Pumpkin, Peppermint, and Protein
The holiday season is arguably the best time of the year – cooler weather, basketball season, and best of all… seasonal foods.
The wide variety of fall and winter flavors can make it difficult to stick to your dietary goals. With these simple high-protein recipes, you can not only enjoy the holiday festivities, but stay on track to meet your goals!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
This nutrient-dense take on a fall classic has around 10g of protein per slice (depending on your protein powder) and is just as perfect as the original recipe!
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup vanilla protein powder
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon baking soda
A pinch of salt
1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
Dark Chocolate Chips to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat an 8”x4” loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
Place the flour, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; whisk to combine.
Place the sugars, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
Slowly incorporate the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula until fully blended.
Fold in chocolate chips (I usually use a cup and a half in my recipes then pour the rest of the bag on top).
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan, then invert it, slice it, and serve!
Butternut Squash Pumpkin Pasta
This recipe serves 4, and each portion contains 43 grams of protein per serving!
Ingredients:
1 box Banza pasta
2 chicken breasts
1 cup butternut squash, cubed
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup coconut milk
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Juice from ½ lemon
1 small garlic clove, minced or grated
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground sage
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Rosemary – fresh or dried, to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
Cook your chicken breasts (either stovetop or in the air fryer) until cooked all the way through. Cut into smaller cubes and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, add all the ingredients with 2 cups of water.
Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for about thirty minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta in a large saucepan as instructed on the box.
In a blender (you can use an immersion blender if you have one), blend the mixture in batches until smooth.
Add in the olive oil and stir until completely incorporated. Add more salt or lemon juice to taste.
Mix your chicken and sauce into the pasta.
Serve!
Protein Peppermint Mocha
This single-serve recipe has anywhere from 26-42 grams of protein, depending on the drink you choose to use!
Ingredients:
Chocolate Fairlife protein shake (I use the one with 42g protein)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed peppermints
Whipped cream
Directions:
In a small saucepan, bring your protein shake to a simmer.
Add in the peppermint extract and stir until fully incorporated
Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint
Enjoy!
Peanut Butter Snowballs
These Christmas staples have about 8g of protein per snowball and are an easy way to make a delicious treat a bit more fitness-friendly!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or creamy is your preference!)|
¾ cup protein powder
½ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
A pinch of sea salt
2 cups white chocolate, melted
2 teaspoons coconut oil
Sprinkles for garnish
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Mix until entirely combined.
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form into balls, place on a baking tray, and set aside to cool in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the melted white chocolate and coconut oil and stir until smooth. Dip peanut butter balls in white chocolate and set on a drying rack (or on a sheet of parchment paper) to cool.
Before the balls cool completely, top with sprinkles and refrigerate the final product until set (about 20 minutes).
Protein Puppy Chow
Adding protein powder to the otherwise sugary coating of Puppy Chow is a quick and easy way to increase the nutrient density of this snack!
Ingredients:
3 cups rice Chex cereal
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup vanilla protein powder
Directions:
Set aside your Chex cereal in a large bowl.
In a large microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, add your peanut butter with your dark chocolate chips and heat until melted. Whisk together until smooth.
Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over your cereal and mix until all the cereal is completely coated.
Lay flat on a sheet pan and set aside until completely dry.
Break apart and set in a large container or plastic bag. Cover in protein powder and powdered sugar and shake until everything is completely covered.
Happy holidays and enjoy these protein-packed treats!
Be Well, Auburn.