The Trader Joe’s List

Trader Joe’s is by far the most fortunate thing to happen to mankind.  This guy, Trader Joe, figured out how to provide us with quality, affordable, innovative, (for the most part) healthy, practical, convenient, and delicious groceries.  After 20 something years, I am still in awe of what I find on the shelves. While I am a big advocate of shopping at your local farmer’s market, you will rarely see one of my recipes that does not include ingredients from Trader Joe’s.

Depending on how often you are preparing food at home, you could easily shop at TJ’s once a week and have enough to make a different meal everyday.

Here is my recommended shopping list to be able to make quality meals:

Produce (preferably purchase at a farmer’s market):

Organic Romaine Lettuce Heads

Organic Broccoli Florets

Cauliflower Florets

Organic Tuscan Kale

Organic Celery

Organic Carrots

Brussels Sprouts

Organic Zucchini

Persian Cucumbers

Fennel Bulbs

Organic Onions (whole or diced)

Peeled garlic cloves

Refrigerated

Egg White, carton

Jumbo Eggs

Chicken Apple Sausage

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Frozen Organic Spinach Leaves

Frozen Berries

Parmesan Cheese

Greek Yogurt

Only at TJ’s

Spicy Hummus

Reduced Guilt Kale and Spinach Dip

Bruschetta (pre-made in a plastic container….amazing on vegetables!)

Ranchero Egg White Salad

Shelf Items

Unsweetened Almond Milk

Almonds or Mixed nuts

Dried Fruit

Jar of Roasted Red Peppers

Can of Artichoke Hearts

Low Sodium Chicken Stock

Whole Wheat Pita or Tortillas

Blueberry Fiber Muffins (great snack with only 80 calories a muffin and tons of fiber!)

Honey Whole Wheat Pretzels

Staples to have on Hand:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Olive Oil Cooking Spray

Reduced sodium Soy Sauce

Honey

Almond Butter and/or Organic Peanut Butter

Most of the recipes you find on RELish Life were made from this very shopping list. I will share some easy recipe ideas to make from this list. If you have great and healthy recipes that you make with just a few simple and whole foods, please email me and share!

Also, don’t forget that when you work with me as a life/wellness coach, we review and custom make you a grocery list, convenient snacks, recipes, and can even take a trip to the farmer’s market or grocery store so that you create a sustainable lifestyle around healthy eating.

Arielle is a proponent of happy and fullfilled living through great and healthy food.  Get more recipes or become a client and make a change in your life with easy, health focused cooking classes and wellness coaching at