Snacks are an easy way to keep you feeling full when you don’t have the time to prepare your meal. When you are on a low-carb diet, it’s must be challenging to choose snacks as most of the readily available snacks in the market are packed with carbs due to starchy and sugary content. High-protein low-carb snacks can give you much-needed energy while keeping your carb in balance.
Why High-Protein, Low-Carb Snacks?
Protein is an important nutrient the body needs to work incessantly as well as maintaining muscle mass and bone health. Also, high-protein snacks help diminish the intense hunger pangs and suppress the production of appetite-inducing hormones.
Besides, high protein, low-carb snacks offers some benefits including:
- decreased food intake
- weight loss
- preserve muscle mass and reduce fat mass
- blood sugar regulation
We have listed down a few appetizing combinations of snacks that are high in protein and low in carbs, which you can make at home, without the fear of gaining weight.
Apple with Peanut Butter
Eating apples with peanut butter is a great idea, especially when it comes to foods with low carbs density. Apple has all the anti-oxidants needed to purify the blood, and the peanut butter helps increase the good cholesterol level.
The combination of both is very healthy, making it a delicious high protein, low carb snack. However, peanut butter must be used in a moderate amount because it has a high number of calories.
Trail Mix
A trail mix is made by combining a variety of dry fruits and nuts. For adding flavor, sometimes, the chocolate and grains are added too. The protein content is subject to the types of dry fruits used.
The protein content can be increased by using pistachios and almonds. The trail mix is a very low carb snack and has high protein content, as it serves almost 8 grams per 2 ounces of serving.
Almonds
Eating nuts is a very healthy choice, and almonds are known for high protein content. One ounce of almonds can provide up to 6 grams of protein and a series of Vitamins, minerals, riboflavin, and fats. The use of almonds must be limited to only 22, as the calorie content increases with an increased number.
Pistachios
The Pistachio is another famous nut; it is a high protein snack containing almost 3 grams of protein in one ounce of its serving. The roasted pistachios are very tasty and easy to eat and can be used as a snack too.
Turkey Roll-Ups
The turkey roll-up is a kind of sandwich, but it does not have any bread around it. These roll-ups are filled with vegetables and cheese, along with turkey breast slices. The high protein and low carb snacks such as Turkey roll-ups are good at maintaining blood sugar levels and regulating the appetite cycle. Normally, a Turkey roll-up offers almost 5 grams of protein, if the cheese is added.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has been a very famous product due to its high protein content. It serves more than 20 grams of protein per 1 cup. It also provides calcium, which is healthy for bone nutrition. The Greek Yogurt can be used for making parfait by adding granola in it. It makes it a very healthy, low carb snack.
Veggies and Yogurt Dip
The use of vegetables as snacks is a great idea, but the vegetables’ protein content on their own is very low. For making a perfect balance of protein and carbs, a yogurt dip must be used along with veggies. The yogurt dip is usually made up of yogurt, herbs, and lemon juice. The combination not only makes a high protein and low carb snack, but it is also very delicious.
Tuna
Tuna fish is very nutritious when it comes to high protein content; it has roughly 39 grams of pure protein content in it. It has other key nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin-B, and selenium, which makes it best to fulfill the body’s requirements. The Tuna fish is top of the list when it comes to low carb snacks, but at the same time, it is efficient in maintaining the homeostatic balance of the body.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
The eggs are indubitably very healthy and have almost every nutrient which a body needs. Along with eggs being nutritious, they are versatile too. The hard-boiled eggs are a good source of protein and Vitamin B. The egg-white of one hard-boiled egg provides almost 6 grams of protein to your body, which makes it a perfect high protein and low carb snack.
Cheese Slices
Cheese is a favorite snack of many because it is very healthy and filling. Only one slice of a cheddar cheese slice provides almost 7 grams of protein and several minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. The cheese is not only itself low carb snack, but studies show that after eating cheese, the cravings to eat carbs are significantly reduced.
About the Author
Lori Bogedin is a health and wellness writer and editor of TwigsCafe.com. She is in the restaurant business since 1999. In 2016 she was named one of the "Top Women in Business" by Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal.
