I’m going to give you a little glimpse behind the scenes of my weekday afternoons. It’s a few hours after lunch, and like clockwork, my stomach is starting to rumble. This is in no way the fault of my midday meal – I made sure to fill my plate with energy foods. Instead, I’m going to chalk it up to the fact that with a coaching under my belt plus a day of tasks, my energy is zapped. At 3 p.m. I feel like I haven’t eaten since days. As dramatic as that may be, there’s a truth to it. If you’re anything like me, you’re familiar with afternoon hangries. But instead of reaching another Cup of coffee or a cookie to satisfy my sweet tooth, I have another solution. High protein snack recipes that boost my days with sustained energy.
Listening to your body is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Fatigue? Give yourself a break. Stress ? To try say no” to what does not serve you. Hungry? Eat something energizing, healthy and, of course, delicious. I made sure that each of the recipes below ticked all three boxes. Because even on the busiest workdays, we all deserve something to look forward to.
Featured image of our interview with Megan Roup by Michelle Nash.
Why should we prioritize protein in our snacks
Contrary to popular belief, protein is not a one-size-fits-all thing. It’s true, we need to eat protein regularly throughout the day to maintain energy, promote muscle recovery, regulate hormones and keep our blood sugar in balance. And when it comes to knowing how much protein we need, it’s different for everyone. As we’ve shared before, the answer is nuanced. Factors such as age, gender, body composition, and activity level all come into play. We recommend speaking with your doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist for personalized insight into a protein plan that’s right for you. .
But we’ve pointed it out before and we’ll do it again. In addition to quality sleep and regular exercise, protein can support women’s health in several ways. Protein consumption helps women build lean muscle mass, produce enzymes and hormones, and create a healthy environment for the growth of an embryo. If you want to learn more about how protein specifically supports women’s bodies, our resident wellness expert, Edie Horstman, breaks it down. the importance of protein for women.
After exploring and learning the importance of protein, it’s time for the fun part: high protein snack recipes! Read on for recipes that keep us full throughout the afternoon and beyond! Get ready to kiss the 3 p.m. crisis Goodbye.
Chocolate-banana-almond-butter smoothie
Why we love it: Although they fell out of favor on our Instagram feeds, I’m a smoothie stan forever. And while I encourage mindful eating above all else, smoothies are an easy solution to sip on while you work. Add to that the fact that you can mix together a multitude of good-for-you ingredients and well, everyone should believe in their magic. This delicious chocolate drink, included.
Hero Ingredient: When it comes to this smoothie, there are countless superfoods to choose from. But despite the unlimited options, I would have to opt for the Greek yogurt. It’s my favorite when looking for a rich, creamy texture and protein-packed deliciousness. For those who don’t consume dairy, any protein-rich alternative is great.
Plant-based matcha smoothie
Why we love it: While most might kick a smoothie for leaving you hungry hours later, this matcha-filled sip is as satisfying as it gets. Protein powder keeps you full, matcha provides long-lasting energy and cucumber provides a healthy dose of hydration. Discover your new favorite summer snack.
Hero Ingredient: This smoothie is packed with powerhouse ingredients, but I’ll have to give it to the spinach to put the green (and fiber!) into this vibrant green smoothie.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
Why we love it: I may be in the minority, but I’ve loved cottage cheese all my life. Luckily, everyone seems to get the hype now with recipes spreading all over social media. Although I’m obsessed with cottage cheese ice cream, banana bread, and use it to top my toast, I could really eat this breakfast bowl any day. It is intended for breakfast, but you have the freedom to adapt the serving size to your afternoon appetite. Simply pour cottage cheese into a bowl and customize it with your favorite toppings, or let the options here inspire you.
Hero Ingredient: Full of protein and able to lean into salty or sweet, cottage cheese has rightfully earned its place in the limelight.
Vanilla chia pudding with chestnut honey and berries
Why we love it: Contrary to popular belief, high protein snack recipes don’t always have to be salty. And while I tend to save the chia pudding for breakfast, it’s about time I let it shine during the other meals of the day. What can certainly be enjoyed as a snack can totally serve as a dessert. It’s lightweight and literally effortless. A magical duo.
Hero Ingredient: A little honey or maple syrup keeps things just sweet enough.
The Only Guacamole Recipe You Need
Why we love it: Many recipes claim to be the be-all and end-all of guacamole. But believe me, this perfectly creamy, perfectly spiced take is he. This recipe keeps things simple with a minimal mix of ingredients. Avocado (of course), plus a red onion and chili for the heat. Add to that a few other choice components and you have the simplest crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any party. You can also keep everything to yourself. I will definitely do the same.
Hero Ingredient: The lime juice slices and balances the richness of the avocados beautifully.
Ricotta with pears and pistachios with honey
Why we love it: Sometimes you just need a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing snack to brighten up your afternoon. When that particular craving strikes, it’s always my choice. It only requires seven ingredients (including the crusty bread) and couldn’t be easier to make. As far as high protein snack recipes go, this might just be the prettiest.
Hero Ingredient: Camille calls ricotta the “little black dress of your cheese drawer”. I couldn’t agree more.
Energy Balls Raspberry Cocoa
Why we love it: As someone who always seems to be on the go, my favorite high protein snack recipes are ones that I can take with me on the go and put in my mouth whenever I want. So it seemed like my snacking dreams had come true when I discovered these energy balls. The good news? They are almost as easy to prepare as they are to eat. Your food processor does all the work.
Hero Ingredient: Sticky and sweet, dates are my forever favorite.
Avocado toast with a jammy egg
Why we love it: What at first glance might seem like an oversight on this writer’s part is actually the most awesome thing about the game. A slice of avocado toast is a snack that’s sure to brighten up the afternoon of anyone, and this one is even better (and has extra protein) thanks to the jammy egg. It defines deliciousness and can be brightened up or simplified with its endless customization.
Hero Ingredient: Is there anything more satisfying than opening a perfect avocado?
Copy Erin Lives Whole Homemade Perfect Bars
Why we love it: When Perfect Bars took the snack world by storm a few years ago, you can bet I was there. While some (most?) protein bars at the time were full of sugar and impossible-to-pronounce ingredients, Perfect Bars decided to disrupt the snack game, packing over 20 superfoods into each bar. And while I love their convenience, I often take the road home rather than picking up something off the supermarket shelves. These are easy to make and even easier to devour. You’ll have no problem getting through the rest of your work day with one of these close at hand.
Hero Ingredient: Not only does the honey hold everything together, it makes these perfect bars perfectly sweet.
Well Plated By Erin Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Cookies
Why we love it: When it comes to the added value and nutritional benefits of cookies, not all are created equal. For example, these delights rich in PB and protein. They are economical And soft and chewy (hot take: all the best cookies should be). Oh, and they only take one bowl to prepare. Please.
Hero Ingredient: The soft, chewy cookie I mentioned above? You can thank the half cup of creamy peanut butter for that.
Baked Egg Muffins Eating Bird Food
Why we love it: When egg muffin recipes started making their way onto the internet, those looking primarily to fill up on protein rejoiced. Well, I’m here to say that you have my full permission to enjoy the afternoon as well. In fact, erase that – you don’t need anyone to tell you that you can snack on them whenever you want. They are simple to prepare and easy to put in a glass container to take with you to work.
Hero Ingredient: I am of the opinion that feta cheese is always a yes. It’s salty, it’s tangy, and it fits well in these egg bites.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Blueberry Cauliflower Smoothie
Why we love it: Regardless of your stance on Goop, there’s no denying that Gwyneth has an enviable glow. Her secret to glowing, healthy skin? This smoothie. Blueberries are the key to a clear complexion and the secret to making this smoothie a pretty purple delight.
Hero Ingredient: Protein-rich almond butter fills your cup with healthy fats.
This post was originally posted on March 7, 2022 and has since been updated.
