Protein’s New Trend

It was a great night at our monthly weight loss support group. We started off with a cardio workout and ended with a power pact protein salad. Protein was the topic of conversation and we looked at protein’s more predominant role in the diet. One of the ways to increase protein intake is to make sure you have enough protein at snacks and avoid the simple starch, high carbs snacks. As promised here are a few handouts that might be beneficial.

Protein Rich Snacks

Peanut butter and apples
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Greek yogurt
Deli roll ups
Cheese
Protein shake made with greek yogurt and peanut butter
Protein bar
Trail mix
Hardboiled egg
Hummus and veggie dippers
Bean salad
Protein bites
Roasted Chickpeas

Power Pact Protein Salad

One head lettuce of your choosing
2 pieces of chicken breast
1 can chickpeas or black beans
½ cup Cherry tomatoes halved
1 cucumber sliced
¼ cup Sunflower seeds

Place all ingredients in a bowl and top with dressing

Italian Vinaigrette

3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp vinegar of your choosing
½ tsp minced garlic
½ tsp italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper

Place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk well until all combined.

Roasted Chickpeas

1 Can Chickpeas drained, rinsed and dried
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss chickpeas in olive oil and spices. Spread on baking sheet