# recipes for protein snacks? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 22, 2011, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577 "2011-01-22T17:03:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rbroome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2011, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/1 "2011-01-22T17:03:53Z")
I have to watch my food intake to control blood sugar. I have found that carbs, ie pasta, are particularly bad for me. Conversely, I find protein, meat, has relatively little effect on my glucose levels. My weight loss is doing fine fortunately. What i am now looking for are high protein low carb snacks. I do like to visit the kitchen and poke around for a snack. Most of what we traditionally have are chips and breads. Which I want to avoid. So, does anyone have any suggestions for protein-based, for instance meat based, snacks? Left-over steak works great. But not practical every night. I know about protein bars and nuts, they kind of work for me. Any other suggestions from the teeming millions? I am quite willing, I would prefer, homemade snacks if recipes can be found. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2011, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/2 "2011-01-22T17:21:14Z")
Learn to make your own beef jerky. If jerky is too tough to chew you can make hamburger jerky. Here is a recent thread in Cafe Society about this. > **[Tell me about making beef jerky at home](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=593371)** > > My boyfriend has recently discovered beef jerky (seriously…he’s 37 and had never had any kind of jerky until a few months ago). He has something of an obsession with it. This is all fine and dandy with me (he’s using it to curb the smoking cravings... ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2011, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/3 "2011-01-22T17:50:26Z")
I also try to eat low-carb. My go-to snacks are: - hard boiled eggs. I always try to have these in the fridge. - pickles - cheese. I buy several different kinds for variety - deli meat: ham/turkey/etc - salami and sausage - nuts - Greek style yogurt, full-fat (the more low-fat you go, the higher the carbs get) And yeah, there are some high-fat items there. I’m OK with that; carbs are what causes me problems, not fat. Oh, and the #1 thing for keeping blood sugar in check? Exercise. Everything is easier if I get out and move several times a week, if not everyday. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2011, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/4 "2011-01-22T18:59:41Z")
Cottage cheese is an often overlooked protein. The nice thing about it is that you can put pepper or seasoned salt or hot sauce in it for a savory treat, or sweetener + fruit or cinnamon or cocoa powder for a sweet treat. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/5 "2011-01-23T15:04:03Z")
Oh another one - Avocados. Delicious and practically carb-free. ---
**Author:** ![rbroome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/6 "2011-01-23T15:20:44Z")
> [@rbroome](#): > > I have to watch my food intake to control blood sugar. I have found that carbs, ie pasta, are particularly bad for me. Conversely, I find protein, meat, has relatively little effect on my glucose levels. My weight loss is doing fine fortunately. What i am now looking for are high protein low carb snacks. I do like to visit the kitchen and poke around for a snack. Most of what we traditionally have are chips and breads. Which I want to avoid. > > So, does anyone have any suggestions for protein-based, for instance meat based, snacks? Left-over steak works great. But not practical every night. I know about protein bars and nuts, they kind of work for me. Any other suggestions from the teeming millions? > > I am quite willing, I would prefer, homemade snacks if recipes can be found. Thanks all! I like pickles, but as a snack-maybe not so much. 🙂 I understand that for the purposes of sugar control, staying away from fat is not the first priority. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/7 "2011-01-23T16:16:01Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > Oh another one - Avocados. Delicious and practically carb-free. OMG, I didn’t know that! Yay! I’m doing the no sugar, no flour thing, too right now, and I love me some avocados. As for snacks, so far I’ve been going the boiled egg, nuts and cheese route. It’s kind of hard. Right now, I’m making this recipe: [http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/caribbean-holiday-shrimp/Detail.aspx](http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/caribbean-holiday-shrimp/Detail.aspx) These are awesome, every time I’ve taken them to a party they’re eaten in minutes. But they last a couple of days in the fridge, and are snack-y. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/8 "2011-01-23T16:44:29Z")
A couple clarifications: Avocados have carbs, but mostly from fiber. I’ve found that they have very little impact on my blood sugar. I don’t bolus for them at all (Type 1 diabetic, insulin, blah blah blah) To clarify “pickles” - I do mean normal store-bought pickles, but also homemade quick-pickled veggies. You can quick-pickle almost any veggies by mixing together about half and half vinegar and water, with a bit of salt. Throw in some herbs or spices if you want. Use some sugar if you want a sweet flavor (but of course this adds carbs- not too many, but some). Heat to a boil, pour over veggies, allow to sit for a day or two or three. They last a while in the fridge. Google “quick pickles” for more recipes. ---
**Author:** ![rbroome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/838e76/32.png) [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/9 "2011-01-24T01:02:56Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > A couple clarifications: > > Avocados have carbs, but mostly from fiber. I’ve found that they have very little impact on my blood sugar. I don’t bolus for them at all (Type 1 diabetic, insulin, blah blah blah) > > To clarify “pickles” - I do mean normal store-bought pickles, but also homemade quick-pickled veggies. You can quick-pickle almost any veggies by mixing together about half and half vinegar and water, with a bit of salt. Throw in some herbs or spices if you want. Use some sugar if you want a sweet flavor (but of course this adds carbs- not too many, but some). Heat to a boil, pour over veggies, allow to sit for a day or two or three. They last a while in the fridge. Google “quick pickles” for more recipes. thanks! ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/10 "2011-01-24T01:51:39Z")
Rbroome, you are so right that low-carb is the way to control blood sugar! I’m doing exactly the same thing. I’d like to suggest two things. 1. This [forum](http://forum.lowcarber.org/)is a great place for support, ideas, and recipes. There is a diabetes section. 2. This product [Insulow](http://www.amazon.com/Insulow-Dietary-Supplement-Capsules-180-Count/dp/B000A09DFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1295833265&sr=8-1-spell)really helps me keep my blood sugar down. It’s non-prescription, natural R+ lipoic acid. You may want to research it. Without it, my FBG is ~180… with it, it’s ~130. You take a couple with each meal. [Comment from an amazon review: “There is a study from the Univ of Toronto showing that this ingredient is more effective than the 4 leading drugs used for glucose uptake enhancement in diabetics.”] You can test it yourself on yourself and see if it makes a difference in your BG. \*Note: I don’t sell this product or profit in any way from the sale of it. I’ve only ever been able to find it at amazon. I’m a type II diabetic and it brings MY blood glucose down. Any diabetic can test any method of blood sugar control with his/her own meter, so no one has to take anyone’s word for the effectiveness of any suggested remedy. \* P.S. I buy big giant olives- yum! Also those Emerald almonds that are dusted with cocoa. ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/11 "2011-01-24T01:57:43Z")
> [@MandaJo](#): > > Cottage cheese is an often overlooked protein. The nice thing about it is that you can put pepper or seasoned salt or hot sauce in it for a savory treat, or sweetener + fruit or cinnamon or cocoa powder for a sweet treat. And if you’re not a fan of cottage cheese (I am not), you can do the same with ricotta. A bowl of ricotta with some Splenda and cinnamon makes a very satisfying sweet snack, to me. If you’re craving chips, try making ‘pepperoni chips’: put two layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Lay out a single layer of pepperoni slices. Cover with two more layers of paper towels. Microwave on high, 15 seconds to start, then 10 seconds at a time, until desired crispness is obtained. The paper towels absorb all the grease, leaving you with crispy, pepperoni goodness! For me, pistachios are great for snacking on while I’m watching TV, because they’re as much of a ‘hobby’ as a snack, since you have to shell them while you’re eating! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/12 "2011-01-24T02:28:30Z")
They make a new kind of ricotta that is much smoother and creamier than the traditional stuff, too. It’s \*so \*much better, definitely worth a try if you’re not generally a fan of that texture. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/13 "2011-01-24T02:51:54Z")
Moved from General Questions to Cafe Society **samclem** Moderator, GQ ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/14 "2011-01-24T02:56:54Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > They make a new kind of ricotta that is much smoother and creamier than the traditional stuff, too. It’s \*so \*much better, definitely worth a try if you’re not generally a fan of that texture. Oooh, I’ll have to look for that! Also, to the OP, Greek yogurt is much higher in protein than the ‘regular’ kind; if you buy the plain Greek yogurt, you can add some diced fruit, sweeteners, seasonings, whatever you like. That way, even though you may be getting some sugars (from adding fruit, for instance), you will be in control of _how much_ sugar you’ll be getting, and it will be balanced by the protein in the yogurt. ---
**Author:** ![Sleel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/73ab20/32.png) [@Sleel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleel)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-protein-snacks/568577/15 "2011-01-24T12:59:00Z")
Up your fat intake, and increase your consumption of green [leafy veggies](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_common_leaf_vegetables). Avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil, a limited intake of nuts (macadamia and almond preferentially) animal fats (grass-fed if possible for a favorable omega-3 to -6 ratio) are all good choices. Leafy vegetables have a low GI load and a lot of bulk relative to their caloric load. You have a fairly hard limit on protein, with negative reactions starting at around 40% of total calories. Avoid dairy due to [higher insulin](http://www.mendosa.com/insulin_index.htm) response, which may be partly due to action from insulin-like cofactors. That means whey and casein shakes aren’t a good idea if you want to control insulin levels. Also note that full-fat dairy products cause a more balanced response than low-fat. So if you are going to include dairy in your diet, don’t do low-fat.