Whether you're trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or stay energized, there's one thing we all need more snacks. Around 20-30 grams of protein daily for people looking to lose weight and 48 grams for those who want to maintain their current weight. That's quite a lot of protein! And it's not easy—especially if you don't have any snacks handy!
Celery with peanut butter
This snack is a great way to get daily protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Peanut butter contains a high amount of protein which helps build muscle mass. It also contains heart-healthy fats that help lower cholesterol levels.
- Celery is rich in fiber that helps keep you full for longer periods and can aid digestion!
If you're looking for an alternative to mayonnaise on sandwiches or dipping fries at lunchtime, try using peanut butter instead!
Hummus and veggies
Hummus is a great source of protein, fiber, and iron. It's also easy to make at home, so you can control what goes into it. You can use any vegetables you like in your hummus--the more colorful, the better! Hummus makes an excellent dip for veggies or crackers (or both).
A hard-boiled egg
Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a good source of cholesterol, lecithin, and carotenoids (a type of antioxidant).
Hard-boiled eggs can be eaten raw or cooked; if you prefer them cooked, try boiling them on the stovetop in water brought to a boil first--this will prevent them from cracking open while cooking.
Apple slices with nut butter
- Apple slices with nut butter
This snack is one of the healthiest options, full of protein and healthy fats. Apples are also a good source of fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer. You can make your nut butter at home or buy it from the store--either way, this snack will provide you with an energy boost that lasts all afternoon long!
Kale chips
To make kale chips:
- Cut the leaves off some kale and then tear them into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss them with olive oil and salt (or other seasonings), then spread out on a baking sheet as thinly as possible.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until crispy and browned.
Kale chips are an excellent source of vitamins A and C; they contain calcium, iron, and potassium! They're low in calories but high in fiber, making them great for keeping you full longer than other snacks.
If you want to store your kale chips for later use, here's how: put them in an airtight container so they stay fresh longer, or if you have leftovers from making these delicious treats, then just put those back into their original container before putting away so nothing gets stale or moldy over time!
Hard-boiled eggs with carrots, celery, and cucumbers
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and contain many vitamins, including vitamin A and B12. Carrots, celery, and cucumbers are all healthy vegetables that can be eaten raw or cooked. You can eat hard-boiled eggs in salads like a salad Nicoise or as part of an antipasto platter alongside some olives and cheese slices. Or you can snack on them with hummus as an alternative to chips!
Green smoothie made with spinach, berries, and a banana or avocado
A green smoothie is a drink blending frozen fruit, leafy greens, and liquid. The amount of each ingredient that you use depends on your taste preferences. The more fruit you add, the sweeter it will be; if you like your smoothies less sweet and savory, use less fruit and more leafy greens (like spinach).
A banana or avocado makes a great addition to any green smoothie because they provide healthy fats that can help keep you full longer than regular fruit alone would--plus, they add an extra dose of nutrients!
Is this something worth trying out at home? I need to figure out where to start. Here are some basic tips:
Healthy snacks are an essential part of staying fit.
Snacks are an essential part of staying fit. They're a great way to get extra nutrients, whether you are trying to increase your energy or need something to tide you over until dinner.
However, not all snacks are created equal--some can be unhealthy and contribute to weight gain instead of helping you lose it! To make sure that yours are healthy, follow these tips:
- Make sure they have protein and fiber. Protein and fiber take longer for the body to break down than simple carbohydrates like sugars or starches; this means it takes longer for the calories in these foods to enter the bloodstream and increase blood sugar levels. Since this process takes longer than eating simple carbs like cookies or chips would do (and therefore gives your body more time for digestion), eating foods high in both protein and fiber will keep hunger at bay longer than if you ate something sweet like candy bars instead.
Conclusion
If you want to make your diet healthier, these seven snacks are a great place to start. They're tasty, easy, and will keep you feeling full for hours. Plus, they can be prepared in just minutes!
