Packing in protein doesn’t have to break the bank, and it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. As a busy mom, protein is the nutrient powerhouse that I can’t skip.
It’s those moments when:
- you’ve fed everyone breakfast but yourself
- you packed the kids a great lunch for the family’s outdoor adventure but realized that YOU need to eat too
- or when you have 4 minutes to apply mascara, get the kids’ shoes on, turn off the oven, and, at that moment, your Mom calls.
…that’s when it’s easiest to toss your health goals to the wind, grab a sugary carb, and refuel quickly. These on-the-go protein snacks will keep you on track and give you stamina on the busiest days of the year.
Here’s How to Stay On Track and Pack in Protein on the Busiest Days
I’ve spent so much time traveling for my kid’s baseball games this summer that people are starting to think I’m the team mascot. Staying on track with your health goals during busy days can challenge even the gym junkies and dutiful dieters among us. But it’s not impossible. Just like in your daily life, the key is to plan ahead.
The next time you have to be out for the day or know your schedule will be packed, pack this protein-heavy lunch, hit your health goals, and give your body the sustained energy it needs.
Plus, these 5 protein snacks are budget-friendly. You’re welcome.
1. Greek Yogurt
This creamy treat is higher in protein and lower in carbs per serving than regular yogurt because it’s strained of excess liquid whey and lactose (or the yogurt’s natural sugars). As a result, you get more protein per spoonful.
A 7-oz serving of greek yogurt brings a whopping 20 grams of protein. Not only will you boost your protein for the day with a serving of greek yogurt, but you’ll also provide your body with rich essential vitamins and minerals, like B12, selenium, and zinc.
Check out Oikos’ line of high-protein yogurt cups for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
2. Protein Bars
Protein bars are a busy mom’s best friend. You can quickly bump up your protein intake by 20 grams with a bar. Picking the right brand is key. Make sure you check the nutrition label to see whether you’re eating more sugar than your kids on Halloween night.
One bars have 20 grams of protein, only 1 gram of sugar, and they don’t taste like a sand cake dipped in chocolate either. The Quest and Pro bars also provide 20 grams of protein per serving and feature some indulgent flavors like cookie dough and birthday cake.
3. Strengthening Savory Snacks
After years at the ballfield, I still go nuts for a crunchy, salty snack on the bleachers. Good news—you can satisfy your salt tooth and boost your protein all while yelling at the umpire.
Quest Chips are my go-to. These guilty pleasures have more protein than most protein bars! One serving packs in 20 grams of protein and clocks just 4g of net carbs.
If you like your snacks a little more savory, crunch on some Epic Pork Rinds and Cracklin, which offers 11 grams of protein per serving.
4. Sugar Snap Peas
I bet you didn’t expect this one. Sugar snap peas bring nearly one gram of protein for every oz. These crunchy snacks are also full of fiber, folate, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
After hours in the sun, a big bag of sugar snap peas is nearly as refreshing as a spray bottle and a handheld fan. Munch on them plain, throw them in your salad, or dip them in hummus for an especially filling snack.
5. Chopped Salad Kit with Benefits
These quick, all-in-one salad kits have kept me many times from straying off the healthy path. Each bag offers several servings of veggies and is ready in less than 3 minutes. Don’t let the serving size gyp you. I’m known for enjoying the entire bag for a fully satiating lunch.
Salad kits on their own don’t offer much in the protein department. To turn this salad into a real meal, I’ll throw a cup of chicken and boost my protein intake by 40 grams! On the days that are so busy, I opt to top my salad with an on-the-go pack of Wild Tuna.
There are plenty of salad kits to choose from. If you haven’t found your favorite brand yet, start with mine—Taylor Farms Buffalo Ranch. When these are on sale, I snag a whole stack and enjoy them throughout the week.
On Your Busiest Days, You Need Protein the Most
Protein takes longer to digest than refined carbs. It also reduces our hunger hormone, called ghrelin. Skipping your daily protein goals will leave you feeling worn out and tired. But a little protein boost on your busiest days can be all the fuel you need to push on with more energy.
Try out my five favorite protein snacks this week. If you’re interested in more nutrition hacks that work for us living real and often busy lives, sign up for my weekly newsletter here. If you’re ready to take real steps toward your health and weight loss goals, join my 6-week LEAN program today.
