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- I’m a dietitian who helps busy people lose weight. Here are 10 protein-packed snacks I get at Costco. (businessinsider.com)
Local Dietitian Shares Costco Snack Hacks for Busy Parents
[City, State] – For many busy parents, the idea of healthy snacking often falls by the wayside amidst the daily juggle of work, kids, and never-ending to-do lists. But local dietitian and mom of three, Vanessa Imus, understands the struggle and is here to help. She’s sharing her top Costco picks for convenient, protein-packed snacks that can make a real difference in managing weight and maintaining energy levels.
“I work with a lot of busy parents who want to eat better and lose weight,” Imus explains. “These clients can especially struggle with snacking and getting enough protein. In the midst of juggling their hectic lives, they often just eat whatever feels convenient without considering nutritional value.”
Imus, who walks the walk as a mother herself, emphasizes the importance of protein for satiety, muscle preservation, and steady blood sugar. Her advice?
Keep it easy. “If it’s not easy, it’s not happening,” she states.
Here are some of Imus’s go-to Costco snacks to help you stay full, energized, and make weight loss feel more manageable:
- Wilde Protein Chips: Who knew chicken could become a chip? Made from chicken breast, egg whites, and bone broth, these chips offer about 10 grams of protein and 160 calories per serving, providing a satisfying salty crunch without the guilt of regular potato chips.
- The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame: Another crunchy, salty option, these roasted soybeans boast 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber for just 120 calories per serving. The fiber content is a bonus for digestion and blood sugar stability.
- Fresh Addition’s Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Bites: Delivering a significant 24 grams of protein and 140 calories per pack, these chicken bites are perfect for a quick, filling snack. Imus suggests pairing them with a single-serve guacamole cup for an even heartier treat.
- Fresh Addition’s 100% Grass-Fed Beef Steak Bites: A savory fridge staple for Imus, these steak bites offer 20 grams of protein and 120 calories per pack. They can be microwaved in a small tortilla with salsa for a satisfying “mini meal” to curb pre-dinner hunger.
- Kirkland Signature Cheese, Fruit, and Nut Packs: These balanced snack packs provide 8 grams of protein and 180 calories from a combination of nuts, cheese, and dried cranberries. They’re ideal for on-the-go or can be replicated at home with your favorite ingredients.
- Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt: With 15 grams of protein and 90 calories per cup, these Greek yogurts offer a thick, indulgent texture. Imus even blends the vanilla variety with a frozen banana and milk for a quick, kid-friendly frozen treat.
- RX Bars: Simple ingredients like egg whites, dates, and nuts make up these bars, which pack 12 grams of protein and 180-200 calories. They’re perfect for stashing in a bag for a quick, filling, and convenient boost. The chocolate sea-salt flavor is a particular favorite.
- Kettle & Fire Bone Broth: For a warm and comforting protein boost, Imus recommends sipping on this bone broth. An 8-ounce serving provides 10 grams of protein for only 40 calories, and it’s particularly good on cold days or when feeling under the weather.
- Chomps Meat Sticks: An excellent travel-friendly option, these conveniently packaged meat sticks contain 10 grams of protein and 100 calories each. Imus is a fan of the original beef flavor and often packs them for road trips and flights.
- Go Raw Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds: These sea-salted pumpkin seeds offer 8 grams of protein per ¼ cup serving and are an excellent source of zinc and magnesium. Imus suggests mixing them with chocolate chips and raisins for a DIY trail mix.
With these expert recommendations, busy parents can easily navigate the aisles of Costco to find nutritious, ready-to-eat snacks that support their health and weight loss goals without sacrificing precious time or energy.