It’s that time of the day again — snack time. The joy that comes with snack time cannot be overstated. But to ensure that joy is complete you must put down the stale crackers and reach for something that offers a bit more staying power. A snack packed with protein should do the trick.
One of the most common misconceptions still making its way through the health and fitness world is that protein is reserved for bodybuilders and gym bags. Let’s lay that misconception to rest.
Protein for All
Protein has quite a role to play in energy production and overall muscle maintenance and recovery — and that goes for everyone. Protein consists of amino acid chains, each are essential and have their own function with the cells; from muscle repair and structural support.
In fact, dietary protein becomes even more important as we age; it’s vital for maintaining muscular strength and helping to reduce age-related loss of muscle mass and strength.
Getting enough protein can be quite the daily quest, but there are resources to help you decide how much protein you should be getting — like a handy dandy protein calculator.
Some signs that you aren’t getting enough dietary protein may include:
- Low energy levels
- Weakness and fatigue
- Slow muscle recovery
- Inability to focus
- Constant hunger
- Mood changes
- Hair, nail, and skin issues
- Achy joints
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t fret, your options and sources of protein are plentiful.
- Animal-based protein – Some of most popular sources are found in animal-based products, as they boast some of the highest concentrations of protein per ounce. Examples include grass-fed, organic dairy products (whey), grass-fed lean meats, wild caught fish, and pasture-raised poultry.
- Plant-based protein – But protein sources are not limited to animal-based products, vegan protein options are available in abundance as well — e.g. pea, brown rice, and chia proteins.
If you’re looking for a few clean, high-protein snack options then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of our favorites.
Cranberry Vanilla Protein Bites
For a delicious bite-sized kick of clean protein.
They said it couldn’t be done; that it was impossible to pack all that flavor into protein-powered bites. They were wrong. These Cranberry Vanilla Protein Bites are packed with all the good stuff.
The shredded coconut flakes, cranberry, and vanilla serve your taste buds while 21 grams of clean, protein goodness, brought to you by Organic Protein™ & Superfoods Plant Based Protein Powder - Vanilla Bean, give us the macronutrient boost you need.
Once you add the almonds (6g of protein per ounce) and cashews (5g of protein per ounce) you’ll have a protein-dense snack to write home about. But remember, sharing is caring.
Protein Sweet Potato Hummus
Dip into some sweet, plant-based protein.
Looking for a plant-based snack to fend off the hunger sharks? If so, our Protein Sweet Potato Hummus recipe has you covered. Garlic, red lentil, and sweet potato makes for a veggie trifecta of flavor.
Pomegranate seeds add some antioxidant jewels to crown this nutrient-rich snack — rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. One serving of Orgain’s unsweetened, plant-based Organic Protein™ powder adds the protein punch with each dip. A clean knockout.
It does require a bit of prep and oven time, but the payoff is well worth it. For dipping, grab a few whole wheat crackers or veggies of your choice and enjoy.
Chocolate Protein Muffins
Protein-packed muffins to treat yourself.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good muffin? Add some protein and you may be on the verge of creating perfection. These Chocolate Protein Muffins boast 8g of protein per serving — but don’t worry, the serving size is TWO.
The recipe calls for a clean chocolate cascade of unsweetened cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate mini chips, and a serving of Orgain’s Organic Protein™ Plant-Based Protein Powder – Creamy Chocolate Fudge.
Chocolate overload? Impossible. To boot, this recipe is dairy and gluten-free. Now, the bake time is 15 – 20 minutes, so some patience is required. No clawing at the oven. But once you’re done you can share with a friend and bake the world a better place.
Citrus Cold Buster Protein Smoothie
A nutritional snack for the smooth operators.
It’s smoothie time somewhere. May as well be now. Seriously though, this Citrus Cold Buster Protein Smoothie makes for a perfect protein-packed summer snack. Plus, this recipe is delicious, smooth, and made without dairy.
If you have some mango, a few oranges, a banana, and coconut water you’re ready to set sail. The plant-based, vanilla-flavored Organic Protein™ Superfoods protein powder adds 21 grams of protein to the sea of citrus.
Plus, this high-protein snack is full of vitamins and minerals for immune support, like vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, and more. Cool off, chill out, and smoothie on.
Peanut Butter Jelly Time
For you PB&J lovers who want a high protein smoothie kick, try the PB&J Swirl Smoothie recipe. Great for a meal replacement on the go or a post-workout snack.
Protein Shakes
Don’t be afraid to shake it up.
You can’t talk about high protein snacks without mentioning protein shakes — it’s the law. Good news is, there are protein powder options for your trip to flavor town. Orgain’s plant-based Organic Protein™ has seven different flavor options to choose from: Vanilla, Chocolate Coconut, and Peanut Butter, to name a few; each packing a shake ton of protein; 21 grams.
These vegan protein powders are gluten free, non-GMO and made without soy and dairy ingredients. Of course, you can mix the powders with whatever you’d like. Coconut water is always a great choice.
Not into protein powders? That’s ok. Ready to drink shake options are also a good, clean choice for a little organic protein powder on the go — all great for pre/post-work snacks or a protein pick-me-up at work.
Organic Protein Bars
For protein in a pinch.
Protein bars remain one of the most popular protein snack options, for good reason. They make for a quick, easy, on to the go snack. Unfortunately, not all protein bars are created equal. Some are laced with added sugars and other needless ingredient fillers.
But worry not. Orgain’s plant-based Organic Protein Bars provide 10 grams of clean protein without the fake stuff. Five different flavors give your taste buds some options — S’Mores anyone?
Whether you need a mid-day nudge or pre-workout protein boost, these bars make for a perfect high protein snack.
Breakfast Berry Yogurt Protein Popsicles
Protein snacks for kiddos, too.
We can’t forget about the kids; they need clean protein too. These Breakfast Berry Yogurt Protein Popsicles make for a great, high protein treat for summer.
All you need is some Greek yogurt, fresh blueberries and raspberries, and one cup of Orgain’s Kid Protein Organic Nutrition Shake, and BAM! All smiles.
But be careful, with great snackage comes great responsibility. It’s likely to become a weekly favorite.
Snack wisely!
Protein isn’t optional for proper nutrition and it is not reserved for gym dwellers alone. Everyone needs a little protein in their life; literally. As you can see, high protein snacks options come in all shapes and flavors, from protein-rich muffins to protein-packed popsicles. Snack wisely and keep your protein clean.
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