42 Delicious High Protein Snacks You Must Try!
It’s 2 pm, and your stomach is rumbling. You need a snack, but you need something that won’t ruin your dinner – or your waistline for that matter! Think protein. Protein is so important to a well-balanced diet. Did you know that ignoring foods that are high in protein can cause overeating and even weight gain? Don’t worry, though. We’ve compiled some delicious high protein snacks that you must try:
1. Eat An Egg.
Years ago, eggs were frowned upon because of their cholesterol content. Now doctors say that eating eggs in moderation (up to 6 per week) can be highly beneficial to your health. So dig in! Cook up one hard-boiled egg, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper. This easy-to-make snack has only 70 calories and a whopping 6 grams of protein.
2. Peanut Butter Power!
You can eat 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (or any other type of nut butter) for a creamy, filling snack. Dip apple slices in for some extra crunch.
3. Quinoa Pizza Balls.
Who doesn’t love pizza? If you feel like cooking up some deliciousness, try this tasty recipe: Quinoa Pizza Balls.
4. Shake It Up.
Make a homemade protein shake! You can purchase all sorts of flavors of whey protein at your local grocery or vitamin store. Mix it with yogurt or milk as well as frozen fruit. Mixed berries are always a good choice. You can even add a nut butter to the mix for an additional protein punch.
5. Try Turkey.
Two slices of deli turkey are packed with about 25 grams of protein. Be creative and roll the slices up with some Swiss or Provolone cheese and lettuce. Dip into Dijon mustard for some extra flavor.
6. Spiced Nuts Recipe.
Sugar and spice. Honestly, what could be nicer? After you make this snack, all of your friends and family will surely want some! Try it out here: Spiced Nuts.
7. Tuna Bites.
Low in carbohydrates and high in protein, this snack recipe will give you the energy you need to get through a tough afternoon at work or an even tougher workout at the gym: Tuna Bites.
8. Bring On The Beef.
Beef jerky is high on the protein scale. One ounce has about 9 grams of goodness. If you aren’t a fan of beef, you can also try turkey jerky, which is just as yummy.
9. Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Sticks.
For about 7 grams of protein per stick, you can’t go wrong. This snack is simple to grab anytime. Stock up on large packs of it at your neighborhood grocery store, and store in your refrigerator.
10. Double Chocolate Chobani Muffins.
Yes, they sound too good to be true. But it is true… you can enjoy these tantalizing chocolate treats while getting your essential daily protein: Double Chocolate Chobani Muffins.
11. It’s Hummus Time!
You can have ¼ cup of hummus and as many types of veggies for dipping as you want. Hummus flavors are also endless. Try roasted red pepper hummus, edamame hummus or even spinach and artichoke hummus. The sky is the limit.
12. Cottage Cheese.
One half cup of cottage cheese mixed with fruit can be enough to satisfy you as a meal. If you are especially hungry, try it for your snack. A half cup of low-fat cottage cheese is 14 grams of protein and only 81 calories. Guilt be gone!
13. Parmesan Skillet Flatbreads.
Did you know that parmesan cheese has the highest amount of protein of any cheese? In our opinion, it’s also one of the tastiest cheeses. This warm, thick and filling flatbread snack is truly a delectable treat, and we promise it will be one of your favorites as well: Parmesan Skillet Flatbreads.
14. High Energy High Protein Granola Bars.
Take them on a hike. Take them to work. Don’t take them anywhere and enjoy them at home! Granola bars are a great source of protein. Learn how to make these high energy bars here: Granola Bars.
15. Get Nutty.
Grab one or two handfuls of raw nuts for a simple and filling snack. Nuts are high in fiber, which makes you feel full. Keep in mind that nuts are also higher in fat, but the type of fat that they contain is monounsaturated (it doesn’t clog your arteries). Peanuts, almonds, walnuts and cashews are all great choices. Or you can try one serving of pistachios which is a filling 49 pieces!
16. Edamame.
You can find these green soybeans fresh, frozen or dried in your local grocery store. Because edamame contains all 9 essential amino acids, it is known as a “complete protein”. This makes it one of our top snack choices! Just 1 cup of edamame is 22 grams of protein. Add sea salt to your edamame for some extra flavor.
17. Pumpkin Protein Cookies.
Yum! What if you could find a snack that you could also enjoy at breakfast time? We have great news… you can! Check out this lip-smacking cookie recipe: Pumpkin Protein Cookies.
18. Go Greek!
Greek yogurt is different than regular yogurt because it is strained to remove whey. This causes it to be thicker and creamier, and therefore a delicious treat – especially when mixed with fresh berries. Six ounces of Greek yogurt has 15 to 20 grams of protein, while regular yogurt only has about 9 grams. We think the choice is clear!
19. Pumpkin Seeds.
Grab a handful. Toss some into a shake and blend. Add them to a salad as a crouton substitute. You can even roast them! Mix 1 ½ cups of pumpkin seeds and 2 teaspoons of melted butter in a bowl. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes. Once roasted, add salt to taste. Although pumpkin seeds are high in calories, there are 8 grams of protein in just 1 ounce.
20. High Protein Peanut Butter Balls.
You can’t go wrong with peanut butter. If you’re looking for a filling high protein snack before or after a workout, you must try this recipe: Protein Peanut Butter Balls.
21. Tasty Tofu.
Tofu tends to soak up the flavors of the ingredients it is mixed with. Tofu and mushroom miso soup can make a superb and satisfying snack that you must try: Miso & Tofu Soup.
22. Lentils.
One cup of cooked lentils is 22 grams of protein and about 300 calories. Like tofu, lentils are great because they soak up the flavor of ingredients that they are mixed with. Check out this excellent lentil chili recipe: Lentil Chili.
23. Tuna.
Stock up on some cans of tuna during your next grocery trip. A 3 ounce serving of tuna provides 22 grams of protein. You can spread it on rice or wheat crackers for an extra filling treat.
24. Asian Flatout Chicken Pizza.
This interesting recipe is both flavorful and absolutely packed with protein: Asian Flatout Chicken Pizza.
25. Get Your Oats.
Oatmeal contains a super balance of protein and good carbohydrates. The energy it provides your body with makes it the perfect snack to have before a hard workout. Eat some oatmeal, and your body will be in top condition for running, lifting weights or hiking!
26. Raise The Bar!
You can find an incredible variety of protein bars at the grocery store – including every flavor from chocolate chip to blueberry crunch. These bars make easy-to-grab snacks and are simple to keep on hand at the office, in the car or at home. Stock up next time you visit the grocery store.
27. High Protein Tuna Salad.
A salad can be a great snack anytime. You don’t even need mayonnaise to make this scrumptious tuna treat: High Protein Tuna Salad.
28. Mediterranean Picnic Snack.
Picnics are fun, but it doesn’t matter if you are going on one or not! This wholesome snack inspired by life in the Mediterranean is loaded with 7 grams of protein and is sure to satisfy your hunger: Mediterranean Picnic Snack.
29. Chickpeas.
Chickpeas are an excellent snack for a protein-rich, heart-healthy diet. They are also a good source of fiber and potassium, and are cholesterol-free. Just one cup of chickpeas has 12 grams of protein. You can add chickpeas to a salad or roast them in the oven for a crunchy indulgence.
30. Sunflower Seeds.
Like other types of seeds, sunflower seeds are a great protein-rich snack. Not only are sunflower seeds good for your diet, but they also have vitamins and fatty acids in them that will make your skin look fresh, clear and glowing.
31. Super Berry Scones.
If you think of scones as a decadent treat you should be ashamed of eating, think again. These protein-loaded scones are made from whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt and coconut oil. You can indulge without all of the guilt by following the creative recipe here: Greek Yoghurt Snacks.
32. Sushi.
If you love sushi, you’re in luck. One serving of a California roll is about 7 grams of protein. Who says you can’t enjoy your food while trying to eat well?
33. Chicken.
Dark chicken has approximately 26 grams of protein in a 4 ounce serving. White meat in a 4 ounce serving has about 35 grams of protein. So take a piece of chicken to work with you and heat it up at snack time. Simple, healthy and filling!
34. Simple Hummus Snack Wrap.
Using only a few basic ingredients, this hummus snack is both satisfying and enjoyable: Simple Hummus Snack Wrap.
35. Tangy Crunchy Kidney Bean Salad.
Kidney beans are high in both protein and fiber, and they are great for you. This appetizing kidney bean recipe is super for a meal or snack: Tangy Crunchy Kidney Bean Salad.
36. Shrimp, Shrimp And More Shrimp.
Don’t be fooled! Shrimp isn’t just a nice, fancy appetizer at your favorite restaurant. It’s also a snack that provides a huge amount of protein. Believe it or not, there are 35 grams of protein in a 5 ounce serving of shrimp. So peel, eat and enjoy!
37. Low Fat Milk.
Who says you have to eat your protein snack? You can drink it instead! Try some low fat milk, soy milk or almond milk to get your daily protein fix. You can even have a 12 ounce non-fat latte for 10 grams of protein. Now that’s a great snack.
38. Tex Mex Chicken Snack.
Chicken is bursting with protein power! There are so many snack recipes you can make with chicken, the selections are truly endless. One of our southwestern favorites is here: Tex Mex Chicken Snack.
39. Shredded Chicken With Barbecue Sauce.
Simply yummy, this snack is as easy as it sounds. It will satisfy your craving for hearty food and curb your hunger at the same time. Put the mixture in a tortilla wrap if you are extra hungry!
40. Salmon.
With a whopping 40 grams of protein in a 5 ounce serving, salmon simply can’t be beat as a protein favorite. Don’t be fooled, though… Salmon isn’t just for mealtimes. Grill or bake some up and have it as a late afternoon snack.
41. High Protein Chickpea Nut Butterscotch Snack Bars.
All we can say is: “Wow!” Talk about a sweet way to enjoy a protein-loaded snack. You will find yourself making this recipe again and again… and again: Butterscotch Snack Bars.
42. Bean Dips.
Beans are an excellent source of protein, so why not enjoy them in “dip” form? Mash up your favorite type of canned beans, put them in a pan with some olive oil and heat them up. Add some seasoning, and you have a superb bean dip! Enjoy your dip with crackers or chips. You can’t go wrong.
So instead of grabbing a high-calorie chocolate bar or salty bag of chips when you get that hunger craving, grab one of our 42 choices for healthy snacking. With so many food options on the list, you are sure to find one or two (or 42) selections that you like! Give some of these great snacks a try today. Your body will look and feel better, and will thank you for taking such good care of it.
Photo Credit:
http://hungrydarling.com/healthy-homemade-bbq-sauce-with-pulled-chicken/
http://dishingouthealth.com/banana-split-protein-smoothie/