Put a spring in your step with high-protein snack ideas guaranteed to get your metabolism firing.
In an age where we are expecting more from less, these protein-rich recipes pack a punch in the nutrition stakes.
Protein is key for building and maintaining muscle mass and also for helping you stay fuller for longer. The best news is, the proteins found in dairy foods are particularly high-quality and will help get you fighting fit in time for summer.
Yoghurt is an incredibly versatile superfood. This powerhouse of nutrients has the added benefit of gut-friendly probiotics, and can either be a blank canvas to be adorned and decorated, or enjoyed on its own, like a beautiful woman (or man – come on, it’s 2015!) who needs no makeup.
There is no better start to the day than by whizzing up a fresh smoothie and the Berry Kiwi Green Smoothie fits the bill. The burst of berries combined with hidden baby spinach and natural yoghurt means this smoothie is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins (making it a good way to slip more veggies into the kids). Vanilla protein powder gives an extra protein punch and will keep you full until lunchtime.
If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat to energise your afternoon, step away from the mithai, we repeat, step away from the mithai with your hands where we can see them. Instead, swap them for these healthier alternatives – Lemon Ricotta Bliss Balls. The combination of ricotta, oats, coconut, almonds, lemon zest and natural maple syrup rolled in chia seeds or nuts creates a delicious cheesecake effect.
For those occasions when you need a snack pronto, simply top a tub of Greek yoghurt with a range of delicious combos. So spring into action with these recipes from Dairy Australia.
Yoghurt with Matcha, Mango & Coconut
Ingredients (serves 1)
200g Greek-style natural yoghurt
½ tsp matcha green tea powder
1 mango cheek, cut into thin slices
3 tsp shredded coconut
Method
Place yoghurt in a serving bowl or container. Sprinkle with matcha powder and top with mango and coconut. Quickly consume before you’re asked to share.
Yoghurt with Avocado, Cucumber & Mint
Ingredients (serves 1)
200g Greek-style natural yoghurt
1/8 avocado, cut into thin slices
¼ cucumber, thinly sliced
1 tsp chopped mint
Drizzle of olive oil
Method
Place yoghurt in a serving bowl or container, top with avocado and cucumber and sprinkle with mint and olive oil. Khanna, pooja, pyar! (Eat, pray, love!)
Lemon Ricotta Bliss Balls
Ingredients (makes 20)
¼ cup quick oats
2/3 cup almond meal
250g wedge ricotta
1½ tablespoons agave or pure maple syrup
¼ cup desiccated coconut
¼ cup vanilla whey based protein powder
1 tbsp finely grated lemon rind
1 tbsp lemon juice
White chia seeds/crushed pistachios/coconut for rolling
Method
Mix quick oats, almond meal, ricotta, syrup, coconut, protein powder and lemon rind and juice in a large bowl until well combined.
Using clean hands, roll heaped tablespoons of ricotta mixture into balls and coat in either the chia seeds, pistachios or coconut (or a combination of all). Using self-discipline, refrigerate until firm.
Berry Kiwi Green Smoothie
Ingredients (serves 2)
1 cup natural yoghurt
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
½ cup mixed frozen berries
Handful of baby spinach leaves
2 kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon rice malt syrup, agave syrup or pure maple syrup
Crushed ice
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp coconut flakes
Fresh blueberries, to serve
Method
Process the yoghurt, protein powder, berries, spinach, kiwi fruit, syrup and ice until smooth.
Pour into two serving glasses and top with chia seeds, coconut and blueberries. Gobble up immediately!
