The Power of Protein Snacking
Protein makes an excellent power snack. It keeps your blood sugar steady and helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer to keep crazy cravings at bay. According to Los Angeles personal trainer Lalo Fuentes, protein helps you feel satisfied, which then makes it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan. Protein can be a powerful tool in your healthy eating arsenal, so learn how to unlock the power of protein snacking.
The Benefits of Protein Snacking
There are several ways your body benefits from protein snacking. It can:
Help to regulate blood sugar – Studies have consistently found that a protein-based snack in the morning such as milk or yogurt helps to keep blood sugar steady throughout the morning.
Help you to maintain a healthy weight – Protein-rich snacks help to boost feelings of satiety, helping you to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Supports a healthy heart – Getting enough protein in your diet can help to reduce heart-related health issues. In fact, people who get enough protein throughout the day have been found to have lower blood pressure.
How to Do It
Not to burst your protein-packed bubble, but protein snacking is not permission to eat bacon 24/7 – because saturated fat matters too! To snack smart with protein, you should try to pair it with a complex carbohydrate. This is especially helpful after an intense workout with your Los Angeles personal trainer since protein helps your muscles repair and carbohydrates help to replenish their depleted energy stores. Protein and carbohydrates are a snack pair made in macro-nutrient heaven.
A Few Snacking Suggestions
So, what kind of protein-based snacks are ideal? Los Angeles personal trainer Lalo Fuentes, CSCS, says, “It’s easy to add some protein-packed, low-sugar options to your day to help boost metabolism and reduce feelings of hunger – they’re a delicious way to stay healthy!”
To protein snack right, consider the following options:
Hardboiled eggs – These are portable so you can take them on the go. Plus, eggs happen to be one of the most perfect foods on the planet, full of protein and other vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy while still remaining relatively low in calories.
String cheese – You need to watch out for sodium since cheese can hide a fair amount. But in general, string cheese is an easy thing to keep around for snacks, even if you don’t have a small child in the house!
Edamame – Soybeans in the pod are called edamame and they make a great protein-filled snack. They contain fiber and protein, which is always a winning combination!
Roasted chickpeas – Chickpeas have 120 calories for every five grams of fiber and protein. Add them to a salad or roast them up in the oven for a convenient snack!
Hummus – Another chickpea-based snack, hummus is full of protein and fiber, plus it’s delicious. Pair it with some carrots or cucumbers and you have a healthy and satisfying snack that feels indulgent!
Protein is an important nutrient. If you’re trying to live a healthy life with the help of your Los Angeles personal trainer, then protein-snacking should be on your to-do list! What are you waiting for? Power up!