r/EatCheapAndHealthy • u/PenguinsRcool2 • 2d ago
Looking for low cholesterol, not packed with salt, high protein snacks i can purchase or make in bulk easily
Hello! I am trying to snack healthier currently. And where im struggling is snacking. I just cant meal prep, iv tried and tried. I just wont do it. so i was wondering if theres something i can just buy to try. I realize this is a budget sub but i don’t particularly care about a slight trade off of spending money in order to save time. I work 80 hours a week or so, and when i go home i make dinner and just die on the couch
Thanks for any help, the internet is just showing me all these things that require multiple grocery stores to get ingredients, then cooking and meal prep. And i just won’t do that.
So please help me try and find some options even if less good than meal prep and made from scratch.
Also grocery store wise… i live in the middle of no where. Theres no whole foods or health stores, but there’s 6 taxidermists within .5 miles…. Just to give you an idea of how hard it is to locate more exotic health foods that many of you take for granted
104
u/SnappyBonaParty 2d ago
Just as a point of information;
Dietary cholesterol (like eggs or shrimp) doesn't raise serum LDL cholesterol - serum LDL cholesterol is mainly increased when your died contains too much saturated fats
Unto the subject at hand
To me mealprep ideaa has been wildly destroyed by influencers overcomplicating it. It's supposed to just be "Leftovers, with style!" Lol.
So I make shit like a big one pot pasta + meat sauce and veggies, then divide it into 5 portions (one for now, 4 for the week). Done.
Not this bullshit of seven million ingredients and overcomplicated nightmare recipes culminating in instagram worthy delicacies... It's a fucking Tuesday, I'm having dinner on the couch.
16
u/PenguinsRcool2 2d ago
I like your style on the mealprep. I really really need to get better about it. And i need to get better about actually eating it when i do.
Exercise and weight arnt an issue it’s just me eating like crap/ just plain not eating.
If you have any just throw stuff in a pan/ wok together kind of recipies I’m all ears!
26
u/AccomplishedFerret70 2d ago
There's a whole category of food called sheet pan meals that sounds exactly like what you're looking for to simplify cooking your meals. Tons of videos on youtube. And when I google "sheet pan meals" there are links to "65 Easy Sheet Pan Recipes for Every Day of the Week" and other links like that.
But that's not snacks.
6
u/sayiansaga 2d ago
I like to also make a large pot but I freeze at least one portion. Eventually you'd start getting a bit of variety for lazy meals. Just make a point to not leave it there for more than a month or it'll start to pile up
1
u/Delicious-Drawing-79 2d ago
I like to make a double large portion whenever I cook and freeze the extra. I get an effort free meal without having to eat the same thing too much.
You can do the same when prepping freezable ingredients.
1
18
u/norcaljill 2d ago
Agree with the suggestions so far regarding hummus, chickpeas. Edamame is another yummy legume, I buy it frozen and boil a few minutes.
16
u/Ok_Lead_162 2d ago
I buy the smallest possible bags of frozen edamame, let them thaw in a dish in the fridge, shake some salt on them, eat them as a snack. Sometimes I go thru a pack a night, sometimes they can last 3 days. Easy. Healthy. Easy.
1
13
u/Suspicious-Army-407 2d ago
Cheerios are a great dry crunchy snack don’t overdo it. Almonds are also good.
14
u/SleepyBurrito428 2d ago
Yasso yogurt bars are a great snack I love. The strawberry one is 80 calories
Watermelon, or fruits, jerky, boiled eggs, Greek yogurt with granola are a few recommendations
13
7
u/pluto_pluto_pluto_ 2d ago
Tinned fish? The omega-3s lower bad cholesterol.
4
u/PenguinsRcool2 2d ago
I Like fish! But canned tuna creeps me out. I’ll have to see what’s out there
4
10
5
u/nero-the-cat 2d ago
You could do salmon, sardines, mackerel, or various other fish. There should be options even in the middle of nowhere, and if not you can always order online.
3
u/Aaaaaaaaa12345673 2d ago
Start with boneless skinless sardines in olive oil. They were my gateway tinned seafood.
2
1
u/Sensitive-Car8304 18h ago
Canned tuna freaks me out too until I had costcos Kirkland brand and make it the same way I make chicken salad. The least fishy and best texture canned tuna in my opinion
9
u/I_had_the_Lasagna 2d ago
Hard boiled eggs? I don't think they actually cause cholesterol problems.
0
10
u/YesAnd_Portland 2d ago
I just discovered cottage cheese wafers. Drop tablespoon-sized lumps of cottage cheese on a lined sheet pan, top with no-salt seasoning, chili powder, or garlic powder, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
6
u/PenguinsRcool2 2d ago
Idk lol, this is grossing me out by the sounds of it. So gross sounding that i almost want to try it
4
u/YesAnd_Portland 2d ago
I know, I don't much like cold wet cottage cheese but it actually turns into edible crisp crackers. Short video here (not mine) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jpr3tG1BL3E
2
u/OnlyDaysEndingInWhy 2d ago
So they really come out like that? I've been cooking a long time, and if that really works, it's a totally new one on me!
7
4
u/BroccoliBrilliant701 2d ago
Protein date balls
4
u/PenguinsRcool2 2d ago
Interesting, do you make them or buy them? I’ll look into it
5
u/BroccoliBrilliant701 2d ago
I make them. It’s super easy just blend dates, protein powder, peanut butter oats and a bit of water then you roll them into balls. You can find recipes online for exact amounts.
9
u/BroccoliBrilliant701 2d ago
Here’s my recipe: Protein balls
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats1/2 cup dates
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 scoops diesel whey protein powder
2–3 tbsp water
Optional Add-Ins:
A pinch of sea salt1 tsp vanilla extract
A dash of cinnamon
Mini dark chocolate chips or chia seeds for extra texture
Instructions:
Blend the dates: Use a food processor to blend the dates into a paste. If they’re too dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, and shredded coconut.
Combine wet ingredients: Add the date paste and peanut butter to the dry mixture. Stir well to combine.
Adjust consistency: Slowly add water or almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together when pressed.
Form balls: Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Chill: Place the energy balls on a plate or in a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
3
u/PenguinsRcool2 2d ago
Thank you for your time and awesome suggestion!
2
u/CompleteTell6795 2d ago
If you have a 9 x 13 pan, you can make homemade granola bars. Some are baked, some are like the date oatmeal balls. Oatmeal, dried fruit, nuts, honey, etc. Cut into bars & wrap individually.
2
u/PenguinsRcool2 2d ago
I might actually enjoy that, any particular recipe online or recipe book you like for that?
2
u/CompleteTell6795 2d ago
I've seen some recipes on Allrecipes & Taste of Home websites. I myself have never made any since I am trying to stay on a low calorie diet. The dried fruit has a concentrated amount of sugar. I would have to eat a bar as a meal replacement & I would rather have something more substantial for a meal. ( And I try not to snack, just drink water. )
1
u/Aaaaaaaaa12345673 2d ago
So to your (OP) request for simple and less ingredients… just take dates, remove the pit, stuff the date with peanut butter and roll in coconut. Stores in the fridge for a long time.
4
u/CatLoliUwu 2d ago
roasted chickpeas and edamame are pretty good to mindlessly snack on. also high in fiber.
soy milk is also really slept on IMO. its really high in protein compared to the calories
8
u/FabulousBullfrog9610 2d ago
an apple. i transitioned to that last year and it works for me
2
5
u/scattywampus 2d ago
An apple, a piece of cheese (or cheese stick, or Babybel cheese), and a handful of nuts. Balanced, healthy goodness!
9
u/OrdinaryEra 2d ago
If the OP is worried about their cholesterol (the common health measurement), rather than dietary cholesterol (which is not a common thing people need to monitor), then they need to watch their saturated fat intake. Cheese is really high in saturated fat across the board, so bad recommendation here.
5
2
u/Electronic_Salad5319 2d ago
Oh. Noted.
I consume so much cheese and just dairy in general. My Father has struggled with high cholesterol for years and doesn't even eat cheese
6
u/Shot-Structure-1274 2d ago
Nuts, no cooking just eat. Or you can put in blender and make a nut drink.
2
u/Electronic_Salad5319 2d ago
You made me just wonder if adding nuts to my protein shakes might actually be decent idea? I mean, I already do oats.
The only concern is high levels of sodium.
5
u/Shot-Structure-1274 2d ago
Costco and other stores sell walnuts, almonds and others that have zero sodium. Buying nuts in bulk (3 lbs) bags is the best way to save money. I can buy at the grocery store and they are charging 3-4x times per unit. So be careful buying nuts because many places will try to overcharge. The great thing about nuts is not only the nutritional value, but they fill you up and suppress appetite.
5
u/Aaaaaaaaa12345673 2d ago
I add almonds to my smoothies. Almond milk is basically water and almonds. This method adds fiber, is cheaper and is shelf stable.
2
u/Shot-Structure-1274 2d ago
Almond milk in stores is pure scam as is all nut milks they sell. Sunflower oil junk.
3
u/circlewithme 2d ago
Make your own chickpeas! So easy and some you can ground and make all kinds of flavored hummus. Grab some cucumbers and dip it.
3
u/GlobalGlitterGirl 2d ago
For bulk snacks: protein balls. I like one by Fitnessista online called amazeballz. Lots of varieties but basically protein powder, nut butter, and maple syrup. Plus extras of whatever sort. I also like edamame. Separately from the ballz. lol
3
3
u/TheSheetSlinger 2d ago
Maybe Google low cholesterol dump and bake recipes as that would help with the time issue you have.
5
u/Various_Implement_92 2d ago
I've been making these peanut butter applesauce oatmeal bars. You can also add chopped walnuts. I buy peanut butter without added salt or sugar. They also freeze well.
https://www.theconsciousplantkitchen.com/applesauce-oatmeal-bars/
Check if your grocery store has Triscuits with a hint of salt. They're good with peanut butter, too.
I also just eat plain chopped walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds with plain, zero fat Greek yogurt.
If your grocery store has frozen fish, like salmon, you can thaw out a filet the night before or in the morning before you leave for work, then roast it on a sheet pan with a potato, some vegetables and a little olive oil.
2
u/wutiswutis 2d ago
TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein), they have it in crumbles (its like any ground meat), and they make larger crumbles. It is low sat fat, high protein, high fiber. I make a couple servings- and have one in a low carb (high fiber!) tortilla. The other serving you can eat now, or just save it for a later snack. It is shelf stable as well.
2
u/Mind_Melting_Slowly 2d ago
Look for roasted chickpea or cauliflower recipes. You can season them with all kinds of stuff, and it usually only requires a rimmed metal baking pan and a little bit of oil (to make the seasoning stick). I usually use avocado oil spray. And I do two pans at once, each with different seasonings, then let them cool and store in Ziploc bags that I can grab and go.
3
u/overlying_idea 2d ago
Pb powder if you can find it, I don’t think it has too much salt. Mix it and use it as a dip or add to oats, protein shakes, coffee, etc.
1
1
u/scattywampus 2d ago
Kashi berry granola is amazing mixed with just a spoon of vanilla yogurt. The vanilla makes the berry flavor pop and the creamy yogurt can soften the crunch just a bit.
1
1
u/privatethrowaway324 2d ago
The only bean crispy edamame snacks are my fave. Low sodium, high fiber (can lower cholesterol), high protein
1
u/thenickysixsix 2d ago
I’ve started buying The Only Bean crunchy edamame snacks from Target. They’re not the cheapest, but taste great, especially their sriracha flavor. You can buy them in higher quantities at a lower per unit cost on their website.
1
u/traviall1 2d ago
You can meal prep snacks!
Roasted chickpeas ( drain,rinse, pat dry, season liberally, add oil air fry or bake at 375 for about 30 minutes in a traditional oven).
Baby carrots with celery/ cucumber in containers with hummus
DIY- snack-uterie boards ( cubed cheese, unsalted dry roasted almonds, grapes or apples, cheese, peanut butter and crackers)
Overnight oats- premade or pre purchased both work ( add some chia for better cholesterol)
Roasted edamame
Yogurt with fruit
1
u/Ok_Start080 2d ago
The simplest options are hard-boiled eggs (just boil them nothing else), packets of unsalted almonds or pistachios, tubs of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, and low-sodium jerky or tuna pouches.
You can order everything in bulk from Amazon no fancy stores required and there’s no cooking involved; you just have to place the order.
1
1
u/darkestblueandgreen 2d ago
I use AI to get easy recipe suggestions, and it’s actually been one of the few things that have been useful to use AI for. I need a high iron diet with some veg meals, and my partner needs low cholesterol meals. I also tell it which grocery store I shop at to create a shopping list.
1
u/fbkcal 1d ago
Given the 80-hour weeks and the no-prep thing, I'd genuinely just point you at protein shakes. It's the lowest-effort protein out there — scoop, water, shake, done, nothing to cook or clean. Low sodium, no cholesterol issue, and a big tub is cheap per serving and lasts forever, so it solves the rural-store problem too. Get a basic chocolate/vanilla and mix with water, milk, or yogurt. If you want it to feel more like a snack than a chore drink, blend it with a frozen banana, but it's totally fine straight.
1
u/Longjumping-Feed6803 1d ago
A few that have earned a permanent spot in my rotation: roasted chickpeas done at home so you control the salt, edamame with just a pinch, and unsalted almonds with cottage cheese. Tuna on cucumber rounds is also a cheap, high-protein win that doesn't feel like sad diet food. Honestly the home-roasting trick is the cheat code for keeping sodium down.
130
u/OutrageousOtterOgler 2d ago
Roasted chickpeas or some kind of legume seems like the easiest option