Before we begin, I wanted to remind you that you have a week to join my Six Month Clothes Shopping Fast Challenge. Details can be found HERE and I hope you’ll join us!
I’ll be the first to admit that I am a HUGE Trader Joe’s fan. I also find it remarkable that they get SO much free advertising due to the cult following that they’ve managed to secure. I, for one, am DEFINITELY a cult follower and today I’m giving them free advertising.
Ever since #Quarantine started, I, like everyone else, have been cooking at home a lot more and have expanded my Trader Joe’s horizons. Today I thought I’d share some of my favorites.
If you’ve never shopped at Trader Joe’s, making the switch is certainly a learning curve but it’s definitely the most budget-friendly option for quick, healthy foods.
Apple Smoked Bacon
Without a doubt, this is the best bacon I’ve ever had. I do FASTer Way to Fat Loss (you can read specific details about it HERE) and we do two low carb days per week. This bacon is a definite staple on low carb days.. I usually cook it in my air fryer and it’s blissful. Also, Trader Joe’s doesn’t use nitrates so, while it is still bacon at the end of the day, it’s a healthier version of bacon.
Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
These are another low carb staple. I often eat them sans bun with these frozen frittata things from Costco. These will also be amazing on the grill this summer and they’re guilt free.
Frozen Channa Masala
Pre-COVID, Trader Joes used to have samples every day. This is one of the samples I tried and am hooked. This is great for a quick, easy lunch. It’s also meatless, so it’s great for Meatless Monday if that happens to be your thing.
Smoked Gouda
As you can see from that fact that I’m running low, I’m a big fan of this cheese. It’s great on sandwiches or even cut up and added to a charcuterie board. It’s delicious and not for doggies, despite what they think.
Lemon Kitchen Hand Soap
I ended up with this soap because back when soap was seemingly impossible to find, it was always well-stocked at Trader Joe’s. It makes your hands feel clean without being dehydrating, which is very important to me.
Coconut Beverage
This is what every other store would call “coconut milk,” but Trader’s doesn’t use the word “milk” for anything other than dairy milk. ANYWAY, this is the base of my daily smoothies, which brings me to….
Frozen Mango
Frozen Mangoes + a banana + Arbonne Strawberry Protein + Coconut “Beverage”= MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE. Yummmmm.
Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
This is another low carb day staple. I just add some diced grilled chicken and a fried egg or two and viola! Such a delicious meal.
Breaded Chicken
This is definitely the most versatile item at TJ’s. Put a bit of pesto on it. Add BBQ sauce. Put some cheddar and roasted broccoli on it. Eat it with guac. See? So many options.
Peony Blossom Candle
Now, don’t get me wrong.. I do love me some fancier candles, but this is a steal at $3.99 and it makes your house smell divine. It is paraben-free, and has a lead-free cotton wick made from coconut/soy wax. Sooo, depending on your definition of a “non-toxic candle,” it makes the cut. It certainly does for me.
My all-time favorite coffee
I make it in my French press and it’s one of the best parts of my morning. Yum.
Do you have a favorite Trader Joe’s product? I feel like I’m constantly finding new amazing things, so I always love recommendations! Have a great Tuesday, everyone!
PS- Today is a very special someone’s birthday. Jim, I love you and can’t wait to continue in the celebrations!