Most people need 45-56 grams of protein per day.
You’ll need even more than that if you’re doing a lot of working out or manual labor.
But with most people’s busy lifestyles, how can they squeeze in high protein snacks?
While you might erroneously believe that you’ll need to bring a full-on hamburger every day for lunch in order to ensure you get all the protein you’ll need, you really only need a few quick snacks.
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When it comes to protein, there are options available for those who abstain from meat, those who abstain from dairy and everyone in between.
High protein snacks can be easy to make and transport.
#1 The Classic of High Protein Snacks: Banana and Peanut Butter
Two tablespoons of peanut butter have 8 grams of protein in them. While peanut butter is a little bit high calorie, it’s also a great way to pack in the protein.
Bananas and peanut butter are a classic way to get in a substantial amount of protein throughout your day. You’ll be getting in your carbs and fruit, as well as your protein. Simply peel your banana and slather on a little bit of peanut butter for a high protein snack.
You can take this one with you on the go by packing your peanut butter in a little container. Bring a plastic knife to spread it evenly.
Most people find that this snack isn’t just delicious, but it’s also filling.
If you’re severely watching calories, you can also stick to celery and peanut butter. Just chop up stock and dunk it in your peanut butter. Since celery is so low in calories, you’ll basically only be consuming the calories in the peanut butter.
#2 String Cheese
String cheese is both low calorie and high in protein. One stick of string cheese is about 6 grams of protein and is roughly 80 calories, give or take. You probably remember your school days when you ate string cheese regularly, but you don’t have to relegate it to the past.
Serve up a slice of nostalgia with your string cheese. You can take it anywhere with you, making it a great on-the-go snack.
#3 Peanuts
Peanuts, in particular, are rich in protein. They’re also high calorie and high fat, but the fat they contain is known as “the good fat.” This is the fat your body needs to give you energy and keep you going throughout the day.
Pack yourself a bag full of peanuts for a quick and healthy snack in between meals. It may just help you power through your post-lunch slump.
#4 Protein Bars
Protein bars are just that: bars that contain a high amount of protein.
Many of them taste like candy bars, and people find that they not only give you the protein you need but also help you give in to your sweet tooth’s cravings.
You can find protein bars in almost any flavor, and many different companies put them out. There are those mixed with peanut butter, chocolate, cookie dough or even cinnamon.
They’re a great way to keep you going through a workout or throughout the day if you’ve got a physical job.
Noshing on a protein bar can give you 10 grams of protein or more, making it easy for you to meet your protein goal for the day in record time.
They’re also easy to transport. Just shove one in your purse or gym bag for a snack on the go.
#5 Protein-Rich Ice Cream
Yes, we live a day where you can get your protein through ice cream. And not even a little bit of protein, but sometimes up to one-fourth, or more, of your daily intake.
Several companies now make low-calorie ice cream that’s packed with protein. An entire pint of ice cream can net between just 280 and 360 calories. Compare that to other popular and rich ice creams that can be up to 1,000 or more per pint.
While ice cream isn’t always easy to eat on the go, if you’ve got low-calorie ice cream, you can just eat it all in one sitting. No need to buy it and eat it a little bit at a time. Get your spoon out, forget the bowl and devour it.
If you’re feeling especially cheeky, you can even take it to work and put it in your work fridge for a special treat. It can be a great pick-me-up for the afternoon slump!
#6 Protein-Rich Granola Bars
You may have loved chowing down on granola bars as a kid at lunch, but did you know they make granola bars that give you a huge helping of protein? You can purchase these at most stores, and they’ll give you up to 12 grams of protein per serving.
For people who aren’t as big of a fan of the sweet taste of protein bars, this is a great way to knock back your protein with something a bit more natural.
All wrapped up in their packaging, they’re already a great snack to take with you on the go.
#7 Turkey Jerky
Meat has a lot of protein in it, but it isn’t exactly to-go friendly. Turkey jerky can give you the helping of protein you need without forcing you to pack a sandwich or burger.
Turkey is very high in protein, but it’s also leaner meat than red meat. Since it’s leaner, it is more environmentally friendly, and better for you. Studies have linked consumption of red meat with cancer and other illnesses.
You may wonder, “Is turkey jerky healthy?” The answer is surprising, yes. It may not be as good for you as a plate of unsalted and unbuttered vegetables, but lean protein is still a great way to get energy.
It’s a great snack to take with you anywhere. Turkey jerky is often wrapped up and you can purchase them at gas stations or any grocery store. You can easily take it with you on the go, or even buy in while you’re out for a convenient and easy snack.
#8 Frozen Burrito
A frozen burrito may not be on your list of to-go foods necessarily, but if you’re going to the office or school and you’ve got a microwave, it’s a perfect snack.
Many frozen food companies make burritos, which are absolutely chock full of protein. Loaded with beans, cheese, and meat, you’ll sometimes even get your daily serving of protein with just one burrito.
You can also get them in a variety of sizes to cater to almost every appetite. Want a big burrito? No problem. Are you after more of a snack? Also, not a big deal. Or, if you’re ravenous, you can always have more than one!
#9 Cheese and Apples
Cheese packs a good amount of protein, but have you ever put it on an apple? You can easily stuff an apple, or a sliced apple, in your bag to take with you to school, work on the gym. Buy cheese slices at the store, and look for those with high protein.
Place the cheese on top of each apple slice and go to town!
You’ll get your protein in with one of your five fruits and vegetables for the day.
You can also substitute cheese with peanut butter, as many people find that apples and peanut butter are also delicious snacks.
#10 Bagel with Cream Cheese
Cheese is a fantastic source of protein, and so is a bagel and cream cheese.
Bagels and cream cheese can be relatively high in fat, so you’ll want to watch the calories on this one. But, if you just have a craving and are watching your intake, you can decide to only have one half of the bagel and cream cheese. You can also scrimp on the calories by purchasing light cream cheese.
This is an excellent snack to put in your bag and take with you to school or work. It’s a great way to get energy throughout the whole day, as the combination of proteins, fats, and carbs help keep you on your toes.
Getting Your Protein
If you’re looking to build muscle or incorporate more exercise into your routine, high protein snacks are a great thing to add to your diet. Many of them are not only super easy to take with you, but they’re also delicious as well.
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