by: Holiday Durham, PhD, MS, registered dietitian at Amway
If you’re planning to indulge this season, why not give your holiday desserts a nutritious twist with protein? Protein is an important nutrient that provides energy, helps build and maintain muscle, and keeps us full and satisfied. Holiday desserts have historically been viewed as an indulgence of fats and sugar. Today, more and more people want to enjoy their treats without sacrificing their health goals. To do this, they incorporate ingredients such as protein powder, Greek yogurt, tofu, nuts, and even beans into their favorite recipes to increase their protein without sacrificing taste. Consumers are increasingly interested in ways to add nutritional value to their diet. You don’t need to be a serious athlete or adhere to a plant-based diet to want to increase your protein intake. Take it from Holiday Durham, PhD, MS, and registered dietitian at Amway.
Protein Made Easy: Understanding Your Options
Protein has many roles in our bodies. It is crucial for building and repairing muscles and promoting satiety by slowing your digestion and making you feel fuller for longer, which can help reduce the likelihood of overeating. Protein powders are a convenient way to help meet your protein needs. They can provide a quick source of protein and other nutrients whether in a shake or included in your favorite recipes.
Understanding what protein powder is right for you can seem challenging, but there are simple ways to narrow down your options immediately based on your health and wellbeing goals, specific needs, potential allergies and intolerances, and taste preferences.
- Plant-based protein options benefit vegans, vegetarians, or those with dairy or gluten sensitivities, as well as those with a variety of dietary restrictions. Plant-based proteins are often easier to digest and a healthy option. Look for blends such as pea, rice, hemp, or chia to ensure a complete amino acid profile. This type of protein often contains fiber and phytonutrients and is generally hypoallergenic.
- Whey protein is derived from dairy, specifically a byproduct of the cheesemaking process. It is quickly digested and is one of the best for muscle building and recovery due to its rapid absorption and high biological value, meaning it contains the amino acids your body needs.
- Casein protein is made from skim milk. This protein is digested and absorbed more slowly making it ideal for sustained protein release. It also helps prevent muscle breakdown during extended periods without food such as during sleep.
Upgrade Your Holiday Baking
The holiday season can be filled with cakes, cookies, pies, and more, often filled with high-sugar, low-nutrient options. Adding protein to desserts offers a way to enjoy treats while managing cravings and sustaining energy. It’s also a simple way to create a healthier option.
Amway, a leading manufacturer of protein powders and products, has seen a growing trend in consumers incorporating protein in their desserts. They launched a recipe hub to inspire consumers with creative ways to use their protein products in everyday meals. A great example of this is with their Nutrilite Organics Plant Protein Powder which comes in three flavors: Chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored.
Unflavored protein powder offers a blank canvas, seamlessly integrating traditional recipes without altering taste. This is also a great option for those consumers who prefer savory recipes over sweet ones and need an unflavored option to meet their needs.
When it comes to the holiday season, chocolate and vanilla protein powders both serve as great flavor pairings with typical seasonal ingredients like cinnamon or peppermint. Holiday’s favorite is a tofu chocolate mousse, topped with a sprinkling of peppermint candy canes. By adding chocolate Nutrilite Organics Plant Protein Powder, she feels good about serving it to her family.
Festive Sweets, Healthy Choices
Protein powder has become more commonplace outside the gym and continues to grow in popularity for everyday use. Its versatility extends beyond shakes to both sweet and savory dishes. This means this holiday season you don’t have to choose between indulgence and working toward your health goals. By incorporating protein into your desserts, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track. Just remember, while healthier, adding protein does not mean you should overindulge either.
There are many options when it comes to protein powder, so make sure you research and choose the kind that is right for you. With options like Amway’s Nutrilite Organics Protein available in flavors that complement classic holiday ingredients, it’s never been simpler to balance flavor and nutrition. So go ahead, enjoy the festive season—and do it with a protein punch!
