Healthy Snacks To Go!

Our lives are so busy, and sometimes unpredictable. It's easy to fall into the trap of quick and unhealthy foods to just satisfy a craving. Or once you get ravenous, you grab whatever you can find - another not so wise choice. Every once in a while, indulging is great but it can't become an every day habit. The best way to keep from eating uncontrollably is to keep water and healthy snacks accessible. Here's a list of 10 great portable and nutritious snacks, full of protein. Protein is important because it helps to create a feeling of fullness by releasing appetite-suppressing hormones. It also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and slows the digestive process.

1. Energy bites: Check out https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/easy-no-bake-protein-balls-4-ways/ to create some delicious options! I've made all of these and they are all amazing! I add chia for even more nutritional benefits.

2. Jerky: Packed with protein and low in fat. Available in so many stores and easy to transport, but do read the labels for high sugar levels in store-bought brands. Many people prefer to make their own jerky for this reason.

3. Almonds: High in healthy fats and also high in calories, so just a handful of this yummy snack satisfies cravings and is high in Vitamin E and protein.

4. Hardboiled eggs: a true whole food, containing nearly every nutrient your body needs. One egg contains 6 g of protein, sure to help keep you full until your next meal.

5. Overnight oats made with 1/2 cup of milk (whatever type you prefer) and 1/2 cup of oats. Stir in peanut butter, add some dark chocolate and banana, refrigerate in a covered jar overnight and enjoy for a quick breakfast!

6. Chickpeas: Delicious roasted or as hummus, chickpeas provide 15g of protein per cup and are loaded with folate, fiber, iron, and magnesium.

7. Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese has always been considered a diet food - a real go-to for those trying to lose weight, but it's truly a smart choice for those trying to increase protein in their diets. It's lower in sugar than yogurt and it has 25g of protein per cup!

8. Edamame: packed with low-fat soy protein, these baby soybeans still in the pod have 17g of protein per cup, over half of your daily requirement of vitamin K, and over 100% of your folate daily requirement.

9. Protein shakes: So many options - egg, whey, soy, pea...one scoop of protein powder typically contains 20 g of protein. Add 8 oz of water, some ice and 1 scoop in a shaker cup and you're good to go!

10. Nut butter: Try http://www.justins.com/nut-butters or https://www.crazyrichards.com/ for some delicious options! Many stores carry both of these brands in pouch form and they are all super nutrient dense!

Happy, healthy snacking to you! Enjoy!