Yes, you read that right. Not everyone who wants protein snacks and supplements is trying to lose weight. As a matter of fact, many are trying to put on muscle mass. Because our metabolisms vary so much from one person to the next, struggling to keep weight on is a fairly typical problem-especially in the world of strength training and body building. Luckily, snacks high in protein and calories aren’t that difficult to find. A little creativity and an open mind can go a long way.

When coming up with snacks high in protein and calories, protein supplements are your friend!

Many people use Whey Protein as a supplement. Whether you are looking to gain or lose weight, using a protein supplement can help you reach your goals. The key in getting the results you want is how you use the supplement. While someone who wants to lose weight may use a protein shake as a meal replacement, someone looking to increase their calories could use it as a simple snack. Not only is it good alone, but by adding ingredients to a blender, you can create many snacks high in protein and calories.

There are several things you can add to a protein shake that will make it one of the better snacks high in protein and calories. One of the most popular additions is peanut butter. Peanut butter adds even more protein, a good deal of calories, and a great taste. Vanilla whey protein, peanut butter, and bananas make a great breakfast or post workout smoothie. Full fat yogurt is another good addition with both protein and added calories. Berries go good with this combination.

Although supplements like whey protein and protein bars are the easiest way to get added protein, meat products can deliver the same benefits. Consider adding more protein to meal times by combining some additional ounces of chicken breasts to your recipes. Chicken breasts are a great source of protein. While they aren’t necessarily high in calories, they can be if you simply increase your portion size.

When on the lookout for snacks high in protein and calories, be certain you aren’t getting a lot of added sugar. Some protein supplements go heavy on sweeteners to add flavor and calories. Always watch your ingredients list and buy only the best.

As we learn more and more about the chemicals and additives in food, it’s wise to take a step back and really analyze what you’re putting in your body. As we do this, many people are beginning to seek out the most natural foods—foods that haven’t been processed and loaded with hormones, additives, and preservatives. While not all additives are bad and some are there to keep us safe, oftentimes the best foods are those that are closest to their natural state. For the physically fit, seeking out natural high protein snacks can be somewhat tricky—particularly if you are used to supplementing.

A good rule of thumb when shopping for natural foods is asking yourself if the food is recognizable from its natural origin. Obviously, you won’t be able to come up with the plant that a Twinkie or Cheeto came from by looking at it. But things like fruits, vegetables, and meat in its natural and whole state are instantly recognizable. However, when looking for natural high protein snacks, a piece of meat isn’t always realistic. You can’t exactly carry a salmon filet around in your purse for when hunger strikes.

Eating natural high protein snacks is a great way to attain optimal health—particularly when you are working on fitness goals.

Boiled eggs are one of the best natural high protein snacks. They aren’t only instantly recognizable (and therefore pass our test), they also have plenty of protein and iron and are very portable! Dairy products like yogurt are another good natural high protein snack. Using yogurt in a fruit smoothie immediately ramps up the protein content and helps stave off hunger midway through the day. Nuts are another great option that can easily be taken with you on the go.

Some natural high protein snacks require a little preparation. Lettuce wraps with chicken breast meat are great for snacks and lunches. Take a few extra to work and eat them instead of a vending machine snack.

High protein snacks don’t have to be processed convenience foods. With a little planning ahead, you can be sure your frig is stocked with foods that are high in protein and closer to their natural state. While you may be steering clear of supplements, don’t lump them all together. Remember that some protein supplements contain high quality ingredients that aren’t harmful in any way.

Vegetarians may forgo meat but that doesn’t mean they need to come up short on protein consumption. Oftentimes people decide to lead a vegetarian lifestyle, however, before they do all the research. Whether your reasons for shunning meat are health related or even morally driven, getting enough protein is crucial in maintaining optimal health and fitness. High protein snacks for vegetarians may be slightly more difficult to come up with than protein for meat eaters. But, there are many options out there.

Whether you are doing P90X or another fitness transformation program, protein is an important aspect of the nutritional plan. This is because protein is crucial when you are trying to build muscle and simultaneously lose fat. However, being a vegetarian sort of limits your choices. With a little thinking outside the box, you will find there are many high protein snacks for vegetarians—some of which we even offer here!

Protein bars and protein shakes make great high protein snacks for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. They are not only nutritious—they are super convenient.

P90X protein bars and the Beachbody Whey Protein provide optimal fitness nutrition in a highly portable and convenient package. These make great midday snacks while you are at work or even meal replacement options when you are in a rush and don’t have time to stop and eat. Supplements like this are particularly good because they contain high quality ingredients combined specifically for people who are working on fitness goals.

Other high protein snacks for vegetarians include: peanut butter and celery, hummus and vegetables, nuts, boiled eggs, cheese, yogurt, smoothies with peanut butter and/or yogurt blended in, cottage cheese, soy protein items, and numerous bean options. Coming up with these kind of snacks takes a little creativity. You may want to try boosting your protein consumption at meal time if the protein snacks are getting dull. Beans are a great form of protein and there are many varieties available. Look online for good bean recipes as they can be used in dips and other various snack dishes.

Being a vegetarian can be a healthy experience if you are careful about what you eat. Monitor your nutrients to ensure you are getting plenty of food and supplement with high protein snacks whenever possible.

When you are focused in on fitness goals, you don’t want anything to sabotage them. Every action you take that lines up with achieving those goals will bring you one step closer to them. The workouts you do and the foods you choose are definitely at the top of the list when it comes to important things to monitor during your work towards fitness greatness. Protein is always being touted as THE nutrient for people who are working out hard and working out to achieve certain goals. But many people don’t know for certain what are good protein snacks.

Protein is important for several reasons. One of the main purposes protein serves within the body is in the construction of muscle tissue. When you work out you need proteins to repair and strengthen your muscles. This is because during workouts you create tiny tears within the muscles. Protein goes to work repairing these tears, which is how you build muscle. Learning what are good protein snacks can help your body complete this very important action.

Another reason good protein snacks are important is that they often take the place of less healthy alternatives.

Keeping snacks that provide a healthy dose of protein around typically means you are eating those when you would normally be eating highly processed carbs and sugars—big no-no’s when it comes to fitness goals. Protein snacks also typically have fewer calories than your vending machine options as well, promoting weight loss.

What are good protein snacks? Anything that is made with lean protein and is easily transported. P90X protein bars and shakes are great examples of good protein snacks. They are all highly portable and extremely good for you. They also carry the Beachbody name, so you know they’re high quality. Other good protein snacks include boiled eggs, celery and peanut butter, nuts, roasted turkey or chicken breast wraps, salads, and legumes.

Keeping your protein intake up is a mantra of many fitness programs. Luckily, the P90X Nutrition Guide and the Insanity Workout Elite Nutrition book make great recommendations for high quality and nutritious protein snacks.

Adjectives like “best”, “premium”, “superior”, and “premier” are thrown around to describe all kinds of nutritional supplements. Some companies even use these words in the actual names of their supplements. But, using a word like this on a wrapper doesn’t make it so. A premier protein bar should be one that stands out against the competition and not just in name. It is a protein supplement that delivers top of the line ingredients in a tasty package. It should also be born under a reputable company name, one that is recognized for its products, not its catchy title.

Let me make one thing clear, this is not an article to blast the bars known as “Premier Protein Bars” from the Premier supplement company. On the contrary, this is a general article about protein bars and their quality. Many people online are looking for the best, the premium, the premier protein bars and we want to make sure they know what they’re getting.

By definition, “premier” means the first of its kind. Of course, we know you aren’t looking for the first protein bar ever made because in all honesty—that’s just gross.

Beachbody is a company known for its quality. From P90X to the latest Insanity Workout, Beachbody knows a thing or two about fitness. Likewise, they know a thing or two about fitness nutrition. This is why they make some of the best protein bars, hands down. You could say they are measures above the competition or superior in nature, but the fancy adjectives shouldn’t sell the bar, the bar itself should.

P90X Protein Bars from BeachBody come in a variety of flavors. They provide good quality protein with a yummy taste. When you are working on fitness goals, protein snacks are crucial and the more variety you have the better. Protein shakes and protein bars make it easy to get your protein in when you’re on the go or just in need of a quick bite. These particular protein bars can be easily kept in your purse or desk drawer for when snack time rolls around and you aren’t at home.

When it comes to supplements, be cautious of the fancy adjectives companies use. Look for a name you can trust and a product that can actually deliver good nutrition without the hoopla.

As I said in my last post—your nutrition is just as important as your workout when you are striving towards any sort of fitness or weight loss goal. While whole foods should always make up the majority of what you eat, supplements can be a convenient way to get healthy nutrition on the go or simply as a meal alternative. Many people wonder if there are Insanity Workout supplements and what those might be.

While there are no supplements that carry the “Insanity” name, there are several supplements that can be used with the workout program and some that are actually recommended in the Insanity Elite Nutrition guidebook. Insanity Workout supplements boil down to high quality supplements that fit within the range of the recommended Insanity Workout Diet recommendations.

Shakeology is one Insanity workout supplement actually recommended within the pages of the Elite Nutrition book. This supplement can be used as one of your 5 daily meals when on the plan. It provides over 70 healthy ingredients to help you nourish your body while you are on this fitness journey. The Shakeology shakes promote digestive health, energy, and even weight loss. We offer both flavors of the shakes here at ExtremeBody Workout.

Another Insanity Workout supplement recommended within the system itself is the Beachbody Results and Recovery Formula. This revolutionary nutritional shake is used in the famous P90X workout system as well. It contains an optimal balance of proteins and carbohydrates to replenish the body after a strenuous workout. It helps mend your muscles and boost your energy stores back to normal levels after you are done sweating it out.

The Elite Nutrition Insanity Workout Diet also recommends a protein shake. We offer a few protein shake options here at ExtremeBody Workout. Beachbody Whey Protein Powders can be used as an Insanity Workout supplement at any time. As a meal replacement or an ingredient in many of the menu options, protein powder is nutritionally dense and very versatile.

For more great ideas on Insanity Workout supplements check out the Insanity Workout Nutrition page.

When you enter the world of fitness and nutrition, protein is everywhere you turn. Protein shakes, protein bars, protein supplements—it’s everywhere! But why? Knowing why you should be eating protein rich snacks is just as important as actually eating them. You can’t fully reap the benefits of something you don’t fully understand. High protein foods are an excellent addition to an active lifestyle, particularly one with fitness goals on the horizon. Let’s look at some of the reasons why.

Weight Loss– Studies have shown that a diet rich in lean protein can be effective in the battle of the bulge. This is because lean proteins will take the place of higher calorie foods within the diet. If you up your consumption of chicken breasts, seafood, and protein rich snacks, you will decrease your consumption of the bad stuff, leading to greater weight loss.

Muscle Development– A high protein diet is one of the core tenets of a bodybuilders lifestyle. Bodybuilders are on to something. Protein helps mend torn muscle tissue after a strenuous workout. This mending leads to increased muscle mass, by continually patching up the trauma that strength training does. Don’t worry about the “trauma” or “tears”, that’s exactly how muscle is built. A protein rich snack after a strenuous workout is an excellent choice.

Decreased Hunger– There is evidence that a diet rich in protein is more satisfying. A study out of Denmark in 2005 stated that protein rich snacks and foods kept people satisfied for longer than fats or carbohydrates. This means greater fuel for your day and less of a crash between meals. A satisfied belly is a belly less prone to wayward snacking and diet blunders.

There are numerous reasons why you should include protein rich snacks in your diet and these are just a few. Having things like protein bars, shakes, chicken breasts, nuts, and low fat cheeses around for when hunger strikes is a great way to ensure your body has the fuel necessary for your fit lifestyle and those goals you are reaching towards.

When you change your activity level, your dietary needs change as well. If you have fitness goals in mind, what you eat can be as important if not more important than how much you eat. Oftentimes, however, people will either change their activity level or their diet and not both. Lasting health and fitness changes come with a combination of these two actions and protein is a major player in the diet of the physically fit.

High protein snacks are crucial; especially if gaining muscle and toning up is part of your fitness goals. When you are working out, you are essentially breaking down the muscle tissue. It is through the building back of these tissues that growth occurs. In order for your muscles to repair efficiently and give you the gains you want, high protein snacks should be included in your diet on a daily basis.

When people start discussing the need to increase their protein intake, many incorrectly assume this protein has to come from chicken breasts. I knew someone that was fairly new to weight training who was convinced he had to eat chicken breasts at every meal—even breakfast. While chicken breasts are an excellent source of high quality protein, they are definitely not the only high protein snack choice out there.

Many foods are protein rich, not just animal products. From nuts and legumes to supplements and protein bars, there are numerous choices out there when adding high protein snacks to your diet.

Consider high quality protein bars or shakes for breakfast. Make homemade hummus (made with chick peas) for an interesting alternative. A handful of nuts is also a great high protein snack and an excellent way to stave off hunger between meals. Lastly, don’t just keep beans for burritos—make dips, spreads, and wrap fillings by changing bean varieties and eating them cold instead of hot.

Too often we get into a rut when it comes to our nutrition. Keep an open mind when it comes to high protein snacks and you will find an endless variety of options out there.

If you’ve spent anytime at all researching diets and nutrition plans online you will find there is a diet scheme showcasing every food or nutrient in the book. You may have heard of the cabbage soup, peanut butter, and grapefruit diets. And there is no doubt in my mind you have heard of low carbohydrate, high protein diets as well. Personally, I don’t believe it’s ever good to go to extremes, eating too much of only one food or nutrient. However, there is definitely a [place for high protein and low carb snacks when you are trying to lose fat and build muscle.

Traditionally, body builders and fitness professionals have always boosted protein consumption when in training. The thinking behind this is that protein helps build muscles, and in many ways it does. When training, your muscles experience tiny tears. Proteins help to repair the muscles which leaves them stronger and ultimately bigger. Also, when you increase protein consumption, you are likely decreasing consumption of high fat and high sugar foods—another argument for high protein and low carb snacks.

But why cut out the carbs? As I stated, extremes are never a good thing. The body needs carbohydrates as they are an essential source of energy. There are such things as good carbs, however, and finding high protein and low carb snacks that limit the “bad carbs” is a great way to ensure a fitter body. The term “bad” is attached to carbs that are mostly sugar and those that are overprocessed. Think white bread, pasta, and baked goods. Better carbohydrate choices are plant based carbs. Finding high protein and low carb snacks that include high quality carbohydrates is a great way to make a change without feeling deprived.

For high protein snacks, take a look at our P90X Protein Bars. Our Whey Protein Shakes also contain an optimal balance of proteins and carbohydrates to fuel muscles and maintain a steady energy level.

There are so many protein and meal replacement bars on the market right now it can make your head spin. Even people within the fitness industry can find it difficult to make a decision when choosing the right bar for their needs. There are protein bars made for every conceivable reason and population. Women, bodybuilders, runner, men and even kids have their own protein bars. But do you know what you’re looking for when you are comparing nutrition facts of protein bars?

Protein is known as the building block of life. The nutrient protein plays an important role in muscle development and this is a large part of the reason it is so often encouraged in fitness programs. Also, when you increase your lean protein intake, you are likely decreasing your consumption of fats and processed carbs. So, the number one thing to look for when comparing nutrition facts of protein bars is the actual protein content. If you are using the bar to up your protein, find one with no less than 15 grams.

When comparing nutrition fact of protein bars, it’s also important to make sure some things are absent. All protein bars have sweeteners; they’re added for flavor because the manufacturers know they won’t have return customers if the bars don’t taste good. There are numerous options available to the makers of these bars to choose from when picking a sweetener—some opt for sugar, while others use artificial sweeteners and even high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Our advice is to stick with natural sugar and fruit sweeteners. Stay away from the HFCS!

Finally, when comparing nutrition facts of protein bars, take a look at the calorie content and weigh this against your nutritional needs. Obviously if you are using the bars as meal replacement, you may be able to afford a few more calories. Don’t get fooled into buying an energy bar, however, that is loaded with calories, or you might find yourself struggling to make fitness progress.

There are many things to consider when choosing your protein bar. These are just a few. Be sure to do your research and check out some of the bars we carry here. We post the ingredients lists and nutritional labels because we stand behind our products!

Photo Courtesy: jcoterhals

Not everyone’s main fitness goal is to trim down. For many people, getting bigger is their ultimate goal. People wondering how to bulk up often have a high metabolism, something those of us who struggle with weight can only wish for. People with a high muscle mass and low body fat often blast through calories at an amazing rate. When your metabolism is higher, putting on weight and even maintaining the weight you have can be difficult. These people often end up having to take in calories that would mean diet failure for the rest of us. It just goes to show how drastically different each person’s physiological makeup is.

Weight maintenance is often said to be as simple as calories in/ calories out. Sometimes it is this simple. In most cases, however, it is far more complicated. When curious how to bulk up, you want to ensure you are not just gaining weight but that you are gaining the right kind of weight. Fat, though sometimes easier to gain, is not the right kind.

The key to building muscle is proper nutrition and weight training. In order to put on pounds of mass you will need to work hard, whether at the gym or at home with a muscle building workout like P90X.

Something to keep in mind, however, is that as you put on muscle, your metabolism will climb even higher. This happens because muscle requires more fuel to survive than fat does. It is a common problem among naturally slim people who want to know how to bulk up. So, as you build the muscle you must also increase the amount you are feeding them.

While things like pizza and fried foods are high in calories, muscles don’t just need calories. Protein plays a huge role in bulking up. Our muscles rely on protein for building and repairing. When you are having to dramatically increase your calories to maintain the weight you have, let alone adding weight, things like high quality whey protein shakes and protein bars can be a huge asset.

Simply put: when wondering how to bulk up, increase weight training and the consumption of healthy muscle fuel. High quality protein, along with other healthy foods will feed the muscles you are building in a way that other calories can’t.

When trying to get fit, proper nutrition is just as important as a hardcore fitness program. Eating right is crucial in getting the best results. Supplementing with capsule and liquid supplements can help fill in the gaps, so to speak, when it comes to your nutrition. Just like a superior multivitamin can ensure you are getting the vitamins and minerals missing in your diet, so too can vanilla whey protein shakes assist you in getting additional protein throughout the day.

Good vanilla whey protein shakes can serve several purposes in the diet of an athlete. And if you are doing workouts like those in P90X you are already an athlete or well on your way!

Vanilla whey protein shakes are a protein supplement first and foremost. Many high intensity fitness programs require you to increase your protein intake far beyond what you might normally be accustomed to. Supplements like vanilla whey protein shakes make this far easier to take. Because there are times when a chicken breast just doesn’t sound appetizing!

In addition to a basic protein supplement, vanilla whey protein shakes are also a good choice for convenient meal replacement. In a rush? A protein shake for breakfast can jump start your metabolism for the day and it’s super convenient. If you are considering a snack from the vending machine, it might serve you well to bring your protein shake mix to the office. Vanilla whey protein shakes make great snacks as well.

There are several options when considering vanilla whey protein shakes and other ways to up your protein throughout the day. Not only are there additional flavors, there are also protein bars. By keeping a good variety of protein sources in your diet, you will find it isn’t as easy to get ridiculously bored with your new eating habits.

Check out the Vanilla Whey Protein supplement we carry here. You will find that it is filled with premium ingredients and tastes great. We also offer chocolate shakes and a variety of protein bars.

Using meal replacement formulas is not a new approach to weight loss. As a matter of fact, liquid diets and meal replacements have been around for quite some time and allowed many people to lose weight while maintaining a regular, active lifestyle. The key to having success with a meal replacement program is to use high quality products and continue to eat healthy foods. The high protein meal replacement options we have here are good examples of premium options when considering a meal replacement program.

While many people use high protein meal replacement options to lose weight, they can also be used to bulk up your diet or give you a convenient meal solution when you are on the go. The Beachbody meal replacement shakes we carry here come in both chocolate and vanilla. They are made with whey protein isolate and have 15 grams of protein per serving.

In addition, we also carry the Beachbody Whey Protein Powder. These are another option for high protein meal replacement. They, again, come in two flavors but contain more protein at 18 grams per serving. Whether you opt for the meal replacement shakes or the protein shakes for your high protein meal replacement, you will find they are both good options.

High protein meal replacement, when used for weight loss, can be taken in place of two meals per day. You want to be certain that you are getting sufficient calories throughout the day. A reduction in calories is not the same as starving yourself. Add a piece of fruit or a small side salad to the shake if needed.

These shake options give you a nutritious and convenient option at meal time. They provide plenty of protein to encourage muscle growth while giving you a calorie reduction from your typical menu.

P90X is more than just a workout system; it is also a unique eating plan. The P90X Nutrition Guide highlights just what you should be eating while on the program. One interesting characteristic about the plan is the amount of protein you will eat while on it. For many people, this much protein can be difficult to adjust to. With P90X protein supplements, the adjustment is made much easier.

Protein is a nutrient necessary for life. It is responsible for so many things within the body; we can’t list them all here. One of the more important functions, however, is the building and repairing of tissue. Why is this important to you? Well, when following the P90X calendar or any other strenuous workout program you are working on building serious muscle. P90X protein supplements are a great way to ensure your body has the optimal fuel for those goals.

When doing a strenuous workout, tiny tears are created in the muscle tissue. These tears are the breeding ground for bigger muscles. See, in an effort to repair those tears, your body mends the muscle, fortifying it in the process. This mending, facilitated by muscle growth, leads to muscle and strength growth.

P90X protein supplements were created to give people participating in the P90X program a few simple ways to get extra protein. Because of the modern adult’s busy schedule, simple solutions like the P90X protein supplements are highly successful and under serious demand.

If you are looking for a supplement for your P90X transformation or want a protein supplement to go with any other workout program, the P90X protein supplements are an excellent choice. Protein bars provide an easy snack or meal option on the go. The P90X Whey Protein Powder is a nutritious and tasty way to get that extra protein in throughout the day.

P90X protein supplements make it easier to get all of your daily protein needs.

Finding time for meals can be quite difficult in today’s modern adult’s life. Between work, home, family, and staying fit, sometimes cooking isn’t a priority. For breakfast or for lunch, sometimes we need a high protein meal replacement solution that allows us to get our energy on the run and without jeopardizing our diets.

How many times have you found yourself at the office vending machine at lunch time? Or getting into the coffee cake in the breakroom because you just didn’t have time for breakfast? You’re not alone. Many people don’t have the time to sit down and eat 3 meals a day. Some are pushing it to fit in two meals. When you are pressed for time but still hungry a high protein meal replacement shake or bar can take the edge off and keep you moving throughout your busy life.

From BeachBody, there are a few high protein meal replacement solutions that can provide nutrition on the run.

Whether you prefer a liquid lunch or a protein bar reminiscent of candy bars, we have you covered. The meal replacement shakes we carry here at ExtremeBody Workout are a perfect solution to busy days. We carry these high protein meal replacement shakes in both chocolate and vanilla.

We also carry a few varieties of protein bars. These are great high protein meal replacement bars to keep in your car or your desk drawer. The come in some great flavors and will keep your energy up on those days that seem to stretch on forever.

Recognizing that you might not always have time for a regular meal and being prepared for it will keep you on the right track during your long days. High protein meal replacement solutions are a perfect way to stay energized and fit in your busy life.