Getting enough protein every day can be a serious struggle, especially when hitting the gym hard and working toward health and fitness goals.
If you regularly feel tired and lethargic, struggle to build muscle and lose weight, are constantly hungry, have heightened food cravings, get sick often or experience excess hair loss, swollen ankles and feet or muscle and joint pain, you may not be including enough protein in your daily diet.
Easily boost your protein intake and curb your hunger by trying out these five high-protein snack recipes!
“Kill Your Sweet Tooth” Apple Dippers
This recipe calls for apples, cinnamon, peanut butter powder and Greek yogurt—ingredients perfect for curbing your hunger, killing your sugar cravings and boosting your health. Cinnamon has been shown to regulate your blood sugar levels, while apples replenish your glucose stores without providing you with a sugar rush and crash. Greek yogurt is not only low in calories and high in protein, it’s also a great source of vitamin B12 and probiotics. B12 helps boost your energy levels, while probiotics help regulate your digestion. Whip up this high-protein snack recipe the next time your sweet tooth kicks in and you’ll be sure to kick it to the curb!
Ingredients (serves 1):
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp. peanut butter powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- Stevia to taste
- 1 apple
Directions:
Thoroughly combine Greek yogurt, peanut butter powder, cinnamon and stevia in a small bowl. Cut apple into thin slices and dip each slice into Greek yogurt mixture.
Calories: 220 | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 13g
Pumpkin Pie Roasted Chickpeas
You might be thinking this high-protein snack is also high in carbohydrates Well, did you know the meal bar you might grab instead potentially contains over 50 grams of carbohydrates? And the carbohydrates from your meal bar are derived from processed sugars, syrups and oils that spike your blood sugar and promote fat storage. Chickpeas are complex carbohydrates that are packed with fiber, helping boost your digestion, increase your feelings of fullness and keep your blood sugar levels in check. While many meal bars can be great option for those going on a strenuous hike or playing back-to-back sports games, for those of us who sit at a desk all day, they aren’t a great snack choice when trying to lose weight. Next time you want a protein bar, munch on this deliciously sweet and crunchy high-protein snack instead!
Ingredients (serves 3):
- 1 15-oz. can chickpeas
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Drain and rinse chickpeas. Pat dry with a paper towel and add to a mixing bowl. Melt coconut oil in the microwave for 20 seconds and drizzle over chickpeas. Add maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice and stir until evenly coated. Roast for 15 minutes, toss chickpeas, and continue to roast for another 15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Calories: 250 | Carbs: 42g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 10g
Double Chocolate Chia Pudding
This high-protein snack is a post-workout must-have! Chocolate Afterburn whey protein powder is jam-packed with amino acids, which are proteins necessary for muscle recovery and growth, as well as building strength. It is especially high in leucine, which studies have shown to be the most muscle-growth-promoting amino acid. Better yet, whey protein, chia seeds and cacao powder have all been shown to curb hunger. Why not indulge in a chocolaty treat and kill your appetite at the same time?
Ingredients (serves 1):
- 1 scoop Chocolate Afterburn
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 tbsp. cacao powder
- Stevia to taste
Directions:
In a cup, stir all ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Add more milk as needed. Allow to sit for at least 5 minutes. For best results, refrigerate overnight.
Calories: 290 | Carbs: 21g | Fat: 10g | Protein: 31g
Hummus Stuffed Egg White Bites
If you are looking for a low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein snack, then this recipe is just what you need! Boil a dozen eggs at a time and you’ll have prepped your snacks for the entire week. Try using different hummus flavors to keep your snack interesting. From the popular roasted red pepper hummus to chipotle black bean to Moroccan lentil, you’ll never get bored! Switch up your choice of vegetable, too—rather than always topping it off with a cucumber, try arugula, peppers, mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients (serves 1):
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 4 tbsp. flavored hummus
- Cucumber slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
Slice hard-boiled eggs in half and remove yolk. Scoop 1 tablespoon of hummus into each egg white half. Top with a cucumber slice and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Calories: 178 | Carbs: 9g | Fat: 10g | Protein: 11g
Edamame Guacamole
Put a twist on guacamole with this high-protein snack recipe. When high-quality fat sources are paired with a clean source of protein, you’ll curb not only your appetite but your sugar cravings as well, by keeping your hormones and blood sugar in balance. According to Eat This, Not That!, “an avocado provides nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and nutrients essential for healthy weight management, including 14 grams of satiating fiber and 66 percent (60 micrograms) of your daily need for vitamin K—a nutrient that helps regulate sugar metabolism and insulin sensitivity.” Even more, edamame is considered a complete plant-based protein, containing all essential amino acids, and is a great source of omega-3s. So, cut up your favorite vegetables and dip away into this high-protein Edamame Guacamole!
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 1 medium organic avocado
- ¼ cup chopped sweet onion
- 1 cup canned or thawed shelled edamame
- 2 cloves garlic
- Fresh cilantro to taste
Cut avocado in half and scoop out pit. Toss all ingredients into a high-speed blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Serve with your favorite veggies.
Calories: 217 | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 13g | Protein: 9g