3 Quick & Easy Protein Packed Breakfast Recipes

Remember when you were a kid watching Disney channel and the main character would come downstairs to an elaborate buffet style breakfast, yet they’d leave the house with a banana. That tends to be a reality of mine. As someone who has difficulties with time management in the morning, I know how hard it is to get in breakfast. Sometimes I oversleep or I take too long in the shower and next thing I’m heading out the door with nothing in my hand or in my belly. Other times, it’s hard to decide what I want and food becomes an afterthought. It’s never intentional, but it’s easy to forget how essential starting your day with a nutritious breakfast is. Especially because it sets the tone for a productive day ahead. To remedy that, here are three of my favorite quick, easy, and creative breakfast ideas packed with nutrients that can help fuel the beginning of your day.

Mini Protein Pancakes:

• 1 cup oat flour (you can make this by blending rolled oats in a food processor until fine)
• 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works best)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for flavor)
• 1 large banana, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the mashed banana, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, which makes it easier to form pancakes.
• Preheat Your Pan: Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of butter/oil.
• Cook Pancakes: For mini pancakes, use about 1 tablespoon of batter for each pancake. Pour it onto the hot pan, forming small circles. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
• Serve Warm: Continue cooking the pancakes in batches until all the batter is used up. Serve your mini protein pancakes warm with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, yogurt, or nut butter.

Chocolate & Banana Protein Overnight Oats:

• In a jar or container, combine rolled oats, mashed ripe bananas, almond milk, and a scoop of Vital Proteins Chocolate Protein Collagen Powder.
• Stir until well combined, ensuring the protein powder is evenly distributed.
• Optional: Add a teaspoon of chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness, honey, strawberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the oats to soften.
• In the morning, give it a quick stir and top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of almond butter for a decadent and protein-packed breakfast treat.

Protein-Packed Mango Lassi Smoothie:

• Blend together ripe mango chunks, Greek yogurt, a splash of milk (or almond milk/milk alternative), and a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
• Add a handful of spinach for an extra nutrient boost without altering the flavor.
• Optional: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for a hint of warmth and spice.
• Pour into a glass and garnish with a slice of fresh mango and sip & savor this refreshing and protein-rich smoothie to kickstart your day with a burst of flavor.

Making time for breakfast should not feel inconvenient or hard. These recipes are great because they’re easy to prepare overnight or you can make them right before you go. Remember, breakfast is the answer to starting your day off on the right foot. With these creative and nutrient-packed breakfast ideas featuring sweet potatoes, bananas, and protein collagen powder, you can nourish your body and fuel your day with deliciousness and vitality.