Protein pancakes for the week

I feel like we ate a very grown-up little kid dinner last night:

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Maybe the ketchup is what takes it over the edge.

My new kale salad obsession (which is a post in itself- see the jalapeño?!), butternut squash with ketchup and chicken sausage. (+ wine while I watched Girls, which was just as quirky, awkward and wonderful as I’d been hoping.) We wanted something a little lighter for dinner since we were still full from the legendary Ventana Canyon brunch we enjoyed with some friends earlier in the day. Breakfast for miles and flourless chocolate cake is a filling and happy combo, indeed.

On the theme of little kid meals, Liv’s favorite pancakes inspired me to make some of my own this week.

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I’m always on the prowl for quick snack ideas that I can freeze and heat up quickly. Extra credit if I can prepare it with one hand. While I was brainstorming meal ideas for this week, I was thinking about the banana pancakes I’ll usually make for Liv. It’s easy to make a large batch, freeze and heat as needed; I figured pancakes would be a perfect snack or breakfast addition for me, too.

I played around with my beloved perfect protein pancake recipe to make an oat variety. (And to my surprise, it actually worked! Usually oat pancakes are a crumbly disaster for me.)

Protein pancakes  1 of 1

Even though I ended up dropping two (whoops…….), I have enough protein pancakes to last the week 🙂

Here’s what I did:

6 scoops of protein powder (I used Sun Warrior)

4 T oats (or flour of choice would work)

2 t baking powder

pinch of salt

mixed to combine:

Protein pancakes  1 of 1 2

(Lovely, isn’t it?)

Next, I heated a large pan on medium and added some butter to the pan,

and into the mixing bowl:

2 eggs

3/4 C almond milk

Stirred to combine, and used the melon ball scooper to scoop the batter into the pan.

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Now this is the fun part!

You can add any toppings you like to the pancakes before flipping: fresh or dried fruit, nuts, granola, coconut and chocolate chips are all great options.

I cooked them for about a minute on each side until golden and fully cooked, then set to dry on paper towels.

When they had cooled, I separated each ‘cake with a small piece of parchment paper and put into a large baggie in the freezer.

When I want a couple, I’ll pop them in the toaster and viola!  Perfect protein pancakes on the go.

Protein pancakes  1 of 1 6

If you try them, I hope you enjoy! <3

I’m off to take my beloved Pilot to get his wisdom teeth out. Thanks to your suggestions, we’re stocked up with smoothie supplies, soups and yogurts.

Have a happy Monday!
xoxo

Gina

Something to talk about: What’s your favorite make-ahead breakfast? Mine is definitely the breakfast cookie, and I also love these egg muffins.

Something to think: It’s #makeithappen Monday! Don’t forget to set your goals and intentions for the week. Write them down and take the steps to go after them <3

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67 Comments

  1. J on January 14, 2013 at 9:22 am

    These look very yummy!

    When I got all four of my wisdom teeth taken out at one time, the only thing that saved me was wet, black, tea bags. It sounds strange but the tea is a natural disinfectant so they won’t become infected, and the tannic acid in the tea helps the mouth heal faster. All you have to do is soak them in warm water until saturated with water, then put a tea bag on each side and bite down (not too hard to rip the bag). It made my mouth hurt less too.

    Hope you guys try it out!

    J

  2. Kerry @ Totes My Oats on January 14, 2013 at 9:33 am

    These pancakes look so good! Best of luck to the Pilot with his recovery!

  3. Heather on January 14, 2013 at 10:02 am

    Best of luck to the pilot! Just make sure he eats (no matter how painful) before taking his pain meds- I made that mistake when I had mine out years ago…you don’t want to be sick with swollen gums!

    My favorite make-ahead breakfast is just a big pot of steel-cut oats. I pack it in individual serving containers and dress it up with whatever toppings I feel like each morning 🙂

  4. Janice on January 14, 2013 at 10:04 am

    I am so making these pancakes! Yum! Good luck to the Pilot and to Olivia with her shots!

  5. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries on January 14, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Yum! These sound delicious. I also love the idea of making a huge batch for the week. I bet cooking them in coconut oil would be super tasty too!

    • Kelly @ Femme Fitale on January 15, 2013 at 3:20 am

      I know! Genius. I never think to make a giant batch… note to self 🙂

  6. Brittany on January 14, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I’m glad you enjoyed Girls. It’s totally awkward but I still like it. And I loved Vampire Weekend’s cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m going Down” at the end of the show. I’ve already listened to it twice this morning!

    I’m on a protein pancake bender right now. I can’t get enough of them. 🙂 I used to eats oatmeal almost every morning but since I’ve started making protein pancakes, that’s certainly changed. Overnight oats are also one of my favorite make ahead breakfasts.

  7. Morgan on January 14, 2013 at 10:19 am

    Wow, those look so easy and delicious!! My favorite make-ahead breakfast foods are overnight oats, easy to put together and there are so many combinations.

    My second favorite is Whole Wheat Banana Bread. It has a good amount of protein and easy to grab and go.
    http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2012/11/whole-wheat-chocolate-banana-bread.html

  8. Lucie on January 14, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I was waiting for these!! Need to try them, they look so good! My fave pre-prepared breakfast are overnight oats and pancakes 🙂 good luck for the pilot!!

  9. Danielle on January 14, 2013 at 10:47 am

    Love this recipe! I hate cooking breakfast in the morning so these are perfect for me! I might have to make a batch for the week.

  10. Kristen on January 14, 2013 at 10:51 am

    If Pilot looks like a chipmunk from his swollen cheeks afterward, can you please take a pic and post it?! That would be hilarious.
    Hope everything goes good and he heals quickly.

    I love meals that make me sort of feel like a kid again. I always get that feeling when I eat chicken fingers and fries….also Little Ceasars pizza, but I won’t even go there! 🙂

  11. tiffany @dynamics of happy on January 14, 2013 at 11:07 am

    did you know that kanye and kim kardashian are planning on naming their kid Liv (even though she doesn’t even know the sex of the baby yet?)

  12. Carley on January 14, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Welp that does it, tomorrow’s breakfast is solved! Oats are my go to add-in for breakfast for that long lasting fullness factor!

  13. Paige @ Your Trainer Paige on January 14, 2013 at 11:25 am

    I love this! They’re like little pancake cookies 🙂 Looks delicious.

  14. Katie on January 14, 2013 at 11:43 am

    I love pancakes 🙂

    I never make ahead and freeze though, I love them hot and fresh! I do freeze waffles 😉

    Happy week beautiful friend!

  15. Sierra on January 14, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Girls has some amazing one liners! Protein pancakes are one of those miracle foods where the “healthy” version really tastes as good as the real thing. I freeze cookies and baked goods that I don’t want to demolish all at once.

  16. Meghan @ After the Ivy League on January 14, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Those protein oatcakes look delicious! I love the simple list of ingredients too. I’ve tried protein pancakes in the past and they’ve always come out super thin and dense, these look fluffier and more like real pancakes. I’ll have to give them a try!

  17. Gianna on January 14, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    Thanks for the new recipe. I can’t get enough of protein pancakes and never think to make ahead of time and freeze! I know what is on the agenda after work tonight.

    Good luck to the pilot for a speedy recovery!

  18. Rachel B @ Busy Mama Fitness on January 14, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    Yummy looking pancakes! Things I make ahead are protein pancakes, egg cups (baked eggs in muffin pans with spinach, green onion and some feta) and baked oatmeal -which is my all time fav because you can do so many things with it!!!

  19. Cassidy @ wine and ice cream on January 14, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    My favorite make ahead breakfast is cinnamon rolls. I rarely make them, but I do love waking up and knowing that I can stick one in the microwave. I should probably try making breakfasts in advance, since it is becoming harder and harder as my little one’s needs are greater in the morning now…

  20. Allison W. on January 14, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    I need to try these! I have that huge bag of Sun Warrior protein powder, and I think its disgusting. I always avoid using it, but I’d like to use it rather than throw it out. These might be worth a try!

  21. Hayley @ Running on Pumpkin on January 14, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    Whenever I have ketchup on my plate (which is a LOT) and a cut up piece of fruit, I feel like I am eating a child’s meal. As long as it’s tasty, who cares right? Those pancakes look so good, especially with that chocolate spread on them.

  22. Cait @ Chicago Girl Fitness on January 14, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Oh yum! I’m getting sick of the my scrambled eggs in a mug routine for breakfast at work. These (and egg muffins!) would be great to make on Sundays for quick grab and go breakfasts all week.

  23. Emily on January 14, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    I love the quote! So 100% true.

    I’ve been taking to steaming a dozen or so eggs at the beginning of the week for quickie breakfasts and snacks. Not an earth-shattering recipe, but it’s pretty darn convenient.

  24. Amanda on January 14, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    I’m not sure what I think of Girls so far. It’s not what I expected, but I’m only two episodes in. It’s getting such rave reviews, I feel I have to watch a few more episodes.

    • Fitnessista on January 14, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      you haven’t watched any of the other seasons? i’d start at the beginning

  25. purelymichelle on January 14, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    pancakes look perfect!!

  26. joelle (on a pink typewriter) on January 14, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    I discovered a Paleo pancakes recipe last week and now I’m OBSESSED. Here’s the link if you’re interested: http://onapinktypewriter.com/2013/01/05/paleo-pancakes/. They’re soooooooooooooo stinkin; good and easy to make.

    LOVE that quote you shared at the end of your post.. I may share it on my own blog as well. It’s so true.

  27. Debbie on January 14, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    Don’t let the Pilot use a straw…they can dislodge the clot that forms and cause dry sockets!

    • Fitnessista on January 14, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      good to know! he’s been using a spoon for his smoothies today

  28. Herbivore Triathlete on January 14, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    I love the idea of making a batch of pancakes and then freezing them for the rest of the week. My kids are pancake hounds so this would be perfect in my house!

  29. Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian on January 14, 2013 at 5:47 pm

    I really need to give these protein pancakes a try – they look delicious! And I always love a protein boost first thing in the morning.

  30. Tamara on January 14, 2013 at 5:53 pm

    Not supposed to drink out of a straw after having your wisdom teeth out! You can end up with dry socket (ouch).

    • Fitnessista on January 14, 2013 at 5:58 pm

      yeah, he’s been using a spoon for smoothies

  31. Rebecca on January 14, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    I’d like to see a post about kale! So far it’s come out tough and bitter when I’ve cooked it. I need some better ideas!

  32. Christy L. on January 14, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I made egg muffins this week with sauteed spinach, mushrooms, and shallots, and added TJ’s smoked salmon. Yum!

  33. Lindsay @ The Life Muse on January 14, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    Hope the Pilot’s wisdom teeth surgery went well! My dad’s a maxel facial surgeon and if there’s one suggestion I can give you for post-surgery sanity (on the Pilot’s part that is), it’s that you should go to the healthfood store and get him arnica pills. Arnica is a natural plant that has anti-inflamitory properties and helps with the swelling. I took the arnica pills before and after having my wisdom teeth out way back when and I barely had any swelling! I did the same thing last time I had to have surgery and again, no swelling. Obviously ask your doctor first, but hopefully that helps! Xx

  34. Kayla on January 14, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    WOw those pancakes look amazing. Especially with that nutella on top!!

  35. Pam on January 14, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    Great dinner combo of kale, chicken sausage and butternut squash – I’ve eaten that dish several times and it always satisfies!
    Yeah for pancakes, love the recipe for Livi, the one with Sun Warrior looks great too! Enjoy Life are my go-to chocolate chips since they are dairy free.
    Good Luck to your pilot with his wisdom tooth extraction. I had mine done about 5 years ago and was swollen like a chipmunk for at least a week. I missed a week of work as well, but I am very sensitive to pain. A co-worker of mine got his wisdom tooth taken out shortly after I did and had a much shorter recovery, everyone is different. The pilot is in good hands, he will be feeling great soon!

  36. Ellie@Fit for the Soul on January 15, 2013 at 12:58 am

    I usually love anything like a muffin or overnight oats if I’m making ’em ahead of time. 🙂

  37. Shaina Anderson on January 15, 2013 at 1:20 am

    I’ve been on an oatmeal kick lately. I make a big batch in the rice cooker Sunday night while I’m making dinner and breakfast is done for the week!

  38. Julie on January 15, 2013 at 2:39 am

    Those pancakes look amazing. I’ll have to make them!

  39. Emma S. on January 15, 2013 at 3:39 am

    Ketchup doesn’t take it over the edge – Ketchup For The Win! (as sauces go :])
    Protein pancakes are a staple in my breakfast inventory. Even managed to sway my housemates who were skeptical at first.

    Cheeky question but when does the Winter Shape Up start?? Bit excited if I’m honest, been getting friends to look at your blog who I’m trying to convince to do it with me! x

  40. Madison on January 15, 2013 at 7:49 am

    Those look so delicious!!!! Especially with the chocolate chips–those stole my heart. 🙂

  41. Tina on January 15, 2013 at 7:58 am

    Hi Gina, I’ve always been told that heating/cooking protein powder essentially destroys the protein and makes the powder pointless if you are adding it for increased protein – is sun warrior better in this regard?

  42. Vesna Fit Missy on January 15, 2013 at 8:48 am

    Thanks for sharing the pancake recipe!! I love pancakes.

  43. Sonia the Mexigarian on January 15, 2013 at 11:53 am

    haha. awesome. i was just thinking i needed to make protein pancakes to last me the week. thanks for the post! 🙂

  44. charli on January 15, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    I used a waffle maker and they turned out delicious!
    Thanks!

    • Fitnessista on January 15, 2013 at 12:58 pm

      awesome, i’ll have to try that next week!

  45. Tonya @ Will Run For Yoga on January 15, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    My new favorite breakfast is oat groats. I make a big batch in the crock pot and microwave a serving each day. ( I actually like them better on day two) I make the batch “plain” so I can mix it up with toppings. A few favorites are pumpkin and pecan, banana and walnut, and my guilty pleasure…cookie butter and chocolate chips!

  46. Toya on January 15, 2013 at 7:53 pm

    Looks amazing…what is that delicious looking spread on top?

    • Fitnessista on January 15, 2013 at 9:56 pm

      nutella 🙂

  47. Bek @ Crave on January 16, 2013 at 2:59 am

    Great idea! You toast them?! I’d microwave them. I didn’t even think a toaster would work. I’m stunned. Hmm, I might have to try this 🙂

  48. mari on January 16, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    making these tonight!

  49. Brittany @ Brittany the Busy on January 18, 2013 at 7:24 pm

    I always end up doing this with toaster waffles, but they don’t keep me full for that long after breakfast. I’ll have to make these instead, since it sounds like the extra protein will be a huge help in keeping me full for more than a couple hours. 🙂

  50. Kimberly on January 28, 2013 at 1:37 am

    The pancakes are surprisingly tasty. I didn’t have high hopes because my protein powder doesn’t taste good. It didn’t come with a scoop so I used 6 tablespoons. The batter seemed runny so I added 1/4 white whole wheat flour. Perfect! Nice start to the Winter Shape Up.

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