Mom's Cake Batter Frozen Yogurt (with ViSalus)

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My frozen yogurt habit has gotten out of control.

I don't know when or why it happened, but lately, I have been hitting up Forever Yogurt about twice a week. I can't get enough of my two favorite flavors: Mom's Cake Batter and Salted Caramel Popcorn.

Unfortunately, there are two problems with this addiction. First, it costs money. No, it's not expensive, but over time, who knows - it could add up. Second, it's very high in sugar, which, on its own is fine every once in a while, but when you're going back more and more, it becomes a bit of an issue.

My solution? Make my own. Less money. Less sugar. More protein. 

I made a chocolate protein frozen yogurt a while back, and was pretty satisfied with that. When ViSalus contacted me and asked me to develop some recipes using their product, I immediately knew that this would be Stop Number 1 on the ViSalus Train. I'd tried their shake powder before and thought it tasted deceptively like cake batter. So, this was pretty much the perfect storm.

Mom's Cake Batter Frozen Yogurt (with ViSalus):

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup 0% Plain Greek Yogurt (I have used Fage, Chobani, and Oikos)
• 2 scoops ViSalus Powder (or 1 scoop regular protein powder - the ViSalus scooper is itty bitty)

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ingredients and mix well, until all powder pockets have disappeared. You should be able to do it with a spoon.
2. Freeze for at least 2 hours. (You can skip this step if you don't mind it not being "frozen" yogurt -- if you do skip it, move on to Step 5).
3. When you're ready to eat it, take it out of the freezer. Let thaw for 10 minutes.
4. Pop it in the blender and pulse on low setting until it reaches desired consistency.
5. If you want to be fancy, you can pipe it into a bowl using a plastic bag to make it look like it came from the machines.
6. Top with add ons of your choice! I used blueberries and maple syrup.

Notes:

• I used Greek Yogurt, but you can feel free to substitute any plain yogurt, if you'd like. 
• I also used ViSalus Shape powder, because it seriously does taste like cake batter, but you could use any vanilla or sweet cream flavored protein powder if you'd like.
• You don't have to freeze it. In fact, if you're impulsive like me, you might just want to eat it right after mixing. No shame in that... :)

**I was contacted by ViSalus and asked to develop some recipes using their product. They provided me products to work with in this process. Stay tuned for more recipes!**

Protein Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding

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Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia! ....Sorry. It had to be done.


I've already ranted and raved about Chia Seeds a few times, now. They're low-cal, they keep you full, they're filled with Obega-3 Fatty Acids, Protein, and Fiber... and, best of all, you can add them to just about anything.

So I began by adding them to a delicious berry Muesli recipe. They thickened it up a bit. You see, as Chia seeds sit in a liquid, they begin to "gel" (remember those commercials... I'm gellin' are you gellin'? I'm gellin' like a felon, want some melon?). As they gel, they create a thicker, almost pudding-like consistency.

Pudding. PUDDING?! PUDDING!!!

Yes, folks. Pudding. Like the snack packs from your ten-year-old lunch box. The ones that were like gold when it came to trading for dunkaroos. 

And yet, this pudding is a bit different. Instead of being filled with... excuse my language... fake crap, this pudding is filled with healthy goodness. Instead of using pudding mix, I used chia seeds, truvia, and chocolate protein powder.

See that protein?! Your muscles need it to recover after you shred them during an intense workout (maybe one of these?). With 18g of protein, this pudding can totally be a substitute for a post-workout protein shake! It still has the same protein goodness but is in pudding form! Post-workout dessert? I think YES!

This recipe is also low in saturated fat, high in vitamin B12, and EXTREMELY high in dietary fiber!

Protein Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding

Calories Per Serving: 170

WW Points (Old): 3

WW Points Plus (New): 4

Prep Time: At least 30 minutes (but overnight would be best!)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup Water
• (Optional: Shredded Unsweetened Coconut)
• (Optional: 2 tsp Truvia)

Directions:

1. Combine Chia Seeds and Water in a bowl and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight will yield the best results.
2. When you're ready to eat it, stir in 1 scoop of protein powder. Stir well to break up any powder pockets.
3. Garnish! I garnished with a bit of shredded, unsweetened coconut. Another awesome option would be fresh mint sprigs (with perhaps a drop or two of mint extract stirred in?!).

Recipe | Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake

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For those of you who are fitness buffs like me, protein shakes are a must. Even if you're not hitting the gym on a regular basis, protein is still a must-have in your diet. Most studies suggest that the average adult needs between 40 to 55 grams of protein each day. 

The icing on the cake (or on the protein shake, I guess?) is that this recipe makes one mean yet delicious shake. I often crave it. Proof that it is delicious.

Picking your protein? There are many options. Look for a Whey protein. Whey protein is the same protein found in milk and is best for post-workout supplements because it is fast-absorbing and as a result can quickly get to work repairing your muscles.Try to get this in your system within 40 minutes of working out if you're using it as a post-workout shake!

 

Want the full recipe? Read on, my friends! :)