Shane was up very late last night this morning working on his homework and since I have the day off (Happy Presidents Day!), I decided to get up early to make him breakfast. While I was making him a mocha protein smoothie (same as this one minus the strawberries), I started looking around the kitchen for inspiration for my breakfast. We are out of a few things so it looked like pancakes were my best bet. I was feeling a little inventive so I decided to make a couple different kinds of pancakes and try out some new flavor combinations.
The first one up: Piña Colada Protein Pancakes!
I realize that probably sounds a little odd but I’m always pushing for summer flavors so I thought I’d give it a shot.
Ingredients:
-store brand pancake mix
-Pure Protein vanilla powder
-pineapple chunks (mine were frozen)
-unsweetened shredded coconut
My thoughts: I loved the juiciness that the pineapple chunks brought to the table but I am not a huge fan of warm pineapple. I really liked the flavor combo of the pineapple and the coconut and they definitely reminded me a bit of being on a beach. I would still recommend these since I know that there are some warm pineapple fans out there.
My personal favorite: Coconut Almond Protein Pancakes!
Since the warm pineapple wasn’t for me, I decided to stick with the coconut and then added some slivered almonds for texture and chewiness.
Ingredients:
-store brand pancake mix
-Pure Protein vanilla powder
-unsweetened shredded coconut
-slivered almonds
My thoughts: the flavor was just right for me with these ones. I ended up using a little sugar free syrup but I would have loved to use some pineapple cinnamon jam that Shane and I bought from a little breakfast cafe up in the mountains but unfortunately we are all out right now. I will definitely be making these again in the future. (Syrup is a new thing for me since becoming pregnant, I never used it before and now I find myself craving it from time to time)
We never really had pancakes on a regular basis in my house growing up since they are usually more of a “dessert breakfast” than a nutritious choice. When I got older, I steered clear of them as well because they seemed like they should be on the “bad” list. As I started reading Healthy Living Blogs, it seemed like pancakes were on everyone’s breakfast menu and I was a little confused. The more I read and learned, the more I started to realize that as long as you’re using the right ingredients, the more food options that are available to you. I realize that I cheated a bit this morning since I used a generic pancake mix but by adding the protein powder, this breakfast turns into a meal that will actually keep you full for hours!
Question:
What are your favorite healthy alternatives to old favorites for meals?
Are there any crazy/weird flavor combos that you love?
Those look so good! I’d love to try out some funky flavor combos in pancakes. I’ve never strayed far from chocolate, fruit, or cinnamon pancakes.
I’m not sure why it never really occurred to me to mix it up but I was ready to experiment today!
Now that’s an island holiday in a pancake!! Love it!! I have to start eating healthier… love that your blog s about finding the balance… very inspirational!
That’s exactly what I was going for! With all the stuff floating around Pinterest and the internet in general, it’s easier to find more bad stuff to eat but I’ve also found that’s easier to find healthy options of our favorite foods which makes balance so much easier. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh my goodness, these sound seriously delicious! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe
.
No problem!
I think I actually drooled a little bit looking at those photos. These sound delicious. I love pancakes that involve a combination of peanut butter, bananas and oats. You can’t beat the taste and texture!
Oh I think you are definitely on to something with the peanut butter, bananas and oats! I used to love pb and banana sandwiches when I was younger (thanks to Ernie from Sesame Street).