Do you spend a lot of time swimming, exercising, or running on the beach? Are you trying to get into shape as swimsuit season approaches? Do you want to lead a more active lifestyle? If you get a lot of physical activity in a day, then having the right diet is absolutely essential, both when you’re eating meals and having snacks.
Protein is one of the most important nutrients you can get, because it helps build muscle and burn fat. It is essential for your immune system and many other bodily systems to keep functioning, and it also helps keep you fuller for longer so that you eat less. Here are five high protein snacks that taste great, fill you up, and give you the energy you need, courtesy of Swimsuits Direct.
Hummus and Veggies
One great option is hummus and vegetables. Made from mashed up chickpeas, hummus is a Middle Eastern dish that packs 20 grams of protein into a cup and 5 grams into every serving. In addition, it’s got lots of fiber and tastes deliciously creamy and salty.
Pair hummus with crunchy vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, celery, pea pods, or cucumbers. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and salty foods will excite your taste buds while packing in a ton of nutrients.
Quinoa Parfait
If you’re feeling fancy, go with a Greek yogurt and quinoa parfait. Quinoa is a grain from South America that has recently become very popular in the US; it packs 8 grams of protein into a single cup and has a sweet nutty flavor. And if you like regular yogurt, then Greek yogurt is a great addition to your diet—it’s thicker, creamier, and has 18 grams of protein per serving. If you put that together with the quinoa, you get a delicious protein kick that can help get you through your next workout!
To make one of these parfaits, layer 6 ounces of plain Greek yogurt with ¾ cup of cooked quinoa. Top it with your favorite fresh fruit—bananas, kiwis, pineapples, and any type of berry can all be great options.
Hardboiled Eggs
Looking for something simpler? It’s hard to beat a nice, plain hardboiled egg. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, with more than 7 grams of the nutrient packed inside a single serving. Eggs also have useful nutrients like iron and vitamin B.
If you’re trying to cut back on fat or calories, you can toss out the yolk and just enjoy the egg whites; if you want to add a little extra flavor, then add salt or pepper before eating. Hardboiled eggs are a great food choice because they’re low-cost—a single egg only costs a few cents in most areas—and they’re easily portable for on-the-go snacking.
Protein Shakes
If you have some protein powder on hand and crave something sweet, then make yourself a protein shake. Just combine a scoop of protein powder with milk, ice, a banana, and a bit of cocoa powder. If you want to get creative, you can also try adding other fruit, peanut butter, or even spinach—you won’t be able to taste it. The amount of protein in one of these will vary depending on the brand of powder you buy, so shop carefully.
Tuna
Finally, tuna fish is another cheap standby that’s also very versatile. You can enjoy it with celery for some flavorful crunch, or on top of a rice cake for an easy snack. If you find that the tuna is too dry, then mix it with some mashed avocado for a quick and healthy tuna salad. One can of tuna contains over 35 grams of protein, as well as lots of vitamin A and magnesium. Getting in your protein for the day is easy if you snack smart, whether you’re at work or headed to the beach!