Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of almonds or any nuts of your choice
- 1/2 cup of seeds (such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate flavor)
- 1/4 cup of dried coconut flakes (optional, for added texture and flavor)
- 1/4 cup of powdered milk or a dairy-free alternative (such as almond milk powder)
- Optional add-ins: cinnamon, vanilla extract, stevia or other sweeteners to taste
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rolled oats, almonds, and seeds evenly on a baking sheet.
- Toasting: Toast the oats, almonds, and seeds in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Cooling: Allow the toasted ingredients to cool completely.
- Blending: Once cooled, transfer the toasted oats, almonds, and seeds to a blender or food processor. Add the cocoa powder, dried coconut flakes, powdered milk or dairy-free alternative, and any optional add-ins you desire.
- Grinding: Blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a fine powder-like consistency. You may need to blend in batches if your blender or food processor is not large enough.
- Storage: Transfer the homemade protein powder to an airtight container or jar and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Usage: Use your homemade protein powder in smoothies, shakes, oatmeal, yogurt, or any recipe that calls for protein powder. Adjust the amount used based on your personal protein needs and taste preferences.
Benefits of Homemade Protein Powder:
- Control Over Ingredients: Homemade protein powder allows you to control the quality of ingredients, avoiding additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors often found in commercial protein powders.
- Customization: You can customize the flavor and nutritional profile of your homemade protein powder by adjusting the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own protein powder at home can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to purchasing pre-made protein powders.
- Freshness: Homemade protein powder is fresher than store-bought options, as you can make small batches as needed, ensuring optimal taste and nutritional value.
Stored Days: Homemade protein powder can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1-2 months. It’s best to use it within this timeframe to maintain freshness and quality.
Why You Should Avoid Store-Bought Protein Powder?
Negative Effects of Store-Bought Protein Powder
This chart highlights the potential negative effects of consuming store-bought protein powder with artificial additives and questionable ingredients on digestive health, allergic reactions, gut microbiome balance, and nutrient absorption. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the quality of ingredients in protein powders and considering homemade alternatives or natural protein sources to avoid these potential health risks.
