Get Your Protein Fix!

Protein Power.
It took me a long time to realize just how important protein is for my health. But hey, better late than never, right?
I’m 58 years old and I shoot for a daily intake of 30% protein. I don’t always make it but what helps me get close—protein powders.
So, I’ve been baking a lot. And I add a protein powder in every single recipe. I’m always craving baked goods.  But man, there are gobs of empty calories in stuff from stores.
So, making my own makes me feel a lot better about eating them! 
Protein for Seniors
1/Illness-One study shows older peeps recover more quickly from sicknesses if they’re consuming more protein.
2/ Functionality- A 2018 study found that older people who ate more protein were 30% less likely to lose functional abilities than those who ate less of it. This involves simple things—getting dressed, going up and down stairs. So, eat up!
3/Spread it-When it comes to eating protein, we older folks should spread it out through the day. We don’t process it easily so this is a critical point.
4/Supplements & Powders-One study says there’s no need for these unless we’re malnourished or sick. But since we should all be trying to build more muscle, too as we age, I opt to throw in a powder just about every day. I check my intake by the end of the day and if I’m still below my 30% intake for the day, I’ll add a fruit smoothie with protein powder. Back to my baking and protein powders. Have you swiped yet? Yummy! My latest creation is this chocolate chip protein zucchini bread. It is full of good nutrients. 
So without further ado--here's my recipe!
Lynda’s Chocolate Chip Protein Zucchini Bread
1 cup flour (I used a combo of Egg White Protein powder, Cassava Flour & coconut flour
½ cup 100% Cacao powder
¾ cup coconut sugar
2.5 bananas
2 large eggs
¼ cup melted coconut oil
½ cup melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1.5 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup 85% Cacao Chocolate chips
Oven 350 degrees. Line 9X5 pan with parchment paper
Combine dry ingredients, then liquids, mix well
Add half of chocolate chips last and stir
Pour into pan, then add remainder of chocolate chips on top
Bake 55 minutes
I recommend freezing.
I love eating it cold—that crunch from the chocolate chips: delectable!
Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe.
 
Make it a great day.

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