Frozen Protein ‘Bites’

Sometimes I need a little something before I do a strength workout in the morning… and it will usually have some protein and a few carbs and perhaps a bit of fat, too.  Not much, just a little something…

Normally I like to work out on an empty stomach.  I get out of bed, have a glass of water with half a lime squeezed and tossed into it, my EpiCor supplement, and then part of a cup of coffee… get into my workout gear and get sweaty!

But I have learned that if the workout involved much lower body work I need to eat a little before I do it. If I don’t, I tend to get too weak to finish my workout.  And I also don’t feel very good and it often lasts well into the morning.  Not a good experience.

I have experimented with protein shakes, but sometimes that is just too much … I don’t like to work hard with food in my belly cause it tends to make me feel sickish. 

These little frozen protein ‘bites’ are just right!  They are a combination of mashed banana, protein powder, and almond butter.  I love them, and could honestly just snack on them, especially when the weather is still so hot, but I am saving them as a pre-workout fuel…. I do have some self-control, although I admit I don’t like to show it off all the time!

The first time I made them, and as shown here, I used GNC Chocolate Rebuilt-Mass protein powder ‘cause we still had some around from the review The Captain did of it a while back… use your favorite protein powder.  And of course, the N.I. will vary with the brand and kind of powder used… but you get the idea.

I have also made them with a vanilla whey powder and added a dash of cinnamon.  They are really good too.  I think I will be experimenting a lot, with different fruits and nut butters and spices…

Frozen Protein ‘Bites’
Makes 8

• 1 medium banana, peeled and mashed
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 2 Tbs almond butter

1. Add the protein powder and the almond butter to the mashed banana and mix until well-combined.
2. Scoop with a tablespoon measure into a silicone or paper muffin cup.
3. Freeze several hours till solid.
4. Store in the freezer and thaw the ‘bite’ for a a minute or 2 before eating.

Per serving of one ‘bite’.
Weight Watchers P+ = 1.
Calories 51; Protein 2g; Carbohydrate 7g; Fat 2g; Fibre 1g.

The next time I made them I used a regular whey powder and it had more protein so the N.I. was higher in protein and lower in carbs.  I suspect most whey powders would give similar results.

Per serving of one ‘bite’.
Weight Watchers P+ = 1.
Calories 50; Protein 4g; Carbohydrate 4g; Fat 2g; Fibre 1g.

Start by mashing the banana.

I use silicone muffin cups because they peel away so easily… and yes, the bananas are a bit lumpy.  It doesn’t matter!

Printable Recipe

Do you like to eat before you do a strength workout?

What is your favorite thing to have?