12 High-Protein Snack Ideas (with Recipes!)

Are you working your tail off only to hit a plateau? Exercise is only part of the total health equation: your diet plays a major role.  Sometimes what we think is a smart choice keeps us from getting the fats and proteins our bodies need.
 
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite nutrient-rich recipes and on-the-go snack ideas from Bay Area blogger Cate Ritter of Cate's Nutrition Kitchen Any of these super-snacks can help you punch through plateaus and snack your way to a whole new energy level. Plus, they’re loaded with protein to help curb cravings between meals.

Homemade Almond Butter

Yields 1 3/4 cups
Ingredients
3 cups raw almonds
1/2 cup coconut oil (warmed if needed so that it’s in liquid form)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
1 serving vanilla or chocolate protein powder
Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and secure the lid.

2. Turn machine on and slowly increase to the highest speed.

3. Blend until desired consistency.

4. Enjoy with sliced apples and celery or make into an almond butter and banana sandwich.

Almond Butter Banana Sandwich

Yield: 1 sandwich
Ingredients
2 slices of sprouted cinnamon raisin bread
2 tablespoons almond butter
1 banana, sliced
Instructions

• Spread almond butter on bread, layer with banana slices and enjoy.

Vanilla Shortbread Bites

Yields about 10 mini bites
Ingredients
1 cup raw unsalted walnuts
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 serving vanilla protein powder
2 tablespoons raw honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
To taste, stevia
To taste, sea salt
Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor.

2. Process until a thick paste forms, about 1 minute.

3. Transfer to a large bowl and use your hands to make into 10 mini bites.

4. Place in the freezer overnight before your trip. Pack with an icepack to maintain form.

Creamy Coconut Protein Shake 

Yields 1 serving
Ingredients
2 cups (or more) water/coffee
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1/2 a large frozen ripe banana
1 serving vanilla protein powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions

• Add ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

 
Bacon Apple Egg Muffins

Yields 12 dairy and gluten-free muffins
Ingredients
4 slices of bacon
3 large green apples, chopped into 1/2 inch chunks (about 2 cups)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
9 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons coconut flour
3 tablespoon coconut milk (or heavy cream)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large skillet, sauté the bacon until desired texture on both sides.

3. Keeping as much grease in the skillet as possible, remove the bacon and add the apples.

4. Cook the apples with cinnamon until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.

5. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, flour, coconut milk, baking soda and sea salt until combined.

6. Pour the egg mixture and apple mixture evenly into a muffin tin. Crumble the bacon evenly.

7. Bake for 25 minutes or until the center is set.

8. Check by inserting a knife. If it comes out mostly clean, then it’s done.

9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to finish cooking throughout.

Banana Nut Egg Muffins

Yields 12 dairy and gluten-free muffins
Ingredients
2 large ripe bananas (about 2 1/2 cups), sliced
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
9 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons coconut flour
3 tablespoon coconut milk (or heavy cream)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the bananas and nuts.

3. Pour egg mixture evenly into a muffin tin. Use your hands to sprinkle the banana and nuts.

4. Bake for 25 minutes or until the center is set.

5. Check by inserting a knife. If it comes out mostly clean, then it’s done.

6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to finish cooking throughout.

Quick & Easy, On-The-Go Snack Ideas

Ham Stack: Stack sliced ham with apple and cheddar cheese.
Beef Roll-Up: Roll sliced roast beef with sliced cheese, arugula and mustard.
Turkey Halfsies: Use cinnamon raisin sprouted bread to make a turkey, cranberry, goat cheese sandwich. Cut in half for easy enjoyment.
Prosciutto Wrap: Wrap prosciutto slices with apple slices and goat cheese.
Raspberry cottage cheese: combine 1 serving of cottage cheese with 1 cup of frozen raspberries. Allow berries to defrost before enjoying.
Cherry yogurt medley: combine 1 serving of Greek yogurt with 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 cup of frozen sweet cherries and 1 serving protein powder. Allow the cherries to defrost before enjoying.
 

Source: http://www.catesnutrition.com/