Mom Lost 135 Pounds and Swears by These 7 Protein-Packed Snacks

1. Tuna "Sushi Bowl"

When Mayra needs something substantial between meals, she creates a quick tuna "California roll" in a bowl. "I always think about how this snack is going to nourish my body," she explains in her post. Her simple recipe combines canned tuna with light mayo, sriracha, salt and pepper, served alongside seaweed sheets and gut-friendly kimchi. This protein powerhouse comes in under 200 calories while providing real satisfaction. "This entire plate is less than 200 calories versus having like a little mini protein bar that you're still going to feel hungry," Mayra points out.

2. Clean-Ingredient Chips and Dips

Mayra hasn't given up chips completely—she's just selective about ingredients. "Chips are usually made with horrible oils," she warns, explaining that seed oils like soybean and canola can cause inflammation. She recommends Siete chips made with avocado oil instead. For maximum satiety, Mayra pairs them with healthy-fat dips: "When I eat these together, it actually just makes me feel nice and satiated for about a couple hours because of the fats." Her favorites include almond-based "Bitchin' Sauce" and fresh salsa.

3. Mini Protein-Focused Charcuterie

For an elegant yet filling snack option, Mayra creates mini charcuterie boards centered around protein. "When I do a charcuterie board, I'm thinking protein fats, because that's what's going to keep me full the longest," she explains. Her boards feature beef sticks (8g protein), mixed nuts (6g protein), olives (healthy fats), and occasionally a small piece of chocolate for sweetness. This combination keeps her satisfied for hours while feeling indulgent enough for entertaining. "This is literally everything in life right here, one little board," she enthuses.

4. Stuffed Jalapeño Protein Bites

Mayra's creative jalapeño snack delivers protein with complex flavors. She removes the seeds and veins (to reduce heat if desired), then stuffs them with chicken or deli meat. "Avocado is always my go-to because they are super healthy and they give a creaminess to any dish," she adds, using it as a healthier alternative to mayo. A drizzle of clean-ingredient sauce like buffalo ranch completes this satisfying bite. "You get the crunch from the jalapeño, you get the protein so you have that substance, and then the creaminess from the avocado," she explains.

5. Clean-Ingredient Popcorn

For movie nights, Mayra reaches for healthier popcorn options. "I've always been a huge popcorn fan," she admits, choosing Lesser Evil popcorn made with coconut oil rather than inflammatory seed oils. Each bag contains just 50 calories and 5 carbs. "I will at least have two of these for sure," she says honestly, showing that portion control with quality ingredients is her approach to treats. Unlike many snack foods, these options are made without the problematic oils she avoids.

6. Quality Chocolate Treats

Even while maintaining her 100+ pound weight loss, Mayra includes occasional chocolate. She's particular about ingredients, choosing brands like Hu that use minimal, clean components. "Six ingredients to make a whole chocolate bar. That is right up my alley," she shares with enthusiasm. She especially enjoys their chocolate-covered cashews, which provide the sweetness she craves along with some healthy fats and protein from the nuts—making them more satisfying than plain chocolate alone.

7. The Gut Health Connection

Mayra emphasizes the importance of gut health in her snacking choices. "70% of our immune system lives in our gut," she explains, making it central to her food selections. She's particularly careful about inflammatory oils that can disrupt gut function. "If you are having issues all over, you know, just with different, whether it's inflammation or bloating, like you really need to focus on your gut." This awareness leads her to include gut-friendly options like kimchi in her snacks and to avoid problematic seed oils in packaged foods. Her careful attention to these details has supported her long-term health beyond just weight management.

8. Texture and Satisfaction Factor

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Beyond nutritional content, Mayra considers the sensory experience of her snacks. "I'm like a texture girl as well," she admits when describing her jalapeño snacks. She deliberately combines different textures—crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, protein-rich meats—to create satisfying experiences. "You get the crunch from the jalapeño, you get the protein so you have that substance, and then the creaminess from the avocado, plus that little sauce on top, just takes it over the top." This attention to texture helps her snacks feel more substantial and satisfying despite their modest calorie counts.

The Protein-Fat Pairing Strategy

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Mayra's overarching snacking philosophy ties all these options together. "I always think protein and healthy fats because that's what's going to keep me full the longest," she emphasizes throughout her recommendations. Whether creating a substantial tuna plate or a simple jalapeño bite, she focuses on how foods make her feel rather than just counting calories. "How do I feel when I'm eating? How can I feel satiated?" This mindfulness approach has been key to her sustainable 15-year success at maintaining her weight loss.

10. Sharing Healthy Habits

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Rather than keeping her healthy habits to herself, Mayra extends them to her loved ones. "I like to serve the people that I love and the people that I care for healthy, clean foods as well," she shares. This community-minded approach helps reinforce her own choices while positively influencing those around her. "I just feel kind of guilty to be honest with you," she admits about serving unhealthy options to friends and family. By making her snack philosophy a shared experience, she's created a supportive environment for maintaining her impressive weight loss.

11. No Diets, Just Smart Snacking

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Mayra's protein-packed snacking strategy proves that weight maintenance doesn't require deprivation. "These are pretty much the snacks that I have made that I have snacked on over the years, all the way up until now, that have helped me not only lose the weight, but also maintain it for the past 15 years," she concludes. By focusing on protein, healthy fats, and clean ingredients, she's created a sustainable approach that could work for anyone seeking better health without sacrificing satisfaction.And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.