Summary: Enjoy these 8 delicious high protein snacks that will keep you full longer and give you longer lasting energy as well.
Why is it important to have protein in your snack?
We all know that combining different food groups is important in our meals, but it’s also something you need to think about when it comes to grabbing a snack. By having a good source of protein, you’re filling yourself up more quickly and you’ll stay fuller longer than you would with a carb-heavy alternative.
Many of us reach for snacks like potato chips, pretzels, crackers, or anything we can find in the vending machine. These foods are carb-heavy. Although they may give you immediate energy, it will wear off quickly, leaving you to crash. Even healthy options like apples or carrots will go a much longer way with some protein added to them.
To help you get the most out of your next snack, here are eight high-protein options:
- Ants on a log. Take celery, fill with peanut butter, and add raisins. Yes, this is old school, but very effective. Nut butter with any veggie or fruit is a great combination of healthy fat, protein and fiber.
- Peanut butter overnight oats. Mix oatmeal with milk and peanut butter, along with any add-ins you would like, and let it sit overnight. Depending on serving size, this can also serve as a great breakfast.
- Hard boiled eggs and avocado. Chop and mix together, then add some salt and pepper, and you’ve got a quick snack that gives you a whopping 12 g of protein.
- Deli roll-ups. Spread out lunch meat and add a few toppings like mustard, lettuce and tomato, then roll it up and stick with a toothpick. Choose meats like turkey or chicken that are lean but come with plenty of protein.
- Just one cup of edamame contains 15 grams of protein. Sprinkle with some sea salt and you’ve got a simple and quick afternoon snack.
- Veggies and hummus. Much like the idea of ants on a log, veggies and hummus together have plenty of fiber, protein and healthy fat to keep you satiated.
- Fruity parfait. Combine plain Greek yogurt with your favorite berries and you’ve got a delicious afternoon snack that is healthy and helps curb your sweet tooth. Throw in a sprinkling of nuts to add some healthy fat.
- Tuna and crackers. Simple and filling, just put some tuna or tuna salad on crackers for an afternoon snack. You can even purchase combined snack packets of tuna and crackers in the grocery store, although making your own will save you some money.