Best Healthy And High Protein Snacks
Snacks which you can make and eat to be fit
When you live a busy lifestyle, snacks can be useful when hunger hits and you don't have time to prepare a meal.
However, many snack foods available today are high in refined carbs and sugar, which can leave you feeling unsatisfied and craving more food.
The key is to make sure your snacks are nutritious and contain protein.
Protein promotes fullness because it signals the release of appetite-suppressing hormones, slows digestion and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a combination of dry fruits and nuts that is sometimes combined with chocolate and grains. It is a good source of protein, providing eight grams in a two-ounce serving .
You can increase the amount of protein in trail mix by using almonds or pistachios, which are slightly higher in protein than other types of nuts such as walnuts or cashews .
The dried fruit and nuts in trail mix make it very high in calories, so it is important to not eat too much at a time. A handful is a reasonable serving.
Veggies and Yogurt Dip
Veggies are great as a snack, but they're not very high in protein on their own. You can increase your protein intake by pairing them with yogurt dip.
Yogurt dip is typically made by combining yogurt with herbs and flavorings, such as dill and lemon juice, as in this recipe. For more protein, it's best to use Greek yogurt, which contains almost twice the amount of protein as regular yogurt . For convenience, make a batch of yogurt dip ahead of time and portion it out into snack-size containers so you can grab it when you need it.
Peanut Butter Celery Sticks
Celery sticks spread with a tablespoon or two of peanut butter make for a delicious and easy snack. They contain a decent amount of protein from the peanut butter, which provides 4 grams of protein per tablespoon (32 grams). Peanut butter is known for helping you feel full, and have been shown to promote feelings of fullness when consumed between meals . Apple with Peanut Butter Apples and peanut butter taste great together, and they also make for a nutrient-dense, high-protein snack that provides many health benefits.
The fiber and antioxidants in apples may improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease, while peanut butter has been shown to increase HDL (the "good") cholesterol and reduce LDL (the "bad") cholesterol and triglycerides.
Despite the positive effects that peanut butter may have on your health, it is fairly high in calories, so is best consumed in moderation. A snack of a medium apple with one tablespoon of peanut butter provides four grams of protein, as well as some nutrients like vitamin C and potassium .