Vacation trips, parties, and gatherings can make it difficult to meet your wellness goals. Fortunately, prioritizing protein is the ultimate holiday trick that will help you feel fuller longer, allowing you to control your appetite and avoid overloading on sweets. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to increase your protein intake without giving up your favorite holiday treats—think protein waffles!
Below are three holiday-inspired protein waffle recipes that are healthy and delicious.
Why prioritize protein during the holidays
Protein is essential for several important functions, including muscle repair, immune support, and maintaining stable energy levels; This is especially important during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Including a source of protein at every meal can help you maintain a balanced diet, even when your calendar is packed with holidays that make it almost impossible to avoid less healthy foods.
One of the easiest ways to increase your protein intake is by boosting your favorite recipes with protein powder. A protein powder like HUM’s Core Strength is a popular choice because it promotes digestion, meaning no post-protein bloating, and its vanilla flavor makes it versatile.
For example, vanilla protein powder can easily be added to popular holiday treats like morning cookies or waffles, giving you that extra boost of protein while still enjoying your seasonal favorites.
3 protein waffle recipes to try this holiday season
Ready to give your Christmas breakfast a protein boost? We’ve rounded up three tasty, festive protein waffle recipes that make it easy to stay on track without giving up flavor or the holiday spirit.
Apple Cinnamon Protein Waffles
What you will need:
- 1 scoop HUM Core Strength Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (mixed with flour)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice (unsweetened if using non-dairy milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to prepare:
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a bowl, combine the protein powder, oat flour, flaxseed, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients until well combined.
- Cook in waffle iron until crispy.
- Serve with sliced apples, a pinch of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Mint Mocha Protein Waffles
What you will need:
- 1 scoop HUM Core Strength Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice (unsweetened if using non-dairy milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
How to prepare:
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- Mix together the protein powder, flour, chia seeds, baking powder, cocoa powder, and instant coffee.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, mint extract, and maple syrup.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until crispy.
- Top with Greek yogurt, crushed peppermint candy, and chocolate chips.
Protein Gingerbread Waffles
What you will need:
- 1 scoop HUM Core Strength Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- a pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice (unsweetened if using non-dairy milk)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg)
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to prepare:
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a bowl, whisk together the protein powder, oat flour, flaxseed, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Pour batter into waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Feeling inspired to try more protein waffle recipes? You can find additional protein waffle and pancake recipes here to help fuel your mornings without sacrificing flavor.