Funfetti Protein Waffles

The classic sprinkle phenomenon now in a healthy protein packed breakfast. You can thank me later. ;)

This morning I made my usual protein waffles (I stick to a pretty basic recipe but sometimes tweak it a little) and decided I wanted some sprinkles. Because sprinkles are the spice of life. Am I right?

Funfetti Protein Waffles

(Serves 1)

1 scoop vanilla protein  powder

1/3 cup oats *

1 Tbs. coconut flour**

1/2 banana

3 Tbs. egg whites (2 egg whites)

1/4 cup almond milk

 1/8 tsp. baking soda

Pinch of cinnamon

1 tsp. sprinkles***

1. Blend the oats to make oat flour.

2. Add other ingredients (except sprinkles) and blend until a smooth batter.

3. Fold in sprinkles.

4. Pour into the hot waffle maker and let it cook until ready!

5. I topped mine with the other half of banana, drizzled peanut butter, and sugar free Walden Farms pancake syrup. (You could also use pure maple syrup or honey) Oh man.... 

*I you can't have oats, or want a lower carb option, simply add an extra tablespoon if coconut flour. 

** Don't have any coconut flour? Simply use 1/2 cup oats instead of 1/3 cup. :)

***Disclaimer: I know sprinkles are not healthy, and have artificial colors. But a teaspoon will do you no harm! Haha if your very concerned, you can by the overpriced organic sprinkles at Whole Foods...

****I didn't have any, but I think adding a 1/4 tsp. of butter extract would really make these taste like classic funfetti cake! Oooooo....

Enjoy!

Xoxo, Stephanie

Banana Honey Oat Protein Waffles

A simple delicious recipe consisting of a classic combo! 

Banana Honey Oat Protein Waffles

(serves 1)

• 1/3 cup oats
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 
• 1/2 a mashed banana
• 1/2 Tbs. coconut flour 
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/8 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• For Topping: Honey to drizzle, almond/peanut butter or butter and other half of banana, sliced

*If you don't have coconut flour, just use 1/2 cup oats instead. :)

1. Blend oats into a fine flour.

2. Mix (or blend) in banana, then stir in remaining ingredients, except topping.

3. Pour into sprayed waffle maker and cook until ready.

4. Drizzle with honey and add butter and banana slices.

Enjoy!

MCT Lean Vegan Protein Review

Hey guys! Recently I was sent some MCT Lean protein powder to try out. Protein powder is something I, and many of us, use on regular basis. I'm very picky about my protein powder, both in quality and taste, so wanted to do a little review to tell you guys what I thought!
First of all, MCT lean is a vegan protein powder, made from a combination of rice and pea protein- making it a complete amino acid profile similar to whey protein. I usually like to use vegan proteins instead of whey, which is derived from milk, because I think it's easier to digest. MCT lean is also gluten, dairy, lactose, corn and soy- making it very allergen friendly. Its not full of chemicals, colorings and artificial sweeteners like alot protein powders on the market. It's also has other great nutrients like broccoli seed extract (antioxidants), MCTs (healthy fats that boost metablosim), Aminogen (maximizes digestion and absorbtion), and probiotics. Its a great for anybody who wants to live a healthier lifestyle. Athlete or not, MCT lean protein is great to add to breakfast smoothies for a more complete meal, or for post workout muscle recovery.

As far as taste, MCT lean is THE best tasting vegan protein I've tried. Unlike some, it does not leave a gritty texture in my smoothies. It currently comes in two flavors, Natural Vanilla and Natural Cocoa. I loved both flavors, but the Vanilla blew me away! It tasted kind of like cake batter...and made my stawberry smoothies taste just like a milkshake! The Chocoalte was fantastic too though! But if I had to recommend one, go with the vanilla and add cocoa powder when you want to make something chocoalte flavored. My favorite way to use it is in smoothies, pancakes, and overnight oats, but it's also very good just mixed with almond milk!

As far as the macros, 1 serving (which is 2 scoops or 39.9 grams) Natural Vanilla:

Calories: 160

Fat: 3g

Carbs: 11g 

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 6

Protein: 20g

Natural Cocoa:

Calories: 160

Fat: 4

Carbs: 13g

Fiber: 7g

Sugar: 6g

Protein:20g

They both are sweetened with stevia, which is great, but do have a little added sugar from evaporates cane juice. Not a big deal, thigh I'd prefer no added sugar..buts it's not much to worry about! Some protein powders are isolates (meaning there's no fats or carbs added) and this one does have a good amount of carbs added. Again, it doesn't really bother me, but some people may want to be aware of that, especially if your adding it to a smoothie that alread has lots of fruit, for example. But on the other side, having the added carbs and fats, make it more complete if your going  to have it on it's own as post workout shake- making it very convenient to throw in you gym bag with a bottle of water! :)

Overall, MCT lean is hands down my favorite tasting and overall balanced protein I've tried. I've alread my purchased a full tub of the vanilla and chocolate! 

My Overall Overview:

Taste: 10/10

Texture: 10/10

Nutrition (Macros): 9/10

Nutrition (Quality): 10/10

Here are some recipes I've made with MCT Lean protein!

1. Tropical Green Smoothie

(Pineapple, frozen banana, MCT lean vanilla, almond milk)

2. Strawberry Banana Smoothie

(Strawberries, frozen banana, MCT lean vanilla, almond milk)

3. Chocolate Crunch Shake

(Frozen banana, MCT lean cocoa, almond milk, cacao nibs)

4. Chocolate Brownie Overnight Oats

(1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 scoop MCT lean cocoa, 1 tbs. Chia seeds, 2/3 cup almond milk)

I hope you guys enjoyed this review! For more information on MCT Lean click here.
XoXo, Stephanie

Rocky Road Protein Waffles

Hey guys! You like Rocky Road ice cream right?? YES I DO TOO!!!!  I honor of National Rocky Road Day, June 2, my friend Kyla and I decided to do a collab in honor of this glorious day. Kyla has a wonderful blog, http://cookandbakewithme.weebly.com, where she posts about fitness, fashion, and healthy delicious food! I decided to dedicate my recipe in the form of one my favorite healthy breakfasts, protein waffles, and Kyla created an amazing brownie recipe.

I suppose I'll give you a brief history of how the famous Rocky Road ice cream flavor was born...According to the internet, the flavor was created in March 1929 by William Dryer in Oakland, California when he cut up walnuts and marshmallows with his wife's sewing scissors and added them to his chocolate ice cream in a manner that reflected his partner Joseph Edy's (any famous ice cream brand's coming to mind?) chocolate candy creation incorporating walnuts and marshmallow pieces. Later, the walnuts would be replaced by pieces of toasted almond. After the Wall Street Crash of 1929, Dreyer and Edy gave the flavor its current name "to give folks something to smile about in the midst of the Great Depression." I thought this was so cool! So maybe if you make my waffles, they'll put a smile on your face to maybe brighten up a rocky road in your life! ;)

I have to say these turned out pretty amazing..it was like eating dessert for breakfast, except without the after math. So let's get started!

Rocky Road Protein Waffles 

(serves 1)

waffle batter:

• 1/3 cup oats (blended into flour)
• 1/2 banana 
• 1 scoop protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
• 1 Tbs. cocoa powder
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1 Tbs. mini marshmallows 
• 1 tsp. dark chocolate chips (I used ones by Lilly's made with natural stevia for no added sugar, click here to buy.)

1.Using a food processor, blend the oats into oat "flour". Next add protein powder and give it a quick blend just to mix.

2. Either mash the banana by hand or just. blend it with the flour.

3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and whisk in the egg whites, cocoa powder, baking soda, and almond milk.

4. Pour into your waffle maker and drop in the marshmallows and chocolate chips. (Adding them in the batter makes them melty and delicious!) 

5. Let cook for a few minutes until waffle is ready. Add toppings and chocolate drizzle and enjoy!

*Note: This makes one large waffle, but you could also make this same batter into pancakes!

Toppings:

• 1 Tbs. slivered almonds or walnuts
• 1 Tbs. mini marshmallows
• 1 tsp. dark chocolate chips

Chocolate Sauce Drizzle:

• 1 tsp. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. cocoa powder
• Stevia to taste
• 1-2 tsp. almond milk
• 1. Microwave the oil, cocoa and stevia for 15 seconds and add almond milk until desired consistency. Drizzle on waffle. 

Nutrition Facts (including toppings):

485 calories, 17 grams of healthy fat, 61 carbs, 15 grams sugar, 31 grams protein

*for a lower calorie option use less toppings 

*for a lower carb option try a protein waffle recipe without oats but still use the same add ins :) I like the oats because it keeps me fuller longer though!

I hope you enjoyed this fun recipe, and don't forget to check out Kyla's post at

http://cookandbakewithme.weebly.com/sweet-treats/rocky-road-brownies!

Thanks for stopping by!

XoXo,

Stephanie