The High-Protein Snack That Fuels 'DWTS' Pro Lindsay Arnold's Performances

A post shared by Lindsay Arnold Cusick (@lindsarnold) on Mar 24, 2017 at 2:46pm PDT When pro [...]

By Libby Birk

When pro dancer Lindsay Arnold isn't tearing it up on the Dancing With the Stars ballroom floor with partner/MLB World Series champ David Ross, you can find her at one of a few places: a hot yoga class, Barry's Bootcamp, or cuddled up with her husband, Samuel Lightner Cusick, and their labradoodle, Moose.

"I love to come home, pop on a movie, and cuddle with my hubby on the couch," the 23-year-old told Womanista.

Just brushing those relationship goals aside for a second, we can't get enough of Arnold's daily routine — which includes staying active and eating a healthy diet to keep her in top-notch shape for the competition.

"We have catering on show days and I definitely take advantage of that," she says. "I have to eat a substantial meal before I perform or I won't have the energy I need to last through my performance."

Imagine a plate full of salad, fruit and a variety of meats for optimal protein and fiber levels and you have Arnold's pre-performance healthy eats.

Also on Arnold's list of protein-packed snacks? She says she loves to munch on hummus with pita chips when she's on the go. While we recommend carrot sticks or bell peppers instead of chips, hummus is one of those foods full of protein, fiber and nutrients that can get the job done while tasting like a treat.

Ahead are six protein-packed snacks to keep you full throughout the day, whether you're working long hours in the gym like Arnold or working long hours at your desk job.

MORE: 'Dancing With the Stars' Pro Lindsay Arnold Dishes on David Ross, Her Diet and Married Life

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Oats

At six grams of protein per cup, oatmeal has what it takes to keep your hunger levels satiated for hours. One of the best thing about oats is that you can prep them ahead of time, like the night before, for some seriously tasty (and healthy) overnight oats.

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Almonds

Ever wonder why just a handful of almonds can hold you over until your next meal? You can thank their monounsaturated fats for that — they're "healthy fats" that keep you full and help absorb nutrients. Speaking of, a handful of almonds brings 6 grams of protein.

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Greek yogurt

As long as you're avoiding the flavored varieties, plain Greek yogurt can completely change your protein game plan. Think: 25-30 grams of protein per serving! The best part about Greek yogurt is that you can eat it plain or countless other ways — click here for 50 Greek yogurt hacks for weight loss.

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Eggs

Another super versatile food, a whole egg (not just the whites!) brings six grams of protein to the table. One of the easiest ways to ensure you'll hit your protein goals for the day is to make a batch of hard-boiled eggs on your meal prep day and snack on them all week long.

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Cottage cheese

At 25 grams of protein per cup, this healthy snack can take you from 3 p.m. all the way to dinnertime without ruining your weight loss progress. Add some fruit for an extra boost!

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(Photo: Shutterstock)

Chocolate milk

Make like Vanessa Lachey and add chocolate milk to the end of every workout for a serious protein boost. Eight grams of protein per glass will put your muscles on the fast track to recovery after a sweaty gym session, meaning you burn more calories and make faster progress.

Related:

Tiffani Thiessen's Savory Late-Night Snack Is Detox-Friendly and Perfect for Weight Loss
Step up Your Snack Game With 6 Celebrities' Go-To Snacks
How Much Protein Should You Eat for Weight Loss?

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