Lemon Chia Seed Protein Snack Cake with Collagen

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Jennifer FIsher

Lemon is flavor favorite of mine, especially around spring when I’m looking for a light, bright, sweet-tart taste so yummy for treats!

A light, bright, yummy snack cake featuring collagen protein. Only 142 cal per slice and 10g protein. This Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake a treat for a healthy dessert, post workout snack or even breakfast.

My Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake is a no-guilt option that is easy to whip up and offers 10 grams of protein, along with 12g net carbs, and6g fat for 142 calories per serving.

This lemon protein cake is great for a healthy dessert, post-gym snack, or anytime you are craving something sweet put looking to keep your lower-carb and strong. High protein low carb desserts like this Lemon collagen cake also makes a great breakfast.

I used Collagen from Great Lakes Wellness, my discount code will save you 10% – THEFITFORK15off

I’m a big fan, and have used it for years to optimize my wellness and boost my protein intake at the same time. If you ever have any questions about using collagen powder in recipes, shoot me an email.

TIPS FOR MAKING LEMON CHIA SEED CAKE WITH COLLAGEN :

I used a standard 9” round cake pan, but you can substitute an 8” square pan, or a 12-count cupcake pan (standard size, not jumbo)
Fresh lemon juice gives a bolder, brighter flavor. One larger lemon yields about ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) fresh juice, which is what this recipes calls for. However, in a pinch, you can substitute bottled lemon juice and skip the lemon zest (or use a dehydrated lemon zest).
Store leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 5 days, or “meal prep” by packaging up individually in zip-top baggies and stick in the freezer for a thaw, grab-and-go breakfast or snack on your busy days.
Lemon protein desserts can be customized into the citrus dessert of your choice by swapping out lemon juice for lime juice, grapefruit juice or orange juice in the cake and glaze parts of the recipe.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake with Collagen

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

25 mins

A light, bright, yummy snack cake featuring collagen protein. Only 142 cal per slice and 10g protein. This Lemon Chia Seed Protein Cake a treat for a healthy dessert, post workout snack or even breakfast.

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, workout

Keyword: cake, chia seeds, collagen, high protein, lemon

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 142 kcal

Ingredients

3/4 cup gluten-free baking flour
1/2 cup unflavored collagen powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup granulated stevia blend
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 large eggs
¼ cup almond milk
1/2 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil

Glaze:

1 tbsp collagen powder
2 tbsp stevia blend preferably powdered
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat oven 350F.
Mix together dry cake ingredients: flour, collagen, baking soda, stevia, and salt, and chia seeds.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, yogurt, lemon juice and oil. Pour into dry ingredients; stir until smooth.
Pour batter into standard 9″ cake pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, invert from pan.
In small bowl, mix glaze ingredients. Use a fork to make small prices in cake for glaze to settle. Pour glaze over top. Cut into 8 slices.; Enjoy!
Note, if using an 8" square pan, baking time will be the same. IF using 12-count cupcakes, reduce time to 15 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Nine Easy Breakfasts & Sweet Treats Made with Protein Powder

Posted on February 16, 2023 by Jennifer FIsher

Today’s post is short (on time) and sweet (to your taste buds)! Lot’s of quick-to-make breakfast, dessert and sweet snack ideas made with my most favorite EVER, protein powder – Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest.

Think outside the shaker bottle when it comes to protein powder. Not just for smoothies, it's also very versatile as a baking ingredient – waffles, pancakes, cupcakes, cookies post-workout snacks and more. Here are some of my favorite protein powder recipes from thefitfork.com

I’m I big stickler on getting enough protein throughout the day. For my activity level and healthy aging, I personally aim for 1 gram protein per pound bodyweight – that’s about 120g protein per day for me. An easy way to help me meet the goal is using a quality protein powder, and Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest has been a favorite I’ve used for years. And, YES, I do have a 15% discount code to share: FITFORK

Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest is plant-based and suitable for vegan, vegetarian, Paleo and many other dietary eating patterns. I eat all the foods, including meat, but I find that a plant-based protein powder is easier on my digestive system than other powders. Nuzest protein powder is the best of the best in terms of quality, macros, taste and texture (IMO) – and it comes in many flavors to suit your preference – or even unflavored.

It’s easy to use protein powder in smoothies or a shaker bottle with almond milk. But baking with protein powder is also very easy and smart – in fact, I use it in almost all my protein powder dessert and breakfast creations like protein waffles and pancakes; protein cakes, cupcakes and muffins; post-workout protein bites, bars and snacks; and more. Here are some of my favorite easy protein powder recipes from thefitfork.com

Sugar-free Strawberry Protein Cupcakes / Cakelettes

Giant Peanut Butter Protein Cookie for One

No-bake Protein Brownies with Real Strawberry “Sprinkles”

Protein Cottage Cheese Waffles Gluten-Free

Giant Strawberries & Cream Protein Cookie for One

No-bake Coffee Protein Brownie Bites

Low-carb Cinnamon Protein Waffles Gluten-Free

Strawberry Protein Puppy Chow (Human Snack)

Apple-Pecan Whole Grain Breakfast Bake with Protein Powder

Feta Egg Tomato Rings

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

Easy summer meals, I love them from my head tomatoes! See what I did there, I’m punny (groan)! When summer brings me a bumper crop of tomatoes, I keep finding ways to use them up.

Any which way you slice it, this quick egg recipe is delicious and tastes like summer with sweet, ripe tomato, herby basil and salty feta cheese. Low-cal, but still lots of protein, a great quick breakfast or lunch idea.

These low-cal Feta Egg Tomato Rings are one of my favorite quick egg recipes of all time and make a healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch or light dinner.

So easy to make this quick, 4-ingredient meal!

I was inspired by egg recipes that use a slice bell pepper for a ring to contain scrambled or sunny-side up egg. This egg and tomato breakfast hack also reminds me of “egg in a hole” toast where you use a biscuit cutter to remove a circle from the center of your toast, and then crack an egg in the middle.

The entire batch of this low-cal egg recipe has just 136 calories, 8g fat, 7g protein and 10g protein. Honestly, I’d make two for myself!

*Pick tomatoes that are about 5 to 6 ounces and “medium ripe” — too ripe and the rings loose shape, too firm and the inside is too hard to smash up for the filling.*

I used an approximate 6-ounce tomato (because that’s what I had), and it made 5 slices (discarding the small stem and bottom ends). I wouldn’t use a smaller tomato, but a bigger one would be great too – however, you may need to whisk up a second egg to accommodate the larger openings.

One of the keys to this egg tomato recipe is finding a glass that, when inverted, will “punch out” the center. Lol, I’m using a cordial glass in the video. Of course, you can also trim out the middle with a paring knife.

When you remove the center of the tomato slices, you want to save the tomato “guts” – e.g., the core, the seeds and the locular jelly (that’s the official term). Those are added to the fork-whisked egg and smashed up. If some parts of the core are too tough to mash, just discard that section. Each center took about 1 tablespoon of the whisked egg and tomato filling, which worked out perfectly. If you are using a larger tomato, you will need to whisk up a second egg.

Once you spoon your egg mixture into the tomato ring and sprinkle with basil and feta (or your favorite cheese), they are cooked a few minutes until set – you will not be flipping. That’s it, whoo-hoo – you are finished with this easy egg recipe – serve on a salad, on a piece of whole-grain toast, or however moves your taste buds! Enjoy.

5 from 4 votes

Feta Tomato Egg Rings

Any which way you slice it, this quick egg recipe is delicious and tastes like summer with sweet, ripe tomato, herby basil and salty feta cheese.

Course: Breakfast, brunch, lunch

Keyword: egg, low cal, tomato

Calories: 136 kcal

Ingredients

1 5 to 6 ounce tomato
1 large egg
1 tablespoon crumbled feta
Dash salt and pepper
1 teaspoon chopped basil

Instructions

Slice tomato crosswise, in approximate 1/3” slices, discarding small stem and bottom ends.
Use small glass or paring knife to remove the seeds, locular jelly and core (save all of this) from tomato. This creates the delicate rings.
In a small bowl, fork-whisk egg. Add tomato “guts,” tossing away any core pieces that are too hard to smash up with a fork.
Carefully add rings to a non-stick skillet. Fill each ring with approximately 1 tablespoon of the egg-tomato mixture. I had 5 rings and the filling amount worked out perfectly, If you use a bigger tomato, you may need another egg.
Sprinkle egg mixture with crumbled feta cheese and basil.
Cook over medium heat until center set and firm to touch, about 4 to 5 minutes. You will NOT be flipping. Serve with salad, on toast or however desired!

Recipe Notes

Live Life Fully, Don’t Stress Little Problems! Mind & Body Products to Help

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx #TENApartner

Living life to the fullest reaps so many rewards and opportunities. You love more, you feel more, you see more, you do more, you move more, you give more. But living life, in general, creates little “issue areas” that can put a damper on ‘seizing the day’ if you allow it.

Mind and Body products to help with life's little issue areas.

Check out four life “issue areas” for me and the mind and body products I’ve been using to help me keep my self-confidence at 100% so that I can live my 110% best life!

NO MORE GETTING HANGRY

Pursing all the things I love (plus life’s obligations) sometimes gets my schedule overbooked and puts me on the go-go-go. In the past, this has led to a skipped meal or not having time to grab a post-workout snack. Missed opportunities for nourishment and refueling are not good for my general health and wellness. Getting hangry between meals is the WORST – not just for my body, but for friends, family and innocent bystanders. However, when I make a priority of eating to fuel my goals and staying on top of timing my protein through the day, life is GOOD! Point of reference, I try to get 25-30g protein at each meal, and 10g for snacks.

Nutrition products for Tone it Up are delicious., plant-based and offer a great way to boost protein intake for the day. Try the protein cookies and protein bars. — *Protein Bars and Protein Cookies from Tone It Up*

Tone It Up nutrition products helps me meet my snack-time protein goals and soothes my notorious sweet tooth in a better way. The Plant-Based Protein Snickerdoodles Cookies has a sweet cinnamon flavor and soft-baked texture, offering 10g of protein and 170 calories per serving. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars are light and crispy, and seemingly decadent while actually a great pick-me-up snack with 10g protein and 170 calories per serving. Tone it up products are plant-based dairy-free, gluten-free and never made with sugar alcohols.

NO MORE ANNOYINGLY DRY SKIN

Every woman wants to feel presentable, if not absolutely fabulous – am I right?! But I am plagued with dry skin, especially coming out of cold weather. After a winter of sitting in front of my space heater all day, these legs of mine look like old, dried-up elephant hides. With shorts-season underway and a bikini-baring trip to Mexico this week, I needed to feel fabulous again STAT!

TreeHut Strawberr Shea Sugar Scrub - I love this body scrub with Vit C and BHA to naturally keep skin smooth. — *Tree Hut Strawberry Shea Sugar Scrub*

Thanks to Tree Hut Strawberry Sugar Scrub, I’ve been able to exfoliate my legs (and arms and feet) into silky smoothness. Plus, I love that fresh, summery scent of strawberry with hits of pineapple and peach. I feel confident using Tree Hut scrub, the company never skimps on good ingredients. For example, the top three ingredients in this scrub are sugar, shea butter and the natural compound BHA which penetrates into pores to more effectively reveal glowing skin. Additionally, it’s free of parabens, sulfates, alcohol, formaldehyde and is suitable for a vegan lifestyle.

NO MORE STRESSING OVER SCARS

If you are living life, it’s pretty hard not to get a scar. Collectively, there are something like 100 million new scars made per year, or so they say. I personally have a zillion and they sometimes make me feel awkward – at least, if I have to recount to stories of how I got them! Whether it’s fresh new scar from something as simple as scraping your knee or an existing scar resulting from surgery, New Skin® Scar Fade™ is an easy, quick, and effective way to make scars less visible for adults. Use on new or existing scars from injury, surgery, burns, and stretch marks. It is even safe to use on the face for acne scars.

I’ve been using my New Skin® Scar Fade™ in three places — a NEW long scrape scar down the front of my shin, an older thick scar on my arm from a fall, and a raised scar under my chin left from stitches. The silicone gel of Scar Fade provides greater efficacy than the “combo” ingredient products that exist today and clinical results showed users to have an 86% reduction in texture, 84% reduction in color and 68% reduction in height of scars. I haven’t been using long enough to give a before-and-after report, but I can say that I’m already seeing and feeling good results!

NO MORE AWKWARD BLADDER SITUATIONS

I sometimes pee myself a little, involuntarily. There, I said it. Initially, this problem arose with the pregnancy, birth, post-partum process from three nine-pound babies. With one delivery, I suffered a urethral tear, and that definitely didn’t help the situation. This was about a 15-year time chunk of my life where I suffered with prolapse and incontinence. You can search the blog, I’ve written about it before – and how I finally, mostly healed under my own volition, with time and with exercises to improve muscle weaknesses! However, I do notice that hormones also tend to play a big role in leakage for me, certain times in the month. And now that I’m flirting with menopause, I’m experiencing this problem just a little more frequently again.

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But instead of being embarrassed or not living life, I just dealt with it (and sometimes still do) as needed, and then move on to live life. So should you! In fact, if you are a woman in North America, chances are 1 in 3 that you suffer from urinary incontinence, you are not alone! It annoys me that there is a stigma attached to this – a woman’s body is always evolving and, as I mentioned for me, the post-partum and menopause years are two life stages when this can be the biggest issue. TENA Intimates pads offer a solution you can feel confident using and have been gynecologically tested. The pads are made with super absorbent materials that help lock away moisture from your skin, preventing irritation and discomfort. This breathability also helps control odor.

Use code TENA10 for 10% off any TENA Intimates Pads product.

12 High-Protein Breakfast Recipes for One and Not a Single Smoothie!

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

It’s breakfast time again, it happens every single day! Looking for something quick, easy and perfectly portioned just for YOU! Here are a dozen of my favorite high protein breakfast recipes that have 20 to 30 grams of protein, the optimal amount of protein to get your day started. I also eat many of these protein breakfast ideas after a workout or before bed for muscle management and recovery! Enjoy!

Protein Nut Butter Toast with Strawberries

1 slice Dave’s Killer Power Seed Bread, toasted
1.5 Tbsp. of a protein-nut butter
3 almonds, chopped
1 tsp. sugar-free mini chocolate chips
1 large strawberry, diced

I love this hearty, sweet toast with the most! If you don’t have official protein butter, just mix in 2 teaspoons of protein powder into your traditional nut butter. 424 Calories, 30 g carb, 22g fat, 27g protein

Easy Low-carb Peanut Butter Mug Cake

3 Tbsp. peanut or almond butter
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. unflavored collagen powder
¼ tsp. baking soda
Toppings of choice

In a minimum capacity 8-ounce mug, mix together all ingredients. Use a fork to whisk around until smooth and incorporated. Microwave for 75 to 90 seconds on high power. Mug can will puff way over the rim like a souffle, and then settle back down some when cooled. While still warm, top as desired with syrups, nuts, whipped cream, etc. 377 calories, 29g fat, 10g carb, 25g protein

Egg, Cheese & Leftover Grain Waffle

2 large eggs
1/2 cup pre-cooked grain like rice, oats or quinoa (I used a rice-quinoa blend)
2 Tbsp. shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a mini waffle iron. Mix together egg waffle ingredients in bowl and pour into hot iron (should make 2 to 3 waffles). If you don’t have leftover rice, you can use from a ready-to-eat rice pouch. Leave batter in waffle iron for a couple minutes, until indicator light goes off. Top with salsa, guacamole or other toppings of choice. 324 calories, 19g fat, 19g carb, 20g protein

60 Second Beef & Veggie Mug Omlete makes getting a healthy breakfast one less thing to worry about!

Quick Egg & Beef Mug Omelet

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons pre-cooked ground beef (or leftover taco meat)
1 Tbsp. shredded cheese
¼ cup blend of veggies like chopped tomatoes, chopped spinach, green onions, etc.

Spray one large microwave-safe mug (14-oz) or bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Add 2 egg and 2 tablespoons water; whisk with fork. Stir in cheese and vegetables. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 30 seconds. Remove from oven; stir. Continue to microwave on HIGH 30 to 60 seconds or until eggs are just set. Let cool, season with salt and pepper, as desired. 220 calories, 13g fat, 4g carb, 24g protein

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.

Cinnamon Protein Waffles (Gluten-free)

Whip up a stack of these satisfying waffles in minutes, they smell and taste delicious – especially with some sugar-free maple syrup. I use a little mini-waffle iron and make one at a time, or a big 4-square iron will work too (to make all at once). I use banana flour to keep lower carb and gluten-free, but you may swap flours. Protein boost thanks to a plant-based protein powder, Nuzest. Get a discount code and the entire recipe on this POST . Makes 4 small waffles, 220 calories, 8g fat, 9g carbs, 27g protein

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 (Gluten-Free)

Hello, chocolate!! These Double Chocolate Protein Waffles seem so indulgent, you may think it’s dessert! But a plant-based chocolate protein powder and just a few mini sugar-free chocolate chips make this sweet protein breakfast in the mini waffle maker, suitable for a morning meal! This mini waffle recipe uses banana flour too. Get a Nuzest discount code and the entire recipe on this POST. 330 cal, 28g carb, 14g fat, 28g protein,

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Protein Cookie for One is nearly as big as yo’ face, but go ahead and eat the whole thing - if you can! The entire homemade protein cookie has 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein – half would make a great post-workout snack and the whole thing can sub for a mini meal on the go – like a busy day breakfast!

Giant Strawberries ‘n Cream Breakfast Cookie for One (Gluten-free)

A cookie as big as yo’ face and nutritious enough for breakfast – I call that a win-win! Actually, this cookie is so filling, sometimes I just eat half and save the other half for later in the day. Get entire recipe on POST. 380 cal, 20g fat, 18g net carb, 31g protein

Giant Cherry Almond Protein Breakfast Cookie – 25 grams protein in this one!

Vanilla Pear Quinoa Breakfast “Bake”

A delightful change from oats, this recipe that uses leftover quinoa is “make-to-mouth” in just 5-6 minutes. If you don’t have leftover or meal-prepped freezer quinoa, a ready-to-eat quinoa will do. A deliciously warm and satisfying way to fuel adventures. Get full recipe on my IG POST. 526 calories, 20g protein, 44g net carb, no added sugar, and a whopping 14g dietary fiber.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Chia Pudding with Pecan Praline Crumble makes a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast, snack or healthy dessert. Natural sweeteners used to keep the carbs low and cottage cheese to help boost the protein -- plus more than 1/2 daily requirement for fiber! For more clean eating recipes, visit thefitfork.com

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Chia Puddings (with Praline Topping)

Just the right sweet and spiced so nice! This delicious chia seed pudding hits just under 20g protein, but it is just too amazing not to share! Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient for that creamy texture and protein boost. Also, not a single serve, but makes three that you can space out for breakfasts through the week. Get full recipe on my POST . 357 calories, 26g total carb (10g net carb, 16g fiber), 18g protein.

This no added sugar cheesecake dessert features cottage cheese and collagen blended until creamy -- sugar free chocolate chips and strawberries put this no-bake, no crust, lower carb, single-serve recipes over the top.

Chocolate Chip Breakfast “Cheesecake”

Is it dessert, is it breakfast – you decide!! Creamy blended cottage cheese is the secret ingredient (I use 2% to keep it creamy) along with collagen from Great Lakes Wellness (use code THEFITFORK to save 10%). Sugar-free mini chocolate chips for the win, too! Get full recipe on my POST. 193 calories, 11g carb, 29.5g protein per serving

Margarita Protein Mug Muffin

Sweet-tart, this limey treat makes a nice snack or way to start the day – especially if you are ready to be whisked away to a tropical vacation! Get recipe on POST. 155 cal, 5g fat, 6g carb, 20g protein

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission through sales generated through links, however the price to you remains the same. Thank you for supporting The Fit Fork.