Over the past three years, I’ve lost 100 pounds while also getting stronger and building muscle. Here’s what I’ve eaten most often along the way.

As Associate Community Editor, I produce quizzes of every variety — from tricky trivia to those sweet nostalgic bites and everything in between.

Listen, I love getting in some lean ground beef when I can...but this is SO easy and so helpful for those days when you just cannot fathom cooking. I personally like to pair it up with the Bettergoods brand keto bread for a little boost, too!

Okay, stay with me here, but these are the BEST frozen burgers out there. I know turkey isn't always the go-to choice, but it's lean, high in protein, and so convenient that I sometimes eat just the patties.

If Canes has no fans, I must be departed from life, because I LIVED on their naked tenders for years. But I'm also, well, cheap, so I don't frequent their drive-thru any longer. I won't lie to you and say it's the exact same, but for $8, it's the closest "dupe" you can find!

This might be a no-brainer to you, but this is a more recent hack that I've applied to almost weekly dinners. It's so easy — already seasoned, cooked, and prepared for you. I've bought the deli chickens to shred for dips and homemade Lunchables, and I've also just eaten them alongside rice. BIGGER tip: go to the chicken section of the meat aisle for day-old chickens (they're about 50% cheaper at my store).

This won't be for everyone, but tuna pouches are THAT girl. I slip them in my lunch bag, work bag, and just for snacks out on the go. There are so many flavors now that you can really mix it up. But inside tip? Add them in with eggs and cottage cheese, and your gains will be overnight (not really, but you get the point).

Protein per serving: depends on chosen flavor (usually about 17 grams)

For pretty much the same reasons I love tuna pouches, I love chicken pouches. Honestly, even more so, because these don't have mercury! Pair it with some crackers or veggies and thank me later.

Protein per serving: depends on chosen flavor (usually around 12 grams)

If you haven't picked up any flavor of these chips, you, my friend, are missing out. While I've been on my gym journey, I always heard how chips are "empty foods" that never fill you up. But pair this with some shredded chicken or cottage cheese, and you just mega-charged your protein on nachos alone!

Protein per serving: depends on chosen flavor (usually around 16 grams)

This might be the biggest slurge here, but they're hyped up for a reason — Barebells are the BEST protein bars you can find, both in flavor and protein. The Cookies and Cream and Caramel Cashew are two personal favorites.

Protein per serving: depends on chosen flavor (usually around 20 grams)

I don't care — you don't need to spend wild amounts of money on whey. This brand is my go-to; it's only a gram of protein off from the bigger names, BUT it's $10 less. I'm a big Thin Mints fan, so this is my usual flavor, but they have something for everyone.

If you're not replacing your pasta with protein pasta, what are you doing? Really, any of the brands on the aisle could be here, but for the price and taste, this is the best swap for my usual spaghetti.

Call me basic, but Goodles has quickly become a new favorite for me. Personally, the queso flavor is my top favorite (and maybe everyone else's, because it's always sold out at my store), but I've yet to meet a flavor I didn't like. I'll throw in a portion of frozen mixed veggies, and it's honestly gourmet.

As a Certified Lazy Girl, I'm going to add my favorite frozen pizza, yes, of course. It's GF-friendly, which is always a plus, but the protein is just wild for a store-brand frozen pizza. And if chicken sausage isn't your thing, there are veggie options with similar macros!

The number of times I've eaten this entire packet...It's honestly criminal how much you get for such a great calories-to-protein ratio. If you're looking for more plant-based protein that isn't just solid broccoli, well, look right above.

OKAY, OKAY, I know this one won't be for everyone, but I promise that for those who hate cottage cheese, small-curd is the way to go. I add it to scrambled eggs for extra fluff and protein, mix it into buffalo sauce and chicken for a protein dip, and just eat it plain for a snack. 

I said it already, but I'm CHEAP cheap. Yes, I love Chomps like everyone else, but for $18? No, thank you. These are half the price and have the same taste as the beef Chomps. Easy choice for me. But if you must have something with a bit more flavor, the Bettergoods brand has a Hot Honey and Smoked Beef Sticks flavor for just a couple of dollars more.

Truly, any yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, could be replaced here. BUT as someone who has eaten her way through the entire aisle, the :Ratio brand is the best bang for your buck and protein goals. Throw it in your lunch, grab one for an easy breakfast, or drizzle it with honey for a sweet treat — the possibilities are endless (or close to it).

I don't want to hear heat for this one in the comments — it's HARD to get protein in for a dessert that isn't just solid Greek yogurt. So, are these yogurt bars all you need for your protein goal? No, but it is a great option for sweet treat time (which we all love, don't lie). And as someone sensitive to dairy, these don't upset my stomach as much!

This is my dessert splurge for when Greek yogurt isn't cutting it. It is quite pricey, yes, but it hits my protein at a meal time I've yet to sacrifice — sweet treat time. The Cherry Crumble flavor is nearly identical to its Pop-Tarts counterpart (in terms of flavor).