When it comes to weight loss snacks, foods with high protein are your best bet, as they help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you full until your next meal. Snacks that are high carbs are the worst thing to eat when you're hungry because they spike your blood sugar and only provide a short term boost of energy. The next time you're feeling hungry, try one of these 10 high protein snacks and they should keep you satisfied until your next meal.
High protein snack #1 - Jerky
Jerky is one of the best high protein snacks you can have because it is portable, doesn't need refrigeration, and is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is one of the best foods to grab in a bind, and it will keep you full without adding to your waistline. Pretty much every type of meat is a good option for jerky, the main thing you should look out for is sodium content. Some types of jerky are definitely much higher in sodium content than others, and some brands also have additives such as MSG that can be harmful. Look for organic jerky or jerky that is made with all natural ingredients.
High protein snack #2 - Low Fat String Cheese
Low fat string cheese is an excellent high protein snack that doesn't have too many calories. One serving of string cheese has about 9 grams of protein, and a piece of string cheese along with a piece of fruit can be a very filling and healthy small meal to hold you over. Try organic varieties if you are concerned about antibiotics or hormones in milk, and there are several new options available such as low calorie packs and other low fat packaged cheese options.
High protein snack #3 - Hard boiled eggs
Hard boiled eggs are the perfect portable snack, and they are a great option for a high quality breakfast whenever you're in a hurry. You can easily have them prepared ahead of time for a fast meal. Free range organic eggs are your best option because they have a higher percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in them. Eggs have about 6 grams of protein per serving and about 78 calories, and just a couple of eggs can be very filling along with a piece of fruit. Also, if you are concerned about the cholesterol in eggs, studies are now showing that dietary cholesterol isn't correlated with a higher level of blood cholesterol.
High protein snack #4 - Fat free milk
Fat free milk is recommended on the HCG diet as a protein replacement for those who do not eat meat, and it is one of the best sources of natural protein anywhere. Two cups of fat free milk have over 16 grams of protein, and there are even shelf stable varieties available that do not need refrigeration. It is one of the best pre-workout snacks along with natural carbs, and it can definitely help you lose weight and stave off hunger. Again, organic milk is always a better option since it will be free of hormones or antibiotics.
High protein snack #5 - Avocado
Avocados have become a popular snack and they have dozens of health benefits. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are known to improve cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of a wide range of illnesses. There are about 4 grams of protein per avocado, but they are also rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and they are guaranteed to help keep you full for a while. They are an excellent source of antioxidants and they have all 9 of the essential amino acids that you need to get in your diet.
High protein snack #6 - Tuna
Tuna is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids being a fatty fish, and it is also an excellent source of protein. There are about 25 grams of protein per can of tuna, and just over 100 calories, making it one of the highest protein snacks you can make in a hurry. Tuna goes great with mayonnaise but you should be careful on the quantity of mayo if you are watching your calories, and there are also low calorie natural mayonnaise options available that are made from olive oil.
High protein snack #7 - Whey protein
Whey protein is the optimal high protein snack because it is pure protein, and most varieties contain all of the essential amino acids. Try organic whey protein with natural ingredients because there are many brands of whey protein that have tons of additives. Whey protein is versatile and you can make filling smoothies by combining it with fruit. Nu Image Medical also sells whey protein meal replacements that you can use on the HCG diet or even when you are not on the diet, and our supplements do not contain harmful additives or chemicals.
High protein snack #8 - Peanut butter
Peanuts are a high protein legume, and peanut butter is an easy snack that is rich in both protein and healthy fat. One tablespoon of peanut butter has 4 grams of protein and 8 grams of fat, and it is definitely one of the most convenient snacks that you can have available since it never needs refrigeration and is very portable. Spreading peanut butter on a piece of fruit can make it much more filling, and if you have allergies to peanut butter there are several nut butters that can be used as an alternative.
The one thing to consider with peanut butter is that it may contain mycotoxins, which is a carcinogenic toxin produced by a mold that is natural to most varieties of peanuts, so you should be careful with your consumption of peanut butter. A small amount in moderation isn't thought to be a major risk to your health, but it is something to keep in mind, and since it is very difficult to produce peanuts without the fungi that cause mycotoxins, most brands of peanut butter will have them.
Keep in mind that peanuts are a legume like beans and lentils, and if you have an aversion to legumes you should stick to nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter. Almond butter has around 7 grams of protein per two tablespoon serving, which is slightly less than peanut butter, but you won't have to worry about mycotoxins, peanut allergies, or the other problems that legumes have such as their phytic acid content. Almond butter also has many nutrients like calcium, zinc and vitamin E.
The more high protein snacks that you have at your disposal, the less likely that you are to snack on something that is high in carbohydrates or a processed food. Try to keep these foods around rather than snack foods or junk food, and you are very likely to notice a difference in your energy levels and hunger throughout the day, and you might even find that maintaining a healthy weight is easier than ever.