6 Delicious Recipes To Boost Your Protein Intake

Have you heard of the term ‘sarcopenia’? It is a rather unwelcome effect of ageing, where after the age of 30, you begin to slowly lose your muscle mass and function by approximately 3-8% each decade.¹

The best way to combat this is to incorporate more movement into your everyday life. Try strength training exercises and follow a healthy, balanced diet that meets your daily protein needs.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, the RDA of protein for an average Indian adult is at least 54 grams (for men) and 46 grams (for women).² So, all you need to do is work out and consume protein-rich foods.

Here’s the tricky part: a typical Indian diet does not meet the recommended daily intake of protein required to sustain muscle mass and function. That’s where supplementation comes in. A nourishing, protein-rich beverage like *Horlicks Protein Plus is a great way to supplement your protein intake.

But the best part? It is available in delicious vanilla and chocolate variants. Now consuming adequate protein supplements to meet your recommended daily intake doesn’t need to be boring at all. With the delicious flavours of Horlicks Protein Plus, you can have fun and treat your tastebuds with delightful preparations while also sneaking in extra protein in your diet!

Here are 6 healthy and tasty recipes that only need a few ingredients and are quick and easy to make:

1.Easy Protein-Packed Pancakes:

Pancakes for breakfast are not only healthy and tasty, but they take minimal effort and are ready to eat in a jiffy!

Add two ripe bananas, two eggs, three scoops of Horlicks Protein Plus Vanilla (or Chocolate, if you like), and a pinch of cinnamon powder in a blender jar. Blend until smooth.

Heat a non-stick pan and add a teaspoon of butter (or olive oil) followed by 1/4^th cup of the pancake batter. Once it starts to bubble up, flip it and cook the other side. Repeat.

Serve the pancakes with a drizzle of honey, and you’re done!³

2.Protein Smoothie With Your Favourite Fruits:

A healthy and refreshing fruit smoothie is an amazing way to kickstart your day. And you know what can make it even better? An extra punch of protein.

You can use any fruit you want - mangoes, chikoos, mixed berries, apples – the list is limitless. Simply mix a cup of diced fruit, a cup of Greek yoghurt (to avoid added sugar), some chia seeds for crunch, and three scoops of Horlick Protein Plus Vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth and well mixed. Transfer to a glass and serve chilled.

It will help you feel fuller for longer and prevent you from munching on unhealthy snacks mid-morning.

3.Chocolate Protein Pudding:

With just four ingredients, this chocolate protein pudding is unbelievably delicious, low on carbs, high on protein, and is ready in just a couple of minutes.

Blend two scoops of Chocolate Horlicks Protein Plus, two tablespoons of chia seeds and a cup of milk (use almond milk if you are lactose intolerant. Transfer to a bowl and top it with sugar-free chocolate chips or dark chocolate shavings and serve chilled. Who says you cannot enjoy dessert for breakfast?

4.Protein Balls: 

If you are looking for a healthy snacking option for when you are on the go, these protein balls are perfect for you.

Take 6-7 deseeded dates, two scoops of Horlicks Protein Plus powder, either chocolate or vanilla, 4 tablespoons of your favourite peanut butter, and two teaspoons of ground chia seeds or two teaspoons of powdered dried fruits of your choice in a blender. Pulse all the ingredients together and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Store them in the refrigerator and snack on them when you feel hungry between meals or post-workout!

5.High-Protein Strawberry Oats:

Oats are packed with dietary fibres and make for a healthy breakfast option. Pair them with strawberries and it is a match made in heaven!

Heat a cup and a half of milk in a pan and gently whisk in a scoop of Horlicks Protein Plus Vanilla powder. Add half a cup of rolled oats to the mixture and cook on low heat for up to 5 minutes. Once cooked, turn off the flame, mix in half a cup of chopped strawberries, and serve immediately. You can also add some roasted almonds to the oats for extra crunch.

(P.S. You can replace regular milk with almond milk if you’re lactose intolerant and adjust the amount of milk to reach a consistency that you like.)

6.Vanilla Peanut Butter Protein Granola:

Granola is chewy, crunchy, nutty, and oh so tasty.

Preheat your oven at 180 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper and keep it aside. Into a saucepan, add 1/4^th cup peanut butter and 1/4^th cup honey, stir until the peanut butter is completely melted and combined with the honey. Remove from the stove and add in two cups of rolled oats, one scoop of Horlicks Protein Plus Vanilla powder, two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds, and a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Mix well and spread the mixture on the baking tray evenly and bake for 8 minutes, remove and stir, bake for 8 more minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight jar.

Have it with a splash of milk for breakfast or simply munch on it as a mid-meal snack. It is super delicious and very filling.⁴

There you go!  6 fun and enjoyable protein-boosting dishes that don't involve guzzling down a dull protein smoothie every morning!