Overview
If you live a hectic and occupied lifestyle, snacks are your saviour for hunger pangs, and you don’t have enough time to cook food. Many snacks available in the market are highly refined and have calories and sugar, which can leave you feeling unsatisfied and develop more food cravings. Make sure your snack is nutritious and has enough protein.
Protein helps promote fullness by signalling the release of appetite-suppressing hormones, stabilising blood sugar levels and slowing digestion. Many snacks contain protein, such as peanut butter; let’s read about some protein-loaded snacks that are healthy to eat.
- Trail Mix
It is a good combination of dry fruits and nuts, and some include chocolate and grains. It is an excellent source of protein, having 8 grams in a 2-ounce serving. The amount of protein in the trail mix can be increased by adding almonds and pistachios, which have slightly higher protein levels than other nuts like cashews and walnuts.
Dry fruits and nuts make it relatively high in calories. So, it is imperative not to eat less at a time. A handful of trail mix is a reasonable portion.
- Veggies and Yoghurt Dip
Vegetables are a great and healthy option for snacking but are low in protein. Although, you can increase protein intake by pairing yoghurt dip with them. Prepare yoghurt dip by combining yoghurt with flavourings and herbs.
To get more protein, it is best to consume Greek yoghurt, which contains twice as much protein as regular yoghurt. In 100 grams of Greek yoghurt, you get 10 grams of protein.
- Boiled Eggs
Eggs are healthy, containing almost every nutrient your body requires. High in vitamins B and trace minerals. In addition to their nutritional value, they are versatile. A boiled egg provides 6 grams of protein, keeping you full until your next meal. Eggs have fullness-promoting properties, making you consume fewer calories later in the day.
- Slice Of Cheese
An easy and quick way to snack, cheese is healthy and filling. Cheese is an excellent source of phosphorus, calcium and selenium, containing small amounts of other nutrients. In addition, cheese is rich in protein, as one cheddar cheese has 7g of this nutrient, making you feel less hungry.
A good portion of cheese is around 28-57 grams of protein. As it contains many calories, it is always best consumed in moderation.
- Protein Bars
You can easily rely on protein bars to consume a significant amount of protein. However, many store versions are high in added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other preservatives. You can create your recipe using seeds, dry fruit and protein powder.
Each bar contains 9 grams of protein. Skip adding chocolate chips or toppings if you want a lighter snack. If you have less time and prefer to buy protein bars, choose healthy options with no or fewer additives.
- Quinoa
It is a gluten-free grain-like food and a fantastic source of protein, minerals and vitamins. One cup of cooked quinoa provides 8 grams of protein. Quinoa can be enjoyed as a side dish like rice.
You can also prepare a quinoa salad with green chopped veggies. For a quick snack, cook quinoa as a hot cereal topped with cinnamon and honey.
Proper Balance Of Macros and Micros
Well-balanced meals include a variety of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals and macronutrients such as carbs, proteins, and fats. Even when you eat healthy, be mindful of portions to avoid overeating. Additionally, consider adding multivitamin capsules to ensure your proper nutrient intake.
Conclusion
High protein snacks are crucial to have when hunger hits between meals as they keep you full for a longer period of time. While there are many snacks that can be unhealthy, there are various healthy options you can enjoy mindfully.
