Protein Snack Foods

Rather than the traditional three meals a day with breakfast, lunch and dinner, a lot of people are enjoying more meals made up of smaller portions. Enjoying a healthy protein snack between the three core meals you enjoy each day increases metabolism, provides an energy boost and can be as simple as throwing a small treat you've prepared in advance into your purse or duffel bag.

Nuts

Nuts, like peanuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts among others, are a good source of protein and also provide the body with good fats and fiber, which help your stomach feel full for an extended period of time. The protein in nuts contains amino acids, which are considered a building block of protein. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts a day, or a little more than a handful.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein belonging to the meat and beans group. One tablespoon of peanut butter contains four grams of protein. Peanut butter consists of more fat than protein, but don't be alarmed because it is a monounsaturated fat and as such is considered healthy. Meals featuring peanut butter can be easily put together by applying it to toast, fixing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or enjoying it on fruits and vegetables like apple slices or celery sticks.

Jerky

Jerky, unlike some other foods, offers a good source of protein with low levels of fat and calories. AskMen reports that, on average, one ounce of jerky contains about 70 calories, one gram of fat and 11 grams of protein. In a Men's Health fitness food comparison, beef jerky tied with its counterpart, the protein bar. Beef Jerky was found to be advantageous in categories of effectiveness, taste and calories when compared to the protein bar by Men's Health.

Tuna

Tuna is another member of the meat and beans group and is a very lean protein source consisting of 7 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat or less and only 35 calories per ounce. Each ounce of tuna counts toward the recommended 5.5 ounces of meat and beans recommended each day for good nutrition. You can enjoy tuna by spreading it on crackers, making a sandwich or mixing it in a salad.