If you have ventured into fitness or even if you are an intermediate or advanced-level fitness enthusiast, then you must have heard of whey protein powder. It is one of the most popular fitness supplements and if you want to build lean muscles or improve your athletic performance, then a whey protein powder would be the perfect addition to your fitness routine. Make sure to ask your trainer to know what is whey protein and which GNC whey protein would be best suitable for you.
Whey protein is obtained as a by-product during the cheese-making process. The liquid whey that is separated during cheese-making goes through multiple stages of purification and filtration and in the end, you get whey protein powder. There are three types of whey protein – whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolyzed. The difference between these three types of whey protein is the number of purification stages they go through and the protein content in each.
Whey protein concentrate is the most basic form of whey protein and goes through the last stages of filtration and purification. This is the reason that it has a considerable amount of fat and is cheaper as compared to other whey protein supplements. Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey and has the least fat and lactose content making it the perfect whey protein powder for those with lactose intolerance. It contains 80-90% pure protein. Whey protein hydrolyzed is a partially digested form of whey which has undergone partial hydrolysis making it easy on the stomach.
5 amazing overnight oats recipes with GNC whey protein powder
- Berry and vanilla overnight oats
Overnight oats are the perfect healthy recipe for mornings when you are rushing out of the house, yet want to eat something healthy. Since you can easily prepare for these the night before, you can save a lot of time in the morning. Oats are full of fiber which keep you full for longer and whey protein has lots of benefits, making this recipe a power-packed start to the day!
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup milk of choice (any plant-based or dairy based milk)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (or any other nut butter)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 2 scoops GNC Pro Performance 100% whey protein (vanilla)
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 cup fresh or frozen berries
Method
- Add rolled oats, chia seeds, whey protein powder, frozen berries, peanut butter and milk into a mason jar or bowl.
- Stir the oats mix and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- The next morning, take out the jar from the fridge. You can add more milk if the consistency has become too thick.
- Top it with honey and berries and enjoy! You can also heat the oats mix before eating.
- Blueberry and lemon overnight oats
If you thought that fancy overnight oats can only be bought from supermarkets, then you were mistaken. This delicious recipe is super easy and quick to make and has all the whey protein benefits. Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants which prevent damage caused by free radicals and lemon is a great source of vitamin C which is also a potent antioxidant. So try this recipe and boost your vitamin C intake.
Ingredients
- ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 scoops vanilla GNC AMP Pure Isolate
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1 cup skimmed milk (you can take any plant based of your choice)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Method
- In a bowl add protein powder, Greek yogurt, oats, salt, vanilla extract, and chia seeds. Mix well.
- Slowly stir in the milk, lemon juice, blueberries, and honey or maple syrup.
- Transfer the mixture into small jars. Seal the lid and refrigerate overnight.
- Garnish with blueberries and honey and enjoy a healthy breakfast.
- Chocolate and peanut butter overnight oats
If you are a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, then this recipe would be perfect for you. You van easily prepare them the night before and take them on the go if you don’t have time for breakfast in the morning. A breakfast option that will fill you up and provide energy throughout the day, this recipe also has the goodness of whey protein powder to build lean muscles. Add your favorite toppings and give the same recipe a new twist!
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 scoops GNC AMP Pure Isolate (chocolate variant)
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tsp chocolate chips – for topping
- 2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
Method
- Combine milk, oats, whey protein powder, chia seeds, cinnamon powder, peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a glass container.
- Mix well, cover with lid, and leave overnight in the refrigerator.
- The next morning, remove from the refrigerator and stir well. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if required.
- Top with honey or maple syrup and chocolate chips and enjoy!
- Strawberries & Cream overnight oats
For days when you want to dig into a delicious dessert, but don’t want all those extra calories and added sugar, this is the perfect recipe to try. Have it as a healthy dessert or for breakfast! The heavenly combination of strawberries and cream with the goodness of whey protein, what else can you ask for?
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (you can take any plant-based milk as well)
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 scoops GNC Pro Performance Whey Protein (strawberry)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp cream cheese
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
Method
- In a large bowl mix rolled oats, protein powder, and vanilla extract.
- Add in milk, honey, and Greek yogurt and mix well. Fold the strawberries in this mixture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight for best taste.
- For breakfast next morning, transfer to a small bowl. Garnish with diced strawberries and some cream cheese.
- Banana and coffee overnight oats
Simplicity at its best – both in taste and in health. This delicious recipe will become your favorite. It will fill you up which means you can control mid-meal snacking and munching. And since it has the goodness of whey protein, it will help with muscle building and improving your stamina.
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond milk (or any other milk of choice)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- Few drops vanilla essence
- ½ cup brewed coffee
- 1 banana
- 2 scoops GNC whey protein powder
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tsp chia seeds
Method
- Add oats, chia seeds, brewed coffee, mashed banana, cinnamon powder, vanilla essence in a glass jar and mix well.
- Transfer to small containers. Cover with lid and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- The next morning take out the containers from the fridge. Adjust the consistency if required.
- Top it with fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips and enjoy!
Make sure to read the dosage instructions of each whey protein powder on the pack. Do not consume excess amounts, as it may cause side effects and can trigger allergic reactions. If you notice any side effects like – nausea, headache, stomach cramps, upset stomach, diarrhea etc. stop taking the whey protein powder and consult your doctor at the earliest.