For athletes, it's important to make sure what you're eating is quality protein since most of us are also watching what we eat. I don't mean just watching it go into our mouths. We want to stay lean, only consume good fats, and many of us are watching our calorie intake. That means you need quality protein from healthy foods, the cheese on top of the half pizza you just ate is not the best post-workout snack. Just for you (aren't you special), I've compiled a list of some of the best, quick and easy, post-workout snacks that are packed with protein and won't push you over your calorie, carbohydrate, or sodium allowance.
Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek yogurt is packed with protein |
While I am eating a single serving cup right now, I also buy a big 32oz container of plain low-fat yogurt. This is great for making smoothies if you have the time, or just adding to a bowl with some fruit, which is what I normally do.
2. Jerky - We know meats are great source of protein, but it can be hard to have meat as a snack sometimes. Jerkey is great because it's portable and doesn't have to be refrigerated. You could easily stash a bag in your desk drawer, car, or gym bag. When buying jerky you have to look out for sneaky additives though, like carrageenan. Trader Joe's has some good options and they're not all beef either, they also have turkey and salmon jerky. Those options contain 11 and 9 grams of protein, respectfully. Lately, I like Oberto Natural Beef Jerky which has 13 grams of protein and 80 calories per serving. I've also found jerky to be a great option over potato chips as a road trip snack.
3. Eggs - Yeah, I'm tired of that one too. Eggs are actually one of the lower protein sources on this list at only 6 grams.
Peanut butter on a sweet potato pancake |
Mmmmmm shrimp |
6. Meat and cheese roll-ups - This was often my breakfast during the 21-Day Sugar Detox. I would just take a slice or two of thin provolone cheese, lay a slice of deli turkey on them and roll it all up. Two slices of Sargento Ultra Thin Provolone is 80 calories and 5.4 grams of protein. That protein is on the lower side, but combine it with a slice of Plainville Farms Oven Roasted Turkey Breast at approximately 25 calories and 5.5 grams of protein per slice and you've got 12 grams of protein at only 105 calories. Like with jerky, you have to look out for sneaky additives in lunch meat.
7. Chocolate milk - While most of the other options on this list are fairly low carb, I wanted to include chocolate milk since it's many runners' favorite choice for a recovery drink. A one cup serving of lowfat chocolate milk is 158 calories with 8.1 grams of protein. While I don't think it's the best choice given the other options listed, it's about equal to nut butters, and
it's still a great post-workout snack.
I know, I'm totally ripped from all this protein |
GREAT DAY!!!! Look at that muscle!!!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?!
DeletePost workout I look forward to some eggs with avocado or a protein shake with Growing Naturals Pea and/or Rice Protein Powder.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I need to try some alternative protein powders, I've only had whey. Thanks for the comment!
Delete