Have you ever sat down with a bag of Doritos and promised yourself “just one more” until you realize *just* how orange your fingertips are – and take that as a sign you should definitely stop snacking? 

Have you ever done the same thing with a bag of pork chops? (Hypothetically – if pork chops came in a bag?)

One you’ll overeat. One you most definitely will not. 

Here’s why: protein. 

One of the most common comments I hear from clients is, “I had no idea I wasn’t eating enough protein.” 

Protein makes dreams come true, ya’ll. It repairs muscles after a workout. It also maintains muscle when trying to lose fat (even when not working out). And muscle mass directly impacts the efficiency of metabolic function. It’s directly tied to how many calories you burn per day while at rest (read: while sitting on your ass).

Protein is also the most satiating macronutrient, so it keeps you full and happy.

The problem is that protein is probably the least convenient macro to lug around and prepare, so it’s easy to skimp on.

So, here are my go-to protein snacks so that you never have to resort to chewing gum or drinking water to curb your hunger. 

​​Savory: 

• 2 oz deli turkey rolled with 1 oz cheese + apple slices 
• Beef stick (Big fan of Paleo Valley)
• 3/4 c tuna/egg/chicken salad with crackers
• Cucumbers or crackers dipped in 1/2 c plain greek yogurt with dill and garlic salt
• Buffalo chicken quesadilla with 2 oz of chicken and 1 oz of cheese

Sweet: 

• 6 oz, plain full-fat Greek yogurt + 1/2 c berries + pumpkin seeds
• Mini shake: 1/2 serving protein powder + 1/4 c fruit + 1 Tbsp nut butter/coconut/seeds
• 1 c cottage cheese + blueberries 
• Natural protein bar like Paleo Valley

Vegan

• 1 c roasted edamame
• Chia pudding with 3 T chia seeds + 1 Tbsp cacao + 3/4 c liquid + 1/3 c cherries
• Coconut yogurt with a scoop of vegan protein
• Raw veggies with 1/3 c hummus
• Mini shake: 1/2 serving chocolate protein powder + 1/2 c liquid + 1 Tbsp peanut butter

Small swaps like cottage cheese vs. chips can make a significant difference. So, give up the Doritos (well, maybe not alllll the Doritos) and grab some beef sticks.

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