Yes,protein is expensive,which is what drives people to use whey.But if you consider that up to 50% of whey can be converted to glucose(sugar),it doesn't seem such a bargain.Plus it provokes an insulin response,not good on a low carb diet.The protein I recommend for those on a budget is the aussie cassinate from Protein factory.It's $6 lb.That's the equivalent of $3 lb for whey,according to my math.If you have access to a cooler or fridge,you could make "meat cookies"(hamburger patties)or even melt some cheese on top for "glazed meat cookies".Or hard-boiled eggs.Processed foods have sodium,sugar,nitrites,etc.Not the most healthy thing.Eating can be the most difficult part of all this,but too many people think of all the reasons why they CAN'T do something.Sucessful people think of HOW they CAN...
