Cinnamon Protein Waffles – Gluten-Free, Low-carb

Save 15% at Nuzest with code FITFORK

Fuel up for your day with Cinnamon Protein Waffles, a quick and easy protein powder breakfast idea that tastes decadent enough to be dessert yet is packed with protein, lower in carbs, and boasts no added sugar. Plus, gluten-free, vegetarian and paleo-friendly.

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can be whipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless task of errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.

A protein waffle recipe for one, a single batch makes either four waffles in a mini waffle iron, or one large waffle in a traditional (4-square) waffle iron. And, let me mention from experience – eating all four waffles is VERY filling and the macros are amazing. The entire batch is only 222 calories, with 9g carb, 8g fat and 27g protein. Toppings are extra though, please note!

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can be whipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless task of errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.   For more protein powder recipes and easy breakfast ideas, visit thefitfork.com
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The featured ingredient in this cinnamon protein powder waffle is, you guessed it . . . protein powder! Use the protein powder product of your choice, but I am a fan of the plant-based Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest (I used the Smooth Vanilla flavor for this recipe). Here’s a Nuzest protein powder coupon (also good for their other nutrition products) – THEFITFORK15

Use discount code THEFITFORK15 to save 15% at Nuzest-USA.com
Smooth Vanilla and Rich Chocolate are my favorite Nuzest flavors!
FITFORK is a discount code for 15% off your order at Nuzest-USA.com

Other Ingredients in Simple Cinnamon Protein Waffles:

Green Banana Flour:  This alternative “flour” is packed with minerals, loaded with gut-helping prebiotics and can help reduce your glycemic load. It’s also naturally gluten-free. You may swap in an equal amount of another flour, if preferred.  Like a coconut flour, oat flour, a gluten-free blend, or traditional wheat flours.

Egg: The incredible, edible egg adds 6g of protein to this recipe and help keep the waffles ligher and fluffier – not like some sort of protein powder brick.

Almond Milk: or, another unsweetened milk alternative

Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is an amazing superfood spice! I like using Ceylon Cinnamon, referred to by many as the one “true cinnamon.” It offers a great source of cinnamaldehyde, the essential oil that provides the signature cinnamon flavor and smell – along with assisting in certain metabolic, infections, digestive and/or respiratory disorders.  The studies with cinnamon that have grabbed my attention is how the spice can help lower blood sugar, and thusly may have positive implications for those with/or avoiding diabetes and metabolic syndromes.

Making Cinnamon Protein Waffles:

Start by whisking egg in a small bowl and then stir in the remaining ingredients.

The batter should be a medium thickness, meaning “pourable” but not too runny. If your batter seems too gloppy, add more almond milk (a teaspoon at a time). If too thin, add more flour, a half-teaspoon at a time.

Make sure to pre-heat waffle iron. My protein waffles did not stick to the iron at all, but it was a new mini waffle iron, with non-stick coating. If needed, oil or spray the waffle iron plates as needed.

Meal Prepping and Freezing Waffles with Protein Powder:

To freeze cinnamon protein waffles, allow them to cool completely, in a single layer. If you used a large waffle iron, pull them apart along the perforation to make single pieces. Place waffles on pan in the freezer for about an hour to “pre freeze.” This will keep them from ultimately sticking together in the bag.

Transfer partially frozen cinnamon waffles into a zip-top bag or storage container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You can reheat frozen waffles in the toaster. Or, also in an oven preheated to 350F for 10 minutes, or air-fryer set at 390 F for 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed and crispy.

Although this vanilla protein powder waffle recipe is written for a individual portion, you can meal prep it my simply multiplying how many servings you’d like. For example, 1 1/3 cup of protein powder, 4 eggs, 1 cup almond milk, ¼ cup green banana flour and 1 tsp baking soda would allow you to meal prep protein waffles and stock your freezer for busy mornings.

Optional Apple Maple Topping for Cinnamon Protein Waffles :

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can be whipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless task of errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.

Need protein waffle topping ideas?! On of my favorites is the sugar-free maple apple topping you see in the photo below. Simply dice up 1/4 of an apple and microwave with a pat of butter until softened. Then, stir in 1/4 cup sugar-free maple flavored syrup before drizzling all over your cinnamon waffles with protein powder.

Double Chocolate Protein Waffles

AND, if you’re a chocolate fan, you’ll not want to miss my Double Chocolate Protein Waffles – another delicious way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your morning. A very similar recipe to the Cinnamon Protein Waffles – only with flavor changes!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for sales generated through links, however the price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to offset operating expenses at The Fit Fork.

Simple Cinnamon Protein Waffles – Low Carb and Gluten Free

A single-serving batch of Cinnamon Protein Waffles can bewhipped up in minutes to help fuel you’re the day’s adventures (or endless taskof errands, by default). Gluten-free, no added sugar, and low in carbs. Simple to scale up for meal prep and store in freezer.

Course: Breakfast, brunch, Snack
Keyword: cinnamon, low carb, protein powder, waffles
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 220 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk plus a little more if batter super thick
  • 2/3 cup plant-based protein powder I used Nuzest Smooth Vanilla
  • 1 tbsp green banana flour or another type flour
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Wisk egg, stir in almond milk. Mix in protein powder, flour and cinnamon until combined.

  2. Heat mini waffle iron (or large iron). Pour ¼ batter into mini iron (or all batter into large 4-section iron), close lid and cook until indicator light goes off.

Repeat with remaining batter.  Top as desired.
Recipe Notes

Macros (for 4 mini waffles or 1 large waffle with 4 squares. Toppings not included

220 calories, 8g fat, 9g carbs, 27g protein

Double Chocolate Protein Waffles | No-added-sugar, Gluten-free

Begin your day with Double Chocolate Protein Waffles, a breakfast that tastes decadent enough to be dessert yet is packed with protein, lower in carbs, and boasts no added sugar. Plus, gluten-free, vegetarian and paleo-friendly.

Power into the day fueled by chocolatey waffles made with protein powder. Only takes minutes to make, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and moderate in carbs. A single-serve recipe, but simple to scale up for meal prep. Enjoy 28 grams of protein per serving!

A single-serve protein waffle recipe, one batch makes either four waffles in a mini waffle iron, or one large waffle in a traditional (4-square) waffle iron.

Check out the video!

A serving (4 mini waffles) of these chocolate waffles with protein powder will fill you up with the nutrients you need to take on the day — and you likely won’t be hungry again until lunch, thanks to the 28g of protein! Leftover waffles also make a great post-workout snack!

This is the mini waffle iron I used!

The primary ingredient in this chocolate protein powder waffle is, drumroll . . . protein powder! Use the product of your choice, but I am a fan of the plant-based Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest (I used the Rich Chocolate flavor for this recipe). Here’s a Nuzest protein powder coupon (also good for their other nutrition products) – FITFORK

Power into the day fueled by chocolatey waffles made with protein powder. Only takes minutes to make, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and moderate in carbs. A single-serve recipe, but simple to scale up for meal prep. Enjoy 28 grams of protein per serving!

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Protein Waffles:

  • Green Banana Flour:  This alternative “flour” is packed with minerals, loaded with gut-helping prebiotics and can help reduce your glycemic load. It’s also naturally gluten-free. You may swap in an equal amount of another flour, if preferred.
  • Egg: The incredible, edible egg adds 6g of protein to this recipe and helps the waffles puff up
  • Almond Milk: Or, another unsweetened milk alternative
  • Sugar-free , Dairy-free Chocolate Chips: Mini-sized are preferred, they disperse better in the waffles – but you can chop down regular-sized chips or even a sugar-free bar, if needed.  

Making Double Chocolate Protein Waffles:

  • Simply whisk the egg in a small bowl and then stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • The batter should be a medium consistency, meaning “pourable” but not too runny. If your batter seems too thick, add more almond milk (a teaspoon at a time). If too thin, add a little more green banana flour, a half-teaspoon at a time.
  • Make sure to pre-heat waffle iron. My waffles did not stick to the iron at all, but it was a new mini waffle iron, with non-stick coating. If needed, oil or spray the waffle iron plates as needed.

Freezing and Meal Prepping Protein Waffles:

  • To freeze chocolate protein waffles, allow them to cool completely, in a single layer. If you used a large waffle iron, pull them apart along the perforation to make single pieces. Place waffles on pan in the freezer for about an hour to “pre freeze.” This will keep them from ultimately sticking together in the bag.
  • Transfer partially frozen chocolate waffles into a zip-top bag or storage container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • You can reheat frozen waffles in the toaster. Or, also in an oven preheated to 350F for 10 minutes, or air-fryer set at 390 F for 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed and crispy.
  • Although this chocolate protein powder waffle recipe is written for a individual portion, you can meal prep it my simply multiplying how many servings you’d like. For example, 1 1/3 cup of protein powder, 4 eggs, 1 cup almond milk, ¼ cup green banana flour and 1 tsp baking soda would allow you to meal prep protein waffles and stock your freezer for busy mornings.

Note: this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on sales generated through links, but price to you remains the same. Proceeds help offset operating costs at The Fit Fork – thank you for your support.

5 from 2 votes
Power into the day fueled by chocolatey waffles made with protein powder. Only takes minutes to make, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and moderate in carbs. A single-serve recipe, but simple to scale up for meal prep. Enjoy 28 grams of protein per serving!
Double Chocolate Protein Waffles
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 
Power into the day fueled by chocolatey waffles made with protein powder. Only takes minutes to make, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and moderate in carbs. A single-serve recipe, but simple to scale up for meal prep.
Course: Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: chocolate, protein powder, waffles
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 330 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk* *a splash more if batter seems TOO thick
  • 1/3 cup chocolate protein powder I used Nuzest plant-based Clean Lean Protein.
  • 1 tbsp banana flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar free chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Wisk egg, stir in almond milk. Mix in protein powder, flour and baking soda until combined. Batter will be a little thicker than traditional waffle mix. BUT, if it seems too thick, stir in more almond milk (a tablespoon) at a time, until spoonable consistency achieved.

  2. Stir in chocolate chips.

  3. Heat mini waffle iron (or large iron). If not using non stick, spray with a bit of cooking spray.

  4. Pour ¼ batter into mini iron (or all batter into large 4-section iron), close lid and cook until indicator light goes off. Repeat with remaining batter. Top as desired.

  5. Makes 4 mini waffles or 1 large waffle (4 section).
  6. May be frozen for up to 3 months.

Recipe Notes

Macros for entire recipe (without topping) 330 cal, 28g carb, 14g fat, 28g protein,

So Fast Creamy Tomato Soup

I’ve always had a thing for creamy tomato soup. It’s comforting and tastes like a hug – and my kids say it double as a dip for grilled cheese or breadsticks.

Need some comfort food fast? This quick and easy-option for creamy tomato soup will remind you of your favorite deli or casual dining spot. But, you can make it at home, in just about 5 minutes, thanks to healthier convenience items you can mostly store in the pantry.

Since I love ordering creamy tomato soup in a restaurant, I thought – why not try to make a copy-cat Panera tomato soup or copy-cat La Madeline tomato basil soup at home with convenience products?

ingredients for So Fast Creamy Tomato Soup - thefitfork.com
Easy ingredients, most you can keep in pantry!

The recipe tastes like it’s been simmering all day under the mindful watch of a grandmother but, in reality, it’s been thrown together in mere minutes with healthier convenience products.

Tomato-Based Pasta Sauce: The beauty here is a jarred sauce has an almost eternal pantry shelf life, saves hours of preparation time over homemade and thus adds an instant, rich, complex flavor to the soup. You can slightly switch up the flavor profiles of this tomato soup recipe depending on what variety (like garlic, spicy, etc.). I look for no-added-sugar options and am a fan of marinara and tomato pasta sauces from Primal Kitchens.

Prepared Broth: Use broth, chicken or vegetable (depending on your preferences) from a carton, jar, stock base or even reconstituted from a bouillon cube. For this semi-homemade recipe, I used the clean-label Chicken Bone Broth Culinary Concentrate from Zoup!! They also make the best-tasting vegan veggie broth I have ever tasted.

Petite-diced Tomatoes: Adding finely chopped tomatoes to give the semi-homemade tomato soup a little more texture is just a Jennifer thing. Traditional creamy tomato soups are . . .. well, smooth and creamy. So, if you don’t like chunks in your soup, then simple omit and add 6 ounces more pasta sauce.

Heavy Cream (or Coconut Cream): Cream makes everything better, right?! This recipe used “just enough” cream to tone down acid tomatoes and add a rich, full-bodied mouth feel while keeping the macros pretty balanced. If you are vegan or lactose-intolerant, the cream may be swapped out in an equal portion for full-fat coconut cream from a can – the unsweetened stuff. However, the soup flavor will change – but it’s still delicious!

Herbs and Spices: Ground black pepper please! Also, elevate your traditional or vegan creamy tomato soup with fresh herbs. Basil is oh-so-traditional, or go for parsley, thyme or sage. If you don’t have fresh, a freeze-dried herb from Litehouse is the next-best option.

Protein Boost:  Sometimes I want soup on the side, sometimes I want main-dish soup. I have an easy mix-in when making a meal out of a simple soup that includes no major source of protein other than from a smattering from veggies and broth – unflavored collagen. Yes, simply mix in a one to two servings of an unflavored collagen and the protein grams jump up significantly! I use a beef-sourced collagen from Great Lakes Wellness (discount code: THEFITFORK), but you can find other options including marine-based.

Throw all these things in a pot, stir over medium-heat until warmed (don’t boil), and BOOM you have just made three generous servings of an amazing tomato soup.

Need some comfort food fast? This quick and easy-option for creamy tomato soup will remind you of your favorite deli or casual dining spot. But, you can make it at home, in just about 5 minutes, thanks to healthier convenience items you can mostly store in the pantry.
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This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from your purchases, but the price to you remains the same. Thank you for supporting The Fit Fork and the companies I endorse.

5 from 3 votes
So Fast Creamy Tomato Soup
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
7 mins
 
Need some comfort food fast? This easy-option for creamy tomato soup will remind you of your favorite deli or casual dining spot. But, you can make it at home, in 5 minutes, thanks to healthier convenience items you can mostly store in the pantry.
Course: entree soup, Soup
Keyword: easy, quick, tomato
Calories: 205 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups tomato-based pasta sauce from jar or homemade
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ¾ cup petite-diced tomatoes from can
  • ½ cup heavy cream or substitute coconut cream if non-dairy
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped basil or parsley, thyme or another preferred herb
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to 2-quart pot. Heat over medium heat until warmed through. Do not bring to boil. Divide among three bowls and garnish with extra herbs or other toppings like cheese and/or croutons.
Recipe Notes

Makes approximately 36 ounces of soup.

Per 12-oz serving:

 

 

Cheddar Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer | Low Carb

Cheddar Zucchini Chips in the air fryer are a quick, easy and flavor-packed appetizer to serve with your favorite dip or side dish that pairs with most everything.

A low-carb, gluten-free and keto-friendly way to snack and get more vegetables in your day! These easy air fryer zucchini chips use just a few simple ingredients and are done in minutes – perfect for game day entertaining or a delicious side dish and alternative to fries.

This zucchini snack is is also low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly – plus, it only made with a few wholesome ingredients.

zucchini sliced think for air fryer

For the best, crispy zucchini chips, make sure that the vegetable is cut thiny in about ¼” inch crosswise slices. If you notice excess moisture on the cut zucchini, pat dry with a paper towel. This is how to keep zucchini chips from getting soggy.

The “breading” isn’t the traditional flour or panko – it’s crushed all-cheese snacks (popular brands are Moon Cheese Snack, Just the Cheese and Whisps Cheese Crisps) along with almond meal and dried herbs. These simple ingredients, held on with an egg wash, ensure these remain low carb zucchini chips – with a surprise bonus of more than 10 grams of protein per serving!

This keto cheddar zucchini chip recipe makes four servings – that’s about 10 “chips” give or take. It’s a satisfying way to use up zucchini and each portion comes in at 154 caloires, 3.9g net carb, 10.5g fat, 10.7g protein.

A low-carb, gluten-free and keto-friendly way to snack and get more vegetables in your day! These easy air fryer zucchini chips use just a few simple ingredients and are done in minutes – perfect for game day entertaining or a delicious side dish and alternative to fries. For more low carb recipes and heal inspo to fuel an active lifestyle visit thefitfork.com
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I used my Omni Pro Air Fryer from from Instant Pot to make my favorite zucchini recipe. In just about 6 to 8 minutes, an air fryer gets everything nice and crisp. You CAN use a traditional oven at 400F degrees for about 10 to 12 minutes, carefully flipping the chips halfway through.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commisison from purchase, however the price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to help operate The Fit Fork – thank you!

5 from 2 votes
A low-carb, gluten-free and keto-friendly way to snack and get more vegetables in your day! These easy air fryer zucchini chips use just a few simple ingredients and are done in minutes – perfect for game day entertaining or a delicious side dish and alternative to fries.
Cheddar Zucchini Chips in Air Fryer
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
18 mins
 
A low-carb, gluten-free and keto-friendly way to snack and get more vegetables in your day! These easy air fryer zucchini chips use just a few simple ingredients and are done in minutes – perfect for game day entertaining or a delicious side dish and alternative to fries.
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Keyword: cheddar, gluten free, keto, low carb, zucchini
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 154 kcal
Ingredients
  • ¾ lb. zucchini
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • 3 ounces all-cheese snack Moon Cheese, Whisps, etc.. Or, may substitute a very dry cheese like Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 2 eggs
  • Optional: dipping sauce
Instructions
  1. Cut zucchini into ¼” slices crosswise. Pat dry if excess moisture.
  2. In baggie, crush cheese snack into a coarse powder.
  3. In a bowl, mix “cheddar crumbs” with almond flour and dried parsley.
  4. Whisk eggs in shallow bowl. Dip each slice in egg and then dredge in cheese coating.
  5. Place crumb-coated zucchini slices on basket of air fryer and cook 390F degree air fryer (pre heated) for 6 to 8 minutes.
  6. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to make in two batches.
  7. Remove from air fryer and serve with dipping sauce of choice.
  8. Store covered leftovers in fridge. To reheat, place cold zucchini chips in the air fryer basket and reheat for a couple minutes – good as new!
Recipe Notes

Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola (Lower Carb + Protein Packed)

Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola is perfect for breakfast with milk or on yogurt — or for eating straight by the handful as a snack. I’ve used my kitchen hacks (like using alternative sweeteners and adding collagen powder) to moderate carbohydrates, boost protein and create a nutritious food to fuel my goals.

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

Preparing homemade granola is surprisingly easy . . . and super economical. Oats are inexpensive and can really stretch your food budget a long way — the biggest expense in homemade granola is the array of mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, seeds and such. But you still get more goodies in your batch than you’d find in a more expensive bag of packaged granola.

Check out this video tutorial on how to make Lemon Blueberry Almond Granola!

As hinted, this lower-carb, higher protein Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola uses a few favorite products — a honey alternative (or any zero-carb syrup will do) and unflavored collagen. And, so many wholesome, good-for-you ingredients in this low carb blueberry granola.

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

I’m a long-time user of collagen hydrolysate fromGreat Lakes Wellness. They have quite a few flavors, but the unflavored (green can) is very versatile for everything from mixing into coffee to using as a protein multiplier in recipes like this homemade granola with collagen.

Save 10% on anything at Great Lakes Wellness with my discount code: THEFITFORK

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!
Pin to make later!

5 from 1 vote
Lemon Blueberry and Almond Granola - Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!
LEMON BLUEBERRY & ALMOND GRANOLA – Lower Carb and Packed with Protein!

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds — and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

Course: Breakfast, Snack
Keyword: almond, blueberry, collagen, granola, lemon, lower carb
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 301 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup unflavored collagen powder
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free “honey” or can sub real honey but will increase carbs
  • 4 cups rolled oats gluten-free, if needed
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1-2 pinches salt
  • 1/3 cup dried blueberries no-sugar added
Instructions
  1. Juice and zest one lemon in large bowl.
  2. Mix in honey substitute, collagen, and coconut oil.
  3. Add oats, chia seeds, almonds, salt and blueberries.
  4. Mix until coated.
  5. Dump out on parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Lightly pat down.
  6. Bake at 300F for 35 to 40 minutes, using spatula to turn over clusters at halfway point.
  7. Let cool.
  8. Store in air-tight containers.
Recipe Notes

301 Calories

20g net carb

16g fat

11 g protein