Best Cheap High Protein Snacks For Busy ADHD Moms

Cheap high-protein snacks for busy ADHD moms play a significant role in our energy and focus, considering how hard that is to come by these days for anyone in a hurry!

Finding the perfect balance between nutrition and convenience can be challenging for any mom in a busy life. But when you add Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder into the mix, ensuring that you have sustained energy levels becomes crucial as we tend to burn out quicker. That’s where cheap high-protein snacks come to the rescue!

As an ADHD mom, prioritizing my nutritional needs helps make an impact on my mental focus, mood stability, and overall well-being. And so, I had to find cheap protein-rich snacks that are budget-friendly and tailored to fit my hectic lifestyle. Also, snacks that offer instant energy boosts and provide valuable nutrients to support cognitive functions affected by my ADHD.

In this article, we delve into cheap high-protein snack options that are simple and quick and uncover the benefits of how protein and good nutrition from food play an integral role in helping you stay energized.

Challenges with Eating and Why High Protein is Important for Busy ADHD Moms

Often, moms with ADHD become impulsive and may reach for more sugary food items like chocolates or carbs like cookies or pastries. This can be due to skipping or forgetting to eat a complete meal with protein, so we take a quick energy boost from those foods to fill in our dopamine. This can be a vicious cycle of unhealthy eating habits, more brain fog and fluctuating levels of very high and depleted energy levels.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, can bring about difficulties related to eating, like disorganization, lack of time, deciding on what to make and figuring out what to eat. Other reasons can be co-curring conditions associated with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. This is why it’s essential to have a list of go-to “safe foods.”

What Are High Protein “Safe Foods” and Why Is It Important For Busy ADHD Moms

“Safe food” is a term I use regarding simple and comforting food, offering a sense of familiarity and ease. It is a go-to option that is generally well-tolerated and does not exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These foods typically have a balanced combination of nutrients and are easy to digest, helping to maintain stable energy levels and promote focus. This is among the reasons why those with ADHD tend to be creatures of habit and repeat what they know to be familiar and safe.

As much as I love to watch aesthetic morning routine videos on TikTok or YouTube on influencers who make their smoothie bowl or deluxe oatmeal platter, I couldn’t enjoy those foods I knew were super healthy. I would tell my ADHD coach that a lot of food in the morning wouldn’t feel good or sit well in my stomach. My anxiety levels would be high in the morning, and I couldn’t get myself to eat breakfast. This can also happen when you’re on ADHD medication that suppresses appetite.

After figuring out what foods appealed to me and sat well in my stomach, it became my go-to breakfast item: a pre-made egg salad sandwich on white bread and a vanilla protein shake. It was repetitive, and people may find that odd and not an ideal healthy breakfast, but it gave me protein to start the day right, so I had to pick my battles, and we should never strive for perfection.

The Importance of Cheap and Easy Food Options for Busy ADHD Moms

Quick and easy snacks allow moms with ADHD to grab something without spending too much time on preparation. Because if we know there are steps to take in preparing food, we’re not eating.

Those with ADHD can experience fluctuations in focus and attention throughout the day, so keeping energy levels stable can support better productivity and overall well-being. Having a range of fast and cheap snack options gives us options that align with our taste preferences and help satisfy our appetites.

Quickly grabbing a cheap high-protein snack when hunger strikes can help prevent feelings of stress and frustration that can often arise from delays or hunger-induced distractions. By having access to fast and affordable snacks, ADHD moms can maintain a more relaxed and focused state of mind.

Why Do Busy ADHD Moms Need High Protein Snacks?

Protein-rich snacks provide a steady energy source and help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is crucial. By consuming protein-rich snacks, moms with ADHD can experience enhanced focus and mental clarity throughout the day. This does not cure ADHD, but it can help alleviate its symptoms, such as impulsivity and distractibility.

Protein aids in neurotransmitter production (building signals between nerve cells, allowing them to communicate with each other), such as dopamine and serotonin, which play a vital role in regulating mood and concentration. Read about the connection between protein and your mental health for more research.

The Best Cheap High Protein Snack Options for Busy Moms

These snacks offer variety and are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. They can help ADHD moms maintain energy levels and focus and aren’t too expensive.

1. Greek Yogurt Snacks

Not only does Greek yogurt have up to 10 grams of protein, but it’s also packed with beneficial probiotics that are good for your gut health and give you the “good bacteria” your body needs for your immune system. My stomach cramps up when I’m busy in the morning with the kids. I become overwhelmed, which is generally expected to cause some anxiety in a lot of moms with ADHD. Greek yogurt could help create a more substantial barrier in our gut.

Consider what else to add to your yogurt to make it more satiating and enjoyable. Cutting fruits like bananas and berries to top it off can add the fibre we need, and adding oats or granola will help boost the protein even more. Seeds like hemp hearts, chia or pumpkin seeds also give you healthy fat!

2. Hard Boiled Eggs

Eggs. Go Eggs! These guys have protein and other essential nutrients like Omega 3s. You can elevate it even more by using hot sauce like Tabasco (my favourite) or sprinkling some salt and pepper.

Having a delicious egg sandwich on white bread got me through work hours at my full-time job. It’s one of my “safe foods” that didn’t make me feel sick or uncomfortable. It always kept me full and energized throughout my day.

I highly recommend eggs, especially egg sandwiches, where you also have the carbs from the bread to boost energy. Hard-boiled eggs are a nutrient-dense snack that is easy to prepare in advance and adaptable to add to a meal as a cheaper primary source of protein.

3. Cheese Snacks

Cheese is a convenient and portable snack that offers protein and calcium for bones. If you want to make it more ADHD-friendly, opt for individually pre-cut, packaged cheese that you can grab from the fridge and pair with a fruit for added fibre. If you have more time, pour a small bowl of cottage cheese, which is also an excellent source of protein.

Another safe snack of mine, before running out the door with my toddler, was individually packaged Havarti cheese and eating it with blueberries. This combination was so tasty and easy on my stomach and nerves, and I would enjoy them every morning during my bus commute.

Stock up on these individually wrapped snacks and enjoy them whenever hunger strikes. Costco is a great place to get a big bulk of cheese! Be mindful that anything pre-made or pre-cut will be more costly, so set time to shred or cut things yourself to avoid extra cost. I opt for prepackaged items because I can’t always find the time, and eating my safe foods when easy access is more important to me than cost in that case.

4. Hummus Snacks

I remember my neighbour and I would start our morning by getting our kids out the door to a playgroup at the EarlyOn Centre in Toronto. We would be offered a variety of snacks, and one of them was hummus with bread sticks! We would freak out over this snack because of how simple and delicious it was, so I added hummus to this list!

Hummus is not only high in protein, but it also contains healthy fats and fibre. Pair it with pretzels or veggie sticks like carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, celery or bell peppers to make a more satisfying and nutrient-rich snack.

You can buy store-bought hummus or make it yourself, as canned chickpeas are inexpensive. I use a quality blender like a Vitamix to make a smooth hummus in seconds!

5. Peanut Butter Snacks

Working as a diet tech at a rehab hospital, I see many patients who sometimes don’t feel like having a big meal, depending on how sick they feel. A lot of the time, protein and fresh-cut apples or bananas do just the trick to give them some warmth in their bellies but also protein to keep them well.

I remember the days I used to work mornings, and I always looked forward to having a banana with peanut butter and coffee. It is the simplest and quickest pairing to get nutrients during a 30-minute break. Pair this dynamic duo with some multigrain bread, and you get a hearty sandwich that will do just the trick.

Peanut butter is a cheap, high-protein snack with healthy fats, making a delicious add-on and well-rounded snack.

6. Trail Mix Snacks

I was super excited when I saw a Costco trail mix box. This isn’t my safest go-to snack as it doesn’t give me that desire to want it, but I still think it could be a great option. I got mine from Costco, and it’s a Kirkland brand filled with peanuts, cashews, raisins, and M&Ms, which is excellent for an ADHD mom to have a hint of sweet chocolate in the mix.

However, you can create your DIY trail mix by combining your favourite nuts, seeds and dried fruits. This customizable snack is high in protein, healthy fats and fibre, providing sustained energy throughout the day.

7. Chickpea Salad

Canned chickpeas are a great vegetarian option that makes for cheap high-protein snacks. Give yourself time to make a batch of chickpea salad using a vinegarette or lemon, olive oil and seasonings. You can make it taste fresher with some canned corn, cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes.

When you meal prep and make a big batch, this snack tastes even better when it sits and marinates in the fridge! My workplace always made this; it was one of my favourite fresh salads that kept me full.

8. Premier Protein Shake Snacks

This shake has 30 grams of protein, and it was a lifesaver while on the go last summer. It was refreshing and filling and held me up most days when I had no desire to eat food in the morning. You can get a massive case at Costco with flavours like chocolate, vanilla and caramel.

Although protein shakes can be expensive, Premier Protein makes up for the price with its 30 grams of protein, and it is delicious and easy on the stomach. It’s only 1 gram of sugar and makes for a quick dose of protein if you don’t have the time to deal with packing food in containers or finding other foods that can pair nicely with any other protein options listed above.

9. Cold Cuts and Jerky Snacks

These may be some controversial meat options, but both have great sources of protein that are savoury when you’re on the more salty side. Please don’t feel bad eating cold cuts because although they’re known to be more processed, think about it as cheap high-protein snacks. Remember, sometimes we have to pick our battles.

These quick meat options require no effort in heating or cooking, making them perfect for moms on the go. Turkey or ham slices on some bread to make a quick sandwich will keep you fuller and more energized!

10. Protein Bar Snacks

Although protein bars can also be expensive, they’re easy for busy ADHD moms to take with them, making them a quick option for us. Look for bars with at least 10 grams of protein per serving, and check the ingredients list for natural and wholesome ingredients.

Final Tips on Cheap High Protein Snacks for Busy ADHD Moms

As a busy mom with ADHD, it’s crucial to prioritize your nutritional needs. Still, understandably, it can be quite the challenge when we either forget or get into hyperfocus when life happens and we have no desire to eat.

It’s easier when snacks are packaged, pre-cut and ready to go during busy days, so pick your battles and do what’s practical for you. Because if we’re required to prep anything, it won’t happen, or we’ll be late for our commitment. It’s worth setting a timer for half an hour on a Sunday and having these food options pre-cut and packaged yourself, like fruit or cheese in containers, ready for the week. Follow my ADHD-friendly cleaning schedule to understand better how you can prioritize and prepare cheap high-protein snacks on a Sunday.

These cheap, high-protein snacks will help you stay energized and focused throughout the day without breaking the bank or resorting to takeout and lineups. Remember to plan, have these snacks readily available and incorporate them into your daily routine. A well-nourished mom can handle motherhood’s demands and better ADHD management.