Protein is an essential part of a balanced diet and with all my meals I actively make sure I include a protein-rich ingredient. Our bodies, particularly if very active, need quite a lot of it to function; I get most of my protein from nuts, seeds, pulses, legumes, grains, eggs and fish. I am also a big fan of protein supplements such as protein powders that I can add to a smoothie or shake, for something to help recovery after one of my intense Ballet Blast classes.
In my experience, protein powder is one of those ‘grey areas’ in the world of nutritional supplements that many females are aware of yet don’t know too much about. I was very much in the same boat, with many articles online focussing on what protein powder is and how it can help mediate muscle growth yet don’t explain the health benefits and/or the methods to incorporate protein into your diet. This is where I felt I could really try and boost some awareness so that using protein based foods and powders can be made simple!
Supplements exist to make the consumption of vitamins and nutrients easier and the premise of a protein powder isn’t any different. Powders are a useful form for plant-based protein to come in as they can easily be added to food and drink and sometimes add some extra flavour. I use plant-based protein powder on a fairly regular basis for the post-workout protein boost and the ease at which I can incorporate it into my diet. I can quickly add a scoop into a smoothie or to a creamy bowl of porridge. My favourite protein powder currently is the brown rice protein powder by MyProtein. This one is great because the taste is not overpowering, it does not contain any additional sweeteners and a little bit goes a long way! Research is being conducted by Voucherbox at the moment on the results of including MyProtein powders in the diet of a typical office worker, showing the impact including protein rich ingredients in your everyday may have.
Some indulgent smoothie recipes that use one scoop of this brown rice protein powder include my Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie and my Healthy Caramel Protein Smoothie (both up on the blog). Another alternative is to add ½ a tablespoon to some creamy porridge to give yourself a protein boost first thing in the morning. I’ve done this with my Creamy Peanut Butter Protein Porridge recipe. Otherwise, just adding some protein powder to a smoothie will give you that protein boost without you even realising it’s there!
Give these protein packed recipes a go:
Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Healthy Caramel Protein Smoothie
