High protein snacks for runners can help keep some variety in your diet and garner all the important benefits of protein.
As runners, we’re usually pretty good at eating carbohydrates because they’re delicious and easy to find, but what about snack foods that are high in protein? Add these high protein snack ideas to your nutrition routine to boost your daily protein intake.
Why is Protein Important for Runners?
High protein snacks are key for runners to lose fat, recover properly, and avoid hunger. Since the building blocks of muscle is mostly protein, this nutrient is key for muscle repair and recovery.
Endurance athletes experience muscle breakdown when they run and cross train, so it’s important to help aid that muscle repair. Carbohydrates are also important to running performance and recovery, but are mostly important before, during, and after your workout. The rest of the day focus on protein with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and healthy fat for optimal nutrition.
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How Much Protein Do Runners Need?
According to nutritionist Kim Pearson at Runner’s World, “Endurance athletes (eg those training for a marathon) should consider raising their protein intake to between 1.0-1.6g per kg [of healthy body weight] per day.”
Personally, I’ve noticed better weight loss results when focus on getting as much 2.0g per kg of body weight because it helps me stay full.
9 High Protein Snacks for Runners Boost Their Protein
Here’s some ideas of delicious ways for runners to add more protein in their day.
Greek Yogurt
Seriously my favorite, go-to snack. I love the Dannon Light & Fit Greek cups, or Oikos Triple Zero with some fruit and granola for a high-power, high-protein snack.
Honey Stinger Protein Bars
These protein bars are my most recent addition. Honey Stinger Protein Bars are designed for athletes with quality ingredients. They make a perfect high protein snack if you’re on-the-go and need something quick to grab that’s portable and won’t make a mess. Coconut Almond is my favorite flavor, tastes just like an almond joy!
For another bar designed specifically for athletes with a higher protein content, try the Herbalife24 Achieve Protein Bar. I love their cookie dough flavor!
Cottage Cheese
Packs a serious protein punch for minimal calories. I love to pair my cottage cheese with fresh veggies and dip, and some people like to pair theirs with fruit. (Peaches and cottage cheese anyone?) Cottage cheese also makes an easy protein side to add with a carbohydrate-centered dinner to boost your protein intake for the day.
Herbalife Protein Beverage Mix
Beverage mix is a lean and delicious protein snack that taste like Kool aide. With 15g of protein and only 70 calories, it has a very high protein to calorie ratio. I always pair this with a healthy carbohydrate to keep me feeling full, like a banana, apple, or mixed nuts. Herbalife Protein Beverage Mix is my go-to booster when I need to bump up my daily protein numbers.
Almonds
Healthy fat, protein, and fiber all in one convenient little package. Almonds are commonly touted as the perfect, portable, high-protein snack.
Plus, you can customize your serving for more or less depending on how many calories you need for the day. Just because the typical serving size is ½ cup doesn’t mean you need to eat the whole serving. I often pair ¼ cup of almonds with a banana and beverage mix or add them on to another snack for a protein, healthy fat, and fiber boost!
Herbalife24 Rebuild Strength
After a workout, but it usually tends to be around the time of my afternoon snack. When it comes to meeting the guideline of consuming key protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes of completing a workout, Rebuild Strength is the best snack for the job. It’s specifically designed to help your muscles recover from a tough workout whether you’re a strength or endurance athlete (or weekend warrior!).
You can also try it in a 3-Day Trial Pack.
Related: Long Run Recovery Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Your Miles
Deli Turkey
Deli turkey is an easy, lean, complete protein source.
You can add turkey to some veggies for a super-lean snack or roll it up in a wrap with lettuce, veggies, and fruit for lunch.
Eggs
Eggs are delicious, especially with some seasoning and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. They are also a complete source of protein since eggs are a non-meat animal source. For less fat, mix 1-2 whole eggs with a few egg whites.
You can do scrambled eggs, add eggs to a salad, or make an omelet with chopped peppers, onions, spinach, or tomatoes.
Meal Replacement Shakes
Another option is to replace one of your daily meals with a meal replacement shake. You could also use them for a snack if you want to boost your protein. With 200 calories and 24g of protein, it is balanced nutritionally and helps you add more protein to your day.
Formula 1 Healthy Meal is the foundation for building healthier eating habits. It is a key part of Herbalife’s meal replacement shakes with healthy protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and the essential vitamins and minerals. It helps support your weight management goals without sacrificing flavor. You can mix it with milk, but I’ve found much better results by mixing it with Herbalife Protein Drink Mix for higher protein content.
To make these meal replacement shakes, I add 1 serving (2 scoops) of Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal to 1 serving (2 scoops) of Herbalife Protein Drink Mix.
Related: When Can Runners Benefit from Meal Replacement Shakes?
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What are your favorite, go-to snacks that are high in protein?
Run Happy,
Alexis
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About Me: I’m Alexis, Founder of RunningMyBestLife! I am an avid recreational runner, half marathoner, wife, dog mom, busy professional, downhill skier in Northern Utah. My mission is to help new enthusiasts fall in love with the sport of running. I believe that running is a catalyst to taking control of your life and living your best life by design. Learn More –>