I went to Trader Joe’s! 🙂  And now I’m here to share what I picked up~ all Whole30 friendly (which can get tricky). 

Before heading off to the store, I write a list organized according to the sections of the grocery store.  Nerdy? Maybe… but it makes my trip much more efficient.  I try to think about each meal of the day + snacks, and what I can easily prep into meals to keep ready-to-go in the fridge.

I’m back in full swing of my crazy schedule for my last semester of grad school… finishing off strong with a full time internship during the day, followed by night classes & a 45-minute commute each way.  Surprisingly, completing a Whole30 & staying on track with my eating habits has become very easy- even while constantly on the go.  I’ve found that by choosing the right items at the grocery store, I can have quick tasty meals that are convenient for grab & go during my hectic week. 

Hope this gives you some ideas & that you find it helpful!  Let me know if you would like recipes for anything 🙂
MEAT
  • Organic Free-Range Chicken Thighs~ I bake these with a ton of spices & ghee (clarified butter), then eat on my salads for lunch.
  • Garlic Herb Chicken Sausage~ One of the few sausages at Trader Joe’s with no added sugar or bad stuff; therefore Whole30 friendly. Great with breakfast or dipped in spicy brown mustard.
  • Ground Turkey~ I switch off between this & ground beef so I don’t get burnt out on either one. I used this in my crockpot chili & also like it for meatballs/meatloaf, veggie-loaded turkey burgers, & meat sauce!

VEGETABLES
  •  Cruciferous Crunch~ This is a blend of shredded broccoli, kale, red cabbage, & brussels sprouts. I like it sautéed with garlic as a side dish or mixed in with salad greens for crunch.
  • Broccoli Slaw~ A mix of shredded broccoli & carrots perfect for adding flavor & vitamins to your salads. 
  • Romaine Salad~ My third mix-in for the perfect salad greens 🙂
  • Mini Heirloom Tomatoes~ Super sweet & delicious! I like them on my salads & as a snack.
  • Persian Cucumbers~ Another great snack/salad topper… crunchy & refreshing 🙂
  • Sweet Potatoes~ Can’t live without. I microwave mine, then top with coconut oil, cinnamon, & a pinch of sea salt… tastes like dessert!
FRUIT

  • Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries~ I cut up the strawberries, then washed & dried these. I keep them stored in a large bowl & eat a serving each morning with my breakfast. Delicious! Great for dessert too.
  • Bananas~ I buy mine perfectly ripe, then slice & freeze right away. Great to have on hand for snacking, mashing, blending, etc.
  • Lemons~ These are my “condiment” of choice. I use lemons to dress my salads & seafood, and love them sliced in water or tea. 
PANTRY ITEMS
  • Roasted Plantain Chips~ These were my treat for the week 🙂 The ingredients are plantains, sunflower oil, & sea salt (not bad!) & they have a savory flavor (unlike banana chips). Would be great with guacamole!
  • Unsweetened Apple Sauce~ Do yourself a favor & skip the cups… the straight up jarred sauce tastes the best!
  • Larabars~ The best snack ever. I got Cherry Pie, Apple Pie, & Cashew Cookie (their flavor selection is sad).
  • Organic Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce~ Picked these up for my “All-American Crockpot Chili”.. dinner done for the week!
  • Light Coconut Milk~ This goes into a mason jar in the fridge & is my go-to coffee creamer.

Let me know if you pick any of these items up! Also, if you’re in the market for a new body lotion… Trader Joe’s brand “Midsummer Night’s Cream” is an amazing unscented lotion with good ingredients! Give it a try!
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Filed   lifestyle, what I bought