Recipe: Protein Pancakes

As a figure competitor, dieting for a show becomes almost like a skill in itself. The limited food choices, measured portions, and scheduled meals don’t leave much room for satiety and taste. But despite those boundaries, figure competitors are inspired to get creative with what little options they have.

For instance, me and my only sister, Nicole (also a figure competitor), found that rice cakes were a great substitute for bread; splenda mixed with drained natural peanut butter was a crunchy treat; and that we could make pancakes out of just egg whites and oats, which came to be known as “protein pancakes.”

At the time, little did I know that some figure competitors and body-builders were doing the same thing. Still, I took pride in knowing that my pancakes contained “clean” ingredients and that I could eat them–and enjoy them–while I trained and dieted for my poses on stage. This enjoyment also led me to evolve the recipe to add in protein powder, splenda, and cinnamon. Take a look my recipe below and try it out for yourself.
Warning: You may find them to be an acquired taste!

Jenny’s Protein Pancakes

Serving Size: 3 pancakes
Calories: 350 total
Protein: 36 grams
Ingredients: 1/2 cup oats, 3 egg whites, 1 scoop True Protein vanilla protein powder, splenda, cinnamon

1.) Spray large pan with Pam and turn heat on low
2.) Combine egg whites and oats in a glass Pyrex measuring cup (for pouring) and wisk together
3.) Mix in the protein powder and wisk until mixture is sticky
4.) Wisk in 4 splenda packets and sprinkle in cinnamon to taste
5.) Turn heat on medium and slowly pour mixture into the pan to make three pancakes the size of your palm
6.) Watch until bubbles form at the tops of the pancakes and then flip them
7.) Let them cook until golden brown on the outsides, flipping to desired brownness
8.) Let them cool and enjoy! I like to cut them up and dip them in a little sugar-free syrup.

Try this recipe at home and tell me what you think. Tell me the truth. Please don’t hold back if you truly hated them!