Making Healthy Snack Choices Can Be Simple! Check out these protein-packed snack options!
Having healthful snack options on hand when hunger strikes helps you eat smart and make better food choices. Reach for high-protein snacks like oatmeal protein cookies, nuts or greek yoghurt first to keep hunger at bay longer and to fuel your metabolism. High-protein snacks offer a great combination of energy and nutrition, and they provide building blocks for lean muscle mass.
At the office, in the car, on the trail, at the soccer match… no matter your activity, always be prepared with healthy snack ideas.
Jerky
Dried jerky is super convenient since it doesn’t require refrigeration. And you’ll find great flavors like chili pepper, chipotle, lemon garlic, jalapeno, black pepper and more. Choose low-sodium or low-sugar for healthiest options.
Nuts
Protein-packed almonds, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, macadamias and more provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. And 1 oz. of pistachios offers 6 grams of protein! Avoid overly salty nuts.
Hummus and Avocado
Dip your veggie sticks or whole wheat crackers in this spread made from chickpeas for a uniquely satisfying treat. Look for convenient, individual-serving sizes—the perfect healthy snack for adults on the go! Also consider avocado, a high-fat (the good kind) vegetable with 5 grams of protein.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt naturally provides plentiful protein (about 3 grams/oz.), and beneficial friendly bacteria, which support digestion, gut health and immune system function. Be sure to check labels for sugar content. Add fresh fruit for a colorful treat!
Celery with Peanut Butter
Kindergarten snacks rule! This children’s favorite is tasty, crunchy and creamy all at once! Celery is low-cal, and peanut butter is protein-based, so you feel full longer. Perfect!
Edamame
This boiled Asian side boasts 17 grams of vegetable protein per cup! But you don’t have to order sushi to get your fix. Look for inexpensive, pre-packaged edamame in the supermarket freezer. Boil or steam it and season with salt and soy sauce, lemon or sesame oil.
Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds offer a crunchy, tasty way to get a quick shot of protein (approx. 6 grams per ½ cup serving). Many prefer them lightly salted, but you can munch them plain too.
Protein Shakes
Drink your healthy snack, and get a lot of additional nutrition! Protein shakes offer a delicious way to manage your diet in between meals. They come in a large variety of flavors and sources. Many feature whey protein powder for its muscle-building properties. Others like soy or pea protein are popular veggie sources of protein. Choose what you like best and pick a flavor you’ll enjoy. Experiment with ingredients like fresh or frozen fruit, nut butters, flax seeds, etc. Write down your best recipes for future recall.
When you’re on the go, try a handy shaker bottle. Pre-measure your protein powder, then just add water/ice when you’re ready. Shake it up, and the whisk ball will blend the powder for you.
Boost Your Nutrition!
Nature’s Sunshine offers more than a dozen protein powders to meet your needs:
- Love and Peas—Vegan, gluten-free protein source (20 g/serving) with 80% of the Daily Value of many key nutrients. (Regular and No Sugar Added)
- Nutri-Burn®—Provides 25 g whey protein/serving plus CLA, green tea and l-carnitine to help build lean muscle mass and burn fat. (Chocolate and Vanilla)
- SmartMeal—Reduced-calorie with organic flax seed. Offers 15 g non-GMO soy protein/serving. (Vanilla, Chocolate and Chai)
- Nature’s Harvest—Rich in whole foods, greens and antioxidants; provides 13 g veggie protein/serving.
- IN.FORM—Provides 20 g protein/serving plus 2 g phytosterols for cardiovascular system support. (Whey in Vanilla & Chocolate; Pea in Vanilla—Regular, No Sugar Added & Chocolate; Soy in Vanilla)
Hard Boiled Egg
Though not as portable, this inexpensive standby offers a great way to get protein into your diet.
String Cheese
Peel and pull for protein power! Cheese sticks go almost anywhere and are a fun way for picky kids or adults to get extra protein in their diets. One stick offers 8 grams and helps satisfy cravings. It’s a quick, healthy snack on the go.
Chicken/Tuna and Crackers Pack
Quell your cravings with a light snack of chicken salad or tuna on crackers. One 2.9 oz. can Bumble Bee chicken salad provides 8 grams protein and a lot of flavor.
Cottage Cheese
Not so portable, but it packs a mighty punch of protein: 25 grams per cup!
Protein Snack Bars
These snacks have gained a prominent corner on the market for being an easy, healthy snack on the go. They’re available in a variety of flavors and types. Check the labels! Look for a bar that has more protein than carbs, and watch out for sugar.
Oatmeal
Serve yourself something warm on a cold day. This packet goes anywhere you have hot water and is another great healthy snack for work. Many offer up to 10 grams protein per serving. Plus fiber too!
What are the best healthy snacks?
That depends on what you’re looking for… Do you want nutrition? A party of flavor? Low cost? Many people like the convenience of a bar they can take anywhere that offers decent nutrition. Protein snacks are nice since they typically help you feel fuller longer. But some people are allergic to dairy or nuts, which quickly eliminates several high-protein snack choices.
What are good protein foods for weight loss?
If you combine plenty of protein and a low-calorie snack, you’ve got a winner. That’s why many people like cottage cheese, tuna, edamame or sugar-free Greek yogurt.
What are good healthy snacks for work?
Most people who work in an office setting want a snack that’s simple to prepare and not too aromatic. Protein bars are conveniently stored in a drawer or tote bag. Nuts can go anywhere in a baggie. If your office has a fridge, you might want some string cheese or carrot/celery sticks, olives and hummus. If there’s a microwave, consider oatmeal at a mid-day break.
What snack gives you the most energy?
Carbohydrates offer quick energy. Protein snacks offer longer-lasting energy. And snacks with fat content offer the most calories, so they have greater potential energy.
What goes into your mouth is all up to you. Be prepared so you can snack smartly.
