5 Ways To Incorporate Vegan Protein Powder Into Your Diet
Whether you’re choosing to eat entirely plant based or simply looking to incorporate more plants into your diet, a quality protein powder like Genuine Health’s fermented organic vegan proteins+ is a versatile way to get the nutrients you need. Genuine Health’s fermented organic vegan proteins+ has 20g of protein and 0 grams of sugar which is pretty fantastic if you ask me - just take a peek at the label on some of the other protein bars and powders lining your grocery store shelves and you’ll notice that not all supplements are created equally. Quality ingredients are key - once you’ve chosen an option that works best for you, then you can let the fun and creativity in the kitchen begin!
As a mom I like to balance kid friendly comfort foods with my secret weapon - the nutrient boost of vegan protein powder! A well formulated vegan protein powder takes the guess work out of nutrition which is very helpful when you’re busy but trying to create balanced meals for yourself and your family. If my family is enjoying a barbecue night complete with delicious but arguably less nutritious ‘Beyond Meat’ burgers, I often serve frosty chocolate protein powder boosted smoothies for dessert with hummus and veggie sticks to start, just to even things out.
And while we’re all familiar with the quintessential protein shake (they’re staples in my household!), there are several additional ways to harness the nutrient dense power of vegan protein powder and incorporate it into your diet without necessarily reaching for your blender. Check out our roundup of creative ways to enjoy vegan protein powder and decide for yourself how to have fun with your mealtimes!
1. Blend Up A Superfood Creamsicle Smoothie
So much more than a simple protein shake, this recipe takes your go-to smoothie to the next level. While you can certainly go minimalist with protein powder, a banana and non-dairy milk, we like the option of upping the ante with seasonal additions and superfood toppings*.
*Pro tip - prep your frozen fruit in advance by chopping, cubing and freezing in a reusable storage bag to save you time and ensure that you have enough ingredients for multiple batches.
Superfood Creamsicle Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop fermented organic vegan proteins+
- 1 cup frozen papaya cubes
- 1 banana
- 1 cup non dairy milk (or more depending on glass size)
- Sprinkle of raw cacao nibs
- Sprinkle of coconut shreds
- Sprinkle of hemp hearts
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Method:
- Blend fermented organic vegan proteins+ , frozen papaya, banana and milk in a high-powered blender until smooth
- Pour into a tall glass and top with raw cacao nibs, coconut shreds, hemp hearts and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Enjoy immediately!
2. Add Vegan Protein Powder To Baked Goods
What’s better than vegan banana bread? Vegan banana bread with the added benefit of vegan protein powder of course! I love adding a scoop of vegan protein powder to my family’s favourite recipes to add a touch of flavour and tons of nutrition. I’ve found success with adding chocolate flavoured protein powder to banana bread recipes as well as muffins and breakfast cookies. The best fits are recipes where the batter is a little more dense versus a mixture that is light and fluffy. A rule of thumb seems to be that if you can add ground flax or chia to your mix, then protein powder seems to fit nicely.
3. Create a Plant-Powered Smoothie Bowl
Particularly refreshing in the hotter spring and summer months, a power packed smoothie bowl is our family’s go-to recipe for breakfast or lunch. To get a thick consistency, try using creamy frozen fruit like avocado as well as additional frozen fruit like mixed berries. Oat or coconut milk adds to the smooth sensation making things particularly frosty, and chocolate or vanilla protein powder works equally well here, depending upon your taste. Try topping with sliced mango, watermelon and mint for a summery fresh vibe.
4. Add Vegan Protein Powder To Homemade Granola
I’m very fond of protein packed granola - it makes for the perfect pre-made breakfast to suit the entire family or an easy on-the-go snack! In addition to all the dry goodies (oats, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, coconut shreds, golden raisins and chopped almonds), I add nut butter, maple syrup, and vegan protein powder to add flavour and a protein packed punch before I pop the tray into the oven! My tip here is to bake a tray or two at a time and store the mix in mason jars for a delicious homemade and healthy treat. Equally yummy with vegan yogurt or by the handful on hikes, homemade granola always hits the spot!
5. Incorporate Vegan Protein Powder Chia Puddings
As you might have noticed I do love to food prep in advance - tasty treats that are healthy and fun to eat are my go-to, and chia pudding is so simple to make and delicious to enjoy! Adding vegan protein powder to the mix makes for an unbeatable breakfast. I stir a scoop in with the non-dairy milk, chia seeds, vanilla and maple syrup before letting everything set overnight. I often mix up a batch of chia puddings after my son goes to bed and store them in the refrigerator in small mason jars. In the morning I top them with fresh fruit and voila! - a protein filled breakfast ready in a moment!