Hey Gorgeous -
If you've been following me for a while, you probably know that I'm a Trader Joe's fan. I love the healthy selections, the new fun finds and the prices are decent. But I also want to be clear that I'm not on TJ's payroll and have no plans to be =).
As a Radical Label Reader, there are certainly plenty of items at Trader Joe's that I wouldn't recommend, and they do drive me crazy with the disappearing products. You know what I'm talking about. Once you fall in love with something and make it a staple in your grocery cart, it vanishes, like forever!
But let's keep it positive =). I'm all about action and #winning, so I wanted to share some of my favorite Trader Joe's fine - section by section. For these lists instead of overwhelming you, I'm going to keep it short and sweet with my top 4. There are certainly much more than 4, but you have to start somewhere.
This blog, we'll dive into my favorite section - Fresh Produce! You know I'm all about Veggies First! and being 'Bout that Veggie Life! Load your cart first with your favorites. Here are 4 to check-out if you haven't already discovered them.
ITEM #1 - Green Leafy Goodness (aka GLG)
Trader Joe's excuse proofs your Green Leafys. The refrigerator section is stocked with pre-washed greens that are ready to go to power you up. Some of my favorites are Organic Baby Kale, Organic Arugula, Organic Spinach, or Organic Romaine (the kids love Vegan Caesar Salad). There are many mixes and combos that aren't organic, but eating some greens is better than no greens. Just consider organic when you can.
3 Benefits:
#1 - Naturally low in calories & high in vitamins (A,C,E,K), anti-oxidants and fiber! In other words, they are packed with nutrient goodness.
#2 - Linked to Boosted Immune Function
3 Tips:
#1 - Load up your blender to make a GLG Smoothie or Smoothie Bowl
#2 - Fill half of your plate with GLG and add a little lemon juice, olive oil, Bragg's Amino Acids and your favorite seeds or nuts for a quickee side salad or make it the star of your Mason Jar Salad.
#3 - Cover your dinner plate with GLG and add a little Braggs or Olive Oil, then put all of your hot food on top of the greens. The heat gently wilts the greens and you've boosted your meal with an extra serving of gorgeous greens.
ITEM # 2 - Organic Tri-Color Carrots
So many things to love about these carrots, but first and foremost, there are 3 Colors! - so you can hit 3 color groups in your Strive for Five! daily goal. Carrots and other sweet vegetables are also a great natural way to satisfy your sweet tooth while loading up on vitamins, ant-oxidants and fiber!
#1 - Rich in vitamins A,C,K, B6 and the antioxidant beta-carotene
#2 - Linked to boosted immune function
#3 - Linked to reduced risk of some cancers
3 Tips:
#1 - Roast and sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for the Fall season
#2 - Blend up a carrot soup. So simple - so yummy.
#3 - Enjoy au natural with your favorite dip - like hummus or try this super yum vegan caesar salad dressing mentioned above.
ITEM #3 - Teeny Tiny Avocados
By now you know the benefits of healthy fats - and avocados are tops on that list. But have you discovered TJ's Teeny Tiny Avocados? They are the perfect size and price.
#1 - Nutrient dense with vitamins (C,E,K, B6) and antioxidants
#2 - Healthy monounsaturated fat is linked to maintaining healthy cholesterol
#3 - Super satisfying to keep you fuller longer when added to a meal or snack
3 Tips:
#1 - For breakfast, avocado toast is still the rage. Use a healthy sprouted bread like Ezekiel 4:9 (also at TJ's)
#2 - Add to your morning smoothie for a little extra creamy or for an occasional sweet treat or potluck, try avocado vegan brownies.
#3 - Enjoy au natural on a salad or just as a healthy snack.
ITEM #4 - Sweet Potato Ribbons and/or Butternut Squash Zig Zags
Cheating a bit with throwing in 2 at the end =). There are actually a ton a pre-chopped and packaged gems in the produce section to try ( Healthy 8 veggie mix, cauliflower rice, etc.), but wanted to give some love to the ribbons and zig zags. Butternut Squash has fewer calories and sugar, but Sweet Potatoes bring more fiber. Enjoy both in your Divinely Designed Healthy Eating Practice.
#1 - Nutrient rich with vitamins (A, C, B6) and antioxidants
#2 - Linked to lowering and maintaining blood pressure
#3 - Super satisfying to keep you fuller longer when added to a meal or snack
3 Tips:
#1 - Great add for salads
#2 - Add some orange antioxidants to a stir fry or pan of roasted veggies
#3 - Enjoy au natural as a healthy snack.
So there you have it! You can't go wrong in the produce section, so focus on the foods that you enjoy!
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. - 3 John 1:2
Let me know what you like!
Blessings & XO!
Charlie Jordan Brookins
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer & Health Coach
Founder, Fit thru Faith
