What athletes eat: Weightlifter Mattie Rogers’ chocolate protein pancakes

A former cheerleader who moved over to weightlifting by way of CrossFit, Mattie Rogers first competed in the weightlifting world championships in 2015 at age 20. She just missed making the Olympic team in 2016 — and now has her eyes firmly on 2020.

Currently the U.S. record-holder in every event in the 69-kilogram weight class, Rogers is getting ready to represent Team USA in this year’s world championships beginning Nov. 1 in Turkmenistan.

Rogers shared with us one of her favorite recipes for a breakfast that goes above and beyond: Chocolate Protein Pancakes.

The recipe:
Ingredients:
80 grams oats (about a cup)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (about 2 heaping tablespoons)
Egg whites (about 1-2 tablespoons if I had to guess)
Almond milk (enough to turn it into a batter)
Baking powder for fluff
Pinch of salt
Sugar-free syrup for topping
Whipped cream for topping

Additional options:
Peanut butter
Nuts
Fruit
Cinnamon
Chocolate chips
Spinach (add in blender/food processor with oats)

Add oats to a blender or food processor to turn into flour. Pour into a mixing bowl.

Add protein powder, baking powder, salt, egg whites and almond milk. Mix lightly, adjusting almond milk until it’s the consistency of batter.
Pour onto a hot griddle and cook several minutes on each side until brown. Top with syrup, whipped cream or other toppings of your choice.