Lara Ibarra, Nutritionist: The Most Delicious Fat-Loss Pancakes Are Not Made with Sugar, but with 100g Protein Yogurt, 1 Egg, and 40g Oat Flour

When considering the world of fitness and healthy eating, the first thought is often that you must leave behind everything you love and substitute it with bland foods that you won’t truly enjoy; however, this doesn’t have to be the case, and there are several recipes that prove otherwise. The nutritionist Lara Ibarra argues that eating well and achieving your physical goals are not incompatible, which is why she presents a breakfast idea that clearly stands out: pancakes that can burn fat even if eaten daily; provided they are prepared with the right ingredients. “Yes, you can have pancakes for breakfast every day and keep losing fat, but only if you do it right,” she clarifies.

The key to making these pancakes such a healthy option lies in the fact that they substitute a lot of ingredients that are commonly used in dishes like this — such as flour and sugar — with much healthier and more nutritious ones. In addition, choosing the right components for the mixture can raise the protein content, thereby delivering more energy and satiety, an essential factor in avoiding mid-morning snacking. This happened to one of her clients, who always felt hungry during the workday: “As soon as she started having the pancakes for breakfast she felt the opposite: satiety, calmness, no more snacking at the first thing she grabbed in the office, and she didn’t experience that unbearable sleepiness anymore.”

Tips to Make Them Perfect

To ensure your pancakes come out tasty and pretty, the first trick is to use a good non-stick pan to prevent sticking and to keep them from falling apart. Also, don’t go overboard with the oil: use just a splash and wipe away the excess with a sheet of paper towel, because too much fat will prevent them from looking good on the outside. Finally, there’s no need to add sugar to the batter, as the toppings you choose will provide all the sweetness you need; though, if you have a particularly sweet tooth and must have something sweet, you can always opt for natural ingredients such as a bit of mashed banana, date paste, or your usual sweetener.

Common Mistakes When Preparing the Toppings

When it comes to topping your pancakes, you must tread carefully to avoid spoiling a healthy breakfast. A very typical mistake is pouring too much honey or maple syrup thinking nothing will happen, but the truth is they contain a lot of sugar and add a substantial amount of calories. It’s also not wise to buy the first nut butter you find at the supermarket, because although this claims to be high in protein, most contain low-quality oils and several additives, something best avoided at all costs. Finally, if you forget to include some protein in the recipe and only use regular flours, you won’t feel full enough and you’ll be hungry again very quickly.

Two Ways to Enjoy Them: Sweet and Savory

You can prepare these pancakes in two easy ways depending on what you fancy. If you want the sweet option, simply mix a little protein powder (caramel or chocolate flavor) with a splash of milk to make a homemade sweet cream, dollop it on top, and decorate with slices of banana and dark chocolate chips. If you prefer the savory version, build a stack by layering the pancakes with light cheese slices and ham between them so the cheese melts with the heat, and finish the plate by placing a fried egg right on top.