Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting

Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting are a great choice for breakfast, post-workout or a bedtime snack!I’m a big fan of protein, if you haven’t noticed.  Eating enough protein is how I stay lean and support my active lifestyle. But, it doesn’t do your body any good to skimp on protein in the morning and through lunch and the afternoon. It’s so important to eat protein for breakfast, from the time you go to bed through morning is the longest time your body goes without fuel – you need to but quality gas back in the tank so you don’t crash and burn. But, most Americans consume 2/3s of their daily protein at dinner – that’s whacked out!

About Time Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake Mix - make donuts with it

Last year I discovered About Time Protein Pancake Mix – it’s a hearty, healthy breakfast solution that offers 21 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber for about 290 calories. And, it still has that sweet, indulgent taste that so many of us crave! For me, this pancake mix offers an optimal serving size of protein – I strive to consume 20 – 30 grams during each meal (and snacks). Actually, I learned firsthand from nutrition researcher, Dr. Heather Leidy, that eating adequate protein in the morning can help curb unhealthy snacking later, even much later, in the day.

Banana Chocolate Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting

Thinking outside the box, I decided to use my Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake Mix (Cinnamon Spice also available) to make delicious baked donuts – Banana Chocolate Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting, to be exact!  Super simple to make, the easy recipe is basically just mix, an egg, a mashed banana and splash of milk. I’ve also done a healthy peanut butter frosting that is optional. Make a batch of these donuts ahead of time and ration out through the week – I think they are also the perfect choice for a post-workout or bedtime snack.

Tart Cherry & Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes - TheFitFork.comAlso, don’t miss the recipe for Tart Cherry & Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes I’ve featured in a past post.

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Fisher xgames handstand

Keeping fueled up with About Time at the X Games 2015.

About Time Whey Protein Single ServeAbout Time also offers a wide range of additional products to support optimal nutrition. I enjoy their protein powders and always keep a stash of About Time Whey Protein single serves  in my gym bag and/or purse (along with a shaker) so that I can whip up something nourishing on the spot.

 

About Time at the X GamesRecently, at the XGames in Austin, I was so happy to have a packet of Birthday Cake flavor secretly hidden in my backpack so that I could avoid the not-so-healthy look food truck food fare that was being offered. Things to know about this protein powder à  For 100 calories you get 25 grams of cold-processed, micro-filtered 100% whey protein isolate available in seven flavors. Also, there are no artificial sweeteners, no growth hormones and the protein powder is lactose and gluten free and non-GMO.

TWITTER PARTY: #TryAboutTime Twitter Party on Tuesday, June: 16 at 9pm EST! Hope to chat with you there!

What is your go-to protein food for breakfast? Please share in the comments below! XOXO — Jennifer

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of About Time.

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Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
18 mins
 
Start your morning or finish your workout with Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Donuts with Peanut Butter Frosting -- an easy breakfast recipe to make muscles!
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Worout
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 mini donuts
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups About Time Protein Pancake Mix Chocolate Chip Flavor
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 medium ripe banana mashed
  • 1/4 cup milk of choice or water
  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter may substitute another nut butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk of choice more if needed to achieve desired consitstency
  • 1/4 teaspoon powdered stevia more or less to taste
  • 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. In large bowl, mix together pancake mix, egg, mashed banana and 1/4 cup milk. Spoon into mini donut baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray or oiled. Bake for 8 minutes or until set and turning lightly golden brown. Remove donuts from pan and let cool on wire rack.
  2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir together peanut butter, milk and stevia until a frosting consistency has been achieved. Frost tops of donuts with mixture and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

Kickstart Morning with Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl

This post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk.

Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl makes a healthy breakfast or dessert  dressed up with cacao nibs, hemp seeds and strawberries.

Slurping your smoothie from a straw is so last year. The tastiest trend in town is to “eat” your smoothie in a bowl with a spoon! Not only do chains like Jamba Juice offer these frozen, fruity and fiberous concoctions but smoothie bowls are blowing up social media – just search the hashtag #smoothiebowl and you’ll get over 85K results.

One of the benefits of smoothie bowls (other than getting a ton of nutrition in one easy-to-make meal) is the artistic license. I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy make my food pretty – Mother Nature has given us so many colorful and amazingly delicious ingredients to work with. Instead of throwing all your smoothie goodies into the blender, the key to a smoothie bowl is to make a thick base smoothie and then add the remainder of your fruits, whole grains, seeds and such to the top.

Almond Coconut Milk from Almond Breeze makes a healthy, creamy base for your smoothie bowls and blended beverages.

Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk from Almond Breeze creates a creamy base for any smoothie bowl or blended beverage. Made from real almonds and coconutmilk, this alternative to diary milk contains medium chain fatty acids; is lactose, soy and gluten-free; is an excellent source of calcium; and works with vegan and kosher diets. I also love how it has no added sugar and only 45 calories per one-cup serving.  Another great thing – Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk from Almond Breeze is available in a shelf-stable version which means that I can keep my pantry stocked for last-minute meal making.

I appreciate how I can keep shelf-stable Almond Breeze in the pantry, on hand for when cravings strike!

I appreciate how I can keep shelf-stable Almond Breeze in the pantry, on hand for when cravings strike!

If you love the exotic spices of cha (like cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and more), but need something more than just of a cup of tea in the morning, by Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl is the perfect way to get your crave on while kick-starting the day with a little caffeine. I topped my bowl with hemp seeds, cacao nibs and strawberries, but feel free to beautify your bowl any way you see fit.

Coconut Chia Smoothie Bowl makes a quick, easy and healthy breakfast or post-workout snack.

In addition to breakfast, I’ve been digging into Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowls for a post-workout snack and healthy dessert after dinner – use decaff tea instead. Don’t forget to look for Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk, it’s one of my favorites from all the yummy Almond Breeze products — the shelf-stable versions are usually on the cereal aisle.

 

 

 

What is your must-have ingredient in a smoothie or smoothie bowl? Let me know in the comments!

Coconut Chai Smoothie Bowl
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 
Coconut Chia Smoothie Bowl is a tasty way to get your crave on while kick-starting the day with a little caffeine, fruit, protein and fiber. Go breakfast!
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Smoothies, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk divided
  • 1 tea bag chai tea
  • 1/2 large banana frozen
  • 2 packets stevia if desired
  • 1 cup ice more or less, depending on consistency
  • 1 tablespoon raw shelled hemp seed
  • 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 1 large strawberry sliced
Instructions
  1. Heat half milk (3/4) cup in microwave safe mug for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, until very hot. Add tea bag and steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Remove and discard tea bag and add remaining milk to help cool off tea. Put in freezer for 15 minutes to cool down further, if needed.
  3. Add cooled tea-milk mixture to blender. Add frozen banana, stevia and ice and blend until smooth. Add more ice or banana to make thicker, if needed. Pour into bowl.
  4. Top with hemp seed, coconut, cacao nibs and strawberries. Eat immediately.

Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes with Berry Burst Topping #MealtimeSolutions

Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes - Horizon Products

June 2103 Jon and Davis LakehouseIn the morning, my three teen boys are as hungry bears coming out of hibernation. You don’t want to mess with them until they’ve gotten their paws on some food. I always try to offer a breakfast that will power them from early morning straight through to lunch. Pancakes are a favorite, and over the years I’ve found different ways to add a little more substance to these typically carb-laden morning meal.  For example, I’ve done protein powder in pancakes,Paleo pancakes and alternatives to sugary syrup.

Products from Horizon help me make yummy goodness for my children – I can rely on the taste and quality of the ingredients time and time again, which just takes more worry out of my day!  One meal solution I came up with for breakfast is an easy recipe for Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes (with Creamy Berry Burst Topping). 

Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes - TheFitFork.com

horizon super sqeezeThis quick recipe uses a new Horizon product the whole family is loving these days – Super Squeeze Mixed Berry Burst. While these little squeeze packets are perfect for lunch boxes and gym bags, the also make a fabulous swap for syrup on pancakes and waffles. Made with wholesome ingredients like organic skim milk, organic berry puree and organic can sugar, each pouch provides 5 grams of protein and is a good source of calcium. The other cool thing about these single-serve packets is that you can just pop off the lid and squirt as much or as little as desired. Even little toddler hands can be in charge of this fun job!

Chocolate PAncakes with Cottage Cheese  and Horizon Berry BurtsIn addition to the 5 grams of protein coming from the Super Squeeze, I’ve also pumped up the pancakes with protein from Horizon Low-Fat Cottage Cheese.  Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and while many kids can’t stand the texture, I’ve run it through the blender to be super smooth and creamy. Blended with cocoa powder and a bit of stevia sweetener, it actually tastes like a decedant cheesecake!  I’ve used a traditional convenience pancake mix as my base, but if you are following a gluten-free diet, just swap in a gluten-free baking blend with a teaspoon of baking powder. Bite of Chocolate Cheesecake Pancake - TheFitFork.com

Find out more about Horizon’s New Super Squeeze Mixed Berry Burst and their other delicious, family friendly products by following them on Twitter, Facebook , or the Mealtime Solutions Board on Pinterest.

What is your favorite topping for pancakes?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon Organics. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes with Berry Burst Topping
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
4 mins
Total Time
9 mins
 
This breakfast recipe is a easy mealtime solution that uses low-fat cottage cheese in pancakes and milk-based berry burst packets from Horizon as a topping.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (2%, almond, coconut, etc)
  • 2/3 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese I used Horizon Organic
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon liquid stevia can substitute 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/2 cup complete pancake mix type that only requires water to make
  • 1 box Horizon Super Squeeze Mixed Berry Burst 4 squeeze packs
  • 1 cup fresh berries raspberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries, etc.
Instructions
  1. Add milk, cottage cheese, cocoa powder and stevia into blender. Blend for approximately 30 seconds until ingredients are combined and smooth.
  2. Pulse in pancake batter until combined, taking care not to over blend. Heat skillet to medium, add approximately ¼ cup batter in center of skillet and cook for 2 – 3 minutes or until bubbles appear on top and edges have set. Use spatula to flip pancake over and cook for an additional minute or until cooked through. Repeat for remaining pancakes (makes approximately 16 pancakes).
  3. To serve, stack 4 pancakes on a plate and squeeze one packet of Horizon Super Squeeze Mixed Berry Burst on top. Top each stack with ¼ fresh berries.

Green Chile Cornbread Waffles – Beyond Breakfast

Green Chile Cornbread Waffles - TheFitFork.comIt’s Waffle Wednesday — I just couldn’t wait for our weekend brunch. You’re not going to believe how crusty, crunch and crave-worthy these Green Chile Cornbread Waffles are. The cornmeal and cheese creates an extra crispy outer texture, yet they are still delicate and tender inside. The green chiles add a mild twang, yet not too spicy for the kids. I’d be very happy eating these waffles alone – but when I tried a drizzle of honey on top, the sweet-savory combo was a must-do-this again experience.

Southwestern Sloppy Joe on Green Chili Cornbread Waffle - title - TheFitFork.com

Of course, you can top these Green Chile Cornbread Waffles with anything that you like! For my friends at the Texas Beef Council, I created a southwestern-inspired sloppy job topping – ooh boy, with crispy nooks and crannies, these waffles become the perfect vehicle for delivering a hearty meal with out sogginess.  Check out the full recipe here —- >  BeefLovingTexans.com.

Hatch Green Chile Cornbread Waffle with Egg - TheFitFork.com

An egg, anyway you’d like, also makes the perfect topping along with a little salsa!  These savory waffles heat up really nicely in the toaster and you can make a big batch to stash in the freezer.  Enjoy!

Note:  I use fire-roasted Hatch green chiles that I stock up when in season (August) and store in my freezer. I also use the Hatch Green Chile Store as a shopping resource to satisfy my love for these amazing peppers. In a pinch, canned diced green chiles will also work . . . or even jalapenos if you’d like a little more heat.

What is your favorite topping for waffles? Have you ever made or eaten a savory waffle?

Green Chile Cornbread Waffles
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
These crunchy, cheese waffles are savory and super delicious - top them how you like for a fun, fast meal idea for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Course: Breakfast, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced, roasted green chiles or 2 4-oz cans, drained
Instructions
  1. Add milk and vinegar to large bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, whisk in egg and oil.
  2. In separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients including flour, corn meal, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder and salt.
  3. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients a bit at a time. To finish batter, gently stir in cheese and green chiles.
  4. Make waffles using 2/3 cup batter according to waffle iron manufacturer’s directions. Makes about 6 large waffles.

Tart Cherry Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes & Ab Workout #TryAboutTime

I have no regrets about living a (mostly) clean, healthy lifestyle and saying “no thank you” to a lot of temptations like margaritas, donuts or never-ending breadstick baskets. However, one of the most difficult break-ups in transitioning to a higher protein diet was with pancakes – big, fluffy stacks of carbo-overload yumminess covered in sugary syrup.  About Time Protein Pancakes - TheFitFork.com

So, you can only imagine how thrilled I was to discover About Time Protein Pancake Mix – it’s a hearty, healthy breakfast that offers 21 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber for about 290 calories. And, it still tastes like delicious comfort food! For me, this pancake mix offers an optimal serving size of protein – I try to take in between 20 – 30 grams during each meal (and snacks). Actually, I learned last year from nutrition researcher, Dr. Heather Leidy, that eating adequate protein in the morning can help curb unhealthy snacking later, even much later, in the day.

The Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake Mix (Cinnamon Spice also available) is so easy to make – even on busy mornings (or make ahead and freeze)!  Of course, being a fit foodie, I always have to put my spin on things, so I came up with this “recipe” for Tart Cherry & Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes. Super simple — I just swapped out cherry juice for some of the water called for on the package and defrosted frozen tart cherries, mashed them with a fork and mixed in stevia and unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt. YUM!

Tart Cherry & Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes - TheFitFork.com

Tart Cherry & Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes Recipe 

  • 1 cup dry About Time Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake Mix
  • 1/4 cup tart cherry juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1/3 cup frozen tart cherries, defrosted
  • 6 ounces unsweetened, plain Greek Yogurt
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid stevia (or, more or less to taste)
  • Garnish – mini chocolate chips
  1. Whisk together dry mix with cherry juice and water until just blended.
  2. Heat skillet to medium heat (about 325 F degrees).
  3. Cook pancakes until bubbles stop forming and edges are cooked, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown, about another 1 minute. Repeat for remaining pancakes (will make 6 – 8 pancakes, depending on size)
  4. While pancakes are cooking, add cherries to a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat on defrost in the microwave until thawed and just a bit warm.
  5. Coarsely mash cherries with back of fork, allow juices to remain in the bowl.
  6. Add Greek yogurt and stevia to cherries, mix to combine.
  7. To serve, arrange pancakes into two stacks. Top with ½ of cherry topping. Enjoy!
  8. Serves 2

About Time AUX Pre-Workout and Fruit & Nut Bars - TheFitFork.com

About Time has so many other great products that fit in with my lifestyle – just a few I’d like to point out are the Paleo-friendly Fruit, Nut and Protein Bars that are great for post-workout or satiating snack and the AUX Pre-Workout Drink (stevia-sweetened) designed to increase metabolic performance and promote rapid recovery. The company believes in complete ingredient transparency, there are no preservatives or yucky chemicals. You’ll be finding both of these products in my gym bag from now on!

And, what would talking about food that keeps athletes fit and looking fierce be without a special workout?!  Try out my About Time Abs Workout – you may not thank me while you’re doing it, but you’ll thank me later!

About Time Abs Workout - TheFitFork.com

 

Have you ever had protein pancakes, what did you think?!

What is your go-to ab or core exercise?

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of About Time.