Clean energy snacks -
A medium banana has calories, 27 g of carbs, 3. Bananas are particularly appealing as a pre-workout snack , because they provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar and are gentle on the stomach, notes the International Sports Sciences Association.
Pair a banana with a glass of low-fat milk or a cup of yogurt for an energizing combination of fiber and protein — a combo that also makes a great breakfast to start your day. Skip iceberg lettuce and add an energy boost to your salad by using nutrient-rich kale as a base.
Kale contains the amino acid L-tyrosine, which may help give you a mental lift, as well as a number of antioxidants and fiber to fill you up and help keep your blood sugar stable, says Berman.
According to the USDA , 1 cup of the cooked stuff has 42 calories, 4. Ask any nutritionist for healthy and simple breakfast ideas, and oatmeal is sure to make the list.
Its high-fiber content — 4 g is 14 percent of the DV in ½ cup dry, per the USDA — is the reason it's such a filling meal that provides lasting energy. Because fiber takes so long to digest, having oatmeal for breakfast will power you through the entire morning, compared with a breakfast of white toast and jelly, explains Melinda Johnson, RD , clinical associate professor of nutrition at Arizona State University in Phoenix and past president of the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
With stable blood sugar levels, you'll feel energized and focused, without downing another cup of coffee. Moreover, oats serve up energizing B vitamins, plus 1.
As the NIH explains, iron keeps energy levels up by helping transport oxygen to the lungs and muscles. Oats contain calories, 5 g of protein, 3 g of fat, and 27 g of carbs, per the USDA.
Powerhouse pistachios have a combination of protein, fiber, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, all of which adds up to a perfectly satisfying snack. In 1 oz of the nuts in the shell , you'll get 3 g of satiating protein — ideal for energy all day long, says Kooi — 1.
As an added bonus, though nuts are calorie-dense, 1 oz of pistachios has only 87 calories. Hummus is a Mediterranean dip with only a few simple ingredients — pureed garbanzo beans, sesame-based tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice — that all contribute nutrients for energy. The fiber and protein in the beans stabilize blood sugar, take the edge off hunger, and boost energy, Kooi notes.
To put it into numbers, 2 tablespoons of hummus delivers 72 calories, 2 g of protein, 2 g of fiber, 6 g of fat, and 4. When used as a dip for nutrient-rich veggies such as red pepper strips or carrot sticks, hummus makes a great midafternoon snack.
You can also use it as a sandwich spread instead of mayonnaise. When it comes to yogurt, Greek varieties can deliver nearly twice the amount of hunger-satisfying protein as regular offerings with According to the USDA, Greek yogurt also has 19 g of magnesium 4. Mix in fresh berries and chopped nuts for a nutrient-packed treat.
Make sure you select nonfat Greek yogurt that's low in added sugar to keep calories at around per container. Choose complex carbs over their refined counterparts, so you don't burn through them so quickly think whole grains over refined grains, an apple instead of apple juice.
Keeping added sugar to a minimum will also help avoid an energy crash from a heavy carb load. So check the labels of granola, yogurt, energy bars and other packaged snacks to see where they fall in terms of added sugar. If numbers are helpful, in a balanced snack, aim for about 5 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 5 or fewer grams of added sugars.
Calories may vary, but if you need a range for guidance, I typically recommend , depending on how long you need that snack to sustain you and what else you're eating throughout the day.
This is a classic combo of protein, fat and carbs that will fuel your brain and body for hours. If you're allergic to nuts, go for sunflower, pumpkin or another favorite seed.
You can also do nut or seed butter if you prefer a creamy texture over crunchy. You can use fresh, frozen fruit or dried fruit you'll just want to be mindful of any added sugar and know that portion sizes are smaller for dried fruit.
Here are a few pairings to consider:. You'll get protein from the yogurt and fiber from the berries for another snack idea with staying power. Go for low-fat or whole milk yogurt instead of fat-free to promote more stable blood sugar. Fat slows the digestive process, which supports more stable blood glucose and promotes satiety.
If plain yogurt is too tart for you, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. A cup of berries, depending on which you choose, will offer around calories and grams of fiber, plus antioxidants.
If you're not feeling the fruit, try a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax, which are also good sources of fiber about 2 to 4 grams per tablespoon , not to mention plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. For even more inspiration, try these other healthy recipes with yogurt. A hard-boiled egg or two paired with cherry tomatoes is another easy way to snack on protein, fat and fiber.
The eggs offer built-in portion control, with about 70 calories a piece, with 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat. They also are rich in choline , an essential nutrient that's especially important for cognitive function.
They provide vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are important for many body functions. Getting enough of those nutrients helps support overall wellness. Cherry tomatoes provide 2 grams of fiber per cup as well as important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and vitamin A—both nutrients are important for immune system function—and potassium, a mineral many Americans don't get enough of.
Water-rich fruits and vegetables are also a great way to keep you hydrated. The fiber and antioxidants in apples may improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease, while peanut butter has been shown to increase HDL good cholesterol and reduce LDL bad cholesterol and triglycerides 30 , 37 , 38 , A snack of a medium apple with 2 tbsp.
When enjoying a slice of watermelon , you might be in the habit of eating around the seeds. As it turns out, those seeds contain protein, zinc, and iron.
They can be roasted to make a crunchy, satisfying snack Roasted watermelon seed kernels contain about 8 g of protein per ounce 28 g You can roast your own watermelon seeds in the oven or buy them pre-roasted.
Watermelon seed butter is a spread you can purchase to use in place of nut butter in snacks or recipes. However, many store-bought versions are high in added sugar or sweeteners and other unnecessary ingredients. You can make a batch on your own by following this recipe , which uses seeds, dried fruit, and protein powder.
Each of these bars contains 9 g of protein. You can skip the chocolate topping if you want a lighter snack.
If you prefer to buy protein bars, consider choosing healthier options with minimal additives. Canned salmon is an excellent high protein snack that you can take with you wherever you go. Just 1 oz 28 g provides more than 6 g of protein as well as other nutrients, including niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium Salmon also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and may lower your risk of heart disease, depression, and dementia 44 , 45 , You can eat canned salmon on its own or add some extra flavor with a little bit of salt and pepper.
It tastes great when paired with crackers or chopped veggies. Single-portion pouches of cooked salmon are available to make it easier to pack salmon with you on the go. Chia pudding has become a popular snack in recent years — and for good reason.
There are 4 g of protein in 1 oz of chia seeds, and they provide some other nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, and manganese For example, snacking on chia seeds may help lower your triglyceride levels, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease Soak chia seeds in milk for a few hours until it reaches a pudding-like consistency.
You can add flavorings such as vanilla and cocoa, as in this recipe. For an extra treat, you can make the caramel topping included in the recipe or simply top off the pudding with some fruit.
Granola is a baked snack that consists of rolled oats, nuts, and a sweetener such as honey. But they also tend to be very high in sugar and calories To get more protein and less sugar in your granola, you can make your own version at home.
All you have to do is bake oats, nuts, and seeds together, such as in this recipe. Consider using granola in small amounts to garnish a cup of yogurt or berries. Pumpkin seeds are great for a quick snack, and they contain protein and some other valuable nutrients. One ounce 28 g of pumpkin seeds contains 5 g of protein and significant amounts of fiber, magnesium, zinc, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
These seeds also provide disease-fighting antioxidants, including vitamin E and carotenoids Some evidence suggests that eating pumpkin seeds may help prevent certain cancers, while their healthy fat content may benefit heart health 53 , You can eat them raw or try roasting them with some spices.
In the United States, you can find single-serving nut butter packs in the nut butter section or checkout lanes of many grocery stores. You can also scoop your preferred peanut butter or almond butter from the jar into small to-go containers.
Nut butters are quite nutrient-dense, providing a significant amount of healthy fats, B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and trace minerals. A 2-tbsp. While getting your protein from whole food sources is ideal, protein shakes make for an easy snack that will sneak some protein and other nutrients into your diet.
You can make these with any of several types of protein powder , including whey, egg white, soy, and pea protein. Whey protein , in particular, may be beneficial for fullness. In one small study, men who ate a snack bar that contained whey protein consumed significantly fewer calories than those who ate a lower protein snack 13 , In another small study, a snack of yogurt with added whey protein reduced appetite more than a carb-rich snack with the same number of calories Generally, a scoop of protein powder provides 20—25 g of protein, which is sure to keep you full until your next meal To make a protein shake, you can simply blend together 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 cup of water or milk, 1 cup of ice, and fruit, if desired.
Then pour it into a portable container so you can take it with you wherever you go. Edamame beans are immature soybeans that are still in the pod. One cup of edamame provides some of just about every nutrient you need, including 18 g of protein and large amounts of vitamin K and folate Typically, edamame is served as a steamed dish.
Many stores offer precooked and frozen edamame that need to be heated in a microwave. All you have to do is place the heated edamame in a portable container so you can enjoy it on the go. These small fish are rich in protein, calcium, and other nutrients.
One Pacific sardine 38 g contains 8 g of protein The omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines can help protect your cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation in your body People describe their flavor as salty and slightly fishier than tuna.
Many people enjoy them straight from the can, on a cracker, or in Mediterranean-style cooking. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 g of protein The chewy, nutty grains can be enjoyed as a side dish like rice.
You can also add a scoop of quinoa to a salad of greens and chopped vegetables. For a quick snack, try eating cooked quinoa as you would a hot cereal, topped with cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. A lentil salad is a great snack. In fact, 1 cup of cooked lentils provides 18 g of protein, along with large amounts of iron, folate, and manganese The specific type of fiber found in lentils may promote a healthy gut, as it helps feed the good bacteria in your colon The combination of protein, fiber, and carbs in lentils is especially helpful for promoting fullness, and consuming them regularly may help manage diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer 65 , 66 , To make lentil salad, combine cooked lentils with chopped veggies, spices, and a dressing of your choice.
It tastes great when topped with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, such as in this recipe. Overnight oatmeal is easy to make, portable, and very nutritious. Oats are loaded with many vitamins and minerals.
Oats have been shown to promote fullness in several studies. This is likely due to their healthy fiber content 69 , 70 , In one small study in , oats resulted in greater feelings of fullness and a reduced desire to eat when compared with ready-to-eat cereal with the same calorie content Another small study compared perceived hunger and food intake after consuming either oatmeal or oranges.
The participants who ate oatmeal experienced less hunger immediately after eating and consumed less food later in the day However, oats are not very high in protein on their own.
One-third cup of oats contains about 3 g of protein
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