High-Protein Fall Recipes: Energizing Granola for Busy Days

Fall days are busy in the best way—the buzz of the holidays starts to amp up, and with school and sports in full swing, our schedules can get packed before we know it. 

Even when you’re on the go from the morning until evening, it’s crucial to nourish your body. Wholesome nutrition is one of the most powerful tools to feel your best, no matter what the day brings!

Protein is the powerhouse nutrient that helps you feel satiated, balances blood sugar, aids muscle recovery, and supports a healthy metabolism. For all these good reasons and more, protein is having its media moment—we’re sure you’ve seen articles, posts, and stories about the importance of hitting your daily protein goals. 

Keep reading to learn why we’re adamant about including protein in our daily meals. We’ve even included a high-protein granola recipe that’s easy to make, prep, and enjoy on your busy fall days!

Why a High-Protein Diet is Key for Energy and Health 

When it comes to the three major macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats), protein is the star of the show. That’s because protein plays a major role in your body’s optimal functioning, from immune support to muscle building to energy levels throughout the day. 

Every single cell in our bodies uses protein to function at its peak potential. So, when you choose to put protein in your body, it’s like putting premium gas in the tank! You’re giving your body, even at the cellular level, the best possible fuel to function and perform. 

Benefits of High-Protein Foods for Your Body

How Protein Supports Muscle Recovery and Immune Function

You don’t have to be a bodybuilder or professional athlete to benefit from the muscle-strengthening properties of protein. Our muscles support and protect our entire skeletal and organ systems. However, our muscles naturally decrease in size as we age. Prioritizing a fitness and diet plan that increases and maintains muscle mass is crucial for longevity.   

“Microtears” are tiny tears in muscle fibers that occur during physical activity. Microtears are beneficial for muscle growth, but we need to recover properly to get the most from our workout and avoid injuries. Protein heals and improves our muscle system from the inside out. 

Another key system to support during the fall months is our immune system. Our body uses antibodies to fight off infection, and you’ll never guess what antibodies are primarily made out of…yep, protein! A high-protein diet can significantly strengthen your immune system as we head into cold and flu season. Set yourself for a healthy fall and winter by consuming more protein. 

Why High-Protein Recipes Keep You Full and Energized

While carbohydrates and fats help give you quicker energy bursts, protein keeps you full and energized longer throughout the day. 

That’s because protein takes longer to break down in our digestive system, creating a more prolonged energy release. This slower digestive process helps regulate our blood sugar and avoid the energy crashes associated with dips in blood sugar. That means with the right amount of protein, you’ll feel full, focused, and stable all day. 

High-Protein Fall Granola Recipe: Quick and Easy

This high-protein granola delivers over 20 grams of protein per serving, making it the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. Protein keeps you full and helps maintain your energy levels throughout the day, and the amino acids give your body what it needs to build and repair muscle, produce and regulate hormones, support your immune function, and more. Plus, with a healthy dose of whole-grain carbohydrates and fiber, this granola doubles as a perfect pre-workout snack!

This recipe makes 2 cups of prepared granola.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to get started: 

INGREDIENTS: 

1 cup rolled oats

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

2 Tbs cocoa powder

1⁄8 tsp kosher salt

1⁄4 cup coconut flakes

1⁄3 cup sliced almonds

1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted

2 Tbs maple syrup

Step-by-Step Guide to Making High-Protein Granola

Before you start mixing any ingredients, get your oven ready! Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Next, mix your dry ingredients. Mix your oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, kosher salt, coconut flakes and sliced almonds. 

Then, add coconut oil and maple syrup to the dry mixture. Stir everything until combined.

Now you’re ready to bake. Spread your mixture evenly over the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes. Gently stir about halfway through cooking time.

Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Enjoy it on the go or pair it with yogurt and fruit for a filling high-protein breakfast!

For more total-body nutrition tips and delicious recipes that help fuel your best self, check out Simply Plated. by Jazzercise.

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