4 Snacks Made With Protein Powder for Building Muscles

The intake of protein is vital to one's overall health. According to Huffington Post, protein is one of three macronutrients (the other two being carbohydrates and fat) that are essential to one's wellness. Protein helps boost metabolism and stabilize blood sugar for a healthy body. It's also very important for those who work their muscles regularly, because it aids in the repair and building of muscle tissues.

Natural protein sources include fish, turkey, chicken, egg whites, and lean beef, but if you want to go the extra mile, some nutritionists and bodybuilders recommend the intake of protein powder, which is often whey-, soy-, and casein-based. Here are some simple but delightful snack recipes that you can add protein powder to for an even better post-workout meal.

1. Banana walnut oatmeal. This simple recipe from Men's Health is great for snacking on any time of the day. You can even take it for breakfast as fuel for a busy day ahead. Just take 1/3 cup of rolled oats, one sliced banana, one scoop of vanilla protein powder, two tablespoons chopped walnuts and a cup of water. Combine oats and water in a bowl and microwave for a minute or two. Stir the mixture and let it sit for another minute. Mix in the other ingredients before serving. It's a great on the go breakfast that's so easy yet so nutritious.

2. Muscle mashed potatoes. This recipe from Livestrong takes only 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, and serves four. It's a great recipe if you're having your gym buds over for steak on a Saturday night. All you need is a pound of red potatoes, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup of 2% milk, and a scoop of pure protein whey powder. Skin the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover the pot with water and let boil for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender enough to pierce through with a fork. Drain the water, then begin mashing the potatoes. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly, and season to taste.

3. Protein cake. It may sound odd, but you can treat yourself to this protein cake from POPSugar. It's gluten-free and has more than 20 grams of protein. Celebrity trainer Holly Perkins created the recipe, which requires one small chocolate-flavored protein bar, three tablespoons coconut or almond milk, three tablespoons dark chocolate pieces, two tablespoons oat flour, one large egg, two and tablespoons protein powder. You'll also need a microwave and an oven for this recipe. Get the full instructions over at POPSugar.

4. Almond apple spice muffins. This recipe from Men's Health features two cups of almond meal, five scoops of vanilla protein powder, four eggs, one cup unsweetened apple sauce, half a stick of butter, one teaspoon of all splice, one teaspoon of cloves, and two teaspoons of baking powder. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and melt the butter in the microwave. Mix in the rest of the ingredients thoroughly. Pour the mixture into muffin tins (making sure you're using cupcake liners or have sprayed it with non-stick cooking spray). Cook for 12 minutes.