As a child growing up my father had nicknamed me “Carbie Barbie.” I simply adored my carbs. From a young age, I knew how carbohydrates made the world go ‘round. However, as I grew into studying Health, I soon learned how too many refined carbs can make you go round.

Whether it’s the pasta, bread, cake or that scrumptious bagel from last Sunday’s brunch you’re still dreaming about, many of us find we have a love/hate relationship with carbs.

Carbs make up the largest macronutrient value for recommended food intake values in the Canadian Food Guide. So it seems the best practice is to find a way to have our cake and eat it too. Many carbs can be healthy and nutritious, especially when the food’s homemade. After all, happiness is homemade.

This loaf recipe combines good sources of protein from coconut flour, egg, nut butter and protein powder, to pack a huge protein punch into our favorite guilty pleasure, bread. Seeing as many people tend not to get enough protein in their diets, this recipe’s a real treat for the tastebuds and your body.

Three cheers for protein consumption benefits: feeling more full longer, lowering blood pressure, boosting metabolism and helping with weight control. With that list in mind, we’re all pro-protein here at Spoon. Just think about the “gainz,” bro.

Protein Loaf

  • Prep Time:10 minutes
  • Cook Time:35 minutes
  • Total Time:45 minutes
  • Servings:6 slices
  • Medium

    Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/8 cup nut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 scoop protein powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Photo By Aarti Vyas
  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Step 2

    Place parchment paper into a 6×3 loaf pan, or spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray.

  • Step 3

    Combine bananas, nut butter and vanilla together until creamed; mix in your egg until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips next.

    Photo by Aarti Vyas
  • Step 4

    Add in protein powder, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, then mix until combined.

    Photo by Aarti Vyas
  • Step 5

    Pour batter into your pan and bake for 35 minutes or until the centre comes out clean with a toothpick or knife.

    Photo by Aarti Vyas
  • Step 6

    Remove from oven and let loaf cool in pan for at least 20 minutes before removing from pan and cutting into slices.

    Photo by Aarti Vyas