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You try to eat healthy and take good care of your body. But sometimes, you're just craving a bag of Cheetos. Luckily, there are tons of foods that contain protein and are healthier alternatives to your snack food favorites.
“Whether your goals are athletic gains, stamina, or avoiding the 3:oo p.m. slump, having on-the-go foods that are good sources of protein is key,” says Christina Meyer-Jax, MS, RDN, a nutritionist and professor of exercise science and nutrition in St. Paul, Minnesota. “That’s because protein packs the benefits of satiety (meaning it keeps you feeling fuller, longer), helps build lean body mass, and doesn’t give you big swings in blood sugar, which ultimately wreak havoc on energy levels."
So how much protein should you look for in a snack? Registered dietitian Erin Ferner, nutrition coach at Stronger U, advises picking items that have at least six grams of protein per serving.
Check out these high-protein snacks that will help you power through a hectic workday or workout. Bonus: the list includes a range of options for people who are on ultra-low and moderately low-carb diets.
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Orgain Organic Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
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Orgain Organic Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
"Orgain upped the protein bar game by adding its popular protein powder to bars. It provides 10 grams of plant-based protein without soy and gluten and it'slow on sugar. This can be a great mid-morning snack to keep you satisfied untillunch,” says Meyer-Jax.
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“Cottage cheese is ahigh-quality protein snackthat is low in sugar, but itcan often feel pretty plain,” says Meyer-Jax. With its multiple fruit flavors, "Good Culture upped the flavor game and has 16-19 grams per serving, which is higher than many Greek yogurts. Cottage cheese is alsoan easy protein add for salads, or to use as a dip with veggies."
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High-protein pastas are agreat whole-food workout recovery snack that have agood balance of carbs and protein to refuel muscles, says registered dietitian and nutritionistKelly Houston, MS, RDN.
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Similarly to high-protein pastas, RightRice, made from lentils and chickpeas, are a great post-workout snack. A single serving contains 10 grams of protein.
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Betty Lou's Protein Plus Peanut Butter Choc. Chip
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Betty Lou's Protein Plus Peanut Butter Choc. Chip
"I love high protein bites,” says Meyer-Jax. “They literally are the perfect car or shuttle-ready commuter snack. The Protein Plus bites pack 10-13 grams, which should help fuel long trips home."
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Get a dose of fiber and six grams of protein in a portable, crunchy snack. Even better, they’re baked and made with only three ingredients: chickpeas, oil and salt.
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Safe Catch Seasoned Elite Lowest Mercury Solid Chili Lime Wild Tuna Steak, 2.6 oz pouch (Pack of 12)
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Safe Catch Seasoned Elite Lowest Mercury Solid Chili Lime Wild Tuna Steak, 2.6 oz pouch (Pack of 12)
“Safe Catch tuna is a great option for athletes,” said Houston. “They test everyfish before purchasing to ensure a mercury content so low that you can eat it every day. In addition to being a high-quality lean protein source, it's also a good source of heart-healthy omega 3 fats." Plus, they come in pouches, so they're easy to grab and eat on the run.
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OWYN 100-Percent Vegan Plant-Based Protein Shake, Dark Chocolate
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OWYN 100-Percent Vegan Plant-Based Protein Shake, Dark Chocolate
There are tons and tons of protein shakes on the market, but Meyer-Jax likes theOWYN 100% Plant Protein shake best of all.Filled with kale, broccoli, spinach, these shakes provide 20 grams of protein without artificial sugars or sweeteners.
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Made with beans instead of corn, these chips offer four grams of protein per serving. Pair them with hummus or guacamole for an added protein boost.
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purely elizabeth Vibrant Oats Single Serve Cup, Raspberry Pitaya, 12 Count [Raspberry Pitaya]
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purely elizabeth Vibrant Oats Single Serve Cup, Raspberry Pitaya, 12 Count [Raspberry Pitaya]
Each cup is chock full of gluten-free oats, quinoa, flax and chia to provide eight to nine grams of protein and six to seven grams of fiber. Plus, you can eat it warm or refrigerate with milk to enjoy as overnight oats.
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Kalahari Biltong Variety Pack Kalahari Biltong, Air-Dried Thinly Sliced Beef
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Kalahari Biltong Variety Pack Kalahari Biltong, Air-Dried Thinly Sliced Beef
In case you haven't heard, Biltong is a way ofpreserving meat that involvesair-drying. Bitlong is popping up in thee jerky aisle, and this one from Kalahari contains a whopping 32 grams of protein per bag.
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This jerky is one of the tastiest around. Unlike others, which can be tough, Perky Jerky is always perfectly chewy and made with premium Wagyu beef. Plus each serving contains up to 12 grams of protein and only 2 grams of sugar.
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Loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and minerals, these are one tasty nut want to keep to your snack drawer. A single serving contains 144 calories and 6 grams of protein.
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These cashews are full of flavor with minimal ingredients. They include no added sugar and asingle serving contains five grams of protein.
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Perfect for on-the-go cheese lovers, one serving only has 70 calories and 10 grams of protein. Valerie Goldstein, R.D., likes that cheese crisps are like a real-food snack that don't require refrigeration.Bonus:double the serving size and get one-third of your daily calcium needs.
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Meyer-Jax likes these protein cookies because theycontain more than justprotein powder:"much of the protein comes from whole food sources, such as nuts and grains," she says.
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Vital Farms Alfresco Pasture-Raised Large Eggs - 1 Dozen
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Vital Farms Alfresco Pasture-Raised Large Eggs - 1 Dozen
“I love hard-boiled eggs as a snack!” says Houston. “In addition to protein, they offer many other nutrients, like iron, choline, andlutein." Vital Farm eggs are alsogreat because they"come in a convenient two-pack that's great to grab and go.”
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