Heart Healthy Eggless Protein Pancakes

I really fancied some pancakes this morning, but with it being 'Veggie Tuesdays' and my signature low carb pancakes containing egg, I thought they'd probably be off the cards! Nevertheless I got my thinking cap on to see what I could potentially sub the egg whites for. I remembered I used flaxseed once to make a low carb porridge. The thick gloopy-like texture seemed as though it would make a perfect pancake batter- so that was it, I got cooking!

We should all be aware of the importance of including healthy fats in our daily diets. They play many essential roles from maintaining cell structures, to aiding in nutrient absorption, immunity, nerve, brain heart function and overall good health. There are two main types of fats- saturated, unsaturated- we need both. However the ones we need to keep an eye on are trans fats, which are usually found in foods containing partially hydrogenated oils i.e. vegetable oils, margarine, cakes, fast food, bread. Flaxseeds are an amazing nutrient packed healthy fat. Take a look through my older posts where I discuss the benefits of some healthy fats and how they can can be incorporated into a healthy diet. Also, see my 'Avocado, Flax and Maca Smoothie' for some health benefits of the amazing superfood, flaxseed!

These were not only great because they were super healthy, but they were gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, dairy free, AND completely vegetarian/vegan! Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats- so not just a perfect treat for breakfast, but for any time of the day!

Ingredients:

1 serving reflex natural vanilla whey

15g flax seed (I used the Linwoods brand enriched with probiotic & vitamin D)

15ml liquid of choice (coconut/unsweetened almond milk/water)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1tsp/5g virgin organic coconut oil
Optional - 1tsp stevia (or sweetener of  choice to taste) if using unsweetened whey 

Toppings:

16g/1tbsp cocoa coconut barney butter

50g raspberries

1. Combine flaxseed, cinnamon & whey with liquid of choice (gradually add just enough to make a thick pourable batter)

2. Heat enough coconut oil to cover the base of the pan on a low/medium heat

3. Pour 1.5-2tbsp of the batter into the pan for each silver dollar sized pancakes

4. Once bubbles start to form, carefully flip the pancake and let the other side cook for a minute or so

5. Plate up and top with nut butter and berries!

Macros (without toppings & using water as liquid of choice): 204kcal

22g Protein 12g Fat 2g Carb 5g Fiber

With toppings: 313kcal

26g Protein 20g Fat 8g Carb 9g Fiber

Suggestion: Get creative with your toppings and they could work out as great healthy little treats or finger bites for parties/movie nights! 😊