The Best Protein Pancakes
Pancake Day (AKA Shrove Tuesday) might usually scream indulgence, and we’re almost always on board. But if eating a few too many maple-syrup-drenched pancakes has left you looking for a ‘healthier’, less sickly alternative, we’ve got you covered.
Protein pancakes are a breakfast - or, let’s face it, anytime staple well worth perfecting. They’re healthy, hearty and flippin’ delicious. And, even if you don’t quite consider yourself a pancake-connoisseur, these recipes are super easy to try.
Even better, these protein pancakes recipes will leave you feeling full until lunchtime and are the perfect post-workout dish.
WHEN IS PANCAKE DAY?
Just before we get to cooking, you might be wondering exactly when pancake day is?
This year, Shrove Tuesday takes place on 21st March - that’s tomorrow FYI - so you still have a bit of time to get your ingredients together.
Now for the fun part….
1. SIMPLE BANANA
INGREDIENTS - SERVES TWO:
- 1 banana
- 75g oats
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk (dairy, soya, oat or nut milks all work)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 2 tbsp protein powder
- Coconut oil, or a flavourless oil, for frying
- Nut butter, maple syrup and berries or sliced banana to serve
METHOD:
- Mix the banana, oats, eggs, milk, baking powder, cinnamon and protein powder in a blender for one to two minutes until smooth. Check the oats have broken down, if not, blend for another minute.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan. Pour or ladle in two servings of the batter mix, leaving a little space between each to spread. Cook for one to two minutes, until bubbles start to appear on the surface and the underside is golden. Flip over and cook for another minute until cooked through. Transfer to a warmed oven and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve in stacks with nut butter, maple syrup and fruit.
2. VANILLA BLUEBERRY CAKE
INGREDIENTS - SERVES ONE:
For the pancakes:
- ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
- 45g oat flour
- 2 egg whites
- 60 ml almond milk
- 40g blueberries
- 1 tbsp cashew butter
For the blueberry jam:
- 180g blueberries
- 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
For the vanilla glaze:
- ¼ scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp almond milk
METHOD:
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
- In a food processor, blend together the egg whites, almond milk, blueberries and cashew butter until smooth and pour into a mixing bowl.
- Add ½ scoop of protein powder and oat flour to the mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Spoon approximately one fifth of the pancake mix onto the frying pan and cook on each side for about two to three minutes or until golden brown. Repeat this step five times to make five pancakes in total.
- For the jam, heat the blueberries and maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about eight minutes.
- For the glaze, combine the protein powder and almond milk until smooth.
- Spoon the jam and glaze on top of the pancakes, and enjoy!
3. CINNAMON BUN SENSATION
INGREDIENTS - SERVES TWO:
- 120g self-raising flour
- 40g protein powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sweetener
- 240 ml milk of choice
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Oil for frying
METHOD:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, cinnamon and granulated sweetener. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and apple cider vinegar and let it sit for five minutes to curdle.
- Combine the ingredients from both bowls and mix until smooth.
- Add oil to a non-stick frying pan and place it over medium heat. Once hot, pour approximately 60 ml servings of the batter and then cover the pan. Once bubbles start to appear and the edges brown, remove the cover, flip the pancakes and cover again for a minute. Repeat until all the batter is used up.
4. CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY
INGREDIENTS - SERVES TWO:
- 4 eggs
- 2 ripe bananas
- 70g oats, uncooked
- 30g chocolate protein powder
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, for frying
- Raspberries, for garnish
- Pure maple syrup, for serving
METHOD:
- In a blender or food processor, add all the ingredients except for the coconut oil and toppings and blend until smooth.
- Heat a frying pan over medium to medium-high heat and melt a little coconut oil. Once melted, pour one third of the batter onto the hot pan. This should make approximately four pancakes.
- Cook for two to four minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and bubbles appear in the centre of the pancake. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional two to three minutes, or until golden-brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- To serve, top with some fresh raspberries and drizzle with maple syrup.
5. SWEET POTATO & PECAN
INGREDIENTS - SERVES TWO:
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked
- 8 egg whites
- 30g vanilla protein powder
- 35g flaxseeds
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, for frying
- Chopped raw pecans, for garnish
- Pure maple syrup, for serving
METHOD:
- In a blender, add all the ingredients except for the coconut oil and garnish, and blend until smooth.
- Heat a frying pan over a medium to medium-high heat and melt a little coconut oil. Once the oil is melted, pour approximately one third of the batter onto the hot pan. This should make about four pancakes.
- Cook the pancake for two to four minutes, or until the edges brown and bubbles appear in the centre of the pancake. Flip and cook for an additional two to three minutes, or until golden-brown. Repeat this until you’ve used the remainder of the batter.
- To serve, top with chopped raw pecans and drizzle with pure maple syrup.
6. VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE CHICKPEA & COCOA
INGREDIENTS - SERVES ONE:
- 65g chickpea flour
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder, chocolate or vanilla
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 180 ml water
METHOD:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Add all of the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Then, add the water and gently fold together until all the dry ingredients are wetted. The batter will be very thick, which is perfect. Let the batter rest for five minutes.
- Spray the pan with a little non-stick cooking spray, then use a spoon or a ladle to scoop the batter into the pan to form five to six small pancakes or three to four large ones. You’ll need to use the spoon to spread it out, as the batter is so thick.
- Cook until the edges of the pancakes look dry and firm, this should only take a few minutes. Flip and cook for a further minute, and enjoy!
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps our bodies build and repair muscle tissue following a workout - which is why it’s well worth giving these protein pancake recipes a try!
It’s also worth remembering that making your protein pancakes from scratch will help you avoid the store-bought ones rammed full of sugar and added undesirables. Plus, they’re not exactly tricky to make. Flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, milk, eggs and protein powder are usually the core ingredients. It really could not be more simple!
Bon appetit!
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Your 5-Minute Mental Health Check Up
Hey there! How are you feeling?
That’s a question we don’t ask ourselves enough.
It’s quite normal for us to schedule an appointment with the dentist or doctor to check our oral and physical health, so why is it less common to check on our mental health?
So many factors are closely related to our mental health, which is why it’s important to address the small changes and approaches we can take to prioritise and care for our mental wellbeing.
According to research, one in five US adults experience a mental health problem of some kind each year, while in England, as many as one in four people experience the same issue.
That’s why, for Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ve created a quick and easy five-minute mental health check you can do every day, anywhere.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health is how you feel in your mind and your mood. Just like your physical health, it depends on many factors, including your genetics, your environment, your circumstances, what you do to maintain it, and underlying physical or mental health conditions you may suffer from, and how they are treated.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 15th May to Sunday 21st May, addresses anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion we all experience, but sometimes it can get out of control and cause issues for our mental health.
In a survey of 3,000 adults, 34% said they experienced anxiety.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Here are just a few things you can ask yourself or do to ensure you’re doing what you can to protect your emotional wellness.
HAVE I DRANK ENOUGH WATER?
Keeping hydrated is key for both your physical and mental health. When you don’t drink enough water and start to become dehydrated, your body triggers warning signals that you’re in a ‘life-threatening’ situation and starts kicking up stress hormones, particularly cortisol. An increase in cortisol is connected to anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Carry a bottle of water with you to keep your hydration levels topped up. If you’re someone who likes more structure, you can use alarms or trackers to remind you that drinking water is part of your self-care.
HAVE I EATEN THE RIGHT FOODS TO FUEL MY BODY?
Diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood and research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel.
There are plenty of foods and nutrients that can put a smile on your face and make you feel awesome. When we’re stressed, it’s tempting to reach for comfort foods like pizza and sugary snacks that give us a temporary ‘high’. However, these foods can soon leave you feeling exhausted, jittery or sluggish.
Food high in fibre, as well as fruit, veg, nuts and seeds are more beneficial to your mental health. Discover our very own nutritious mood-boosting recipes here.
DID I GET ENOUGH SLEEP?
Anyone who has struggled with sleep will know what a difference it makes to our bodies, minds and ability to function.
For many people, sleep is often the first thing that suffers when they’re struggling with their mental health. The CDC recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a day.
If you’re struggling with your sleep, there are a few simple changes you can make, including:
- Establish a bedtime routine;
- Avoid tech and caffeine before you go to sleep;
- Practice meditation/relaxation.
READ MORE: How To Fix Your Sleep Schedule
GET OUTSIDE
Humans are hardwired to need time in nature, as we evolved to prefer environments where we had fresh water, sunlight, and nature because those provided us with the resources we needed to survive. But, nowadays, nature doesn’t just allow us to survive, it helps us to thrive.
Spending even small bursts of time outdoors can greatly benefit your mental wellbeing. A 2019 study found that spending just 20 minutes outside significantly lowered stress hormone levels.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Okay, so this one is our thing for sure. Keeping active has so many benefits, mentally and physically - from lifting weights to flowing yoga.
Regular movement throughout the day can boost your mood, reduce stress and refocus your mind.
Partner some fresh air with your movement to elevate the benefits - and kill two birds with one stone.
Explore our guided workouts and fitness tips here.
REACH OUT TO FRIENDS
Human connections actually boost feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain. The key is not how many friends you have, but to surround yourself with those whom you can be your most authentic self.
Be honest with yourself about how much time you need to spend with your friends to feel fulfilled, refreshed and empowered, and then make it happen - even if it’s just a catch-up dinner once a month, it makes a difference.
Meeting new people can be equally beneficial to your mental wellbeing, as studies have shown that connecting with strangers can help us feel happier and more connected with our communities.
WHAT AM I DOING TODAY THAT I CAN LOOK FORWARD TO?
Planning things to look forward to or that you enjoy doing can help us cope with difficult situations by increasing our sense of hope.
Whether it’s something as small as binge-watching your favourite TV series or something more extravagant like a weekend away with friends, factoring in time to do what you love will help you adopt a more positive outlook each day.
A huge part of prioritising your mental wellbeing is learning to understand and manage your feelings.
When we’re upset, we don’t always know why we’re feeling that way. It often helps to acknowledge our feelings without any judgement or telling ourselves we’re ‘weak’ for feeling the way we do.
We all have good days and bad days, and that’s okay. However, by asking ourselves the questions in this article and adopting these simple habits, we can work toward feeling like our best selves once again. Remember, rest is a basic human need.
How To Start Running
The hardest part of running? Getting out the door.
Running is a great way to get fit and feel better, but sometimes, a lack of motivation - or even know-how - can catch you short.
Starting a new running habit needn’t be difficult - all you need is a good pair of running shoes and the willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace.
To help put you one stride ahead, we’ve pulled together the very best running tips for beginners, so you can get off to a safe start and enjoy hitting the tarmac (or treadmill).
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RUNNING
THE BENEFITS OF RUNNING
If enjoyment alone isn’t enough to get you increasing your stride, perhaps the proven health benefits of running will?
Running is one of the most effective ways to increase daily activity, cardiovascular fitness and mental health. It also is widely accessible, as you don’t need any fancy equipment, it’s relatively inexpensive and you can do it just about anywhere.
Here are some of the other key health benefits of running:
- Promotes muscle development;
- Can help aid weight loss;
- Helps to relieve stress levels;
- Boosts the release of endorphins, sometimes called a ‘runner’s high’;
- Increases bone strength and joint health;
- Promotes better sleep;
- Increases lung capacity, metabolism and energy levels;
- Reduces cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease.
GETTING STARTED
Whether you’re new to running or getting back to it after a long break, it’s really important to ease yourself in and gradually build up to avoid injury. Here are some top tips to get your started on the right foot.
Now, we’re not saying you need to go out and buy a wardrobe full of expensive new running kit, but what we are saying is that staying equipped for the environment and surface you’ll be running on is non-negotiable.
Start by investing in a suitable pair of running shoes that fit comfortably and offer extra support, cushioning and grip for your runs.
When it comes to the clothing, well, that’s where we step in. Fusing form and functionality, our Pace Collection is designed for practicality - with soft, lightweight and breathable details - so you can run with ease and without distraction.
Take measured steps to keep your body safe and free from injury. Warming-up is an essential part of any workout, especially running. We recommend walking or doing an easy jog for five to 10 minutes before increasing your intensity. You may also benefit from warm-up exercises, such as dynamic stretches.
Be mindful of other safety advice, such as running against the flow of traffic and carrying your mobile with you at all times.
READ MORE: Top Tips For Staying Safe When Running In The Dark
Nothing can get you lost in the moment quite like blasting your beats as you pound the pavement.
We all have our own taste in music, which makes it all the more important to pick a playlist that’ll motivate you to power through, even when times get tough, with the wind against you and the heavens pouring.
If you need a little inspo, we’ve got plenty of tracks to keep you moving. Check out our Spotify here.
OUR TOP SIX RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Now that we’ve established the basics, you’re probably wondering exactly how to start running?
Here’s how…
If you’re totally new to running, chances are your motivation levels are pretty high. That being said, it’s as important as ever to pace yourself. This includes your running speed, intensity and training frequency.
Don’t be afraid to start off with a few fast paced walks each week to build up confidence, condition your muscles and create a positive habit you can stick to. Pacing yourself will allow you to continue progressing and reduce your risk of injury.
The likelihood of strains, repetitive stress and foot pain tends to be greater during your first few weeks of running as a beginner, or if you’re returning to running after a long break.
The Run-Walk Method is a great way for new runners to get started, helping to build endurance with less joint stress and is a manageable intensity level.
The method combines running with intervals of walking. Start by alternating one minute intervals of running with one minute of walking, and then gradually try to increase the time spent running. As you become more comfortable, reduce the time spent walking.
Check out our beginner’s running plan further down this page.
Never underestimate the power of rest.
It’s completely natural for your muscles to feel a little sorer than usual, but if you’re experiencing genuine pain or discomfort, it’s crucial you allow it time to rest and recover.
If you’re suffering from sore muscles, more likely than not, it’s DOMS - AKA delayed onset muscle soreness. This is the aching or stiffness you experience as a result of intense training, however, this should subside within 48 hours.
Avoiding exercise altogether can actually prolong DOMS, so consider lower intensity exercise, such as walking, mobility and slow jogging to increase blood flow and relieve your muscle fatigue.
Chances are, you already knew this, but if not, you’ll soon learn that eating well and staying hydrated can significantly influence your runs.
You lose water through sweat, whether cold or hot, so you need to drink before, during, and after your runs. You ideally want to drink 120 ml to 180 ml of water every 20 minutes, but pay attention to your thirst level and drink when you feel thirsty. During longer workouts (90 minutes or more), some of your fluid intake should include a sports drink to replace sodium and other minerals (electrolytes).
In terms of nutrition, it’s best to eat something light and high in carbohydrates but low in fat, protein and fibre. Aim to finish eating 90 to 120 minutes before you start running.
If you’re running for longer than 90 minutes, you’ll need to replace some of the energy you’re burning. A general rule of thumb is to consume 100 calories after an hour and another 100 calories every 45 minutes.
It’s easy to neglect other aspects of your fitness and strength when starting your running journey. Balancing your running sessions with other forms of resistance training and exercise will help to build muscular resilience, reducing your risk of injury and boosting performance.
Repeatedly hitting the road without building strength in the gym can not only lead to injury, but a performance plateau too. Be sure to balance out your training with strength-based exercises to work on muscular endurance, speed, power and potential imbalances - all of which will help with your running in the long run.
You can find plenty of guided workout routines and strength-building exercises, like our Back & Shoulder Workout, on our Fitness page.
Running is a natural movement, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve aspects of your running form to improve your experience and efficiency.
First things first, keep your posture upright. Keep your head lifted, your back long and tall and shoulders level but relaxed. Maintain a neutral pelvis and ensure you’re not leaning forward or back at your waist.
Likewise, it’s important to monitor your footstrike - this is the way your foot hits the pavement. You might land on your heel, in the middle of your foot, or on your toes or forefoot. It’s recommended that you should try to land in the middle of your foot, and then roll through to the front of your toes. However, if you’re naturally a toe runner (land on your toes) or heel striker, it may be best not to change your stride.
READ MORE: The Principles Of Good Form With Caroline Gravity
RUNNING PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
Without a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve, and the steps you need to take to get there, you’re making the challenge much tougher than it needs to be.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate running plan for beginners.