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If you want to shed some pounds for summer, eat more lean protein. Here are some tasty, healthy protein-rich snacks that are great for dieting because they are filling, low in calories, and they boost metabolism, too.
Beef or turkey jerky
Want a chewy, savory, waist-friendly snack? Jerky is a great choice because a one ounce serving has only 70 calories and provides 11 grams of protein – plus essential vitamins and minerals such as, iron and zinc.
Pumpkin seeds
Next time you’re craving something crunchy instead of chips grab some dry roasted pumpkin seeds. A generous one ounce serving packs 8 grams of belly-filling protein, plus each little seed is a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and carotenoids.
Deli roll-up
When you’re short on time and really hungry have a snack made with lean roast beef, white meat chicken or turkey. Quality deli meats are mostly protein, low in calories and super low in carbohydrates; a three ounce serving of lean deli turkey has only 140 calories and packs a whopping 25g of protein, so for a light and filling pick-me-up roll up a few slices and enjoy with some high-fiber crackers and tomato slices.
Nut butter
Everyone loves peanut butter, but have you tried any of the other healthy and delicious nut butters such as almond or cashew? A generous two tablespoon serving of nut butter contains about 7 grams of protein, not to mention a host of vitamins, minerals, plus some heart-healthy fat. Spread your choice of nut butter on fresh cut veggies or fruit or on high-fiber crackers and you've got a tasty, satisfying treat that travels anywhere.
Low-fat chocolate milk
For a refreshing chocolaty snack that’s loaded with protein have a delicious glass of low-fat chocolate milk. A one cup serving provides 8 grams of protein, which makes chocolate milk after your workout a great choice because all that protein helps repair and build healthy muscle tissue – your body’s calorie-burning machine.
For delicious high fiber meal plans, recipes and tips on healthy eating, drinking and losing weight, check out my latest book, The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear – with Fiber!
Tanya Zuckerbrot MS, RD, is a registered dietitian in New York City and the author of two bestselling diet books: The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear – with fiber and The F-Factor Diet. Follow Tanya on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and subscribe to her free weekly weight loss newsletter.
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