Snack Smarter: High-Protein Picks I Love

When it comes to snacking, it can be difficult to find snacks that are healthier, high in protein and that satisfy your hunger. Also, I need snacks that are grab and go for the most part! Being a busy mom, I don’t leave the house for extended periods of time without a snack and my water. This helps me avoid buying something to eat too. High protein on a package doesn’t always mean it is a good option. Many of these items just add protein powder to increase the protein. And most protein bars are filled with junk.

1. Why High-Protein Snacks Matter

• Sustained Energy: Protein provides longer-lasting energy compared to carb-heavy snacks, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.
• Muscle Maintenance and Repair: Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, especially for women those of us in our forties and beyond, as muscle mass naturally declines with age!
• Weight Management: Protein helps keep you full longer, reducing cravings and supporting mindful eating habits.

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2. Tips for Choosing Healthy High-Protein Snacks

• Avoiding Hidden Sugars: Read labels to spot snacks that are marketed as healthy but contain excess sugar or unhealthy fats.
• Balanced Nutrients: Pair protein with fiber or healthy fats for optimal satiety and nutrition (e.g., Greek yogurt with nuts).
• Portion Awareness: Be aware of portion sizes to ensure snacking doesn’t turn into overeating.

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3. Examples of Healthy High-Protein Snacks

• Greek Yogurt with Berries: Packed with protein and antioxidants. Greek yogurt can be mixed with so many different things. I love frozen black cherries and Greek yogurt!
• Boiled Eggs with a Sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning: Convenient and nutrient-dense. I try to hard boil some eggs at the beginning of the week so I have them ready to snack on.
• Quest Chips– I love these and probably eat a bag almost every day. It’s pretty hard to find another snack that is grab and go with 20 grams of protein!
• Pistachios- I love the grab and go packages. I also just discovered the cinnamon pistachios! They are so delicious. Pistachios are not super high in protein but they make a healthy snack.
• Edamame beans– these are delicious and high in protein! One serving packs 14 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.
• Off the Eatin Path Chickpea Chips– These are delicious and crunchy! Even my kids like these.
• Rx Bars– These have 12 grams of protein and no junk added!
• Cottage Cheese-1/2 cup of cottage cheese has 100 calories and 14 grams of protein. I know many people don’t like cottage cheese but it makes a great, high-protein snack and is quite versatile. I love it on toasted sour dough bread with some tomatoes and everything bagel seasoning. You can make it sweet or savory. They also have the single portions, which are perfect for taking on the go.

Which snacks are you going to try? Which do you already snack on and love?