5 On-the-Go High-Protein Snacks
Trying your best to eat healthy, but find you barely have time to grab whatever premade snack is in your pantry as you rush out the door? We get it.
What if we told you it’s possible to have healthy, high-protein snacks that are also easy to take with you on the go?
When it comes to grabbing a snack that is both healthy and filling, a key ingredient is protein. There are plenty of ways to get the protein you need, but when you’re rushed for time, making sure that snack you’re grabbing has enough protein may not be top of mind.
Read on to learn why protein is so important for maintaining a healthy diet and some quick and easy high-protein snacks that will carry you through even the busiest days.
Why Protein?
Let’s talk about why we’re zeroing in on protein. After all, it’s not the only nutrient your body needs, right? That’s true, but it is one nutrient that your body needs a lot of. According to Piedmont Healthcare, protein is a macronutrient, meaning your body needs to get large amounts of it daily.
Protein serves many functions in our systems, like building strong nails, skin, hair, and muscle, as well as repairing tissue, aiding in digestion, regulating hormones, and much more. Plus, protein keeps you feeling full longer, making high-protein snacks especially ideal when you’re on the go.
DIY High-Protein Snacks
Protein can be found in many common foods such as oats, eggs, milk, nuts, meats, fish, tofu, and legumes. The trick to choosing healthier, high-protein snacks over junk food is to make it as easy on yourself as possible — and to find high-protein options that you actually enjoy.
Here are some high-protein snacks that don’t require much prep time and that you can make in batches, portion ahead of time, and grab on your way out the door.
Peanut Butter & Celery (or Apples)
Was this the first idea that came to your mind, too? It’s super easy to prepare: Pack a jar or small container of peanut butter, throw in some celery sticks, apple slices, or other veggies, and you’re good to go.
Plus, if you find yourself staring into the fridge with “nothing to eat,” peanut butter and celery or apples is a great (and much more sustainable) alternative to mindlessly munching on stale, leftover Halloween candy.
No-Bake Energy Bites
Filled with protein-rich oats, energy bites are great because they’re so customizable. All you really need are some kind of nut butter, oats, honey or syrup, and any add-ins you like.
To really maximize your time, you can make a whole batch of energy bites to throw in the freezer, too. Pack them in with your lunch each morning, and by the time you need your mid-afternoon pick-me-up, they’ll be thawed and as fresh as if you had just made them.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is another easily customizable option, but don’t just pick up a bag at the grocery store — those aren’t likely to be as healthy or protein rich.
Make your own using high-protein ingredients like peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or baked chickpeas. Then, add whatever else will entice you to keep coming back for more!
Out-of-the-Box High-Protein Snacks
For those who prefer to buy their high-protein snacks ready to go, we have two great-tasting, perfect-for-snacking options that might just blow your mind. These plant-based snacks will satisfy your cravings while supplying you with plenty of protein and other nutrients on the go.
PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds
Even though, according to Men’s Health, pork rinds contain plenty of protein and oleic acid (the same fat you find in olive oil), they’re still not as healthy as you might think. They’re very high in sodium for starters, and if you’re steering clear of meat or pork in general, they obviously won’t fit the bill. That said, if you’re a fan of the idea of pork rinds but not of the pork itself, our PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds are a great alternative.
With five bold flavors and 25 grams of protein in a single bag, these high-protein snacks will keep you fueled throughout the day while also satisfying that crunchy, munchy, junk food craving we all get every now and then.
Outstanding Puffs
Outstanding Puffs combine the addictive flavors of junk food with the guilt-free feeling of healthy eating. You can choose from five flavors, and each bag is packed with 21 grams of protein along with other vitamins and minerals.
Make High-Protein Snacks a Priority
When eating healthy is easy and delicious, you’re much more likely to stick to it. Set yourself up for success by stocking up on high-protein snacks and ingredients, and soon, it will be second nature to look for them — no matter how much (or little) time you have to prepare.
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