Healthy BITES to-go! Keep up energy with small snacks

Most people know that in order to "Speed Metabolism" (burn calories all day long), you have to eat every few hours. Whether it’s fueling up before hitting the gym or taking a mid-day snack break to avoid the 2 o’clock lull, high-protein snacks are the tastiest way to keep on going. Protein snacks are the perfect way to fill up just enough, and give us longer-lasting energy than the usual, carb-heavy options.

1. Cottage-Style Fruit: Top ½ cup cottage cheese with ½ cup of your favorite fruit. Why not try some superfoods? Bananas, mixed berries, and melon are some Greatist favorites!

2. Beef or Turkey Jerky: Be careful to avoid sodium- and sugar-filled brands, but low-sodium, natural, or lightly-flavored options are a great source of protein. And this chewy snack is super-portable and keeps fresh for months when packed properly. A one-ounce serving (the size of most single-serve packs) contains about 9 grams of protein!

3. Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix: This is a favorite in the Greatist office. Mixed nuts are an easy way to get a delicious dose of protein in a convenient, shelf-stable package. Try a mixed bunch for variety and a combo with dried fruit for some added sweetness. The best bang for your protein buck? Almonds and Pistachios are high up there in protein while comparably lower in saturated fat than their nutty peers.

4. Pumpkin Seeds: Those orange gourds aren’t just for Halloween. The pumpkin insides, scooped out to make room for spooky faces, can actually make a healthy little snack once they’re washed, dried, and nicely roasted! Just ½ cup of pumpkin seeds has about 14 grams of protein — the perfect pre-workout snack!

5. Hard-Boiled Egg: Inexpensive and loaded with nutrients, eggs are one of the best ways to get a healthy dose of protein. Try hard boiling and pre-peeling a dozen at the start of the week and throw one in a small Tupperware container each day for an easy on-the-go snack. (Feeling extra famished? Slice the egg and place it on a piece of whole-wheat bread.)

6. Deli Rollup: Top 2 slices of low-sodium deli meat (turkey, chicken, or roast beef work great!) with 1 slice of lowfat cheese and a shake of pepper. Add a slice of tomato or some lettuce for extra veggie points!

15. Hummus Dippers: How’s this for an unconventional use of a travel coffee mug: Put 2 tablespoons of a favorite hummus in the bottom of the container. Stick a handful of vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, and snow peas are a great mix!) vertically in the hummus, screw on the top, and throw in a purse or gym bag for an easy, on-the-go, super-healthy snack.

These Apple-Cinnamon Bites are so delicious, you are going to love them.  And these Apple-Cinnamon Bites are gluten-free which is a plus!

Apple-Cinnamon Bites

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa flakes
1 cup gluten-free oats (I use Bob's Red Mill)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 tbsp coconut sugar, brown sugar or 3 packets Stevia
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup apple, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use BB3 Formula 1)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, except the apples.  Fold in the apples and nuts at the end and place in a muffin pan.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until done.
I'm telling you, its worth to spend some time in the kitchen prepping and having food available.  It will help you eat cleaner, prevent cravings, help you burn calories all the time and enjoy the process of getting fit.
Let me know if you try these.  I love hearing from you!  Just go on My Facebook Page and post the picture of the food or your comments.  Play around with the recipe, feel free to add or take away.