Stop Rumbling Tummies in Their Tracks
When our stomachs ache with hunger, we tend to grab the first snack in sight—health be darned. Next thing you know, we’ve eaten half a bag of chips or put a pretty dent in the ice cream tub, and now our stomachs hurt for an entirely different reason. It’s time for a change! Here are 20 protein-rich snacks that not only keep you full, but also keep you healthy.
1. Hummus and Veggies
Hummus is already an excellent source of protein, but paired with equally nutritious vegetables? Now you’re talking about the ultimate snack! Celery, apples, broccoli, and bell peppers pair beautifully with hummus, and you’ll get at least 10g of protein per serving.
2. Turkey Rolls
Turkey’s delicious, packed with protein, and one of the healthiest lean meats around. There’s no shame in reaching for a slice or two when you’re peckish—even at night. That bird has barely any calories and can keep you full until the morning.
3. Edamame
Edamame is so much more than an appetizer. It’s a protein-rich snack that’s low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It only takes a couple of minutes to boil them too, so you’ll have a hearty treat in five minutes.
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs
People always talk about potatoes’ versatility, but we should focus on eggs! Mash them in a sandwich, hard-boil them, or scramble them with veggies for a nice omelet. However you choose to enjoy, they’re a great side or standalone snack—and know how to fill your tummy.
5. Almonds
Almonds are the little nuts with a big impact, least of all for your hunger. They’re chock full of protein and healthy fats and you won’t need more than a handful to stay full until dinnertime. You can also have them alongside breakfast to keep fuller for longer throughout the day.
6. Cottage Cheese
Just because something looks bland doesn’t mean it is bland! Cottage cheese is the perfect base for fruits, nuts, and seeds. You can easily put together any number of high-protein foods for a simple snack that won’t leave you wanting more.
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7. Popcorn
Not only is popcorn one of the healthiest snacks in general, but it’s also a blank canvas for add-ons! Delicious items like cinnamon powder, ranch seasoning, and even berries take this low-calorie snack to new heights. It also does wonders for your hunger pangs.
8. Chia Pudding
You’ve likely heard the hullabaloo with chia seeds—they’re rich in protein, have plenty of fiber, and absorb water, thereby making them more filling. It’s all true! This pudding recipe only calls for three ingredients: chia seeds, almond milk, and a sweetener of your choice (though we like honey). You’ll stay full for hours.
9. Energy Bites
You only need a handful of ingredients for homemade energy bites. Oats, flaxseed, chia seeds, and peanut butter ward off hunger in this tasty no-bake treat, letting you indulge without all the guilt. You can also tweak the recipe to include chocolate chips or swap in almond butter.
10. Apple and Peanut Butter
Speaking of nut butter, nothing pairs quite like apple and peanut butter. One serving yields about 7g of protein, and the duo’s often touted as a great weight loss snack. Most importantly, you’ll stay fuller for longer.
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11. Smoothies
Smoothies are amazing—they taste good, they’re nutritious, and they’re whatever you make them. Options are also endless for fruit, types of milk, greens, and protein powder. Even if you forgo the powder, you can still score plenty of protein with avocado, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt.
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12. DIY Trail Mix
Why spend all that money at the grocery store when you can make trail mix at home? One of the best things about this recipe is that it leaves room for creativity! Edamame, cranberries, almonds, and cashews are all great options but you can also add white chocolate chips or pumpkin seeds.
13. Yogurt Parfait
Who would’ve thought all that protein was hiding in Greek yogurt? You’ll score anywhere from 10 to 13g of it per serving, but can also toss in additional protein-rich ingredients. Turn to fruit and crunchy granola for that special touch.
14. Avocado Chips
We know it sounds a little out there, but stay with us! Mashed avocado, garlic powder, and lemon juice make the majority of this recipe, keeping things nice and simple. A little parmesan and salt and pepper tie it all together for a healthy snack that wards off hunger.
15. Jerky
The right jerky is often a terrific, low-calorie snack; healthier options without all the salt and fat still pack a lot of protein. Read the label beforehand or try making your own at home (though it’ll take a few hours)!
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16. Prosciutto and Melon
Prosciutto and melon is much more than a beloved appetizer—it’s a simple two-ingredient recipe loaded with flavor and protein. Simply wrap your melon in thin slices of prosciutto for an easy snack bound to keep you full.
17. Various Cheeses
Good news! Some protein-rich cheese is both healthy and filling, meaning you can snack to your heart’s delight. In this case, provolone, gruyere, parmesan, and Swiss are your best friends. Spread them on crackers or have them with equally filling nuts.
18. Oatmeal
Though oatmeal alone doesn’t boast the same protein as other snacks on this list, you can still transform it into a filling snack. Add in some protein powder, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt for a flavorful pop that works to keep you full.
19. Ants on a Log
Don’t worry, it’s not real ants (though they’re also rich in protein)! No, we mean the classic snack of peanut butter, celery sticks, and raisins. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite from childhood that doubles as a filling treat.
20. Egg Salad
Eggs, mayo, mustard, and a sprinkling of paprika—what more could you ask for? This recipe is perfect for sandwiches or even as a standalone snack, providing you with enough protein to get through the day. A little green onion or lemon juice helps spice it up too.
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