Recipe for Health: Protein Pancake

We've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but are you maximizing your calories in the morning? Protein is what builds and maintains muscles, but it also takes longer for your body to digest than carbohydrates, so it makes you stay fuller, longer. This may set you up for success the rest of the day by curbing cravings, giving you the most bang for your buck. Instead of having a bowl of sugary cereal, which will leave you hungry 2 hours later, try some protein!

Here is a simple, versatile recipe made with staples that you probably already have. Dress it up with fresh berries, or even throw some diced apples into the batter for a delicious start to your day! This is also good made ahead of time and served cold if you're on the run. It is a great post-workout meal, giving you a whopping 20 grams of protein to help those muscles repair themselves.

Protein Pancake
Olive oil spray
4 egg whites
1/2 C quick-cooking oats
dash of cinnamon
dash of sugar (optional)
fruit (optional)
agave or syrup (optional)

Preheat a small skillet over medium heat, spray with enough olive oil to lightly coat. In a medium-sized bowl, whip egg whites, oats, cinnamon and sugar. Pour into skillet and let cook 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove to a plate and top with fruit if desired. Also good is a drizzle of agave or syrup - don't go crazy here, less than a teaspoon is plenty.