Meat-free staples such as chickpeas and cottage cheese make for a great base for a delicious, high-protein snack low in calories. Here are some healthy options:
1. Cottage Cheese
- Grab your favorite whole-grain bread, and top it with low-fat 2% cottage cheese, fresh
herbs, and savory seasonings for a tasty snack. Cottage cheese makes the perfect
vegetarian high-protein base for any of your favorite toppings, both sweet and savory.
Besides its high protein content, cottage cheese is a great source of calcium. In addition
to its bone-health-boosting benefits, calcium is also necessary to keep your heart,
muscles, and nerves functioning properly.
2. Boiled Eggs
- While omelets and poached eggs are generally reserved for breakfast, hard-boiled eggs
are a great high-protein snack for any time of day. Eggs also contain choline content.
Choline helps keep your brain functioning properly, especially where your mood,
memory, and nervous system are concerned.
3. Almonds
- Get more protein and vitamin E, a shortfall nutrient, in your diet by snacking on
almonds. One serving of almonds packs about as much protein as a whole egg, which
makes a handful of these nuts an excellent plant-based snack. Almonds are also an
excellent source of vitamin E. With its antioxidant properties, vitamin E is linked to
helping protect against the effects of free radical damage. Get the benefits of almonds by
trying almond butter, another high-protein snack. Keep in mind that, like almonds,
almond butter is calorie-dense, so you'll want to stick to the recommended portion sizes
(about 24 almonds).
4. Roasted Chickpeas
- Whether you sprinkle them onto a salad or enjoy them as a solo snack, roasted
chickpeas will add protein and a satisfying crunch to just about any meal. While you can
buy pre-packaged roasted chickpeas, you can also DIY with a can of garbanzo beans. All
you should do is drain the can, season, add a touch of avocado oil, and roast in the oven.
This snack is also a good source of fiber, providing about 5 grams per serving. Fiber will
help keep your blood sugar levels stable and keep you full for longer.
5. Edamame
- Edamames provide nearly 20 grams of protein for under 200 calories a cup. Edamame is
an easy, quick snack you can make for your entire family. Plus, you can even find them shelled, making these beans super simple to eat on the go — just add a sprinkle of sea
salt. High in protein and fiber, edamame is also a great source of magnesium, providing
about 24 percent of the daily recommended value. Your body relies on magnesium to
help keep your muscles and nerves functioning properly.