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When I get my period, I try to make healthier choices, so I’ve been finding the best protein snacks for period munchies. I’ve fully accepted that perimenopause has me in a chokehold and since I live with PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder), my mood, cravings and overall energy all turn into a rollercoaster ride. Now that I am older, I have accepted I can’t eat as I did in my 20s anymore, but that doesn’t stop the cravings. I still want chocolate, chips, something sweet and something salty. And while I am not carelessly eating greasy fast food and boxes of cookies, I refuse to ignore or fight my cravings, especially when my cramps are doing acrobats.
Now, if you are skimming this list to count calories, this is not that kind of roundup. This is a no-shame, guilt-free snack list for when Mother Nature is doing what she does. So save this list, try some of these snacks and when the time comes, you’ll be ready to meet those cravings with protein-forward snacks to keep you satisfied throughout your cycle.
Quest Has Flavorful Protein-Pack Snacks
Quest has a wide range of protein-packed snacks that satisfy your sweet and salty cravings. I am a huge fan of the chips and my favorite flavors are Nacho Cheese, Pizza, Sweet Chili and Ranch. I like to grab a bag of the cheese flavor, crumble a Boca veggie patty and enjoy nachos at home. Quest also has delicious chocolate peanut butter cups, crackers and baked goods that can carry you through your entire cycle. Use this link to get free shipping from QuestNutrition.com
A Refreshing Java Fix From Chike
I love coffee and sometimes, iced coffee can quickly turn into my breakfast if I am doing too much or if my energy is low. When that happens, I try to add protein every way I can to ensure I keep my fuel going. Instead of spending money at chain coffee stores that serve caffeine drinks filled with sugar, I opt for the flavor without the sugar spike with Chike. One scoop gives you 25 grams of protein and it comes in several flavors. Even if coffee isn’t your ideal drink, Chike also offers refreshing teas you can enjoy all spring and summer long.
These Seaweed Snacks Will Satisfy Those Chip Urges
You know what I love about these seaweed chips? I can eat fifty’leven packs and not worry about carbs. While they are not packed with a lot of protein, they have lots of iron and fiber, which is something you need when you are menstruating, especially if you’re in your perimenopausal stage. I usually get a mix of flavors such as Teriyaki, Avocado Oil and Wasabi when my cycle is very heavy and I feel bedbound. I never feel guilty even after eating an entire family pack.
Alpha Prime Prime Bites Protein Brownies
Listen, if you had told me that I would be addicted to these TikTok protein brownies, I would have laughed in your face. During the height of the pandemic, I bought a box and was gifted a coupon. After receiving the sampler, I instantly fell in love with the Chocolate Cookie Monster, Red Velvet, Chocolate Glazed Donut and the Pumpkin Spice flavors. Out of all the things I’ve tried, this healthy treat is a top-tier hit in my house. My kid loves it and when I order a box, I find myself hiding them because she will eat them when she thinks nobody is looking. Next thing I know, I’m sharing protein treats with a first-grader who “accidentally” adds them to her lunchbox. If you want to turn the sweetness up a notch, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the moist flavor.
The Best Protein Bars for People Who Hate Protein Bars
I don’t know how I came to try Perfect Bars, but my life has not been the same since. These protein bars taste like cookie dough and they must be refrigerated. The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Brownie pack between 12 to 17 grams of protein, making them not only delicious but also keeping you full longer. Perfect Bar recently released its protein and probiotics bars that have up to 20 grams of protein. I like to take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before I devour it. Check out their website to make your own variety box!
Veggie Chips That Pack a Real Punch
Sometimes my curiosity gets the best of me and I find myself trying new eats just because. Harvest Snaps are my new go-to snacks when I want chips but don’t always have enough budget for protein chips. These snap green beans come in delicious flavors, including White Cheddar, Mango Lime and Tomato Basil. They also have red lentil rings in sour cream that give me the satisfaction of onion rings but with fewer processed ingredients. This snack also has fiber with protein, which can help settle your stomach during that time of the month.
NuGo Bars for Chocolate Cravings
While I know I can only indulge in chocolate candy bars during Halloween season, depending on my symptoms, I can only feel better when chocolate, crunch and salt are mixed. Similar to the Perfect Bar, this bar is delicious and the Dark Sea Salt Pretzel is my guilty pleasure. When I want a treat more frequently, I eat the Slim Brownie or Espresso for a quick chocolate pick-me-up. And they say all protein snacks are nasty, I beg to differ!
A Perfect Pudding for Your Period
I stumbled upon the ProFeel Protein Pudding at my local grocery store and I am hooked. It is a bit pricey as a single cup can cost almost $3 but it is delicious and worth it. Unfortunately, these are not available in a four-pack because I would really be a fan, but maybe singles are for the best. When you really want to indulge, pair this pudding with the Alpha Prime Prime Bites Protein Brownies to get almost 37 grams of protein.
The Only Guilty Thing About This Bread Is the Price
Lewis Bake Shop Hawaiian Keto Bread is my go-to when I have a serious sandwich craving. Since I have cut a lot of carbs out of my regular routine, I typically buy one loaf and it lasts me about two months because I freeze it. It is delicious and the Hawaiian Keto Bread is perfect for sandwiches. I appreciate the fiber content to ensure I do not have severe cramps throughout day.
ChocZero Has Guilt-Free Sweets
I am a huge fan of the Sugar-Free Honey — this is another guilty pleasure brand because of the price, but it is well worth it. Besides the honey, which has lots of fiber and helps with my cramps, I am also a big fan of the Dunkies and Speculoos cookies as well as their candy, spreads and baking goods. I have not tried their spreads yet, but based on what I have tried, I know it will not have that nasty, typical sugar-free aftertaste.
TikTok Got Me Again with Singles To Go!
I have made great progress with keeping up my water intake, and sometimes I need to shake it up and add a little flavor to reward myself. I recently tried the Dunkin’ Refreshers Peach and it was delicious and I did not need to break the bank. It was recently, when I was trying to shop around for deals on sugar-free water packs, that I realized I have been buying this brand for some time now. The Margaritaville, Jolly Ranchers and Sonic flavors are a must-have during that time of the month because I do not feel like I need to force myself to consume the amount of water I need.
Sometimes Only a Bowl of Pasta Will Do
You already know how it is — sometimes when you are on your period all you want is comfort food. I recently had some It’s Skinny Pasta Fettuccine and it hit the spot. I love that it is made with konjac and oat flour, so I can eat a homemade bowl of pasta or ramen without a second thought. Nothing is better than your favorite comfort food, under a warm blanket, reading your favorite comics.
Also, let the record show, I am too grown to limit myself to one of life’s guilty pleasures: good food. I already have to live with heavy cramps that leave me moody courtesy of PMDD. So, if my body wants a brownie, I’m going to eat a brownie. Except now, I’m more intentional about what I eat, or at least try to be.
