Ah, protein powder.
I’d LOVE to be that person who whips up protein brownies. I tried once – they tasted like sponges. Literally.
I’d LOVE to serve up a nice plate of protein muffins or protein bread blah blah blah.
It just never works.
But, being the persevering person I am, I was determined to find a way to incorporate protein into my diet. For years and years I used whey protein powder, but always felt sick afterwards. So when I heard about Skoop I was realllllly excited to try it.
I tried their B-Strong Vanilla Protein Powder and instantly fell in love. I didn’t have high hopes – after all, most protein powders taste like chalk. And if you’re expecting your protein shake to taste like a vanilla shake from Culver’s, you’ve got another thing coming to you. But as far as protein powders are concerned, Skoop is the best I’ve tried by far. It’s only icing on the cake that B-Strong has a complete profile of amino acids, tons of antioxidants and a full complement of vitamins and minerals. Now that I’m studying to get my personal training certification I know EXACTLY what that means and how awesome it is to find that in a product 🙂
B-Strong, is a plant-based protein powder that promotes a three-stage process for manufacturing strong, lean muscles and all-over health. It’s designed to help your body absorb nutrients, build muscle and recover quickly. It’s unique in that it also contains prebiotics that promote a happy belly! It didn’t irritate my stomach at all. It’s gluten, dairy and soy free, and it contains pea and brown rice protein.
The fatty acids aid hormone function, healthy skin and cellular repair, but they also help the gut absorb macro and phytonutrients throughout your day. The BCAAs (branch chain amino acids) keep your muscles strong and happy throughout your daily activity or workout, so that you recover quickly and efficiently.
Now that it’s truly fall, I just can’t bring myself to make any more protein smoothies, even though that’s always been a favorite. So I set out to try something I’ve always heard about but never tried: chia seed pudding!
You all know what chia seeds are so I’ll spare you the same schpeal, but there’s something so magical about chia seed pudding. It tastes like if oatmeal and pudding had a delicious baby.
Look how pretty!
Maple Cinnamon Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 5 drops liquid stevia
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (I used Korintje cinnamon from Whole Foods because I love how spicy it is!)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/2 a scoop of Skoop vanilla protein powder
Directions
- Mix almond milk and chia seeds and place in the fridge overnight. The almond milk will soak up the chia seeds. In the morning, mix the rest of the ingredients into the pudding and serve.
If you’ve ever thought about trying protein powder, head over to the Skoop website and check it out! They have a ton of other awesome products that people with all different dietary restrictions can try (no dairy, soy or gluten). Sadly it isn’t available in grocery stores – but that’s so they can donate 10% of sales to fill school salad bars with local produce. Mission Nutrition’s Buy One Give One means that for every serving you buy, the lovely people at Skoop will put a serving of fresh fruits and veggies on a kid’s plate. Plus you can use the promo code BIGLUNCH to get 10% off your order!
Also feel free to check out their Twitter and Instagram for other ideas for how to incorporate Skoop into your favorite foods.
**Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post, although I did receive multiple Skoop products to try. All opinions are my own! Ain’t nobody got time for fakes!
Questions:
- Ever tried Skoop?
- What’s your favorite way to sneak protein powder into your diet?
- Got any good protein baked goods recipes to share?
i had a big lunch 
Ah! I love love LOVE Skoop! I’ve reviewed it before as well–it’s the only protein powder I’ve ever actually looked forward to adding to my foods. 🙂 I usually add it to my smoothie bowls or oatmeal.
Oatmeal is a good idea! I’m not super into hot oats yet but that’ll all change this winter 🙂
I think I have been scarred by too many bad protein powders.. Or maybe my expectations are too high. I know it’ll never be a vanilla shake but I haven’t found something I can stomach yet. Maybe I need to try skoop.
Yeah anyone who tells you it tastes like dessert is lying. It’s just not. But truthfully this was the best I’ve tried and the best part is it didn’t hurt my stomach at all – sometimes other protein powders have if just add it to almond milk and drink it alone.
You need to try casein protein in oatmeal- it’s so good (dependant on brand)- I love protein powder (some brands, again) and use it regularly- cross your fingers because I’m trying to perfect the protein brownie. No sponges please.
If you master the protein brownie I shall bow down to you! You will be the king of all healthy living bloggers! haha never tried casein powder…that’ll be next on my agenda 🙂
Glad you tried out chia seeds and loved it! 🙂
Chia seeds are the bomb – except that they reallllly tend to get stuck in your teeth 🙂
Nom nom skoop. I honestly can’t get into chia seeds. Probably because I really don’t need more fiber in my life. I can get into Skoop, though. For obvious reasons.
Lol fiber overload is definitely never good. Yup we’re Skoop sisters! Lame, I know.
Love Skoop! I’m going to be talking about them next week but their powder isn’t chalky at all… I was pleasantly surprised.
I know! That’s exactly what it was – a surprise haha. Protein powder is so hit or miss but I reallllly liked Skoop
Isn’t Skoop so good? Best protein powder out there in my little opinion.
I mean it tastes good, it doesn’t irritate my stomach, it has GREAT ingredients, and it’s a small business…it doesn’t get any better than that.
I have never tried Skoop but have heard about it on many blogs recently. That maple cinnamon chai pudding sounds delicious!
It’s a great fall flavor combo!
Love chia seeds! Not sure how I’d like the pudding but I’d be willing to try it!
It’s different in a good way 😉 the texture gets some ppl but I love it
i’m a Skoop fan as well, and have been since they sent me samples months ago and asked me to blog about them, too! such a cool company (who doesn’t love a start-up from CO?!), and their products really speak for themselves. yum!
I love that they’re a startup too! The ingredients, the business, the taste/quality…it just all points to a really dedicated, successful business. Love supporting them!
YUM. I’ve never heard of Skoop before but now I certainly want to try their products! Ha, I’m chuckling at your sponge protein brownie comment — been there, done that as well!
It was so, so bad haha. I really wish I could make healthier baked goods but alas 😉
I love chia pudding, but I haven’t added protein powder to it before. Great idea!
I only added half a scoop so you get the great health benefits and the flavor but it’s still subtle and you still get the chia pudding you know and love 🙂
Yum!! Great recipe and HELLO, BEAUTIFUL GIRL!! Love that pic!! So freakin’ gorgeous!! I’ve never tried Skoop, but it sounds fantastic and delicious!! I use Protein Milkshake Bar protein powder and it’s SO delicious!! I haven’t done much with protein powder and baking because my stuff usually didn’t taste that great, but might try it again with my new protein powder. Have the best weekend!! xoxo
Lol why THANK you chica 🙂 um wait does that taste like an actual milkshake ? Cuz that would be miraculous. Baking + protein powder hardly ever works lol you have to be seriously skilled
I make chocolate peanut butter protein shakes most morning and love them! I’m a vegetarian so it’s the perfect way to refuel! 😀
So basically you start your day with dessert? Um I’m on board. As long as it’s fullll of protein otherwise I’ll be hungry so so soon. I’m just not a french toast/pancakes gal for breakfast unless there’s eggs on the side. Protein is oh so important to start your day with!
I love Skoop as well. I had been on the hunt for a decent protein powder as well and have hated all of the plant based powders until this one. And i LOVE to bake with it as well! I love it so much that I decided to become an authorized dealer! http://mamarunsforcupcakes.healthyskoop.com I LOVE their supergreens too, I love to mix in my greek yogurt! And love the idea of putting it in the chia pudding, didn’t even think of that! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Glad to have found you!
I like the supergreens too! They scared me at first but they actually taste really good! I think the fact that it’s plant-based is why it never hurts my stomach which is so rare to find in a protein powder.
Im in love with chia puddings – they make the best quick and healthy breakfasts ever!
theglowwithin.com
I need to expand my horizons now! Maybe a pb and banana one next?? Yum!
I’ve actually never tried protein powder before! I know people love it but I’ve just never got on board. This sounds really good though!
It’s tricky because it always comes in huge bags/jars aka you have to commit to a lot and spend a lot of money on something that usually doesn’t taste great. So….yeah I don’t blame you haha. I do wish companies sold smaller containers of it!
I made a Skoop protein smoothie this morning…LOVE that stuff! 🙂 I will definitely try this out, because I’m always looking for a good chia pudding recipe and adding Skoop sounds PERFECT…Thanks for sharing!