I could always be better at going to the gym. But now that Chloe is at preschool more, I get to actually go to the gym during the day, rather than the evening, which means I am much more motivated to go. I try to get a yoga class in each week, a cardio class, as well as some spin, and weights. But in order to see some proper changes to my body, I know I need to improve what I am eating and get some more protein in there.

I have cut certain things out of my diet, but I know that I need more protein, especially after having a workout. Which is where some protein filled muffins come into play. If I have a batch made up, then having them after my workout, after school drop-off, keeps me going until lunchtime. Plus, they’re filled some pretty good stuff, as well as being free-from refined sugar, wheat, and gluten.

Why use protein powder?

Solid food takes more time to digest and to break down the protein in it, and to them send that to your muscles. Protein shakes only take about 30 minutes to reach the muscle after ingestion. So you definitely see the advantage to taking a protein shake after a workout, if you’re looking to build muscle and get a more lean body. There is a lot of protein in them, though (obvs), so from my experience, there isn’t as much need to take them if you’re not exercising, though.

I have been using Prana Protein of late for these muffins and for my shakes, after being recently introduced to the brand. They have such a good range of protein powders, from chocolate, vanilla, coconut, berry. So there really are flavours for everyone. I’ve liked every one that I’ve tried too; some protein powders can be a bit tasteless and ‘gaggy,’ if that makes any sense? Not to mention that they also have a range of bars and supplements too – so if you’ve got some health and fitness goals, Prana Protein could be worth a try. I would definitely recommend them!

But onto the recipe… The muffins are fairly solid, but have quite a soft and gooey centre. So they’e more like a brownie in muffin form; delicious!

Chocolate Protein Muffin Recipe

Ingredients: (makes six large muffins)

• 2 organic free-range eggs
• 2 tbsp of cacao powder
• 2 packets of Prana Protein chocolate protein powder (you could use their vegan chocolate protein powder if you’re dairy-free)
• ½ tsp gluten-free baking powder
• 1 cup almond flour (or other gluten-free flour of choice. I have used brown rice flour before too)
• 1/3 cup of stevia sweetener (coconut sugar should work too)
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ tsp Himalayan pink salt

What To Do:

1. Preheat the oven to 175ºc.
2. Mix all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Then make a small well into the centre of the mix, and add the eggs and water. Mix / whisk well, until all combined and smooth.
3. Divide the mixture into a muffin cases or a muffin tray. I use silicone muffin cases so they’re easy to get out afterwards.
4. Bake for around 15 minutes when they are firm. Still test with a sewer and remove when the skewer comes away from the muffin cleanly.
5. Leave to cool on a wire rack before serving. Sprinkle some extra cacao powder before serving if desired. They should keep in a air-tight container for around four or five days. So are prefer to make in bulk and keep for the working week.

Shop the range:

Protein Powder starting from £7.99 for 500g | Shakes £1.79 each | Bars £1.39 each

Would love to hear if you give the recipe a try? Have you ever heard of Prana Protein before?

*thanks to Prana Protein for sending me some samples to try. All opinions are my own.