In this fast paced age that we live in, it seems that snacks have become our main go-to food source. We nibble on a chocolate bar while on our way to work, we enjoy the cookies we keep in our desk drawer “just in case” as our breakfast as we’re oh so busy to go out and have a decent meal, and then, when we get back home, we enjoy our favourite series with…yup, you’ve guessed it – a bag of chips. It seems that there is some kind of a snack within our arms’ reach all day long. And honestly, that’s far from healthy. We may not care too much to check the ingredients label, but all these so-called treats, contain dangerous amounts of salt and sugars. Maybe it’s time we replaced them with a more healthier alternative that’s just as tasty, like for instance, protein snacks.
A bag of chips might be incredibly delicious, but even if you eat dozens of them, you still won’t be full. And that my friend, is the snack industry’s entire business plan – their products are addictive and leave you craving for more, so you buy and buy and buy. But protein powered snacks on the other hand, are a hunger-busting machine. Protein is incredible in slowing down your metabolism because it takes some time to digest so you’ll feel full longer and won’t be hungry again in a few minutes. That’s the main reason why most weight loss programs advise to get rid of the unhealthy choices and buy protein snacks. After consuming a protein bar, you won’t get cravings for more. But what makes protein even more important as part of every weight loss program, is that it helps repair hair, nails and skin which can suffer due to certain changes in a person’s typical nutritional intake, like diets.
Protein is found in a number of sources like milk, meat, eggs, beans, nuts and others. Besides carbohydrates and fat, it is also a macro-nutrient which means, you need very large amounts of it to stay healthy. Some of us are not fans of animal products which have the highest percentage of protein, so we cannot meet our daily protein intake dose. Or maybe we just don’t have the time to cook a nice meal consisting of these things. But protein snacks are easy to take everywhere and can easily help meet your daily nutritional needs. They can literally be a life saver for many vegetarians and vegans who avoid animal products which are the most abundant source of this nutrient.
Furthermore, protein is the core nutrient in every body-builder’s regimen. It’s the main component of every cell in the body, so naturally, a high intake of it will result in bigger muscles. But traditional protein sources like milk and meat also contain a large amount of carbohydrates and fats. So to avoid these components ruining their lean muscles, body-builders need to take protein in a separate form and that’s why they buy protein snacks. And not only body-builders, but all kinds of athletes include protein in all of their meals and snacks, especially after an intense workout. Sports trainers recommend consuming protein maximum 45 minutes after exercising so that your muscles remain firm and grow stronger.
As you can see, even snacks can be healthy. But don’t over do it, food is food and your stomach can tell the difference. A protein snack now and then between meals will keep you full and satisfied and will certainly help keep your body fully energized and healthy.