7 Best Plant-Based Protein Snacks for Your Next Workout

Plants are a wonderful source of protein and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. We fuel our workouts and everyday life with plants and vegan protein bars to keep us feeling energized, alert and nourished. Mix up your pre and post workout snack game with these plant-based options - we promise they won’t disappoint!

Pre-Workout

If you like to have something in your stomach before hitting the gym, make sure to keep it light and eat about 30-60 minutes before you work out so your stomach has time to settle. Incorporating a healthy balance of light protein and carbs will fuel your workout with ready-to-burn energy, and keep you from feeling sluggish. Here are some of our favorite pre-workout snacks.

Smoothie - We love having a smoothie packed with spinach, frozen fruit, chia seeds and almond milk. The combinations are endless when combining your favorite superfoods into a delicious smoothie! Tip: make a little extra and pour into a bowl, pop in the freezer and enjoy as a smoothie bowl with your favorite toppings added for an after-workout treat.

Overnight Oats with Fruit - This is easy to prepare the night before and tastes absolutely amazing the next day. Here’s a simple vegan oats recipe that never fails. Packed with nutrients, fiber, and protein, overnight oats are the perfect healthy snack before a vigorous workout. We like to top ours with organic hemp seeds, organic frozen berries, chia seeds, shredded coconut, cacao powder and almond butter drizzle! If possible, try using ingredients that are organic and locally-sourced.

GoMacro Mini - These are our saving grace when we don’t have time to prepare a pre-workout snack. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip is our go-to and tastes even yummier with half of a banana.

Sprouted Grain Bread with Avocado - This simple snack is packed with protein and healthy fats, and is the perfect amount to fill you up without weighing you down. Pop your favorite grain or gluten-free bread into the toaster and top with avocado, sesame seeds, garlic salt + whatever else your heart desires! If you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning, prepare to have your mind blown.

Post-Workout

Your body just put in the work, now it’s time to give it the TLC it needs. Make sure to incorporate carbs (veggies, fruits, grains) into your post-workout snack since these are vital for restoring achy muscles, replenishing your energy, and preventing muscle breakdown.

Baked Sweet Potatoes - You can’t go wrong with this miracle superfood. An excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, B, B6, + dozens of other nutrients and vitamins, sweet potatoes sure do pack a punch. We like to cut them up, drizzle with olive or avocado oil, lightly coat with spices and roast in the oven for a delicious and filling snack. They also taste great steamed!

Dairy-Free Yogurt with Granola and Fruit - Dairy-free yogurt topped with crunchy granola and seasonal berries is one of our favorite post-workout snacks when we’re craving something sweet. Break up one of our MacroBars and mix it in for a more filling and flavorful treat!

Stuffed Bell Peppers - If you have a little more time and are on the hungrier side, stuffed bell peppers are delicious and fun to make! For the filling, we like to mix cooked quinoa, black beans, peas, corn, onion and spices together in a bowl - these ingredients are packed with healthy protein and low carbs. Cut the tops off your bell peppers, fill them with your mixed ingredients, and top with your favorite vegan cheese (or leave plain) - then bake until the tops get crispy. Yum!

Powering your workouts and everyday life with plants and plant-based foods is easier than you may think. You deserve to fuel your body with nothing but the best - and the best ingredients are grown, not made. We hope these plant-based snacks make you feel more energized and ready to conquer your day!