Protein Shake Alternatives: 6 Muscle-Building Protein Treats

6-protein-treats-header2Plain chocolate and vanilla protein shakes are old news. It’s time to mix new flavors into new recipes. Try these six treats for some protein with your guilty pleasure!
by Jillian Beck Aug 16, 2013

Tired of your usual protein shake? Does your shaker bottle need a rest? Good news: You can add protein powder to a variety of recipes to make delicious, muscle-building treats. Flavors like BSN’s Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Syntha-6 just beg to be coupled with something other than four ounces of water!

These six recipes might feel like cheat meals, but they’re actually a tasty and nutritious way to increase your protein intake. Try them for some delicious alternatives to the same ol’ protein shake. Your taste buds and growing muscles will thank you!

1 / Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Bread

Don’t feel guilty when you sneak the entire loaf out of the kitchen and single-handedly polish it off. Not only is this bread delicious, but every slice is chock-full of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. The potassium in bananas may also help curb cramps, so eat a slice pre-workout to power through your gym time.

Ingredients
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Spray loaf pan with non-stick spray.
  4. Pour batter into loaf pan.
  5. Bake about 20 minutes, or until inserted knife comes out clean.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe makes 8 slices, 1 slice per serving
Amount per serving
Calories 172
Total Fat4g
Total Carbs44.9g
Protein52.4g

2 / Peanut Butter Honey Protein Cookies

Bring these cookies to the next family gathering or take them to the office—they’re sure to be a hit. The classic combination of honey and peanut butter will put a smile on even the grumpiest faces. These treats are a great alternative to the rich peanut butter cookie, but they’re still plenty sweet! Try them as a post-workout snack.

Ingredients
Directions
  1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
  2. Mix ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Roll small spoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on a pan.
  4. Press with a fork on top.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe makes a dozen cookies, serving size is 1 cookie
Amount per serving
Calories 287
Total Fat15.6g
Total Carbs25.7g
Protein13.9g

3 / Berry Chocolate Cake Protein Muffins

These “berry-good” muffins are the perfect breakfast staple or afternoon treat. They might have a third of the calories you’d get from your favorite coffee-shop muffin, but they’re definitely still delicious. You’ll get plenty of protein and a hit of antioxidants. For some variety, try different protein powder flavors and types of berries!

Ingredients
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Mix ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Spray muffin tin with non-stick spray.
  4. Fill with batter.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe serves 2
Amount per serving
Calories 156
Total Fat4.1g
Total Carbs20.5g
Protein9.8g

4 / Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls

Cake balls and cookie dough tubes are a teenage slumber party staple, but that doesn’t mean they belong in a healthy meal plan. If you train hard, then you need to rise above your high-school-diet standards and fuel your body the right way. These cookie-dough flavored protein balls are the perfect muscle-building treat!

Ingredients
Directions
  1. Mix ingredients together in a medium bowl until well blended.
  2. Roll into small balls.
  3. Place in the freezer and allow to freeze completely.
  4. Thaw for 15 minutes before eating.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe serves 2, 3 balls per serving
Amount per serving
Calories 267
Total Fat8.7g
Total Carbs25.6g
Protein14.2g

5 / Peanut Butter Cookie Balls

Keep your peanut butter cup cravings at bay with some chocolate peanut butter cookie balls! Quick and easy, throw these in the freezer and enjoy them on a hot day or after a tough workout. The combination of protein and carbs are perfect to refuel. Twenty-five grams of protein per serving is just what your muscles need to start repairing!

Ingredients
Directions
  1. Mix ingredients together in a medium bowl until blended.
  2. Roll into small balls.
  3. Place in the freezer and allow to freeze completely.
  4. Thaw for 15 minutes before eating.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe serves 2, 3 balls per serving
Amount per serving
Calories 482
Total Fat25.7g
Total Carbs44.2g
Protein25.1g

6 / Coconut Protein Popsicle

There is nothing better than a cold snack on a hot day. In this concoction, protein and coconut come together to make one delicious treat. The kids will even love these yummy, nutritious treats!

Ingredients
Directions
  1. Blend all ingredients.
  2. Fill two Popsicle molds.
  3. Freeze for 30-40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe serves 2
Amount per serving
Calories 435
Total Fat30.5g
Total Carbs46.4g
Protein20.4g
 Coconut Protein Popsicle PDF (101 KB)

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