Justine Lupe’s Favorite High-Protein Snacks

Actress Justine Lupe, known for her roles in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Netflix’s hit Nobody Wants This, is not just captivating audiences on screen—she’s also mastering the art of nutritious snacking off-screen. As a new mom navigating pregnancy cravings and postpartum demands, Lupe has honed a lineup of

high-protein snacks

that keep her energized, support her health, and align with her passion for sustainability. In this in-depth interview, she shares her favorites, from quirky on-set pairings to innovative fungi-based proteins, offering inspiration for anyone fueling a busy life.

Protein is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and steady energy, especially for new parents or those with demanding schedules. Lupe’s choices emphasize convenience, taste, and environmental impact, making them ideal for real-world application. Let’s dive into her recommendations, backed by nutritional insights.

Navigating Pregnancy Cravings on the Set of ‘Nobody Wants This’

Filming Nobody Wants This while early in her pregnancy presented unique challenges for Lupe. Long hours, emotional scenes, and hormonal shifts demanded snacks that were portable, nutrient-dense, and satisfying. ‘I was craving protein constantly,’ Lupe recalls. ‘It helped with nausea and kept my energy up without crashes.’

Her go-to during shoots? A simple yet powerful combo:

apples with peanut butter

. This duo delivers about 15-20 grams of protein per serving when paired generously, plus fiber from the apple to stabilize blood sugar. Peanut butter provides healthy fats and sustained energy, making it perfect for between takes.

But Lupe’s selections got bolder. She embraced

sardines

and

hard-boiled eggs

, packing 20-25 grams of protein per can or two eggs. ‘Sardines are my secret weapon—omega-3s for brain health, and they’re sustainable,’ she says. The fishy aroma raised eyebrows on set: ‘I apologized to everyone; I was the worst-smelling castmate!’ Despite the laughs, these choices supported her growing baby and her performance.

• Apples + Peanut Butter: 4g protein from 2 tbsp PB, plus 4g fiber.
• Sardines: 25g protein per 3.75oz can, rich in vitamin D and calcium.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: 12g protein per two eggs, with choline for fetal brain development.

These snacks highlight Lupe’s practical approach: prioritizing whole foods that travel well and nourish deeply during high-stress periods.

Partnering with Nature’s Fynd: Sustainable, Fungi-Based Protein

Lupe’s collaboration with Nature’s Fynd marks a game-changer in her snacking routine. This innovative brand uses Fusarium strain rice—a fungi grown in darkness—to create

sustainable protein

products like Probiotic Dairy-Free Yogurt and cheese slices. ‘I love the environmental angle first,’ Lupe explains. ‘It uses 95% less land and water than traditional animal protein, with a lower carbon footprint.’

As a new mom, the

high protein content

(up to 22g per yogurt cup) helps with recovery and milk production. ‘It tastes amazing—no weird aftertaste—and keeps me full,’ she adds. The fungi protein is complete, offering all nine essential amino acids, rivaling animal sources but with eco-benefits.

Why fungi protein? According to USDA data, alternative proteins like mycelium-based options can reduce agriculture’s environmental impact significantly while providing bioavailable nutrients. Lupe incorporates Fynd yogurt as a mid-morning snack, blending it with berries for added antioxidants.

Snack	Protein (g)	Key Benefits
Fynd Probiotic Yogurt	22	Sustainable, gut-friendly probiotics
Fynd Cheese Slice	10	Meltable, low-calorie alternative
Traditional Greek Yogurt	20	Comparable, but higher emissions

This partnership isn’t just promotional—it’s personal. Lupe sees it as a way to model mindful eating for her child.

Kristen Bell’s Biohacking Influence: Fiber-First Eating

Working alongside Kristen Bell on Nobody Wants This, Lupe picked up game-changing habits. Bell, a self-proclaimed biohacking enthusiast, preloads meals with

fiber

to stabilize blood sugar. ‘Kristen eats spinach or leafy greens before carbs,’ Lupe shares. ‘It prevents spikes and crashes—genius!’

This technique, supported by research from the American Diabetes Association, slows glucose absorption. Fiber forms a gel in the gut, delaying carb digestion. Alternatives like apple cider vinegar (ACV) or Metamucil work similarly: ACV’s acetic acid improves insulin sensitivity per NIH studies.

Lupe adapted it for snacks: spinach wraps with turkey (25g protein) or ACV-dressed salads with eggs. ‘It curbs cravings, especially postpartum,’ she notes. Nutritionists rank real-food fiber highest: leafy greens first, supplements second, vinegar as an add-on.

• Fiber Preload Benefits: Steady energy, reduced hunger, better gut health.
• Bell’s Tip: Greens + carbs = no post-meal slump.

New Mom Life: Breastfeeding and High-Protein Needs

Postpartum, Lupe’s focus shifted to breastfeeding. With high lipase in her milk—breaking down fats and creating a soapy taste after refrigeration—she pumps on-the-go. ‘I can’t store milk long; it’s with me everywhere,’ she laughs. Protein snacks fuel lactation, requiring 25-30g extra daily per CDC guidelines.

Her routine: Fynd products for quick hits, nuts/seeds for fats, and eggs for versatility. ‘Protein keeps my supply steady and mood balanced.’ She experiments with milk powdering to preserve excess, reducing waste.

Challenges include scheduling around her baby, Duna, during press tours. Yet, these snacks empower her dual role as actress and mom.

Building a Balanced High-Protein Snack Plate

Lupe’s philosophy: variety, sustainability, and joy. A sample day:

1. Breakfast: Fynd yogurt with nuts (25g protein).
2. Mid-Morning: Apple + PB (15g).
3. Afternoon: Sardines on greens (25g).
4. Evening: Eggs with fiber veggies (20g).

Aim for 20-30g protein per snack, per Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, to maximize muscle synthesis. Hydrate and include fats for absorption.

Expert Tips for Incorporating Lupe’s Snacks

Registered dietitians endorse her picks. ‘Sardines offer DHA for cognition; pair with fiber for balance,’ says one expert. Start slow with fiber to avoid GI upset. For sustainability, fungi proteins align with UN sustainability goals, cutting emissions by 90% vs. beef.

Customizations: Vegan? Opt for Fynd. Pescatarian? Sardines shine. Always consult a doctor for pregnancy/postpartum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Justine Lupe’s top high-protein snacks?

Apples with peanut butter, sardines, hard-boiled eggs, and Nature’s Fynd fungi-based yogurt and cheese.

Why choose sustainable proteins like Nature’s Fynd?

They use less land/water, lower emissions, and provide complete protein—ideal for eco-conscious eaters.

How does fiber preloading help, per Kristen Bell?

It slows carb absorption, stabilizing blood sugar and preventing energy crashes.

Are these snacks suitable for new moms?

Yes—high protein supports lactation (extra 500 calories/day needed), with portable options for busy schedules.

What’s high lipase breast milk, and how to manage it?

A natural enzyme causing soapy taste in stored milk; pump fresh, use immediately, or try scalding/freezing techniques.

Win a Brunch with Justine Lupe!

Enter Nature’s Fynd sweepstakes for a LA brunch with Lupe and chef Stephanie Izard (ended Dec 2025, but watch for more!).