High protein diets may be a dietitian's favorite punching bag, but according to the MayoClinic.com, this approach to weight loss may have some advantages. In fact, higher protein diets may facilitate weight loss as they help keep appetite under wraps.
However, many protein-rich foods like chicken and steak aren't always easy to eat in the car or at your work desk. Luckily, there are plenty of great homemade protein snacks that will give you a protein boost whenever you need it.
Turkey Sandwich
No one ever said that sandwiches were only appropriate for lunchtime. A homemade turkey sandwich only takes a few seconds to prepare at home and can be eaten without any silverware. To craft the ideal turkey sandwich, opt for at least four oz. of lean turkey breast. This amount of turkey breast contains nearly 25g of protein and only 2g of fat. Put your turkey breast between two slices of 100 percent whole wheat bread, which has more protein than white bread. For toppings, feel free to add slices tomato, cucumber, lettuce along with fat-free mayo.
Protein Parfait
Most homemade parfaits are made up of sugary yogurt, sugary cereal, and sugary honey and with little protein to show for it. However, you can make this French favorite rich in protein with a few tweaks. Instead of using most commercial products that use high fructose corn syrup, try Greek yogurt which has more protein and fewer carbs. One cup of of Fage Greek yogurt contains 20g of protein--twice that of most other yogurt brands. Sweeten the yogurt using high protein fruit choices like papaya and guava. Finally, choose whole grain cereals like granola, which tend to have more protein than the highly refined variety.
Nut Medley
You can mix up a nut medley snack at home faster than you can say: "I need some protein." Nuts are rich in protein and healthy monounsaturated fats. Consumption of protein-rich nuts like walnuts can reduce bad LDL cholesterol, curb appetite, and reduce the plaque on your arteries. While almost any nuts will do, base your nut medley on high protein nuts like almonds, peanuts, and Brazil nuts. Choose nuts that are minimally processed with no added salt or sugar. Once you've chosen your nuts, you can toss them in a plastic bag to take them wherever you go.
Member Comments