With the summer temperatures heating up, fruits are an amazing go-to snack! Most fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium and calories, but high in nutrients such as water content, antioxidants, phytochemicals and dietary fiber. They taste good alone or paired with something else. Because fruits are usually not a good source of protein, you can pair it with a protein food choice to make it a nutrient dense snack! Here are 5 ways you can eat protein with fruits:
1. Fruit + cottage cheese
Fruit and cottage cheese are so good together! There are different varieties of cottage cheese including lactose free and vegan options to meet your needs. For even more flavor, try a small drizzle of honey or agave or top it with nuts, seeds or coconut flakes.
2. Fruit + nut butter
This is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to eat fruit with protein. Cut up some of your favorite fruits and pair them with peanut or almond butter. Best part is, you can even skip the utensils if you want. The fruits are your scoopers!
3. Fruit + hummus
I know what you’re thinking. You’re probably thinking that combination sounds weird, but don’t cross it off your list just yet. Give savory hummus a try with sweet fruits such as apple slices, dates or dried apricots. If you’re still not a fan, try fruits with a chocolate hummus (now, you can’t say no to this).
4. Fruit + nuts
You can’t go wrong with fruits and nuts. Either fresh or dried fruits work well. You’ll often see this combination in bento protein boxes. If you’re using dried fruits, then it’s like a homemade trail mix!
5. Fruits in a protein smoothie
Enjoy a smoothie with fruits and a source of protein such as unflavored protein powder, green peas, milk, yogurt (or non-dairy selection of your choice), tofu, edamame, or nut butter.
Julie Tang Nutrition 