When you lead a busy lifestyle, it can be challenging to find the time to prepare healthy meals. That’s why snacks are an essential part of a busy person’s diet. However, not all snacks are created equal, and many of them are highly processed and packed with refined carbs and sugar.
To prevent energy crashes and keep yourself feeling satisfied, it’s important to choose snacks that are nutritious and contain protein. Protein is a vital nutrient that helps promote fullness by signaling the release of appetite-suppressing hormones, slowing down digestion, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Animal-based foods, including meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy, are excellent sources of protein. They also provide other essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. However, if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can still meet your protein needs by consuming a variety of plant-based proteins such as nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
It’s worth noting that consuming protein from different sources is beneficial for your health. Different sources of protein contain various amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Consuming a variety of amino acids from different sources ensures that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs for optimal health.
When selecting snacks, aim for those that are nutrient-dense, high in protein, and low in refined carbohydrates and sugar. These snacks will provide you with the energy you need to stay focused and productive throughout the day, without compromising your health.
#1. Chomps
Bought at your local Trader Joes or Costco this tasty go-to is easy to tot and packs 10g of Protein. Slightly smoky flavor with just a touch of spice. Pro tip: Don’t eat it in the car with others.
#2. Ah Nuts!!
Eating a handful of nuts, such as almonds, is an easy way to increase your protein intake. Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, riboflavin, trace minerals, and healthy fats. Consuming almonds regularly as a snack has many health benefits and may also aid in weight management. It’s important to keep in mind that almonds are high in calories, and the recommended serving size is a handful, which is equivalent to around 22 almonds.
#3. Good Culture Cottage Cheese
Organic Whole Milk Classic is thick and creamy cottage cheese in a convenient single-serve cup. Sourced from pasture-raised cows, a commitment to real, simple ingredients means nothing but milk, cream and sea salt, plus live and active cultures. Plus 19g of protein!
#4. Protein Bars…Barebells Cookies & Cream
A grab in go go-to is a protein bar like Baebells Cookies & Cream. With 20g of Protein this easy to bring snack fills the taste buds and protein buckets.
#5. Apple and PBFit
Apples and peanut butter taste great when combined, and they make for a nutrient-dense and high-protein snack that offers many health benefits. Apples contain fiber and antioxidants that improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease. PBFit is a peanut butter alternative with with 8g of protein. For a healthy snack, you can have a medium-sized apple with 2 tablespoons of PB2.
