After my workouts, the last thing on my mind is a protein snack. The shower calls my name and I can never resist her siren song. I usually just have my protein powder mixed with water (almond milk if I’m feeling extra hungry) but sometimes you have to mix things up to break out of monotony.
Growing up I never had snacks and, since I’m married to a grazer, I’ve had to learn to have snacks available. Boredom with your snacks can make it easy to migrate to unhealthy options. I have corn dogs in my freezer and I’m guilty of relying on them due to lack of options in our pantry. Left unchecked, mindless snacking can derail your fitness efforts, so I always try to pack protein into my [healthy] post-workout snacks. Here are five quick (and easy!) post-workout snack ideas to bring into your rotation!
1. Greek yogurt with fruit and granola
Perfect for after morning workouts, this snack is sure to give you energy to start the rest of your day. The Greek yogurt has lots of protein, while the granola and fruit provide filling fiber. You can add honey to sweeten the yogurt if you go with plain Greek yogurt.
2. Almond Butter + apples
I love fresh Gala apples (who doesn’t?) but an apple usually leaves me feeling hungrier if that’s even possible. Adding in a healthy nut fat, such as natural almond butter or peanut butter, helps keep me fuller longer.
3. Protein Meal Bar
I am loving all of the tasty options from Special K, especially their protein meal bars! To be honest, I was a little hesitant at buying a yet another protein bar as I’ve always found them to be dry and lackluster. Plus, they tended to taste…mealy? Ick.
The new Special K Protein line hits all the right notes on flavor, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. With their protein meal bar flavors such as Chocolatey Brownie, Double Chocolate and Chocolate Caramel who can resist? Plus, with 8g of protein you can have your cake and eat it, too!
I’ve never been a huge fan of chocolate before my early 30s. Given the option of a Blondie or a Brownie, I always went for the Blondie. But now? Gimme all the chocolate! I’ve baked brownies a lot these past few months, but the lack of protein made me guilty. One of these bars after a workout is both satisfying and guiltless. It has the perfect fudge consistency that I love in my brownies! Yum!
4. Tuna + Veggies
Tuna fish is one of those pantry staples you should never be without. (Note to self: stock up!). A simple assortment of chopped bell peppers, cucumbers or celery topped with tuna fish is super filling and healthy! (Pictured: tuna seasoned with paprika, chili powder, vinegar, minced garlic and salt). This can easily be made into a salad with superfoods like spinach and kale and a few sliced cherry tomatoes.
5. Hummus + Veggies
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutritious legume full of protein, vitamins and minerals and are an excellent source of fiber. You can make your own hummus out of chickpeas (or even black beans!) but I find it easier to just pick up a small tub at the supermarket.
As an alternative, or when you’re out of fresh veggies, you can pair hummus with crackers like Special K Sea Salt Original Multigrain Crackers with Quinoa. Pairing two superfood giants like chickpeas and quinoa is sure to keep our full until the next meal, while also giving your muscles some much-needed protein!
So there you have it! Five quick and easy post-workout snacks.
Kay says
These all look yummy!