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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

Have you ever eaten a snack and shortly after you’d finished it, you began to feel hungry again? This is a little counterproductive, as snacks are supposed to be what keeps us satiated until the next meal. Often the cause of your snack not keeping you full is that you didn’t get enough protein in it.

According to registered dietician Jessica Ball, protein is essential for many different bodily functions including muscle growth and development, and good digestion, and it also keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is about 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight, so protein needs each day differ from person to person. But it’s always a good idea to include protein in all the foods that we eat, snacks included.

Need some inspiration for ingredients that can be used to make yummy snacks that are high in protein? Take a look at the following list!

• Yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Beef Jerky
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Cheese
• Peanut butter
• Seeds
• Hummus
• Canned fish

Arizona agriculture produces lots of foods that are on that list, especially animal protein products! Here in Arizona, farmers and ranchers produce lots of meats, eggs, and dairy products, all of which are amazing sources of protein and are great for making all sorts of high-protein snacks! Take a look for Arizona-grown protein products next time you’re out grocery shopping!

For some delicious snack recipes that are high in protein, more blog articles about healthy snacking, or more information on Arizona-grown products, check out the Fill Your Plate website!