Unless you’re jumping rope or running in place for cardio, your body needs fuel to stay active. You can stave off hunger with protein-rich snacks that’ll help your muscles recover as they’re burning calories. Grab a small handful of nuts or maybe some turkey jerky and get going. Sneaking in extra protein is an important part of a healthy diet. The body needs protein for cell growth and repair, metabolism and building muscle. Protein also releases energy slowly over time, so it’s a smart snack choice when you need sustained fuel.
Tired of being hungry all the time? Try these high-protein snacks:
- Cashews: High in both carbs and protein, cashews will give you the energy you need without weighing you down. Pair them with whole-grain crackers or fruit for a well-rounded snack.
- Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is another great option for those looking for high protein. It’s loaded with calcium, making it a good choice if you’re on a fitness regimen that incorporates weightlifting.
- Hard boiled eggs: Hard boiled eggs are another good source for protein. They’re also easy to pack on the go, making them an ideal choice for afternoon snacks at work. Try mixing hard-boiled eggs with celery and hummus or applesauce to add flavor and texture variation to this classic egg dish.
- Greek yogurt and fruit: Greek yogurt has twice as much protein as regular yogurt, so it’s a great choice for a morning or afternoon snack. Add some fresh fruit like berries and you have 10 grams of protein with only 100 calories.
- Edamame: If you’re looking for something salty with your protein, try edamame. It’s a Japanese soybean in the pod that’s low in fat, calories and carbs. Unshelled edamame has about 15 grams of protein per cup.
- Hummus with veggies: Hummus is an easy dip to make at home, or you can purchase it ready-made in most grocery stores. Try it with sliced cucumber, carrot and jicama sticks
