Hey Snack Loving Friends looking for filling high protein snacks,
For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Lacy, and I’m a registered dietitian and owner of Mindful Vending (a dietitian owned and operated healthy vending company). In our vending machines, we provide all kinds of nourishing snacks including some of the best protein snacks on the market. I am also the author of several books including The Nourishing Meal Builder, The Nourishing Meal Builder: the Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Edition, Faith, Mindfulness, & Nutrition, and Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals.
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The Search for the Healthiest Protein Snacks
As the owner of Mindful vending, it is my job AND passion to search for the healthiest packaged snacks available. I am constantly looking for snacks to meet a variety of needs. If it is our there, I want to find it!
Since I have to keep a healthy snack database for my company anyway, I thought it might be helpful to share my snack lists here as well. So browse all the categories and find the snacks that best fit with your needs and wants. Happy snacking!
So here they are… (Scroll down to read the last post in this series, The Best On-The-Go Protein Snacks According to a Dietitian).
- Dietitian Approved Gluten Free Snacks
- Healthiest Chips and Crackers According to a Dietitian
- Top Omega-3 On-the-Go Snacks
- The Best Nutrition Bars and Protein Bars
- Dietitian Approved Nut-Free Snacks
- Dietitian Approved Fiber Rich Snacks
- Best On-the-Go Protein Snacks (This Post!)
- Top Whole Grain Packaged Snacks
- Dietitian Approved Antioxidant Snacks
- Healthy On-the-Go Fruit and Vegetable Snacks
- The Best On-the-Go Probiotic Snacks According to a Dietitian
- The Healthiest Non-Perishable Packaged Entrees According to a Dietitian
Healthy On-The-Go Protein Snack
Beanfields
Beanfields are the next chip to make the healthiest chips and crackers list, and they might be my favorite chips. They have 4 gm of protein and 4 gm of fiber per serving so you will feel full for longer after eating these chips. Due to the filling nature of these chips, they can aid in weight loss as well. They have a simple ingredients list with the first ingredient being antioxidant-rich black and white beans. These chips are gluten free, have less than 1 gm sugar, and 0 trans fat. Beanfields come in lots of flavors. Nacho is probably the most popular, but my favorite is the Pico De Gallo.
Benefits of Polyphenol Antioxidants found in black and white beans:
- Prebiotic (good bacteria in the gut feeds on prebiotics)
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduces cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Beanitos
Beanitos are very similar to Beanfields. They are made out of simple ingredients with the first ingredient on the label being beans. Beanitos are high in filling protein and fiber so they can aid in weight loss. They are gluten and nut free and are low in sugar, have 0 added sugar, and 0 trans fat.
Benefits of Polyphenol Antioxidants found in black and white beans:
- Prebiotic (good bacteria in the gut feeds on prebiotics)
- May decrease the risk of cancer
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduces cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Bada Bean Bada Boom
Bada Bean Bada Boom is one of my favorite snacks on the healthiest chips and crackers list. Seriously, these snacks made from Broad beans are soooo delicious! Whenever I give a sample to friends and family, their faces and reactions read like ‘whoa, what is this glorious snack, and where can I get more!?!?!’ Bada Bean Bada Booms have 7 gm protein and 5-6 gm fiber as well as essential vitamins and minerals in each serving. They are made from simple ingredients with the first ingredient being broad beans. These crunchy snacks are low in calories and gluten free. You can get them pre-packaged in 100 calorie snack packs, and these are 100 calories that are actually filling so they can aid in weight loss. Broad beans also have immune boosting, heart healthy antioxidants as well!
Here is another interesting tidbit about broad beans:
Though research is limited, some small studies have shown that Levodopa found in broad beans (also called fava beans) may help with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. But if you have Parkinson’s, it is important to talk with your doctor before eating foods in excess that contain Levodopa. You should continue to take medications per your doctors advice as well. Keep in mind, you could over do it if you are taking medications and eating Levodopa rich foods. This excess could cause dyskinesia in Parkinson’s patients.
Hippeas
By far, these are my kid’s favorite snack. They actually cheer when I tell them that I have packed Hippeas in their lunch box. Seriously…they cheer out loud! Hippeas are Gluten free and nut free, and they are a good source of fiber and protein. The main ingredient is chickpeas on their simple ingredients list. They are low in calories and yet filling which means…you guessed it… they can aid in weight loss.
Chickpeato
Chickpeatos are another snack made from chickpeas. They are low in calories and yet packed with protein. Therefore, you will feel full for longer, which can help with weight loss. They have a simple ingredient list with the first ingredient being chickpeas. Chickpeatos are gluten free and have 0 sugar, added sugar, and trans fat.
Doctor in the Kitchen Flackers Gluten Free Flax Seed Crackers
The star ingredient in these 100% whole grain Flackers is the Flax Seeds. Nutrients in these crackers include ALA Omega-3, antioxidants, B vitamins, and Potassium. And with 6 gm of fiber and 4 gm of protein, these flackers are going to help you feel full. They are also baked, not fried; have only 1 gm of sugar; and have 0 added sugar and trans fat. They are also gluten free!
Because these Flackers have many of the same ingredients as the Way Better Tortilla chips, they also have some of the same possible benefits:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
The Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in our diet should be around 1:1. The ratio in the American diet is closer to 16:1 or higher. So the take home message is EAT MORE OMEGA-3s!!!
Mary’s Gone Crackers
Next of our crackers list is the Mary’s Gone Crackers. These crackers have a simple ingredients list including standout ingredients like flaxseed, quinoa, and the first ingredient listed, whole grain brown rice. What you get from eating these crackers: omega-3, antioxidants, protein, fiber, and B vitamins. What you don’t get: gluten, sugar, added sugar, and trans fat. They are also completely nut free! These baked (not fried) nutrient-dense crackers will also leave you feeling full and satisfied and aid in weight loss (thanks to the protein and fiber).
Possible benefits from the nutrients in Mary’s Gone Crackers:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
The Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in our diet should be around 1:1. The ratio in the American diet is closer to 16:1 or higher. So the take home message is EAT MORE OMEGA-3s!!!
Simple Mills Sprouted Seed
These Simple Mills Sprouted Seeds Crackers have so many super seeds in them like flax, sunflower, hemp, and chia, and they are a good source of protein, fiber, Omega-3, antioxidants, and Vitamin E! They are also a great gluten free cracker option!
Research Backed Benefits of Omega-3 and Antioxidants:
- May help with joint Pain/arthritis
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Helps with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Improve Gut microbial health and gut inflammation
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Aids in addiction recovery
Go Raw Flaxseed Snacks
These little Go Raw Flax Snax crackers are super stars! They have a simple ingredients list with the first ingredient being their standout ingredient: Omega-3 flaxseeds! Go Raw Flax Snaxs are a good source of protein and fiber and have zero added sugar. They are gluten free, and nut free, and prepared by drying instead of frying!
Although the DHA and EPA Omega-3 found in fish packs the most super powers, the ALA plant based Omega-3s are super too! And did you know the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in our diet should be around 1:1? The ratio in the American diet is closer to 16:1 or higher. So the take home message is EAT MORE OMEGA-3s!!!
Possible benefits of Omega-3s:
- May help with joint Pain/arthritis
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Helps with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Improve Gut microbial health and gut inflammation
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Aids in addiction recovery
Mega Omega Power Up Trail Mix, High Energy Power Up Trail Mix, and Goji Power Up Trail Mix
If you see a trail mix with Omega-3 in the title you can bet that walnuts are probably in them. The Mega Omega Per Up mix contains a mixture of standout ingredients which include walnuts, almonds, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and dried mango. Although only one of their trail mixes mentions Omega-3s in the name, many of their mixes actually have Omega-3- rich walnuts. The High Energy Trail mix contains walnuts, dried bananas, cashews, dried papaya, cranberries, dried pineapple, and dried coconut chips, and the Goji Power Up Trail mix contains walnuts, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, cashews, goji berries, and coconut. With ingredients like these, these trail mixes are great sources of protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, and of course Omega-3s. According to the Power Up website, all their products are gluten free as well.
Along with all the benefits of Omega-3s mentioned above, foods with antioxidants also:
- Supports brain function, focus, and attention
- May reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Provides immune support
- Have Anti-inflammatory properties
- May improve mood, depression, stress, and anxiety
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Aids in addiction recovery
Health Warrior Chia Bars
These bars are packed with nourishing ingredients. The star ingredient and first ingredient on their simple ingredients list is the chia seed. Health Warrior Chia Bars are a good source of Omega-3s, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. They are only 100 calories and yet extremely filling for two reasons. One, they are a good source of fiber, and two, they absorb water. Health Warrior Chia Bars are gluten free, low in sugar, and have zero added sugar and trans fat.
Below are a few possible benefits (according to research) of the nutrients found in Health Warrior Chia Seed Bars:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
Did you know the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in our diet should be around 1:1? The ratio in the American diet is closer to 16:1 or higher. So the take home message is EAT MORE OMEGA-3s!!!
Health Warrior Pumpkin Seed Bars
Health Warrior also makes Pumpkin Seed Bars. These bars are high in proteins, antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and B vitamins and are low in sugar. They have a simple ingredients list with their first ingredient being, you guessed it, pumpkin seeds. Their other standout ingredient is whole grain quinoa.
Benefits of Antioxidant:
- May decrease the risk of cancer
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Rx Bars and Rx Kids Bars
These Rx Bars and Rx Kids Bars are high in filling protein and fiber, and have 0 added sugar. I love that their simple ingredients are listed right on the front of the packaging. Because they are filling, they also support weight loss
Zing Bar
One of my favorite things about Zing Bars is that they are developed by a registered dietitian. They have all natural ingredients and are a good source of protein, fiber, prebiotics, and antioxidants. Zing Bars are gluten free and have zero added sugar or trans fat. Because Zing Bars are filling, they may help with weight loss.
Benefits of Antioxidants:
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduces cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Oatmega
These Oatmega Bars have Omega-3s, but not just any Omega-3s…DHA and EPA Omega-3s! They are high in grass-fed whey protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and low in sugar. Thanks to the protein and fiber, these Omega-3 bars are filling; thus, aid in weight loss. Oatmega Bars are also certified gluten free.
Benefits of Omega-3:
- May help with joint Pain/arthritis
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Helps with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Improve Gut microbial health and gut inflammation
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Aids in addiction recovery
Horizon Organic Milk with DHA Omega-3
I love these kid-friendly Horizon Organic Milk with DHA Omega-3 single serve “juice” boxes. You do not have to refrigerate them so you can carry them with you! They are a great source of protein and calcium as well and you can get them in vanilla or chocolate flavor. I particularly like these little boxes for my kids because I haven’t been able to get my 6 year old and 9 year old to like salmon or tuna just quite yet. So this is a way to make sure they are getting their Brain boosting Omega-3s.
Orchard Valley Trail Mix with Walnuts
I love all of Orchard Valley Harvest nut mixes, but if you are looking for an Omega-3 snack, go for one of their mixes with walnuts. They even have a mix called Orchard Valley Harvest Omega-3 Mix which contains walnuts, cranberries, almonds, and Pistaccios. Oh my goodness, I want some right now! Nuts are a great source of antioxidants, super filling protein, and healthy fats as well so you really can’t go wrong with a snack featuring wholesome nuts as the main ingredient!
Along with all the benefits of Omega-3s mentioned above, foods with antioxidants also:
- Supports brain function, focus, and attention
- May reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Provides immune support
- Anti-inflammatory
- May improve mood, depression, stress, and anxiety
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Aids in addiction recovery
Kind Nut Bar
Kind Bars have so many different varieties and each variety is unique so I am going to talk about a few of them separately. The Kind Nut Bars are full of protein-rich nuts, fiber, and antioxidants. In fact, the first ingredient is nuts so Kind Bars are a good source of healthy fats. These filling bars are low in sodium and sugar compared to a normal candy bar. All kind bars are gluten free as well. One con is that these bars have a small amount of added sugar.
Benefits of Antioxidants
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduces cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Lenties
Lenties are such a unique and tasty nut free and gluten free snack. A serving has 8gm protein and 25% of your daily fiber. They have a simple ingredients list and are low in calories and sodium. Lenties are also a great source of iron and potassium. I like eating Lenties as a stand alone snack, but I also like using them as a crunchie salad or soup topping and their sweet Cinnamon Sugar flavor goes great on yogurt or ice cream.
The Cinnamon Sugar Flavor also has another standout ingredient besides Lenties, Cinnamon!
Benefits of Cinnamon Include:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Promotes a healthy immune system
- Anti-bacterial
- May reduce the risk of some cancers
- May improve mood, depression, stress, and anxiety
- Promotes brain Function
Starkist Tuna Creations
The Starkist Tuna Creations are wild caught, gluten free, and come in single serving packets. They have about 15-17gm of protein and only 70-90 calories per packet. They are not only a great source of omega-3s and protein, but also B12. Because of the protein, these packets are super filling; thus, may help with weight loss.
Starkist Wild Caught Salmon
Salmon is another DHA and EPA Omega-3-rich fish. Fortunately you can also get ready-to-eat Starkist Salmon pouches for those times you don’t’ have time to grill a salmon. Starkist makes fantastic wild caught salmon pounches as well. These pouches are only 70-90 calories per packet and have 13-14 gms of filling protien. They are also gluten free and a good source of Vitamin B12. Pair the salmon with a healthy cracker to get a quick snack or lunch on-the-go.
Tribe Hummus
Hummus is made out of the yummy Garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas). Garbanzo beans are a great plant source of protein and fiber so they are a super filling snack option. Eat Hummus with raw vegetables to get even more nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber! Tribe is a fantastic gluten free hummus and it is manufactured in a nut free facility!
Primal Kitchen Collagen Nuts and Seeds
The Primal Kitchen Collagen Nut and Seed Bars are a good source of fiber, protein, and collagen and are low in sugar. The have a simple ingredients list and are gluten free. The only con is that they have some added sugar even though they are relatively low in sugar.
Primal Kitchen Protein Bars
Primal Kitchen Proteins Bars are a good source of protein, and Omega-3s. They are gluten free, low in sugar, and have a simple ingredient list. Their standout ingredient is the Omega-3 rich Flaxseed. (Ingredients may vary between flavors). They are also grain free and cage free.
Possible Benefits of Omega-3s:
- May help with joint Pain/arthritis
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Helps with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Improve Gut microbial health and gut inflammation
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Aids in addiction recovery
88 Acres
I love 88 Acres for people with or without a nut allergy. They are made in a nut free and gluten free facility. These bars are made out of seeds like flax (rich in Omega-3), pumpkin, and sunflower instead of nuts. They have a simple ingredients list and are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
The Cinnamon and Oat Seed bar also contains cinnamon, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and the Ginger Apple See bar contains ginger, which is anti0inflammatory.
Possible Benefits are Some of the Ingredients in 88 Acres:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Aid in Digestion
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
Larabar
Larabars have a simple ingredients list with the first ingredients being nuts and seeds. They are a good source of filling fiber and proteins; therefore, they may aid in weight loss. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and the walnut varieties have plant-based Omega-3s. Larabars are gluten free and have zero trans fat. By the way, the Mint Chip Brownie flavor is one of my husbands favorite bars of all time.
Biena Chickpea Snack
This protein and fiber-rich snack has zero sugar (the original flavor), zero trans fat, and is gluten free. Biena Chickpeas are made of simple ingredients with the first ingredient being chickpeas. This filling snack is also a good source of folate and magnesium.
The Good Bean Chickpeas
The Good Bean Chickpeas snack is another super satisfying chickpea snack. They have a simple ingredients list with the first ingredient being chickpeas. These gluten free chickpeas are also a good source of protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. They are a nice filling snack with only 1 gm of sugar.
Bullet Proof Collagen Protein Bars
High in protein and fiber, low in sugar, and a good source of healthy fats, these Bullet Proof bars have a lot to love! Their simple ingredients list includes XCT oil. XCT oil may slightly increase energy expenditure and improve satiety. Moreover, XCT oils are not usually stored as fat and provide less calories.
Wild Planet Tuna Pouches
Wild Planet Tuna is a great source of protein and DHA and EPA Omega-3s. Tuna by Wild Planet also comes in single serving packets and are wild caught. They have a simple ingredients list with the first ingredient being low mercury tuna. The protein helps with satiety, which can aid in weight loss. According to the Wild Planet website, they do not use gluten of any form in their products.
Skinny Dipped Almond
Skinny Dipped Almonds, oh, how I love thee. They are the perfect combination of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate and almonds. They have less sugar than other candies and no added sugar at all. The first ingredient of this filling snack is almonds. Skinny Dipped Almonds are also a great source of protein and healthy fats, and I love that you can get these gluten free snacks in a mini 60 calorie pre-portioned snack as well.
Antioxidant Benefits Include:
- May decrease the risk of cancer
- Have anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduces cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Lifeway Kefir
Lifeway Kefir is a gluten free probiotic and protein-rich drink. My kids like the strawberry flavor and like to drink it in the car on the way to school. Lifeway Kefir has a simple ingredients list with the first ingredient being milk.
According to research, Probiotics:
- Support Digestive heath
- Support immune function
- Have anti-inflammatory properties
- Help with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May aid in addiction recovery
- Promote a healthy heart
Emeralds Almonds, Walnuts, and Cherries
Any product with Walnuts is going to be a good source of Omega-3. Walnuts also have anti-inflammatory properties. I picked this particular product because not only does it have Walnuts, but this mix is one of the tastiest I have tried. These Emeralds have a simple ingredients list and 0 mg sodium. I also like that these filling snacks come in pre-portioned 100 calorie packs so they can aid in weight loss as well. They are also a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and antioxidants as well. According to the packaging, Emerald Nuts are certified gluten free.
Below are a few possible benefits (according to research) of the nutrients found in Emeralds Walnuts, Almonds, and Dried Cherries:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
Did you know the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in our diet should be around 1:1? The ratio in the American diet is closer to 16:1 or higher. So the take home message is EAT MORE OMEGA-3s!!!
Empact Protein and Energy Bars
These protein and energy bars are geared towards women. They have a simple ingredients list and are a good source of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. Their standout ingredients include Omega-3 rich flaxseed and chia seed. Empact Protein Energy bars are low in sugar, and filling as well.
Bonus: Empact also makes a Protein and Energy Bar Plus Probiotics and Prebiotics!
Below are a few possible benefits (according to research) of the nutrients found in Empact Protein and Energy Bars:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Aid in Digestion
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
Wonderful Pistaccios
Pistaccios: lower in calories compared to other nuts, and high in protein, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins (especially B6), and minerals. With nutrients like these, these gluten free Pistaccios are a fantastic snack option!
Antioxidants:
- Support brain function, focus, and attention
- May reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Provides immune support
- Have Anti-inflammatory properties
- May improve mood, depression, stress, and anxiety
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Aids in addiction recovery
Dirt Kitchen
I am super excited about this snack! They are made out of simple ingredients with the first ingredient being dried vegetables! Some of the flavors include: Green Beans + Roasted Almonds with Lemon + Butter +Garlic Seasoning and Zucchini + Roasted Chickpeas + Pistaccios with Sea Salt + Black Pepper. These Dirt Kitchen snacks are high in filling protein and fiber, and are gluten free.
Think Jerky
When you have a nut allergy, finding a non-perishable protein product that you can eat on-the-go can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, Jerky is a fantastic protein source that you can carry with you! Think Jerky is my favorite Jerky brand right now. Their Beef Jerky is made with grass-fed beef, and their Turkey Jerky is made with free-range turkey. Think Jerky also has no added nitrates/nitrites, no added antibiotics, and no added hormones, and Think Jerky is gluten free as well! But my favorite thing about the Think Jerky is the taste. They have some of the most delicious flavors I have ever tasted! Think Turkey Jerky is in several of our healthy vending machines, and let me tell you, we have to re-stock this Jerky regularly!
One thing you want to be aware of is that Jerky tends to be higher in salt. So you will want to take that into consideration. However, the higher salt content can be beneficial for athletes.
Jerky as a Sodium Replacement for Athletes
Athletes who have competed or trained for over an hour should begin replenishing their electrolytes, especially sodium content. When we sweat, we lose water AND salt. We know that lack of water can be dangerous so we often make sure we are drinking plenty of water during an athletic performance. However when you replenish the water in your body WITHOUT replenishing the salt in your body, the sodium content in your body becomes diluted. So the problem is not only that you lost sodium in your sweat, but also that the sodium-to-water ratio becomes out of balance as you drink more and more water. This is called hyponatremia.
Unfortunately symptoms of hyponatremia are similar to symptoms of dehydration so someone may think they are dehydrated and drink more water when, in fact, they are actually experiencing symptoms of hyponatremia. Drinking more water WITHOUT sodium makes the hyponatremia worse. Symptoms of hyponatremia includes dizziness, lethargy, thirst, headache, nausea, cramps, irritability, and in severe cases even coma and death. Notice the similarity of the symptoms to the symptoms of dehydration. The take home message is that water is crucial! We should drink water throughout any athletic event no matter how long the event. However, if the athletic even is over an hour, we should be replacing our electrolytes (like salt and potassium) as well.
Whisps
Whisp are such a unique snack that has a lot going for it. They are baked instead of fried, have zero sugar, 10 gm. protein per serving, and made from one simple ingredient: cheese. They are also a good source of calcium. They are gluten free and nut free. The cons are that they are high in sodium and calories compared to other snacks.
Take Home Message
Diets rich in antioxidants, Omega-3, probiotics, fiber, vitamins and minerals have been linked to reducing the risk or alleviating the symptoms of a multitude of conditions like:
- Heart Disease & Stroke
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- GI Problems like bloating, distention, stomach pain, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, GERD, heartburn & gas
- IBS, IBD, & SIBO
- Migraines & headaches
- Fatigue
- Frequent colds and illnesses
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Mucus drainage and phlegm
- Allergies
- Lack of brain focus and attention
- Memory problems
- Joint Pain
- Hormone Imbalance
- Mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress
- Acne
- Insomnia
- Inability to lose weight
- Crohn’s disease
- Lupus
- Celiac disease
- MS
- Parkinson’s
These nutrients are found in many of the snacks listed above as well as in wholefoods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits (make sure to include berries), nuts, seeds, fermented vegetables, kefir, kombucha, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, lean meats, and fish (especially salmon and tuna). Make sure you are eating these wholefoods regularly to get the most out of your diet.
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