Bringing a protein packed snack with you while you’re out and about is a great way to stave off hunger pangs, preventing the urge to turn to unhealthy options, as well as provide lasting energy that will keep you going. Prepackaged protein bars are usually not the best option, but there are plenty of others that are easy to grab on the go.
Pumpkin seeds
If you’ve got pumpkin seeds left over from your Jack o’ lantern carving, you can make good use of them by washing the seeds, drying and roasting them with a sprinkle of sea salt. Just one-half cup contains about 14 grams of protein.
Hard-cooked eggs
Eggs are one of nature’s most perfect portable foods. They’re filled with lots of protein and antioxidants, satisfying hunger while improving your health.
A yogurt parfait
Top a half cup of plain, organic Greek-style yogurt with a handful of fresh or frozen organic berries – add a tablespoon of roasted flaxseed for a wonderful crunch and super beneficial omega-3s.
Grape and cheese sticks
Alternate grapes with organic cheddar cheese that’s been cut into squares, placing them onto a toothpick for easy portability. Just an ounce of sharp cheddar provides 8 grams of protein, and combining them with the sweetness of the grapes not only adds antioxidants, its extra tasty.
Homemade trail mix
Mix your favorite raw nuts with dried fruit like raisins, or even mango for a super delicious protein packed punch without added sugars or sodium.
Cottage cheese topped with fruit
Top one-half cup of organic cottage cheese with one-half cup of fruit like melons or banana.
Nut butter and celery sticks
Load up celery sticks with a tablespoon of any type of organic nut butter, like almond or even cashew, and add a few raisins.
Mock deep-fried chickpeas
Put this together ahead of time, add an ounce of organic cheddar cheese, and it’s easy to take on the go while providing 13 grams of protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 19-ounce can organic chickpeas, well drained, rinsed and patted dry
- Extra-virgin, organic olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
- â…› teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place chickpeas onto a cookie sheet and bake, shaking occasionally, until golden brown and crunchy, about 35-40 minutes. Pour into a large bowl and lightly coat with olive oil. Add salt, cayenne, garlic powder and oregano; toss to coat evenly.
Organic beef jerky
While most beef jerky brands are highly processed, Golden Valley offers certified organic beef jerky made from cattle raised on organic feed without growth hormones or antibiotics. There are no artificial ingredients or preservatives, making it a great high protein snack option.
Deli wrap up
Wrap up some cheddar cheese in a big lettuce leaf and add a little tomato for even more healthy antioxidants.
Edamame Poppers
Edamame is not only fun to eat, one cup is packed with 17 grams of protein. Buy them fresh and steam for about 6 minutes.
Lentils
Lentils pack an especially powerful punch when it comes to protein in addition to containing fiber, minerals and relatively few calories. One cup provides 22 grams of protein. They’re also fairly easy to prepare for a snack as they soak up the flavors of whatever they’re cooked with.
Now there’s really no reason to go without important nutrition and fuel while you’re on the go.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://greatist.com/health/high-protein-snacks-portable
http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes/recipe/mock-deep-fried-chickpeas
http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Valley-Natural-Organic-Original/dp
