Peanut Butter and Kabocha Overnight Oats

This was the perfect meal after my workout this morning. I will never get tired of kabocha squash and peanut butter. Together, they are heavenly.

I usually prepare my overnight oats the night before and let them sit in the fridge, (hence the name, "overnight oats") but I made them this morning before my workout. So my oats only sat in the fridge for about 2 hours, but they still came out perfect! 

Peanut Butter Kabocha Overnight Oats

1/3 cup oatmeal 

1/2 scoop Peanut Butter Cookie whey protein (by Metabolic Nutrition)

1 teaspoon chia seeds 

1/3 cup cooked kabocha squash 

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 

1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk  (just enough to make a thick pudding-like consistency)

Vanilla stevia to taste 

1. Mix all ingredients together. Let it sit in the fridge overnight (or apparently, two hours is fine!). 

2. Top with your favorite fruit, nuts, nut butter, etc. 

I buy my chia seeds, oatmeal, stevia, PB2 and protein powder from Vitacost. The ingredients are cheaper than the grocery store, and they delivered right to your door. Here's a discount link for money off your first order.

No-Bake Protein Bar

I ran out of Quest Bars the other day, and wanted to bring a quick and easy snack with me to work. I've always baked my protein bars in the past, but I really didn't have the time. It took seconds to prepare, and I left it in the freezer to firm up while I showered and got ready. You can also just eat this as soon as it's prepared- it tastes like cookie dough!

I used Cellucor protein in the Cake Batter flavor, but any of your favorite whey protein powders will work fine. I highly recommend Cellucor though :)

No-Bake Protein Bar

Ingredients:

3/4 scoop whey protein (~20 grams)
2 tablespoons coconut flour
2 teaspoon unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon almond butter (or peanut butter)
8 drops liquid stevia 
Almond milk as needed

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients except the almond milk in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly. Gradually add almond milk in small amounts until you form a thick dough.
2. Form the mixture into a bar shape. Freeze or refrigerate until set. Or, enjoy as is!

Nutrition Information: 185 calories, 5 grams Fat, 15 grams CHO, 20 g Protein

Chocolate Coconut Protein Pancakes

It has been a long time since I've revisited these flavors, and decided to give my original recipe an upgrade. Both versions are delicious!



Chocolate Coconut Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cauliflower, finely chopped (use your food processor)

3/4 scoop Cellucor Molten Chocolate protein powder (or any chocolate whey protein)
2 tablespoons coconut flour

1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk

1 tablespoon reduced-fat coconut flakes

2 tablespoons cottage cheese

3 tablespoons egg whites
8-10 drops coconut stevia (or regular stevia)

Almond milk as needed

Directions:

1. Place cauliflower in the microwave. Cook for 40 seconds.
2. Meanwhile, heat a nonstick pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (protein powder through stevia) to your food processor. Blend until smooth. Add almond milk as needed (add SLOWLY). You want your pancake batter to be thick.
4. Add the batter by the spoonful to the pan. Cook until the edges set. These are thick so be patient! Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until cooked through.

Top with more coconut flakes if you'd like. I layered mine with almond butter and stevia sweetened Greek yogurt!

I buy my psyllium husk, coconut flakes, coconut stevia, and flours from Vitacost. They have the best prices and everything is delivered right to my door! Here's a link for a discount off your first order!

Cauliflower Mini Bagels

My favorite deli breakfast when I was younger was an egg sandwich on an everything bagel. I would get one every morning after figure skating practice. So much so, that the lady that made them for me would have it ready and waiting, wrapped up in tin foil to keep it warm. I haven't had that breakfast in years. So when I saw Lexi post her 'Everything Bagel' Cauliflower Rolls, it inspired me to create my own.

I used a donut pan to shape my bagels. I bought mine at Target, but you can find in the kitchen section of some department stores, or buy online at Amazon. 

I bought my psyllium husk and garbanzo bean flour from Vitacost. They have the best selection and prices, and they deliver right to your door!

Cauliflower Mini Bagels

Ingredients:

1/2 head of cauliflower, riced
1/4 cup Bob's Red Mill garbanzo bean flour
1 teaspoon psyllium husk
3 tablespoons egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2.To make the cauliflower rice, pulse florets in a food processor until finely chopped (I use my Ninja).
3. Place cauliflower in a large bowl. Pat the cauliflower with paper towels, try to get out as much moisture as possible.
4. Add the garbanzo bean flour through the garlic powder to the cauliflower, and stir well to combine.
5. Spray a donut pan with cooking spray. Divide batter evenly among the the donut pan. If you don't have a donut pan, you can also shape them into breadsticks, or try to shape your own bagel (not sure how well this will come out).
6. Bake 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then top with your favorite bagel toppings!

Nutrition information (makes 3 mini bagels): 70 calories, 1 gram fat, 12 grams CHO, 5 grams fiber, 5 grams protein

Low Carb Flax Waffle

This was by far one of the best waffles I've ever made. What makes them lower in carbohydrates? I used protein powder and ground flaxseed in place of flour. Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids antioxidants, and fiber. What else is amazing about this recipe? I used riced cauliflower. Yes, cauliflower in my waffles. And no, the waffles do NOT taste like cauliflower. They will make them moist. If you've ever tried baking with protein powder before and they've come out super dry, it's because you did not use moisturizing agent. Examples of these include canned pumpkin, yogurt, applesauce, cottage cheese, cooked winter squash (acorn, kabocha, butternut), cooked beets, and more. I usually use two, and one of them is always cauliflower. Read more about why I use cauliflower in my waffles and pancakes here.

Low Carb Flax Waffle

Ingredients:

1/2 cup riced cauliflower
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

2/3 scoop whey protein powder (I love using Cellucor brand)

1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons almond milk
3 tablespoons egg whites

Stevia to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. To rice your cauliflower, place raw florets in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. I use my Ninja for this. Cook in the microwave for 40 seconds.
3. Meanwhile, add the flaxseed through the stevia to your food processor. Add the cauliflower. Blend until smooth.
4. Coat your waffle iron with cooking spray. Add batter and cook until done!