Deck the halls with boughs of holly 

Tis the season to be jolly 

 The year-end is knocking at the doors. This is the time of the year when we wait eagerly for Santa to arrive with a handful of gifts. Christmas- a time to smile and dance to the melodies with your dear ones. While you plan for the special Christmas eve party, have you decided about the Christmas treats? We all know how your sweet tooth gets activated at this time of the year. And if you are worried about your diet, we have got a solution for you. In this article, we will discuss some delicious Christmas treats containing whey protein. But before going ahead, let's know a little bit about whey protein. 

What is whey protein made of? 

Whey protein is a type of protein derived from whey, the liquid that separates from milk during the cheese-making process. It is a byproduct of cheese production and is often sold as a dietary supplement. It is considered a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids the human body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food. 

What is whey protein good for? 

Whey protein is often used as a dietary supplement to help increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance. It is considered a high-quality protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids and is easily digestible. Some studies have also shown that whey protein can help with weight loss by increasing fullness and reducing hunger. It may also have potential health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and improving immune function. 

Does whey have side effects? 

One of the primary concerns for most whey protein users is "Are whey protein safe?" In general, whey protein is considered safe and well-tolerated. However, like any dietary supplement, it can cause some side effects in some people. The most common side effect of whey protein is digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and stomach pain. This is usually due to lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest the sugar found in milk. Sometimes, chemical whey protein can also cause side effects, so switch to vegan and chemical-free supplements like andMe's whey protein drink that contains 100% natural ingredients. In addition, it contains 21+ vitamins and minerals and 16+ Ayurvedic herbs that improve your immune system without any side effects.   

Top 5 protein-packed Christmas treats: 

1) Protein Gingerbread Cookies: 

Ingredients: 

• 140 gm of almond flour 
• 140 gm of protein powder 
• 2 egg whites 
• 3 tsp honey 
• 50 ml melted coconut oil 
• 80 gm dried dates 
• 2 tsp gingerbread spice mix 
• 1/2 tsp baking powder 

Process: 

• Blend flour, protein, dates, baking powder, and spice mix in a food processor 
• Add the remaining ingredients and knead into a fine dough. 
• Place the dough on parchment paper and keep rolling until it becomes thinner.  
• Refrigerate for 20 minutes in the freezer. 
• Cut the cookie shapes and bake them for 15-20 minutes at 160°C. 
• Allow them to cool down, and decorate them according to your wish. 

2) Low-calorie fruit ice cream: 

Ingredients: 

•  250 gm low-fat cream cheese 
• 250 gm frozen fruits (berries, mangoes, bananas) 
• 2 tsp ground oats 
• 1 scoop whey protein 
• A pinch of cinnamon 
• 1 tsp honey 
• 1 tsp chia seeds 
• Nuts and nut butter 

Process: 

• Whisk the cream cheese and add frozen fruits.  
• Pour oats and other ingredients into a blender and form into fine powder. 
• Mix the cream cheese and fruit mixture with the powder in a bowl and keep whisking until it becomes a smooth and thick paste.  
• Freeze the ice cream overnight before serving. 

3) Brownie oatmeal: 

• 250 ml of almond or coconut milk 
• 1 cup of ground oats 
• 1/2 cup low-fat greek yoghurt 
• 30gm protein 
• 2-3 tsp of cocoa powder 
• 2-3 tsp honey 
• Dark chocolate pieces 

Process: 

• Combine the dry ingredients together and mix it.  
• Add the rest of the ingredients to the mixture and mix well. 
• Divide the oatmeal into 2 bowls and refrigerate for a while. 

4) Protein mousse: 

Ingredients: (Mousse) 

• 1 egg white 
• A cup of mixed berries 
• 1/2 cup of protein powder 
• 1 tsp honey/ jaggery 

Ingredients: (Yoghurt) 

• Low-fat greek yoghurt 
• 1-2 tsp cocoa powder 

Proces: 

• Blend all the ingredients for mousse in a food processor for 4-5 minutes. 
• The mousse consistency should be thick, especially if you are using frozen fruits.  
• Freeze the mousse overnight 
• Mix the ingredients for yoghurt drops. 
• Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for a while. 
• Serve the mousse with these delicious yoghurt drops. 

5) Protein Banana Muffins: 

Ingredients: 

• 1 Banana 
• 1/2 cup almond flour 
• 2 eggs 
•  1 scoop whey protein 
• Chocolate chips 

Process: 

• Mash the banana with a fork. 
• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl with a hand blender.  
• Pour the chocolate chips at the end.  
• Fill the muffin cups with the filling and bake it at 190 degrees.  
• Let it cool down for a while before demoulding.