Protein Pudding

Who says dessert can’t be good for you? Those that do should whip up a bowl of this Protein Pudding.

I have done it! I have had my cake and have eaten it, too!

And by that, I mean, I have eaten my chocolate pudding without disrupting my diet! (Yeah, the first way I said it is much catchier.) Not that I have anything against dessert. Something sweet at the end of my meals is a little treat to remind yourself what it means to be alive. It also tastes really, really good. But sometimes, if you haven’t been exercising as often as you resolved at New Year’s, or you’ve not only had post-dinner dessert but post-breakfast dessert and post-lunch dessert as well, then you may want your “something sweet” to be something more.

Thanks to this protein pudding, it can. It contains—spoiler alert—protein, coming from not one, but two sources: protein powder and Greek yogurt. The first is a convenient way to get your daily dose of the macronutrient, while the second provides that creamy texture you want out of your pudding, healthy or not. They combine to form a dessert that doesn’t seem like a dessert at all.

What are the benefits of this Protein Pudding?

The proof is in the pudding, with protein being the proof in this protein pudding. Confused? Don’t be. This is just my convoluted way of saying that the main benefit of this pudding is the protein it packs. So many people don’t get the protein they need, especially if they impose a dietary restriction upon themselves. I often find myself making a conscious effort to add in protein despite maintaining what I thought was a healthy diet. It’s reassuring to know that even my dessert can lend a hand.

Another benefit is the convenience it presents. If I find myself counting on my dessert to help reach the optimal amount of protein, I don’t want to have to spend hours making it every week. That’s not the case with this dish. It requires three ingredients and a whisk. (It also requires a bit of a workout, which is another way it helps build muscle!) I can make as much at a time as I like, so I prep a week’s worth and keep it chilled then reach for it whenever I feel my body could use a protein boost.

Add the ability to supplement the pudding with fresh berries, nuts, and other healthy toppings and you’ve got one dessert that’s serious about your body!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt, non-fat or plant-based
• 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder or any other flavor
• 1 tbsp sugar or sugar substitute, optional

How to Make Protein Pudding

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt and chocolate protein powder until smooth.

Step 2: Add the sugar or sugar substitute.

Step 3: For a thicker consistency, cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour.

Step 4: Enjoy your protein pudding immediately after mixing, or chilled, as a nutritious dessert.

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