This post is sponsored by Naked Nutrition. All opinions are my own.
Beyond a protein shake, get the protein you need with these delicious recipes! Protein Waffles for breakfast and a Two Ingredient Protein Pudding for a sweet treat.

Pancakes or waffles? Yes, please. When it comes to breakfast food, I like it all. But there is something about waffles that just feels a little more indulgent, especially these beautifully thick Belgium style waffles.

When I was in 10th grade I got to go with my family to Belgium and eat authentic street waffles. The best were the ones dipped in chocolate. After that trip I’ve loved trying out all kinds of toppings with my waffles and these waffles have a special cinnamon maple honey Greek yogurt topping.

Growing up I was never athletic. But when when the twins were small, before I had Littlest, a friend and I I used to go to the gym together 5 days a week. I loved the time we spent talking together and motivating each other. Then she moved away, I got pregnant with Littlest, and the habit faded away. Fast forward many years and my attempts at exercise were always short lived. I kept going through the same pattern of getting motivated to work out, injuring myself, and going months if not years before trying again. This year I’ve finally broken that cycle and have created a new workout routine. And in doing so I’ve learned a few tricks.

Workout Routine Tips and Tricks

The first is put it on the schedule. I am never going to get up at 4am to do a workout. I’m someone who struggles to go to bed at a decent hour (I would much rather stay up late. But kids and school dictate otherwise.) I had to figure out the best time for me to workout. For me that’s right after Littlest starts school. When I get up in the morning I put on my workout clothes, I get Littlest ready and started with school, and then I do my workout.

Second I had to figure out what kind of workouts I enjoy. Cardio is not my fave. Hours on an elliptical isn’t going to keep my motivated. I do like strength workouts and I like yoga. My workout routine looks like this

• Monday: 40 minutes strength, core focus + 20 minute run
• Tuesday: 45-60 minutes Yoga
• Wednesday: 40 minutes strength, upper body focus + 20 minute walk
• Thursday: 45-60 minutes Yoga
• Friday: 30 minutes strength, full body + 30 minute run
• Saturday: 60 minutes Yoga

I also learned that not every workout has to be full out. I don’t have to feel like my heart is in my throat or that I’m going to be sick or no pain no gain. By focusing on my form and taking things a little slower I’ve been able to keep up my 6 day a week workout routine for 9 months with no big setbacks or pauses.

And one final thing I learned is how important it is to hydrate and fuel my body with the right food. For me that means a protein shake right after my workout every morning. But there are lots of other ways to enjoy protein as well, and I’m loving trying out new recipes and new ways to make sure I’m getting everything my body needs.

I was recently able to stock up on some Naked Nutrition Vanilla Whey Protein. This protein powder contains only 3 ingredients: protein, vanilla and organic coconut sugar. That means there are no artificial colors, no artificial sweeteners, and it is gluten free. Naked Nutrition has several recipes on their website and ideas for using their protein powder, including a recipe for some protein pancakes. I decided to take that recipe and just alter is slightly to make some Protein Waffles with a Maple Cinnamon Honey Greek Yogurt and Berry topping.

Protein Waffles

Ingredients

• Old fashioned oatmeal
• Egg whites
• Naked Nutrition Vanilla protein powder
• Flaxseed, ground
• Banana
• Greek yogurt
• Cinnamon, ground
• Vanilla extract
• Oil

 

Heat up your waffle iron. Place all ingredients, in a blender and blend under smooth. Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Spoon batter into the waffle iron and cook through. Remove from waffle iron, top with Greek yogurt and berry topping, and serve.

If you used a 6oz container of Greek Yogurt to spoon out a tablespoon for the waffles, you can use the rest to make this delicious topping.

Maple Cinnamon Honey Greek Yogurt

• Greek yogurt
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon, ground
• Honey

Mix together the Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and maple syrup and spoon it over your hot waffles. Then top with your favorite berries.

Protein Pudding

Protein isn’t just for breakfast! I came across this idea a few weeks ago and I had to give it a try with my new protein powder. This is TWO INGREDIENT protein pudding. Yes, I said two ingredients.

Protein Pudding Ingredients

• Vanilla Greek Yogurt
• Protein powder
• Collagen powder (optional)

Add one scoop or protein powder to your vanilla Greek yogurt, stir, and eat. That’s literally it. You can also add a scoop of Naked Collagen as well. I made both vanilla pudding (with vanilla protein powder) and chocolate pudding (the exact same, just using chocolate protein powder). So whatever flavor you prefer, it’s a super quick and tasty protein filled treat. 

Two delicious ways to add protein to your diet.

Want more breakfast recipes? Try some make ahead Bran Muffins or Homemade Crepes.

Protein Breakfast Waffles and Two Ingredient Protein Pudding

Print

Ingredients

• ½ cup old fashioned oatmeal
• 1/3 cup egg whites
• 1 scoop Naked Nutrition Vanilla protein powder
• 1 tbsp flaxseed, ground
• ¼ ripe banana
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp cinnamon, ground
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup frozen blueberries
• 2 Tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Preheat waffle iron and prepare with cooking spray.

Place oatmeal, egg whites, protein powder, flaxseed, banana, 1 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and oil in a blender and blend under smooth.

Spoon batter into the waffle iron and cook through.

Mix together the 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, maple syrup. 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and honey.

Top the cooked waffles with the Mapple Cinnamon Honey Greek yogurt and fresh berries.

Enjoy!

Notes

Can easily double recipe