
To stay in shape, they have to bust their butts in the gym and eat a healthy diet — all while maintaining crazy busy schedules. Since whipping up a complex meal isn't typically possible between clients, most trainers rely on healthy, portable high-protein snacks to stave off hunger and keep their bodies in prime condition — and based on the looks of their chiseled abs and toned arms, they've got it down to a science.
To help you emulate their results, we tapped our go-to industry experts and asked them to share their absolute best high-protein snacks with us. Read on to find out what they eat to lose weight and maintain their lean muscle mass. Enjoy, and to blast your belly fat by October, read these essential 14 Ways to Lose Your Belly in 14 Days!
Tuna
"Between client appointments and my own workouts, I'm always on the go. That's why I'm such a big fan of single serve tuna pouches. Starkist makes a version that's 2.6 ounces and has 17 grams of protein, which is great to eat after a workout. It's a healthy, clean option that's easy to eat anywhere." —Ajia Cherry, personal trainer and Founder at Functional Innovative Training
"Tuna is a perfect food for those of us who want to bulk up our bodies without leaning out our wallets. One 3 ounce can of this budget-friendly delicacy contains 16 grams of protein and costs about $1.25. Though it's one of my favorite foods, I'm sure to limit myself to one can per week due to the mercury content." — Jay Cardiello, the fitness and nutrition expert behind 50 Cent and J.Lo's killer physiques
Want to maintain your envy-worthy figure? Be sure to stay away from these Fish That Cause Belly Fat.
ALMOND BUTTER & APPLE
"Nut butter is all the rage right now — and it's well deserved attention. Almond butter is full of healthy fats and natural proteins and it pairs nicely with an apple. Apples are an underrated low-calorie superfood and the sweet and salty combination of both together can't be beat." — Dan Roberts, author of the fashion model workout, Methodology X
And speaking of apples, they're one of the Best Fruits for Fat Loss. Click to find out why and discover which other delicious slimming fruits made our list!
HARD BOILED EGGS
"I always have hard boiled eggs in my fridge. They are filled with protein and fat-burning nutrients like choline which is found in the yolk. Since I'm usually short on time, I'll grab two right after a workout for a quick snack." — Kit Rich, celebrity trainer and co-owner of SHIFT by Dana Perri
UNSALTED CASHEWS
"Though there are more nutrient dense seeds on supermarket shelves I love these little things. Sometimes you just have to go with what you like in terms of taste, before considering macronutrients. Cashews are a primo source of protein and healthy fats, and they also contain some energy-fueling carbohydrates, which is probably why they taste so good!" —Roberts
GREEK YOGURT PROTEIN PARFAIT
"I like to add a scoop of protein powder (I'm a big fan of Apex) into low-fat Greek yogurt with some nuts or berries on top. It's a tasty, nutrient-rich snack that only takes a few minutes to make. The trick, so that it doesn't clump, is to mix the powder in a little water before adding to the yogurt." — Andrew Dottermusch, Senior Director of Retail, 24 Hour Fitness
PUMPKIN SEEDS
"Not only do pumpkin seeds have a tasty flavor and satisfying crunch, a 1/2 a cup supplies a whopping 14 grams of protein and a great deal of magnesium. Throw the seeds into a shake to boost satiety and nutrition, or simply enjoy them plain. Either way, they're delicious." —Cardiello
For more tasty ways to enjoy pumpkin this fall, check out these 8 Amazing Ways to Eat Pumpkin!
PB & BANANA SMOOTHIE
"For a quick hit of post-workout protein, I'll blend a single-serving, non-fat plain Greek yogurt with plain almond milk, a banana and 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter. Be sure to chose a low-sugar brand free of heart-harming hydrogenated oils and trans fats." — Jim White RD, ACSM HFS, Owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios
For more slimming smoothie recipes, check out these 10 Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss.