I know that everyone is obsessed with Target and yes, obviously I have myself walked out with 3 candles, a new lamp and none of the things I actually went in for but for me personally, Trader Joe’s is the store that really gets me going.
Admittedly, I fall victim of their MANY delicious and not-so-healthy options pretty often, however, I also have a really solid shopping list that includes a ton of healthy and tasty options I’ve gotten pretty good at sticking to.
As someone who is not a very skilled cook and who has a very limited kitchen to work with (SF living, am I right?) I have had to experiment with simple, easy recipes that require minimal steps. So basically if you’re trying to use the excuse that you don’t have time or can’t cook, you’re just being lazy. If I can do it, LITERALLY anyone can. A baby. A mouse. Anyone.
So if you’re trying to get some January new year, new (healthier) me inspo my Trader Joe’s shopping list will definitely help you get off on the right foot. And obviously, I’m throwing in some of my favorite treats too because DUH.
I am not vegan or a vegetarian but I do enjoy a lot of vegan products so if that’s your jam you’ll see a lot of options down below as well!
Everything I list here is obviously not what I get every time because I am one person but I typically pick up 1-3 items from each category. I hope you find this helpful! Enjoy!
FRUITS & VEGGIES
I usually stock up on this category the most! I always saute a ton of veggies for the week when I meal prep and also love making zoodles to make a carbless pasta if that’s what I’m feeling. I also have a lot of salads throughout the week so essentially most of my meals consist of me throwing some sort of protein over a shit ton of vegetables. It’s a great way to get all your servings and keep yourself full! Here are my favorites:
Organic zucchini
Shredded brussels
Brussel Sprout Saute Kit (soooo good, comes with parmesan and a lemony sauce, highly recommend)
Asparagus
Organic Baby Spinach
Wild Arugula
Leeks (the love of my life)
Onions
Avocados
Japanese sweet potatoes (they’re not quite a sweet as regular sweet potatoes, which I prefer)
Cherry tomatoes
Baby carrots
Granny Smith apples (I have one every day)
Bell peppers
PROTEIN
Like I said my meals are extremely simple and usually consist of veggies and some sort of protein so I always pick up 1-2 proteins to use in my meals for the week. Here are my go-to’s:
Smoked salmon (I looooove fish and will have this in the am for breakfast)
Alaskan salmon (love to cook with the kale pesto and lemon)
Super firm tofu
Smoke deli turkey slices (for sammies)
Refried black beans
Liquid egg whites
Citterio Salami Packs (I call them baby salami lolol)
Bag of frozen pre-cooked grilled chicken (great for salads)
Bag of frozen pre-cooked turkey meatballs
Cultured Coconut Milk Yogurt (I love vanilla the most)
Morning Star Veggie Sausage Links
CARBS
I have a relatively low carb diet but do like to incorporate some grains/breads into my day, especially in the mornings because that’s when I workout and need the energy the most. Here are my faves:
Gluten-free waffles (I am a waffle addict and this is my favorite breakfast treat)
Sprouted 7-grain bread
Frozen pre-cooked organic brown rice
Vegetable Radiatore Rainbow Pasta
EASY DINNERS
I am a lazy cook. I don’t want to spend a ton of time making elaborate dinners at the end of the day so I like to keep some easy dinner options on hand and Trader Joe’s has some super tasty options:
Tomato Feta soup
Banh Mi Inspired Noodle Bowl (SO delish)
Frozen Vegan Tikka Masala
Frozen Channa Masala
Frozen Wonton Soup
Frozen Spicy Thai Eggplant
Frozen Bean Enchiladas
Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi
SAUCES/DIPS/DRESSINGS/SPICES
What is life without hummus? Not a life I want to live. Here are my favorite ways to add a little spice to life:
Three-layer hummus (a staple)
Chunky Olive Hummus
Vegan Kale Pesto
Green Goddess Dressing
Basil Marinara pasta sauce
Artichoke Antipasto (I eat this with a spoon it is crack)
Eggplant garlic spread with sweet red peppers (see above)
Champagne Pear Vinaigrette
Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (duh)
Sweet Chilli Sauce
Creamy Almond Butter
SNACKS
I am a very snacky girl and have never been able to do the just breakfast/lunch/dinner thing so I try to make sure I have healthy snacks on hand in my apartment so I don’t eat a block of cheese every two hours. Here are the ones I love most:
Heirloom popcorn (just palm oil and pink salt)
Crispy Crunchy Broccoli Florets
Power Crunch Protein Energy Bars (chocolate peanut butter is my fave and they’re a great sweet treat substitute)
Truffle Marcona Almonds
Dried Chile Spiced Mango
Pickle Popcorn (addicted)
Fresh Mozzarella (a slice or two with tomatoes and olive oil is a REAL treat!)
BEVERAGES
I really only ever drink three things: water, coffee, and wine. But here are some of my favorite bevies for when I’m feeling spontaneous as well as my faves from my three staples:
Coconut Cold Brew Coffee (love this in the afternoon cold with almond milk)
Health-Ade Kombucha (love the pink lady apple flavor)
ZICO Coconut Water
Almond Breeze Chocolate Almond Milk
Lactose-Free Hazelnut Creamer (this with a sprinkle of cinnamon in my coffee is a dream)
Spindrift Sparkling Water in Raspberry Lime
Black Mountain Sauvignon Blanc (all-time fave)
Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc (organic and delish!)
TREATS
Admittedly 1-2 of these always somehow make into my cart but I’m not mad about it. Treats keep us sane! Here are my all-time faves:
Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese (what drunk food dreams are made of)
Spud Crunchies (if you like your In-N-Out fries well done you will die for these)
Oven Baked Cheese Bites
Gone Bananas! Chocolate Covered Banana Slices
Vegan Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies (outrageously good)
Brussel Sprouts & Caramelized Onion Ravioli
Black Truffle Alfredo Sauce (seasonal!)
New England Clam Chowder (kept in the refrigerated aisle)
Party Sized Meatballs (so good with the sweet chili sauce!)
Blueberry Goat Cheese
What are your favorites from Trader Joe’s? Please share them below so I can try them!
Xo, She
