When I am hungry in between meals, I love to snacks. I choose snacks that provide me with staying power. I need one that doesn’t leave me hungry an hour later but will help me last until the next meal. That means my snack needs to provide a good source of protein.  Protein is king for me.
The reason protein makes a perfect snack is because it slows digestion and keeps your blood sugar steady, research shows protein helps us to keep our cravings at bay. Keeping cravings at bay helps us to eat a cleaner, healthier diet. Â So you don’t find yourself standing in the pantry longingly looking at that bag of pretzels. Â Bad, bad pretzels! Â This may or may not happen to me when the cravings hit.
In fact, recent surveys have revealed that 91 percent of adults snack at least once a day and 71 percent actively aim to add more protein to their diet. I am a two times a day snacker myself.
We want that protein for good reasons, it can help us lose weight because it increases satisfaction, so we don’t reach for those empty calories. It also boosts our metabolism and reduces hunger pangs. This helps us to stick to our eating plans and eating a healthy amount of calories.
There are plenty of portable, non-perishable ways sneak some protein into snack time. Look for snacks that have no more than 250 calories, at least five grams of protein, and less than 12 grams of sugar per serving. Â I also prefer snacks that are low in carbohydrates, because I get plenty of carbs in my meals.
Here is a tip, next time you go to the grocery store, don’t get overwhelmed and load up on your go-to snacks. Try out Beef Jerky.
I know, I know beef jerky seems like a manly man kind of food.  Well, it isn’t, and let’s face the facts, us girls need our protein too.  We can eat beef jerky with the best of them guys.
Jerky fills all those protein, low-calorie, low-carb requirements, making it the perfect snack.  It is really awesome when you are on the go. No refrigeration, prepping, or special bagging required.  I like to pair jerky with fresh fruit, like an apple or orange, and I always drink lots of water.
I am always looking for on the go snacks.
When I am leaving the gym, running errands, or running the kids to their activities, I can throw a bag in my car to share. Jack Link’s is also great to toss into my gym bag for when I am leaving CrossFit and will be running errands for the next hour, but need a great source of protein now, not later. After a workout is considered one of the best times to get protein into the body so that the protein can be delivered to your muscles and begin healing the very small tears in the muscle tissue, caused by intense contraction of the muscle during your workout.
Jerky comes in so many flavors now, there is definitely a flavor for everyone.
Jack Links Jerky is easy to find at your local Kroger store. Click {here} to find a store near you. Jack Link’s will be available for $3.99 from September 11- October 8, just in time for back to school snacking.
