Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a mid-day pick me up, reaching for something packed with protein will give you the extra boost you need to keep going all day long.
Protein is a macronutrient, meaning your body needs more of it for normal function and good health. It helps in building tissue, making hormones and is found in every cell of the body. However, contrary to popular believe, extra protein won’t give you extra strength. While not having enough protein can leave you feeling hungry and weak, the only way to build muscle is through exercise. Your daily protein intake relies on several factors including gender, age and level of activeness.
Most people think of protein rich foods as some type of meat like chicken, salmon or steak. But getting a full serving of protein doesn’t have to mean sitting down for a decadent meal. There are plenty of healthier, more convenient ways to eat protein. Here are four high-protein snacks that are perfect for throwing in your bag or storing in your desk drawer for an easy snack.
These vegan and gluten-free treats are a great alternative to store-bought protein bars. They’re full of healthy fats and carbohydrates, and the hemp seeds and almonds give you a full serving of protein in just one bar. Even better—no baking is required! Just mix together the ingredients, place in the refrigerator and you have yourself the perfect pre-work out snack (Photo via Running on Real Food).
These vegan and gluten-free treats are a great alternative to store-bought protein bars. They’re full of healthy fats and carbohydrates, and the hemp seeds and almonds give you a full serving of protein in just one bar. Even better—no baking is required! Just mix together the ingredients, place in the refrigerator and you have yourself the perfect pre-work out snack (Photo via Running on Real Food).
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| 12servings |
| Servings |
| 12servings |
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almonds
- 1 1/4 cup Dates packed and pitted
- 1 1/3 cup Unsweetened Fine Coconut
- 3/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder
- 3 tsip Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/3 cup Coconut Oil melted
- 1/4 cup Water
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Instructions
- Place almonds in a food processor and mix until broken down. Add the dates and hemp seeds and mix until it forms a dough.
- Remove and place in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl. Using clean hands, thoroughly mix together.
- Press the dough into a wax-paper or saran-lined square baking pan. Thoroughly press into the pan to ensure the bars will hold together.
- Place in fridge for at least one hour. Cut into 12 separate bars.
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When you’re looking to add a power fueled crunch to your snack routine, try eating a handful of pepper-popped lentils. Just a half a cup will give you eight grams of protein and nine grams of fiber, without any fat. Plus, lentils are a good source of folate, manganese, potassium, copper, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins. The nutty, crisp flavor is great for on-the-go or even on a salad.
When you’re looking to add a power fueled crunch to your snack routine, try eating a handful of pepper-popped lentils. Just a half a cup will give you eight grams of protein and nine grams of fiber, without any fat. Plus, lentils are a good source of folate, manganese, potassium, copper, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins. The nutty, crisp flavor is great for on-the-go or even on a salad.
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| 2servings |
| Servings |
| 2servings |
Ingredients
- 15 oz Lentils rinsed and drained
- Fine Black Pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup Parsley finely chopped
- 1 tsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Cayenne to taste
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Instructions
- Warm a large skillet over high heat. Add one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and spread around the pan.
- Add about 3/4 cup of lentils. Move them through the oil and let them sit, sizzling in the pan until they plump up and look like they are about to pop.
- After about a minute, shake pepper, salt and cayenne over the lentils. Toss and continue cooking.
- When the edges are browned and dried, add a few pinches of parsley and toss.
- Remove and repeat process with remaining lentils.
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Satisfy your inner cookie monster with this nutrient rich goody. Flax seed is full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats, vitamins E and B, and essential minerals such as iron, potassium, zinc and selenium. Plus, you get four grams of protein in just one cookie (Image via Power Hungry).
Satisfy your inner cookie monster with this nutrient rich goody. Flax seed is full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats, vitamins E and B, and essential minerals such as iron, potassium, zinc and selenium. Plus, you get four grams of protein in just one cookie (Image via Power Hungry).
| Servings |
| 12servings |
| Servings |
| 12servings |
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Ground Flaxseeds
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Natural Almond or Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Agave Nectar
- 1/3 cup Plain Almond Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 2/3 cup Raisins
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray the cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together ground flaxseeds, almond butter, maple syrup, milk, vanilla and cinnamon until well combined. Stir in raisins.
- Evenly divide batter into prepared muffin cups.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and tops appear somewhat dry. Let cool in pan for five minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool.
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Quinoa is a really easy way to add some extra protein to your favorite snack. This granola is only seven ingredients, and half a cup gives you nine grams of protein. It’s a perfect addition to yogurt in the morning, or to eat by the handful throughout the day.
Quinoa is a really easy way to add some extra protein to your favorite snack. This granola is only seven ingredients, and half a cup gives you nine grams of protein. It’s a perfect addition to yogurt in the morning, or to eat by the handful throughout the day.
| Servings |
| 7servings |
| Servings |
| 7servings |
Ingredients
- 1 cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1/2 cup Uncooked Quinoa
- 2 cups Raw Almonds roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp Coconut Sugar
- 3 1/2 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1/4 cup Agave Nectar
- Sea Salt to taste
- Dried Cranberries to taste
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 340 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add oats, quinoa, almonds, coconut sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- In a small saucepan, stir together coconut oil and maple syrup. Warm over medium heat for two to three minutes, whisking frequently until totally combined with no visible separations.
- Immediately pour over dry ingredients and stir to combine until all oats and nuts are thoroughly coated. Arrange on a large baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and stir/toss. Turn the pan around and bake five to 10 minutes more. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Granola will be a deep golden brown and very fragrant when done.
- Let cool completely before enjoying. Store in a sealed bag at room temperature.
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All of the these snacks should be stored in an airtight container, and can be kept in the fridge for long-lasting freshness. Toss you new favorite in a plastic bag and you’re good to face the day ahead of you, no matter what it entails.
