Adding protein powder to a smoothie or meal is a great way to get some extra nutrition. Unfortunately, commercial powders are usually loaded with artificial flavorings and other unnecessary additives, and boy can they be pricey!
The good news is, you can make your own protein powders with ingredients you probably already have at home.
All of these are plant-based, simple to make, contain 6 ingredients or less, and although they do contain less protein per serving than store-bought powder, they use whole foods rather than extracts—so they’re healthier for you anyway!
These recipes will make 2-3 servings, if you use tablespoons of powder as one serving.
1. Pre-Workout Power Powder
Chia and hemp seeds are high in protein, almond and sesame provide healthy fats, matcha powder adds a bit of caffeine to boost your energy levels, while vanilla bean makes the whole thing taste great! Add it to a green smoothie and enjoy before your morning workout.
- 1 Tbsp. raw sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp. raw, hulled hemp seeds
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp. almond flour
- 1 tsp. matcha green tea powder
- ½ tsp. finely ground vanilla bean
Grind sesame seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds together until they form a thick powder. Add the other ingredients and grind for a few more seconds until evenly combined.
2. Hormone Balancing Powder
Both ginger and maca have hormone-balancing properties, while hemp, chia, and almond provide a hearty and healthy protein base.
- 1 Tbsp. raw, hulled hemp seeds
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp. almond flour
- ½ tsp. ginger
- 1 tsp. maca powder
Grind hemp seeds and chia seeds together until they look like powder. Add the remaining ingredients and grind for a few more seconds until evenly combined.
3. When You Want Protein and Fiber
A recent study suggested that getting enough fiber might be the most important thing when it comes to losing weight. Here’s a recipe for a protein powder that’s high in protein and fiber.
- 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp. raw flax seeds
- 1 Tbsp. raw sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp. gluten free oats
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
Grind chia, flax, sesame seeds, and oats together until the mixture looks like powder. Add the cinnamon and continue grinding for a few seconds until everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Metabolism-Boosting Protein Powder
Getting enough protein in your diet is crucial for a speedy metabolism, but this protein powder also includes metabolism-boosting additions like matcha green tea powder, raw cacao powder, and cayenne pepper.
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp. raw, hulled hemp seeds
- 1 Tbsp. raw flax seeds
- 1 Tbsp. matcha powder
- ½ tsp. raw cacao powder
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
Grind chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds until the mixture looks like powder. Add matcha, cacao, and cayenne and continue grinding for a few seconds until thoroughly combined.
5. A ‘Green’ Protein Powder
Pea protein is high in essential amino acids like lysine, arginine, and glutamine, and is easily digested in the body. Hemp, sunflower seeds, and spirulina give it some extra health power.
- 2 Tbsp. pure and organic pea protein powder
- 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds (ground)
- 1 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
- 1 Tbsp. spirulina or chlorella powder
Grind hemp and sunflower seeds until the mixture looks like powder. Add pea powder and spirulina, grinding for a few seconds until thoroughly combined.
6. Extra-Alkaline Protein Powder
Chia, hemp, and pumpkin are three of the most alkalizing seeds out there, while spirulina and ginger are highly alkaline and really help with the detox process.
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds
- 1 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds
- 1 Tbsp. spirulina/chlorella
- ½ tsp. ginger
Grind chia, hemp, and pumpkin seeds until the mixture becomes a powder. Add ginger and spirulina, continuing to grind for a few seconds until thoroughly combined.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Protein Powder
All of these ingredients are high in either antioxidants, omega-3s, or both (flax and chia). Combined, they deliver a ton of healthy protein, fat, and anti-inflammatory powers.
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds
- 1 Tbsp. raw flax seeds
- 1 Tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1 tsp. matcha powder
- ½ tsp. raw cacao powder
- ½ tsp. ginger
Grind chia, hemp, and flax seeds until the mixture becomes a powder. Add ginger and cacao, grinding for a few seconds until thoroughly combined.
8. To Get Your Omega-3s
Flax and chia seeds are known for their high omega-3 content, and adding a few tablespoons of walnuts and sunflower seeds boosts the omega-3 content even more, making this protein powder brain supporting, anti-inflammatory, and totally heart healthy.
- 1 Tbsp. flax seeds
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 2 Tbsp. walnuts (ground)
- 1 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
Grind flax, chia, walnuts, and sunflower seeds until the mixture looks like powder. Grind for a few seconds until thoroughly combined.
For all of these recipes, be sure to store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Although ground seeds go rancid far quicker than whole seeds, if stored properly they will keep for up to 2 months.
Feel free to play around with some of the ratios and flavors until you find the perfect mix for you, and enjoy!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/diy-vegan-protein-powders
http://www.livestrong.com/article/353309-how-to-make-protein-powder-at-home
http://www.trueactivist.com/the-top-10-healthiest-seeds-on-earth
