Celebrate Whole-Grains Month with These Delicious Recipes
September is Whole-Grains Month—a month to think about the benefits of whole grains and to make a conscious decision to add more foods made with them into your diet.
Why eat whole grains?
According to Healthline, “Eating whole grains is associated with various benefits, including a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.” They are an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, essential minerals, and plant compounds (such as polyphenols, stanols, and sterols).
Because we should all eat more of these foods, we created three awesome recipes made with whole-grain flour. We think you will love these. Plus, they have the added benefit of extra protein, as they all contain Performance Whey Protein powder.
So hit the store, gather these ingredients, and start baking! We know these recipes will be keepers!
Whole-Grain Protein Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cup whole-grain flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup wheat germ
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 scoops of Performance Whey Protein powder (vanilla)
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350° and grease a standard loaf pan. Set aside.
Add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix (either by hand or with a hand mixer) until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the loaf pan.
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!
Whole-Grain Protein Cranberry Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole-grain flour
- ½ cup of wheat germ
- 3/4 cup uncooked quick oats
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup dried, unsweetened cranberries
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 scoop Performance Whey Protein powder (vanilla or blueberry)
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or line the pan with muffin cups.
Add all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well (either by hand or with a hand mixer). Pour into prepared muffin pan.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The muffins are fully cooked when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Whole-Grain Protein Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole-grain flour
- 2 scoops Performance Whey Protein powder (any flavor; it just depends on your taste and which optional ingredients you add)
- 2 cups peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- ½ cup rolled oats (uncooked)
- ½ cup wheat germ
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup dried fruit (your choice; optional)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Lightly grease a 9 x 13 pan and set aside. For thicker bars, use an 8 x 8 inch pan instead.
Mix all dry ingredients except chocolate chips and dried fruit together in a large bowl.
Melt the peanut butter and syrup until soft enough to stir but not hot.
Add the melted ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix well with a spoon.
Stir in chocolate chips and/or dried fruit.
Pour batter into the baking dish and press firmly. Refrigerate until firm. Cut and enjoy!
