These look like great ways to boost my protein intake. I always seem to have trouble making my daily protein goals. We recently bought some pea protein. So far I have only tried it in a smoothie. It seemed pretty good. We bought plain not flavored so we can use it in a variety of recipes. - 5/4/2013   10:40:40 AM

Can you do the same with soy protein powder or just Whey? - 4/20/2013   1:26:21 PM

Great information! Thanks for all the useful tips. - 4/15/2013   3:27:02 PM

I also used to be leary about trying protein powder due to the cost. For those individuals who do not want to invest in the large containers of PP right off of the bat -- at Vitaminshoppe they sell small packets of Jay Robb PP in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry by the register. (I do not work for them). It gives you the opportunity to try a flavor without spending a lot of money right. I always used to only use vanilla, and now love the chocolate too. I use my PP in smoothies and in a no-bake granola bar; both great for before or after workouts. - 4/13/2013   10:36:12 AM

I use Elite Whey Protein Isolate by Dymatize Nutrition because it's gluten free and I'm sensitive. I make a breakfast shake most mornings with fruit, yogurt and fiber. I get mine from The Vitamin Shoppe which is a national retailer and also has an online store. I used to buy from a local health store where they let you sample the shakes to see what you like. So look for one of those places. You'll like Elite though. It tastes great. I have to use whey instead of Soy as soy is constipating for my system. TMI, I know, but if soy bothers you, try whey. Thanks for the great recipe ideas!! As far as sweeteners, whey protein can be sweetened with stevia, but soy cannot. The higher quality products won't use artificial sweeteners.
As for the "no vitamins needed comment above", I actually found out I wasn't getting enough potassium and magnesium for proper thyroid function by using the spark tracker. I eat a very healthy diet and it still wasn't enough. Since I'm now taking supplements, my immune system is near perfect. No colds, no flu, no respiratory issues this year. Go by what your body needs. Not what you read. - 4/8/2013   2:38:50 PM

#8 is my favorite !!! the muffins a second!! - 4/7/2013   9:50:19 PM

Don't laugh. I use Jay Robb vanilla protein power, and mix in my orange-flavored Benefiber fiber supplement. Mix in a bullet blender with a few ice cubes, and, voila, Cremesicle smoothie. Also, I use say milk to mix up the proteins (soy and whey) A little extra vanilla is good, and also a little extra unsweetened cocoa powder with the Jay Robb chocolate protein powder. - 4/6/2013   9:38:01 AM

I use "Melaleuca The Wellness Company" products including vitamins and fitness edible products.
They are conscientious about their ingredients. I trust them. They also have a patented scientifically designed addition to their vitamins: OLIGO FRUCTOSE. This will help with complete absorption of the minerals and vitamins in the intestines so nothing is wasted.
Go to: www.melaleuca.com /
and stay well. - 4/4/2013   2:45:24 PM

love these....will try - 4/3/2013   12:51:57 AM

what is your favorite protein powder to use? can you buy it in smaller amounts to try first? - 4/2/2013   8:07:25 PM

These are awesome! Thanks for posting! Can't wait to use them with my Vi-shakes! Always ready to try something new. visalus.com/products/vi-shape
You can join me on my 90 day Challenge at onelifeonebody.myvi.net :) - 4/2/2013   6:10:04 PM

I cant wait to try a few of these!
- 4/2/2013   3:57:42 PM

Great ideas I never would have thought of! - 4/2/2013   9:07:07 AM

Great, will definitely try some of these recipes - 4/2/2013   8:42:37 AM

Thanks for sharing! - 4/2/2013   8:39:05 AM

I am using a Whey powder that promises not to have sugar, fat and all of the other bad things. It is sweetened with Stevia. I blend strawberries, blueberries, and flax seed with it. I mix the fruit up. Sometimes it's bananas, and other exotic fruits. Good for a post work-out drink. - 4/2/2013   8:20:20 AM

I tried the pancakes.... they were AWFUL!! I gave them to my dogs! - 4/2/2013   7:37:35 AM

I only eat real food and have no problem meeting my goals for protein most days. - 4/1/2013   8:35:27 PM

great ideas! I'm also going to try greek yogurt to mix into the same. I found a brand with 0 fat and 16 grams of protein per 6oz (can't think of the name but it is at whole foods). I don't like the texture, but I think mixing it in pudding or smoothies may just work! - 3/31/2013   11:29:11 AM

I believe I need to buy it again!!! Great ideas! Thank you!!! :) - 3/30/2013   12:56:50 AM

Using it more...
- 3/29/2013   9:37:45 PM

@BUUKWORM14

Before you invest in any protein powders, check out the Consumer Reports article on PP. Some of the PP contain increased levels of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic). Note that the values listed are for 3 servings of the PP.

SP won't let me paste the direct link here for the CR article, but the Daily Spark post Stuff We Love: Coach Nicole's Fit Picks for Spring from March 20, 2013 has a link to the CR article that lists the amounts of the above found in some PP.

Prices for a specific brand vary depending on where you buy it, so shop around, even comparing online. Read the ingredients -- many PP contain sucralose, stevia, or other sugar substitutes. Check out how many scoops you need per serving -- this affects cost. Think about what protein source you want -- whey (cow, goat), soy, etc.

- 3/29/2013   10:26:59 AM

Any tips for a good protein powder? - 3/29/2013   9:45:50 AM

But....are we talking scoops or tsp/tblspns? The scoops that come with the protein powder are large. I can't imagine putting that much in a yogurt cup????? - 3/13/2013   1:05:57 PM

vanilla protein powder is a brilliant addition to high fiber oatmeal. I also stir in flax meal and cinnamon. This combo has good staying power with me. - 2/6/2013   12:57:26 PM

I want to switch to whey, but I am using up the Right Size powder I have (4 jars). It is soy, and I don't want that. Needless to say, I have started making kefir, and my favorite smoothie is 1c. kefir, 1/2 c. milk, 3 T. lemonade concentrate and 1 scoop protein powder. I like this with vanilla, it tastes like cheesecake! I have also used berry powder and that is good, to. It is so thick and good! - 1/6/2013   10:31:26 PM

Ok, as a bit of a protein powder nut (I drink it every morning in my coffee), I'm going to have to try some of these recipes. I should find some new ways to use my protein powder. - 12/27/2012   2:58:37 PM

I have made the protein pudding for years. I make it from scratch and use one or two scoops of the chocolate whey protein...I buy Body Fortress, it is 26 grams of protein per scoop, only 1 g or sugar, and around $15 for a large container at Walmart. I am eager to try a couple of the other ideas, need to get some vanilla whey first. Happy cooking! - 7/18/2012   7:08:36 PM

I have used in brownies and pancakes and smoothies - 6/9/2012   8:52:48 AM

I always thought if you baked the protein such as in the muffin... that the chemistry of the protein powder would change and you might lose some of the benefit of the protein.... however, I don't know. - 5/23/2012   3:56:33 PM

I add whey protein to my morning yogurt or oatmeal. I also use it in smoothies. I haven't tried it any other way yet. Some of the idease are interesting to me. - 4/30/2012   9:07:45 AM

I mix vanilla protein powder into nonfat cottage cheese & top it with a little cinnamon and sometimes a few raisins (plumped in hot water for a few minutes). I call it "imaginary rice pudding." It makes a surprisingly satisfying dessert!
I use the 365-brand vanilla whey powder from Whole Foods. It's sweetened with Stevia and is not too expensive.
- 4/29/2012   10:26:04 AM

I don't use protein powder, although I probably should. - 4/24/2012   10:02:15 AM

I use Unjury, a medical quality protein that comes in different flavors and tastes great. But can't be heated beyond 130 degrees. But they do have a protein that can be used in hot foods. Order on line. I am buying a lot of Walker protein mix. Comes In great flavors and order from Vita-cost. Love the cappuccino flavor. In a pinch I have bought Jillian Michaels protein at Walmart. I tried Super Advanced Whey Protein , Body Fortress 52g , in Cookies n' Cream, at Walmart, thought it tasted terrible. Still sitting on my counter. Guess I will try to use it up. I am always looking for more ways to incorporate protein mix into my foods , going to try some of these recipes. - 4/19/2012   5:47:44 PM

I love protein powders! I avoid soy also; but whey protein is whey, not soy. I've recently seen a hemp protein version, but I haven't tried that. I use the Designer Whey mentioned by another Sparkie here. It comes in several flavors, and I buy it bulk (and cheaper) from an online store.

The link is:
http://www.supplementwarehouse.com/
brand.asp?brand=156

Designer Whey also contracts for the "Biggest Loser" line. I buy their own brand, though. They sell both those powders, plus liquid pre-mixes and I think snack bars, too. I'm not certain about that last one.

BTW, this outlet carries lots of items, such as the DaVinci sugar-free syrups intended for use in coffees, etc. They're delicious, sugar free, and come in so many flavors I wouldn't even begin to try to list them all! I've also seen these in Sam's Club; a much more limited variety naturally, but if you are interested in just trying them, that might be a good place to start. I just got a big box of a dozen assorted for nearly the same price as I'd pay at Sam's! Can't wait to get into those.

These recipes look like the perfect venue for that. YUM! - 4/19/2012   11:14:05 AM

I love these ideas. Up until now, I've used it either plain in milk, in a smoothee, or stirred into my oatmeal. My standard smoothee is 1/2 frozen banana, 1 cup strawberries (or raspberries or mixed berries), 3/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder. I often add 1/2 to 3/4 cup frozen chopped spinach. My favorite brand is GNC -- either the vanilla or the chocolate because it dissolves better than most brands. I like the idea of sweetening with stevia -- will look for one of those. I started drinking a glass of milk and protein powder after weight-lifting workouts, especially if dinner was going to be several hours away. It also makes a great breakfast for days when I have to be out of the house quickly. And after experimenting with different breakfasts before a 9:00 a.m. yoga class, I've found that a protein smoothee about 7:00 or 7:30 is perfect. The energy is long-lasting, but my stomach is not still digesting breakfast when I'm trying to do a twist! - 4/15/2012   8:31:33 AM

I have never tried a Smoothie. What and how do you make it ? I have read a lot of posts that people like them. I would like to try it. Can you help me out? - 4/15/2012   2:09:24 AM

My boyfriend turned me on to protein powder, but I'm still a little skeptical. Does anyone know about Muscle Milk, graham cracker flavor? It tastes great, but not sure if it's a good type to use for these recipes... - 4/14/2012   9:06:33 PM

My morning favorite is......
8 oz. skim milk
1/2 frozen banana
1 scoop Designer Whey Double Chocolate protein powder
PB2 powdered peanut butter
2 ice cubes
Blend in blender - 4/14/2012   9:22:30 AM

I can't wait to try some of these - 4/8/2012   8:26:47 AM

I can't wait to try the pancakes and oatmeal - 4/6/2012   9:22:55 PM

I like to make soft serve ice cream with frozen bananas. My fav combo. 1 frozen banana (slice and freeze in airtight container), 1 scoop of light cake batter flavor protein powder, vanilla creme stevia drops (to your desired taste...maybe like 5-10 dorps is a good estimate), and some almond milk. Use a food processor for best results and then just add the almond milk little by little. I think about 1/4c will be just about right and that will yield ~ 1.25c of soft serve "cake batter" ice cream with 205 cal / 31 carb / 4g fat / 14g protein. It's yummy. - 4/6/2012   12:46:34 PM

Fabulous! I grabbed some of the recipes right away. And I'm going to try the milkshake after my ride today. Can't wait! - 4/6/2012   10:24:51 AM

I had a major surgery, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, and that is when the hospital introduced me to whey protein powder. They were insistent that my body required high protein levels to heal. I have at least one smoothie daily with frozen berries, 1 cup skim milk and 1 scoop protein powder. One of the few foods I have an appetite for now. - 4/5/2012   6:31:15 PM

I make my powerhouse waffles with whole wheat flour and vanilla protein powder....yum
- 4/5/2012   5:30:36 PM

Wow, I didn't know you could use protein powder in so many ways! I'm a vegetarian and always try to make sure I get enough protein in my diet. I will totally use these ideas! - 4/5/2012   4:58:43 PM

I like getting extra protein in my day so I use pea protein in my smoothies. I love that it has ONE ingredient "non GMO pea protein" Good for me! - 4/5/2012   3:29:15 PM

My vegetarian daughter says she has trouble getting enough protein without too many carbs. So I will look into trying some of these things for her when she moves home. - 4/5/2012   2:21:17 PM

I use only whey protein from Walmart since I will no do soy. I mix it with my homemade kefir as one of my snacks. I prefer the chocolate since other flavours have an off taste to me. - 4/5/2012   12:20:52 PM

I disagree with comments that you don't need protein powder. Just about everyone should be doing resistance with weights to build muscle (unless your doctor says it's a no no). It doesn't have anything to do with heavy weight lifting or being a body builder. Building muscle is a necessary process for the body to burn fat. Protein powder helps boost muscle development. If you are not working your muscles through resistance, you are loosing muscle and stunting the process of burning fat.

Thanks to spark for these great ideas. Protein powder is a staple in our home and has given us the results and awesome bods! - 4/5/2012   11:56:06 AM