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