves Mickey, but Kyle thought a trip to the Lego Store would be an even better idea. Honestly, I think Kyle just wanted me to buy him some Legos. It didn't take long for us to decide that Korbin needed a Lego zoo set, and Kyle has already volunteered to help him build it. I guess I know what to get Kyle for Christmas this year.

Little man has grown so much in one year! 

I told you in an earlier post that I am a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast. During the week I make Protein Oats. This breakfast is filled with protein, carbs, and natural sugars that will keep you energized and satisfied until lunch. Not only is it healthy for you, but it is also delicious!

I use protein powder and almond or peanut butter to load the oatmeal with plenty of protein.  Don't worry the protein powder won't make you bulk up like the Hulk, unless you are eating the whole tub in one sitting. Instead, it will fuel you with protein that will help build muscle. Remember more muscle means: you burn more calories, you become lean, and you protect your bones from deterioration.

Today I mixed raspberries, blueberries, and figs into my oatmeal. I figured I might as well take advantage of these fruits while they are still in season. When winter comes I tend to add bananas and apples to the mix since berries are more expensive that time of year. Add in whatever fruits you like, and start fueling strong.

                                                                   Protein Oatmeal
                                                                        Serves 1

Ingredients
½ C Oats (I prefer thick rolled oats, but you use quick oats)
1 C Water
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
½ C Fruit (Blueberries, raspberries, figs, bananas, or sometimes I choose to put all of them in!)
3 T Vanilla Almond Milk
1 T Flax Seed
1 T Almond or Peanut Butter
¼ tsp Cinnamon

Get Cooking
1.       Place ½ C oats and 1 C water into a microwaveable bowl and microwave for a 1:30 – 2 minutes
2.       Add all of the ingredients above. Stir and enjoy!