Just because you are dieting doesn’t mean that everything you eat has to be bland. There are plenty of delicious recipes that will cater to your dieting needs and still taste great. The key is to experiment with your food and to read up on some recipes others have tried. Here is a selection of some of my favorites that are flavorful and will help you stay within your macros.
1. Chocolate Chip Protein Bread
Ingredients:
• 1 cup natural smooth peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey (agave or maple syrup – to make these sugar-free you can try Stevia)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup egg whites (2 egg whites)
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (you can use carob chips for a healthier option)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray an 8×8” glass baking dish with a healthy, non-stick oil.
Place all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor and blend until smooth (stopping to scrape down the sides).
Using a spatula, mix in chocolate chips.
Pour mixture evenly into baking dish (use spatula to smooth out the batter).
Place in the oven and bake for 27–30 minutes (until a fork comes out clean).
Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes.
Cut into squares, serve and enjoy!
These are all-natural so I highly suggest storing them in an airtight container in your refrigerator.
2. Chocolate Orange Protein Cupcakes
It’s always nice finding new recipes to keep you interested in your diet. I recently came across these protein cupcakes and they are definitely going to be added to my list of regulars.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (can sub this with a cooked sweet potato)
• 1 cup liquid egg whites
• 1/2 cup quinoa flakes (can sub with oats)
• 1/4 cup milk (can use coconut milk)
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. orange zest
• 2 tsp. vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup Platinum 100% Casein Vanilla Ice Cream
Directions:
Blend ingredients together and bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 20–25 minutes.
3. Protein Brownies
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup organic cocoa powder
• 1 cup liquid egg whites
• 1/2 cup Platinum 100% Whey Milk Chocolate Supreme
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 2 small or 1 medium/large cooked sweet potato
• 2 cooked beets
Directions:
Using a handheld blender or food processor, blend all ingredients together.
Pour the mix into a 9” baking pan, ideally a silicone one.
Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 40–45 minutes or until brownies are cooked through.
Allow brownies to cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing.
Consider topping with some nut butter or melted dark chocolate.
4. Protein Blondies
Ingredients
• 2 scoops Platinum 100% Whey Vanilla Cake
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 3/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 3 egg whites
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together well with whisk.
Pour evenly into muffin tin to make 12 regular muffins or 24 mini muffins.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
To make the blondies sweeter, add 2 tsp. brown sugar (or Splenda brown sugar for a lower-calorie option). I personally find them already sweet from the protein and applesauce.
BY MATT FERRO
MUSCLETECH AMBASSADOR
