Here are my top 3 healthy eating rules that I swear by to maintain lose or maintain weight, without sacrificing foods I love!
1: PLAN AHEAD ~ It’s important to stock up with fresh and healthy groceries at the beginning of the week. This eliminates having to eat out multiple times throughout the week and you are more inclined to eat clean throughout the week
2: INCORPORATE COLOR IN YOUR MEALS ~ as they say, “eat the rainbow.” This ensures you are consuming enough nutrients to fuel your body. TIP: try to incorporate 2-3 colors in each of your meals.
3: EATING OUT ~ eating out can be daunting as it can easily throw off your healthy eating routine. However, when eating out I find that doing shared plates or “tapas style” helps prevent me from overeating by reducing the portion size, all while getting to try more entrees by sharing with friends or my partner!
... Read moreYou know how important it is to plan ahead when you're trying to eat healthy, right? Well, for me, a big part of that planning starts with a trip to Trader Joe's! Those iconic brown paper bags aren't just for groceries; they're the start of my healthy eating week. Since the article touched on stocking up, I wanted to share why TJ's is my go-to for healthy hauls and how I make the most of it.
First off, Trader Joe's just makes healthy eating *easier*. They have so many convenient, yet still wholesome, options that save me a ton of time. Think pre-chopped veggies, pre-marinated proteins, and a fantastic frozen section. It means I can get home, unpack my Trader Joe's paper bags, and actually use what I bought without spending hours on prep. This really helps me stick to my 'plan ahead' rule, especially on busy weekdays.
So, what are my absolute must-haves for a healthy TJ's grocery trip? I always grab a few bags of their organic frozen berries for smoothies, and their riced cauliflower or broccoli florets are perfect for quick side dishes. For protein, I love their lean ground turkey or chicken breasts, and their pre-cooked lentils are a lifesaver for salads and bowls. Don't forget their salad kits – while some can be high in dressing, they’re great in a pinch, or you can use your own lighter dressing. I also swear by their Everything but the Bagel seasoning to jazz up eggs, avocado toast, or even roasted veggies (hello, incorporating color!).
When I'm planning my meals, I make a list beforehand, focusing on fresh produce from the perimeter of the store first. Then I hit the freezer aisle for those staples. I try to think about how each item will contribute to my 'eat the rainbow' goal. For example, a bag of their organic kale, some cherry tomatoes, and pre-cooked chicken from TJ's can become a vibrant, nutrient-packed salad in minutes. Their mini sweet peppers and cucumbers are perfect for snacking, too.
Another trick I've learned is to use those sturdy Trader Joe's paper bags to help organize my groceries when I get home. I'll often dedicate one bag to breakfast items, another to lunch components, and so on. It sounds simple, but it makes grabbing ingredients throughout the week so much smoother. It's all about making healthy choices the easiest choices, and for me, Trader Joe's plays a huge role in that. It truly helps me maintain my weight and energy without feeling deprived, and avoids those last-minute unhealthy takeout decisions. Give it a try for your next healthy eating prep!