Eating Healthy, Finding Balance
I try to eat healthy. When you are in your 40s, it’s just something we all need to strive for and pay attention to. I know full well that while I’m not, I’m also not as young as I once was. You just can’t eat poorly all the time and not exercise without having some unwanted results. Less energy, a little (or big) belly, and who knows what else. It’s just nothing I want a part of. That being said, there’s just so much temptation seemingly lurking around every corner, at every party, dinner, or beach day. I mean, do I have to say anything more than brownie recipe?? I doubt it.
When it’s all there and the good times are rolling, it’s tough to say no. And, in a way, why should we? Life there is to be enjoyed as much as we can. When there’s a chance to, then I think we need to take it. I think the key, really, is that when it’s just a normal day, I need to pull back a bit and make up for all that weekend enjoyment. Balance is the key and it’s probably the best way to live your best life.
Making It Better
As much striving for a balanced life is the key, there are still plenty of times when I’m home, just spending time with the family that someone (me, the kids, the wife…all three) wants a little treat. There’s just no way around it, really, it’s bound to happen. When cravings like those strike, I always think it best to go for the best options. Greek yogurts, fruit, frozen fruit all make for really tasty and satisfying snacks. Most of the time, it works out well for everyone in the house and all are happy and satiated. Life is good. But there are also those times when something a little more sugary, something like ice cream or something baked, is what’s required. Listen, we are all human, right??
There are times when those cravings hit where no “better” substitute will do. You just have to go for the fatty stuff. And that’s ok. Don’t feel badly, just don’t make it a daily habit to indulge like that. There are times, however, where I try my best to make those sugary treats just a little (or a lot) better. There are so many ways to improve on sweet treats and to really make those times a lot more nutritious and positive. The family loves it too. It really blows their mind. One of their (and my) favorite better treats are my Protein Packed Brownies.
Protein Packed Brownie Recipe
Everyone in the family loves brownies. It’s just as simple as that. It’s one of the very few foods that all five of us can agree on. There’s just something fantastic about all that chocolatey, gooey goodness. Hot out of the oven…I mean, c’mon, what else do you need to say?
As with everything else in life, there are many options when you are looking to bake some brownies. Some have more chocolate, some have less. Some have less sugar, some more. It’s really a personal preference that should drive the decision. I found an organic brand of brownies that have all that amazing chocolate flavor with a lot less fat. Other than the oil (I’ll get to that later), there’s almost no fat. It’s a great plus for me when I’m making my healthy treats. Let me tell you the ingredients and what I add to the mix to make them packed with nutrition, so the guilt about the treat is so much less. Now, let’s get to the brownie recipe!
Get Baking
Ingredients:
- One package of Organic Brownie Mix
- 1/2 tablespoon of Organic Chia Seeds
- 1 scoop Premier Protein 100% Whey Protein – Chocolat Milkshake Flavor
- 2 Organic Cage-Free Chicken Eggs
- 1 cup of Almonds
- 1/3 Cup of Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons of water
My Healthy Additions
The first thing I’d like to point out is that the recipe for most brownies call for either butter or oil. It’s essential to the baking process, but you do have options. For me, I always go with Olive Oil. I know it sounds a little off, but a great Olive Oil is just so good for you, plus it adds a great, very complimentary flavor pairing with the dark chocolate. Plus, 1/3 of a cup really isn’t too much. There are many people that switch out applesauce or even pureed bananas to really cut down on the fats. It’s a great option if you’d like to try it.
Now, I get into the good health (and taste) additions. I love adding the Omega-3s, protein, and fiber packed power of Organic Chia Seeds, plus the texture is great. I then add some nuts to the mix, again for some of that good fat. They also help to make the brownies heartier and more fulfilling. I prefer salted roasted Almonds. The saltiness and the toasty-ness of the almond is an awesome addition to the chocolate.
I always use organic, cage-free chicken eggs. I just think they taste better and are better for you. There are plenty of studies that explain how and why. Plus, I just think it’s the right way anyway.
Finally, I love adding some Premier Protein 100% Whey Protein to the mix. Premier Protein’s 100% Whey Protein has no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners with 30g of 100% whey protein, 180 calories, and 3g sugar. The Chocolate flavor just really makes the brownie pop, plus packs all that goodness to boot. It’s match made in “better for you” sweets heaven, man. Plus, again, it really satiates you so you’re satisfied with far less than you would otherwise. If that’s not a win-win situation…
Directions:
This recipe will make approximately 16 brownies.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Whisk eggs in a medium sized bowl. Add oil and water while whisking until the mix is well-blended.
- Add brownie mix, chia seeds, and nuts and stir until all is combined; batter will be thick.
- Pour batter into 8″x8″ pan and spread evenly.
- Back for 19-22 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick in the center of the mix comes out clean.
- Once ready, take out of oven and put on the side until cool.
- Once cooled, cut the mix into squares and enjoy!!
Premier Protein Whey Powder
Protein, protein, protein. I love protein because it is essential for a healthy and active life. But getting enough protein is hard, especially protein that doesn’t come with too many calories or too much fat. That’s why Premier Protein makes delicious, essential healthy protein that curbs hunger and fuels your energy for whatever you love to do.
Premier Protein Whey Powder is packed with protein for everyone: to power your workout, your workday or just every day. It can be mixed with water or milk, blended into a smoothie or baked into a protein-packed recipe—making it easy to stick with healthy choices. Premier Protein Whey Powder is available in two delicious flavors: Chocolate Milkshake and Vanilla Milkshake.
Find Out More
For more information on where to purchase Premier Protein 100% Whey Powder, visit PremierProtein.com for store locations. Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Premier Protein. All love expressed is my own.
9 comments
I love the idea of using protein powder in recipes! It’s such an easy way to inject some extra health benefits into meals and treats.
I definitley don’t get enough protein in my diet, so these are perfect for me. Plus they sound delish!
Now that’s a fun way to get your whey powder in. And did you say ‘ chocolate milkshake flavor?’ Oh yes, count me in, please.
Love all of the healthy fats you included in this recipe. Extra bonus for sneaking in protein! The brownies sound super yum!
It’s really important to create balance especially when you have so much on your plate. This is a great way to achieve that! The recipe looks really good. I’d love to give it a try!
It looks so easy!! Would love to try it with the kids!
Whenever I’ve made breakfast shakes for my husband and myself, I’ve always used protein powder. I would love to try this out sometime.
Great way to add a healthy portion of protein into your snacks! Isn’t it always so much better when one of the kiddos jump right in there and help!
Aw this looks like great bonding time! I didnt think to put protein in a brownie but it sounds great!