10 Protein-Rich Snacks You'll Love

Protein is so important to our well-being. An essential component to each and every cell in our body, protein is a key player in healthy hair, nails, teeth, and bones, and so much more. An appropriate consumption of the macronutrient everyday ensures you make the most of your fitness routine. Sans protein, your rate of fat loss, muscle development, and bone density suffers.

One benefit of protein that cannot be undermined is its role in energy. Protein-rich snacks are ideal for the long days we’re all prone to, as it takes more time to transform the essential nutrient into energy than fats, the most energy-abundant nutrient, or carbs. Reach for protein when you need to refuel, and don’t want to be searching for more food within the hour.

1. Edamame

Edamame is probably the most fun snack to eat EVER. Roasting them adds to their deliciousness, and allows you to play with a variety of seasonings. Check out this post at Beauty & The Beard for inspiration.

2. Granola

Super easy to make yourself, protein is easily loaded in via nuts, seeds, and fruit. To up the ante, pair it with yogurt for an extra dose of the macronutrient.

3. String Cheese

Relive your elementary school lunchbox days with string cheese! Cheese is filling, and peeling it off the stick rivals with edamame as the most amusing snack. Another big plus for string cheese? Its portability makes it an eat you can bring with you anywhere. (Just don’t leave it unrefrigerated for too long; warm cheese is extremely unappetizing.)

4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

A guilt-free guilty pleasure? Believe it. Do be warned though that these bad boys may necessitate a trip to the specialty grocery store. A concoction of protein powder, almond meal, and dairy-free chocolate chips, the cookie dough balls contain a mere 120 calories and an impressive 5 g of protein.

5. Jerky

Relive favorite road trips with this super savory option. Look for picks with low-sodium, or light flavoring to avoid excessive salt or sugar intake, which can add up fast with certain brands of jerky.

6. Deli Roll-Ups

Take your favorite deli meat and roll it up with a slice of cheese, tomato, and a green or red pepper. This is my absolute favorite afternoon snack for its bite and freshness of the veggies.

7. Bean-and-Cheese Quesadilla

This pub classic takes less than 10 minutes, and boasts only 3 ingredients. With just a tortilla, shredded Cheddar cheese, and black beans, you have yourself a protein-packed munchie. This recipe can also be made in a waffle iron for extra ease.

8. Smoothie Pops

Dust off your Magic Bullet for my favorite go-to snack when I’m in need of a protein fix. Combine vanilla yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit, and 1 – 3 scoops of protein powder. Pour them into molds and freeze. Depending on the amount, you may taste a chalkiness from the powder, though it mixes well with the vanilla of the yogurt. The best recipe to mask the protein powder taste, in my experience, has been Orange Creamsicle, made with just yogurt and fresh orange slices.

9. Hummus

Enjoy this comfort food with pita and / or fresh sticks of veggies, like carrots and celery.

10. Chocolate Milk

Actually proven to be more effective than regular milk after a workout, it’s no chore chugging back a glass or two of chocolate milk.

Pick and choose from your favorite ideas above and include them in your lunch this week for a boost of energy at work or sneak in your purse for a post-yoga refuel.