Top 10 Trader Joe’s Goodies

It’s almost the weekend. Yipeee!  Commence regular weekend activities. No, I don’t go partying and drinking. I had my fair share of that in my college days. And no, I don’t garden or work on some random home improvement project. I own a fairly new condo.

No, my weekends are usually filled with working out at my husband’s morning bootcamp in the park, going out to breakfast with my husband and his business partners, and then cleaning, laundry or whatever random chore needs to be done. Sundays are usually my grocery shopping days.

My husband and I have been asked multiple times where we shop and what we buy. I can confidently say that 90% of our shopping is done at one place, and one place only – Trader Joe’s.

TJ’s, as I like to call it, is a little grocery store that is stocked with tons of great food – a selection of organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, frozen foods, cookies, crackers, chips, etc. It may sound like a normal grocery store, but the thing about TJ’s is that most of their foods are free from artificial ingredients and fillers. And unlike some natural grocery stores (ahem, Whole Foods, PCC), their prices are low!  That translates into affordable, healthy snacking! (Caveat: Even though the sugars and fats may be natural, you should still watch out for quantities and eat in moderation.)

So I thought today I’d share with you my Top 10 Trader Joe’s Goodies. When I say “goodies,” I mean snacky foods. I won’t include vegetables (unless I snack on them!) or frozen chicken or anything like that. These are the foods I buy for my every day snacks. They’re convenient, healthy, and for the most part, easily packed into a lunch sack to bring to the office.

So, in no particular order, my Top 10 Trader Joe’s Goodies:

1. Honey sesame almonds.  Healthy fats with a touch of protein and sweetness!
2. Organic baby carrots with organic hummus. Get your fiber, beta carotene, and protein…oh, and garlic breath too!
3. Organic Greek honey yogurt. Packed with protein and healthy digestive-promoting bacteria, but with no artificial sweeteners.
4. Organic or all-natural beef jerky. Protein for the carnivore in you!
5. Almond butter or cashew butter with Ezekiel 4:9 bread or Ak Mak crackers.  Stray from the typical peanut butter, and venture into other nut butters. On top of whole grain goodness like Ezekiel 4:9 and Ak Mak, it’s positively yummy.
6. Plantain chips. Craving crunch? These are a surprisingly satisfying alternative to potato chips.
7. All-natural sharp cheddar cheese with an organic fuji apple. The classic pairing of fruit and cheese equals a great combination of protein, fat, and fibrous carbs.
8. Honey sesame sticks. For the sweet snacker in you
9. Nature’s Path Organic Pumpkin Flax Granola with organic soy milk.  Okay, I know this is a breakfast item, but I like to eat it for snack too! Get your fiber and healthy fats with this omega-3-rich cereal. Try it as a topping for your yogurt too!
10. Soy Creamy mini chocolate sandwiches non-dairy frozen dessert - No, this isn’t necessary the healthiest snack, but if you’re going for dessert, these little chocolate ice cream sandwiches have only 90 calories and 9 grams of sugar!

What are some of your favorites? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Happy Healthy Snacking!

Photo credit: Velo Steve