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Protein snacks not only help you fight your hunger pangs but are also a great way to substitute easily portable junk food items. They are healthy, convenient and easy to prepare. Most of the snacks available today are unhealthy and high in calorie content, making it a strict no-no for those who are trying to make positive changes in their lifestyle and diet.
Protein-rich snacks make you feel full and control your blood sugar level. They give you the energy to be extremely productive throughout the day without making you feel guilty about consuming numerous calories.
Protein is a macronutrient and hence, it is required by your body in large amounts. Because your body does not store protein, it is extremely important for you to manage its sufficient supply. With a busy and monotonous life, managing that can be a tedious task.
What you then need, is a snack that is rich in protein and is portable such that it can be easily consumed on the go. Here are some protein-rich snacks that are tasty and portable and are super easy to make:
1. Hummus
All you need to do is grind 1 can of cooked chickpeas, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 medium sized clove of garlic, a little tahini, salt and black pepper together in a mixer and voila! Your hummus is ready. Carry it in tiny tiffin and have it with carrot or cucumber slices. It is an excellent source of protein and can be cooked in 5 minutes.
2. Mixture of Nuts
Also, read What is Ketogenic Diet?
Nuts are a rich source of protein and this simple mixture will give you a power-packed kick. Mix ½ a cup of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and raisins together with the same quantity of toasted coconut pieces and aam papad. Do not over consume these as nuts do contain calories.
3. Lemon and Coconut Protein Packs
Just mix 1 cup of raw almonds and 40 grams of vanilla protein powder in a mixer and grind it till it turns powdery. Add 1 cup of pitted dates and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to this and make dough out of it. Roll into tiny balls and sprinkle shredded coconut on it. You can store these in airtight boxes and have it on the go!
4. Pumpkin Seeds
Just roast pumpkin seeds and have it on your way to work. It can be carried easily and is a great source of protein.
5. Roasted Chickpeas
Simply preheat the oven. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of cooked chickpeas, 1 teaspoon of paprika, garlic powder, cumin powder and curry powder. Roast this chickpea mixture for 40-45 minutes. Your roasted chickpeas are ready.
6. Protein bars
Even though you can buy these from any store, making your own gives you another level of satisfaction. Making a protein bar is easy and gives you an opportunity to customize. N-number of recipes is available on the Internet. Go all out and make your own!
7. Chocolate Almond Smoothie
Getting late for office and do not have the time to whisk out an omelette? Just make this smoothie in a blender by adding 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, ½ scoop of a chocolate protein powder, 10 almonds and some ice cubes. You will not be low on energy throughout the day!
Also, read Nutritional Value And Benefits Of Almond Milk That You Must Know.
8. Protein Packed Smoothie
Blend 6 ounces of nonfat Greek yogurt, 10 almonds, a few broccoli florets, 1 cup strawberry, 1/4th cup of garbanzo beans, 3/4th cup of iced green tea, 1 teaspoon of flax meal and some cinnamon in a blender. This might sound weird but it is a tasty smoothie that will give you 30.5 grams of protein per serving!
9. Pesto, Egg, and Tomato
Cut the cone from the tomato and scoop out all the seeds and pulp. Crack an egg and fill the tomato with it. Add some pesto, salt, and pepper and bake in an oven for 15-20 minutes. Have it then or carry it in a box. This is a super healthy alternative to junk and comes loaded with protein.
10. Lentil Munchies
After you have cooked ½ cup of lentils in water, add ½ tablespoon of oil, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, oregano and some salt and pepper to it. Spread it on a baking tray and bake it for 15 minutes. Make sure that they do not burn. Store them in airtight boxes and enjoy.
There are many food items that are packed with protein and you must incorporate them into your diet religiously. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nut butter, tuna, jerky, lentils, seeds (pumpkin, flax etc.), eggs, chickpeas, all have high protein content. Some of these might also aid you in losing weight, as they will help you cut down on carbs and boost your metabolism.
