Protein is a vital part of any diet, especially for those looking to lose weight by building muscle. Protein allows you to feel full while simultaneously offering a burst of energy. It’s also critical for creating new tissues, which is where weight loss and muscles come into play. Unfortunately, you don’t always have time to cook some chicken or sear a piece of fish before you run out the door. In today’s world, it’s important to have not only healthy meals, but healthy snacks you can take with you for snacking on the go. Many great protein snacks, such as yogurt, hard boiled eggs, and even milk don’t travel very well. You can’t keep them in your bag or your desk like you could a candy bar or bag of chips. Healthy protein snacks are out there, though. They’re power foods that can keep you going now and in the long run.
Nuts
Chances are, you already know nuts are good for you. But do you know which ones are the best? Almonds and cashews are not just tasty. They are some of the best nuts available for snacking. They have fewer calories than most other nuts, and they’re packed with extra health benefits. These healthy snacks contain high fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, zinc, and iron. By keeping a zip lock bag full of almonds and cashews on hand, you can crush hunger and give your body crucial nutrition at the same time.
Jerky
Obviously, meat has a lot of protein. Jerky lets you tuck those benefits in your bag for a long day, or week, out and about. Not all jerky is created equal, though. When you’re looking at jerky, check the ingredients. Many popular brands use high levels of salt and sugar that can sabotage your fitness goals. The best jerky is simple jerky. The fewer ingredients on the list, the better.
Roasted Soy Nuts
Crunchy and satisfying, these little protein snacks are healthy nibbles you can eat by the handful. Popular in health food stores, they come in many flavors, and there are even wasabi versions for those looking for some burn in their healthy snacks. Some studies show that spicy food is good for you, so you may get extra benefits from eating the flavors you love. Although they come prepackaged in bags, it’s a good idea to keep a small Tupperware or zip lock back on hand to store your roasted soy nuts after opening them. The fun is in the crunch, and nobody likes stale snacking on the go.
Keep Snacking on the Go
There are a lot of prepackaged snacks that claim to be healthy, such as protein bars packed with sugar and artificial flavors. It’s easy to grab these for snacking on the go, but try to resist them. They may have more benefits than a candy bar, but they can be just as detrimental to your goals. The best snacks are simple snacks, and there are lots of simple, healthy protein snacks you can take along when you’re busy. Snacks don’t have to be empty. They can be full of great things your body needs to function.