When you hit that mid-afternoon slump, you must reach for a healthy snack to keep your energy levels high. Cookies, crackers, donuts, and chips may taste delicious, but consuming refined sugar and simple carbohydrates won’t leave you feeling satiated for very long.
Reach for high-protein snacks. Your body takes longer to digest protein, so you’ll feel full longer. Protein is an essential element of our diet. Most doctors recommend .8g of protein for every kilogram of body weight, although if you live an active lifestyle, you may need more.
Protein-powered snacks are an easy way to stay full all day long. When you feel satiated, you’ll be less likely to overeat at your next meal. Try these high-protein snack alternatives to crush your cravings, stay full longer, and help you meet your weight-loss goals. Longevity Live Paid Content.
1. Protein Cookies
On afternoons when all you can think about is a gooey cookie, grab a protein-packed cookie for a little pick-me-up. Make sure to read the nutrition label and choose a protein cookie that doesn’t have too much added sugar, try to stay under 7g.
My Fit Foods have a delicious keto-friendly chocolate chip cookie with a whopping 10g of protein per serving and only 3g of added sugar. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and your appetite.
2. Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed pudding is a great mid-morning snack to help you get through those last couple of meetings before your lunch break. This tasty treat eats like the pudding you loved as a kid and is filled with fiber and 4g of protein.
Chia seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. Mix them with milk or your favorite plant-based alternative, and top them with some berries and almonds. Add a little nut butter or cocoa powder to give your morning snack a little twist.
3. Crispy Chickpeas
If you crave chips in the afternoons, try having some crispy chickpeas for your afternoon snack. Chickpeas are a great source of both carbohydrates and protein. Plus, they provide prebiotic fibers, which can support digestive health.
For a crispy treat, roast them in your oven and toss them with your favorite seasoning. You can also find chickpea snacks at your local grocer in various sweet and savory flavors.
4. Hummus and Veggies
Maybe hummus is more your style, a puréed version of the protein-packed chickpea. Enjoy with some sliced veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber. You’ll get the satisfying crunch you crave from chips with none of the guilt.
As a bonus, veggies are full of water. Not only will dipping some baby carrots in hummus help you feel full longer, but they will also help you stay hydrated.
5. Greek Yogurt Parfait
Stay healthy. Young girl is isolated on background. She is eating yoghurt
A great breakfast, mid-morning snack, or afternoon treat is a parfait made with Greek yogurt. It has 20g of protein per serving, which is more than traditional yogurt. Choose a non-fat and plain option and add berries and a little honey for sweetness.
Top with some granola for a little crunch, and add some complex carbohydrates to the mix. It also makes for the perfect pre-workout snack if you plan on hitting the gym after work.
6. Energy Bites
If you tend to work out before heading to the office, you’re probably craving a quick protein source to snack on in the car. A quick shake can do in a pinch, but it’s never very satisfying.
Instead, use your protein powder to make some tasty energy bites. You can add nut butter and seeds to create the perfect bite-sized protein power-up.
If you don’t want to take the time to prep them yourself, My Fit Foods offer delicious chocolate peanut protein balls, ideal for on-the-go snacking.
7. Turkey Pinwheels
Turkey pinwheels can be either a tasty snack or a light lunch. You can make these with a tortilla or a gluten-free wrap or use the turkey as the base depending on diet and personal preference.
Simply lay the turkey and spread low-fat cream cheese. Add veggies like tomato, cucumber, spinach, and fresh herbs. Roll up and slice to make pinwheels.
8. Egg Cups
Another excellent option for an on-the-go breakfast or a bite-sized snack to fight the mid-afternoon slump are egg cups. Eggs provide 6-7g of protein per serving.
To create a healthy mini-quiche, you can bake these in muffin tins with scrambled eggs, meats, and fresh veggies. Bake them on Sunday and have them ready to go for you and your family’s snacking needs all week long.
9. Apple and Peanut Butter
Apple and peanut butter can satisfy a craving for sweet, salty, and crunchy all at once. Peanut butter is full of protein and healthy fats, while the apple provides fiber.
Measure the amount of peanut butter. Nuts are very calorie dense; if you don’t pay attention, the calories can add up quickly.
10. Edamame
Edamame features a whooping 20g of protein per serving. You can find it in the frozen section at most grocery stores. Simply microwave and season with salt, or add some heat with spicy chili crunch – a crispy garlic condiment.
