So much more possibility when fueled up from the #ProteinPantry at VitaminShoppe.com

I love how the Protein Pantry at VitaminShoppe.com helps me put more “flex” into my fall baking and recipe making. I can turn a puny breakfast or snack into a pumped-up powerhouse of nutrition that makes achieving my goals possible. So, what is #ProteinPantry ? Online and in nearly 700 stores nationwide, the Protein Pantry is a specially curated, fitness-focused assortment of 40 protein-packed foods such as pancake mixes, nut butters, powdered peanut butter and more! Stocked in this cupboard of kick-butt awesome yumminess are some of my favorite brands like Buff Bake and About Time along with some new products to fall in love with like D’s Naturals, Mancakes, P28 Foods, FlapJacked and more. Look at some of the goodies that came my way:

Ya’ll know how I feel about getting enough protein and love to create and share protein recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Adequate protein intake helps to build and repair muscle, supports weight management by satisfying appetite and boosting metabolism, lessens cravings and mindless snacking, can lower cholesterol and support heart health, and offers a wide range of vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

I’ve been known to get a little excited about PROTEIN!

Research shows that it’s best to spread out protein consumption evenly throughout the day, aiming for about 25g to 30g per eating opportunity – including refueling with a protein-rich snack within 30 minutes of an intense workout or long run.

While most Americans get enough protein, they tend to overdo consumption at dinner and skimp on breakfast. But, breakfast is covered thanks to all of the convenient and easy-to-make products in Vitamin Shoppe’s Protein Pantry, like the FlapJacked Mighty Muffins that cook in 35 seconds in their own container. No excuses!

Since apples are everywhere this time of year (and also good for you), I’ve created an easy Apple Ring Cinnamon Protein Pancake recipe using a packet of Mancake Cinnamon Oat Protein Pancake Mix (feel free to swap for the protein pancake batter you prefer).

This easy breakfast recipe offers a full serving of both protein and fruit – the protein will keep you satisfied and skipping right over a mid-morning sugar crash while the apple offers lots of fiber and is a healthy source of complex carbs to fuel your body and brain.

You also might digging into the Tart Cherry Chocolate Protein Pancakes recipe I made a few months ago with the About Time Protein Pancake Mix. Time savings hint — make multiple batches and keep extra stored in single-serve portions in the freezer — on busy mornings, take out, reheat, enjoy!

What do you eat for protein in the morning? What is your favorite topping for pancakes? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Vitamin Shoppe. All opinions are mine.

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Cinnamon Apple Ring Protein Pancakes

Prep Time

3 mins

Cook Time

7 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

Pump up your morning with fruit and extra protein thanks to these Cinnamon Apple Ring Protein Pancakes - extra easy with mix from #ProteinPantry at the Vitamin Shoppe.

Course: Breakfast, Snack, Worout

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 serving (approx 6 rings)

Ingredients

• 1 packet ManCake Cinnamon Oat Protein Pancake Mix or preferred pancake mix
• 1/3 cup water divided
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 medium green apple, cored and sliced 1/4" thickness
• 1 packet stevia
• 1 dash cinnamon
• garnish Garnishes (optional): warmed nut butter, syrup, Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. In shallow bowl, mix together pancake mix and 1/4 cup water until combined.
2. Chop up top and bottom apple rings and aside to make topping later.
3. Heat skillet to med-high and heat coconut oil.
4. Dip apple slices in batter and add to skillet, cooking for a couple minutes on each side until golden brown and apple has softened.
5. Set apple ring pancakes aside on paper towel and add chopped reserved apple, remaining water, packet of stevia and dash of cinnamon to same skillet.
6. Quickly sauté apples for about 2 minutes, until lightly softened.
7. To serve pancakes, top with satued apples and optional warmed nut butter, syrup or Greek yogurt.