That 3:00pm Wave of Tired hits all of us everyday. Don’t worry, it isn’t just you. It almost seems like you run out of gas, like an old car that has been running all day long. The worst part of hitting a wall at that time of day is that you can’t just stop and take a nap!
Instead, you have to gear up for the kids busy afternoon schedules, homework and making dinner. Some days, it is the absolute worst! There are a few ways to combat the 3pm Sleepies and one way is to fuel up on protein. Even just a little snack can give you that needed kick in the pants to slay the rest of the day!
Here are some great high protein snack ideas that are not only delicious, but also just what your body and mind needs, tired or not.
1- Cut Veggies and Hummus
This classic snack should never be overlooked. Just a few tablespoons of hummus has loads of protein and flavor. Pick your favorite veggies (mine would be cucumbers, radishes and grape tomatoes) and get to dipped and scooping.
2 – Chocolate Milk
Yes, chocolate milk. Milk is a great source of protein and chocolate gives it that chocolatey flavor.
3- Apples and Peanut Butter
Image credit: Melissa
Slice up an apple and grab a scoop of peanut butter and go to town. A little sprinkle of cinnamon wouldn’t hurt either.
4- Hard Boiled Egg and Sriracha
Image credit: Andrea Nguyen
A simple hard boiled egg has 6 grams of protein and a little squeeze of Sriracha gives is a tasty kick.
5- Cottage Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes
Image credit: regan76
Cottage cheese doesn’t only provide a great source of protein, but you also get a good punch of calcium as well.
6- Turkey Cucumber Roll Ups
Wrap a slice of turkey around a quartered cucumber stick. Maybe even dip it into some salsa!
7- String Cheese
String cheese is portable and easy to grab and stick in your purse. Just one string cheese will get you through the afternoon chaos. Plus, it’s fun to eat!
8- Turkey Jerky
Turkey jerky is not only packed with protein but it is lower in fat than beef jerky. And once again, it’s portable. Keep a bag in your purse and you will be good to go wherever you are.
9- No Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
This quick recipe is a snap to mix up and can be stored in the fridge, ready to be grabbed when that afternoon lull hits. Click HERE for the recipe. Nuts & Nut butters are a great source of protein!
10- Yogurt and Granola
Sweet and crunchy and just what you need to get your extra dose of protein.
11- Trail Mix
Swing by the bulk section when you are at the grocery store next time and pick out your favorite trail mix. A handful of that will be such a tasty sweet and salty treat.
12- Almond Butter Banana Smoothie
Whip this up before you head out to pick up the kids from school. Be careful though, they might try and steal a sip of it! Click HERE for the recipe. Smoothies are also great easy breakfast ideas for kids that they can make on their own.
13- Tuna Salad with Multi-Grain Crackers
Mix up some tuna salad at the beginning of the week and use it for a quick high protein snack throughout the week. With multi-grain crackers, you have yourself a balanced snack.
14- Handful of Almonds
A handful of almonds is a big dose of protein and there are so many different flavors of almonds you can get. I really love the Diamond Cocoa Roast almonds. And you can even buy 100 calorie packs. I keep them in my car!
15- Peanut Butter Banana Roll Up
Spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla, add a peeled banana and roll it up. Quick portable snack!
16- Cubed Cheddar Cheese and Chicken Breast
Next time you are making chicken for dinner, roast up an extra chicken breast and then cut it into cubes. That with some cheese cubes makes for a delicious, protein-packed snack.
17- Steamed Edamame
Would it surprise you to know that 1 cup of shelled edamame has 17 grams of protein? 17! Steaming edamame is a cinch and it can be done in the microwave. A sprinkle of sea salt and bam! So delicious!
18- Boxed Pre Made Protein Shake
Keep a few premade protein shakes in the fridge for a great, delicious afternoon snack.
19- High Protein Fruit Dip
This dip would be great with apples, grapes, bananas, pineapple- whatever you want. I would even mix in some pomegranate arils. Click HERE for the recipe.
20- Celery and Peanut Butter with Raisins
Take it old school and have this tasty snack. Raisins are great, but I think I prefer dried cranberries.
Looking for some other snack options on the go? Did you know there are some great high protein and keto options that are on the healthy side at many fast food restaurants? Check out some of our favorite places for high protein snacks on the go:
Mash all ingredients together until mixed, but still chunky. Enjoy with veggies, chips or crackers.Protein Packed Guacamole
Ingredients
Instructions
Georgette
Thursday 2nd of March 2017
Who knew it was the chocolate that gave chocolate milk the 'chocolatey' flavor. LOL
Mandy
Thursday 2nd of February 2017
Good ideas but lose the crackers, whole grain or no. Commercial baked goods are nutritionally worthless, nothing but carbs and chemicals. Look at the list of ingredients and see how many you can actually identity as real food. There's a reason why they have a shelf life of forever plus two months.