3 Protein Packed Foods You Should Always Have on Hand

Stocking up your pantry with healthy, wholesome foods that your family will love can be a difficult task at the best of times, especially if you have some picky eaters on your hands. However, when it comes to the particular nutrients that you should be stocking up on, protein should be among your top priorities. Not only does protein provide growing bodies with what they need to thrive, but it is also essential for anyone who likes to get a workout a couple of times a week to ensure proper recovery.

It isn't a good idea to load up on things like protein bars as these can contain some ingredients that you would instead not put into your body. There are various wholesome foods packed with protein that you should always have on hand. Moreover, these foods tend to make great snacks, helping you avoid the temptation of sugary treats.

Here are three protein-packed foods that you should try to keep on hand at all times. 

1. Peanut Butter

With an enticing 25g of protein per 100g, peanut butter is an excellent protein source. This food item is also incredibly versatile and can be served on crackers or toast to bananas. You can even couple it with some mini chocolate chips for a nice sweet treat without all the added sugars. Furthermore, peanut butter is incredibly heart-healthy, making it an excellent choice for anyone who is trying to bring down their cholesterol. 

If you or someone in your family has a peanut allergy, though, that doesn't mean you have to give up that smooth yet crunchy snack item. You can opt for peanut butter alternatives like the ones from Beyond The Equator to get the protein boost you need.

2. Greek Yogurt

Another satisfying and protein-rich food item that you should keep in the house is Greek yogurt. However, you should be wary of flavored varieties that often come with more sugar than you want. Moreover, these types of yogurts tend to be dyed with specific ingredients that you should avoid. Pure Greek yogurt is the way to go to get all the benefits of this snack. 

You can couple Greek yogurt will a variety of fruits or blend it into a smoothie if you want a little extra flavor. It can also be used in dips and sauces if you're going to add protein and calcium elsewhere in your diet.

3. Chia Seeds

When you are looking to sprinkle some protein into your regular meals, you can't go wrong with chia seeds. These protein-filled superfood seeds are virtually tasteless and can be used in various ways, from a topping on a salad to an ingredient in a smoothie. Plus, chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient that has multiple health benefits.