Although most workplaces have a vending machine somewhere, there aren't too many protein packed snacks inside. When you get the 2:30 slump and need something with a little boost, here are 10 snacks to grab from home for your on-the-go energy needs.
1. Cottage Cheese: A half cup of 2% cottage cheese can have up to 16 grams of protein packed inside. Yes you'll have to refrigerate it during your work day, but for that kind of energy we're pretty sure you can figure something out!
2. Roasted Edamame: A quarter cup can have almost 14 grams of protein. It doesn't need to be refrigerated and is extra tasty! What more can you want?
3. Greek Yogurt: The market has suddenly been saturated with Greek yogurt and there's a good reason why. It has almost double the protein of the more traditional varieties.
4. Beef Jerky: As long as you're taking the time to look into varieties that aren't so laden with preservatives you can down 11 grams of protein for every ounce of meat that goes down your gullet. Plus, it's physically satisfying to chew which can help control hunger as well!
5. Lentils: Toss them up in a quick salad and pack a tupperware full of those good grains. One cup has a whopping 22 grams of protein inside!
6. Water Packed Tuna: A single can has 22 grams of protein and although mayo can add the calories, there are other low fat dressing options that might make it quick go-getter-grub.
7. Nut Butter: 2 tablespoons of these pantry staples can give you 11 grams of power in your day. 11 grams!
8. Turkey: 3 ounces of turkey can give you up to 25 grams of protein so pack a wrap or even a few slices of lunch meat for later!
9. Hummus: Half a cup of hummus gives you 6 grams of protein and usually a great intake of vegetables to go with it.
10. Eggs: Even though cooking up a plate of scrambled eggs at the office is probably out, you can easily stow a hard boiled egg in your purse or backpack. With 6 grams of protein they're a great option with little muss or fuss.
Do you have a great high-protein snacks? Kudos to those that keep the sugar and salt levels down. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Related: Good Ways to Add More Protein To My Breakfast?
(Image: SunnyS/Shutterstock)
It's Reader Request Week at The Kitchn! This post was requested by Earthy Cruncher.
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Floral Drink Dispen...
Small Cool Lessons: Discovering Small Space Design Ideas That Really Work
Marisa and Peter's Playfully Eclectic Home
I like to keep some roasted nuts (or sometimes a mix of nuts and dried fruit) on hand. There are also some amazing seitan and soy jerkies on the market as well. Right now I work from home and tend to eat two small meals/big snacks instead of lunch; often one of these is some Greek yogurt, a bean/lentil salad, or peanut/almond butter on an apple.
These sound wonderful, I do think though that energy slumps depend on the person. Protein in the morning has helped me, but I found out I have very low blood pressure so after I eat, all the blood rushes to my stomach and I end up terribly exhausted. My doctor recommended more salt, magnesium and water. That helps a lot, as well as seaweed for the iodine boost. Also note that sugar is very unhealthy, so it's great to have some healthy fats like fish and avacado.
If your workplace has a refrigerator to store employees' food, buy a carton of egg whites to keep there, and a microwaveable bowl at your desk. You can easily make scrambled eggs by pouring the egg whites into the bowl and popping it into the microwave for about 2 - 2 1/2 minutes. You can also add a little bit of tuna or some veggies. I do this all the time.
Great list! I often grab a handful of almonds OR a banana with a couple spoonfuls of Trader Joe's Almond Butter with Roasted Flax Seeds because it is the best ever ever ever.
For me its an apple or banana and some nut butter. But in the absence of that, I've resorted to all of those on the above list at one time or another.
Popcorn is supposed to have a decent amount of protein, isn't it?
Greek yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of nuts or an apple with peanut butter! Those are definitely my two favorites.
Popcorn doesn't have much nutritional value actually (I'm talking about air-popped; oil-popped only adds to the fat and calories): http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/snacks/5659/2
Great suggestions but you have to be careful with 2 of them. #1 - 1/2 cup of cottage cheese can have as much as 450mg of sodium - daily total recommended is under 2300mg. #2 - the protein content in deli meat varies widely and sodium contents can be very high. You have to really read the labels.
Bostonbrunette - I think popcorn is only a complete protein if you pair it with chocolate ;)
Combine the hard boiled egg with some avocado! Yum!
Popcorn is a nice colon cleaner! :) ha!