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…Infinite Life Fitness Recipe: Pumpkin Protein Treats…

 

protein_pumpkin_custard

Well… It is that time of year again.

That time of the year where stores and manufactures start to sell EVERYTHING made with pumpkin.  So to get in the mood of fall, I created this delicious (AND healthy) dessert alternative for those who are counting their macronutrients and trying to stay on track with eating healthy.

What you will need:

  • 1 scoop of Whey Protein ( I used 1st Phorm Vanilla Whey)
  • 1 cup of pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp vanialla extract
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tbsp honey (or dash of sugar substitute product)
  • dash of water
  • Whip topping
  • pie crust/shells to put your pumpkin mixture in (you do not have to use this! You can serve it in a bowl with whip topping!)

Directions:

  1. combine ALL dry ingredients into a bowl
  2. mix in the pumpkin puree and honey
  3. combine dash of water (approximately 1-2 tablespoons) while mixing
  4. once mixture is smooth and well mixed add the pumpkin mixture to your pie crust OR serve in a bowl.
  5. Feel free to garnish this with whip cream, nuts, etc.
  6. BE CAREFUL not too add too much to this dish! The above ingredient list has created a dish that is high in protein and lower in carbs.  Adding things to this dish can make it not as healthy.

Feel free to watch the following video to show you how to make your pumpkin protein dish!

Tis the season to indulge in some fall treats and with this recipe you can do so without feeling guilty! Pumpkins are a great food source to add to your diet! They are packed with fiber which is a good thing! Eating foods high in fiber can help to make you feel full longer and help you regulate your digestive tract. Pumpkins are also low in calories AND carbs!

Pumpkins are packed with vitamin A which in return helps with your eye sight. They are also high in potassium and vitamin C which can help boost your immune system. Pumpkins also have nutrients in them that have been proven to help lover your LDL cholesterol levels.

Try to re-create this protein packed treat and test it with your friends and family and see if they can taste the difference (compared to the traditional protein custard treats).

…Infinite Life Fitness Recipe: Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups…

peanutButterCups

Ok… Lets be honest. Who can resist those delectable little…peanut butter filled… chocolate capsules of deliciousness!??

I know that I have a HUGE weakness for things that include both peanut butter and chocolate.  So I had to find a way to create my own recipe but carried a healthier nutritional profile.

Ingredients

1 cup chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate BUT I suggest other baking chocolate)

2 tbsp. vanilla protein

2 tbsp. peanut butter (I used natural creamy peanut butter)

1/4 cup chocolate PB2 (you can also use the regular peanut butter flavor PB2.  This is what makes these “double chocolate” protein cups)

1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk


Directions:

  • Combine protein powder and PB2 into a mixing bowl.
  • Add almond milk and mix contents until smooth and creamy.
  • Add peanut butter and mix until thick and creamy.

peanutButterCups_PBMixFinal

  • In a small sauce pan, melt the chocolate chips at low heat (stirring occasionally).
  • Add a small layer of melted chocolate to silicone baking cups (you can also use wax paper but silicon works best for this recipe). My layer is literally just enough to cover the bottom of the baking cup.  You do not want to add too much, just a few centimeters thick.
  • Place baking cups with chocolate into the freezer until hardened (this will take about 15 -20 minutes. Make sure they are sitting on a flat and even surface while in the freezer)
  • Take the baking cups out of freezer and add about 1/2-1 tbsp of peanut butter mixture into the chocolate cup. (DO NOT overfill the cup! Just enough for a small dollop of peanut butter protein mixture to sit in the middle of the cup)
  • Cover the peanut butter protein mixture with more melted chocolate. ( I add enough chocolate so that the peanut butter mixture is “hidden”.

peanutButterCupsSteps

  • Place chocolate cups (with the added peanut butter protein mixture) to the freezer until hardened. (This will take about 30 – 45 minutes).
  • Remove chocolate cups from silicone baking cup (or you can leave them in the wax baking cups if you chose to use those) AND ENJOY!

peanutButterCups_Final

  • Keep these stored in the freezer until you are ready to eat them. I typically place the cups in a Tupperware container to help store them in the freezer.

 

Nutrients:

This recipe will make approximately 12 cups
Serving Size: 1 Peanut Butter Cup
Calories: 120
Fat: 8 g
Protein: 7 g
Carbs: 8 g
Sugar: 5 g

Try these healthier peanut butter cup alternatives and let me know how you like them! Like stated above, you will want to keep them in the freezer until you are ready to eat them.  This will also allow them to last longer.

These are a great treat for you, your family, or even for your friends! I made these and took these to work and NO ONE was able to tell that they were not the “regular” peanut butter cups. You can get creative and add things to your cups. I prefer dark chocolate so that is what I decided to use instead of milk chocolate.  It is your treat so make it however you like!