5 Trader Joe’s Items, 5 Ingredients or Less

Admit it: we all love a good list with anything Trader Joe’s, right? It’s a favorite grocery store for many people because the prices are reasonable, the food is fun and straightforward, and the employees are honestly the nicest around. I love how they make somewhat “trendy” food a bit more accessible for everyone looking to try new things. There are so many great quality items you can find here for a much better price comparatively to other health stores.

I’m sharing a few items that I’ve loved since my first day in a Trader Joe’s (circa maybe like 2012? If you’ve been following Nutrition Happens since it started in May of 2013…..then you know!!) – all items with a simple + minimal ingredient list:

April 2, 2018 TAGS: food, groceries, healthy snacks, nutrition, trader joes BY: May

Nutrition + Food

Grocery Haulin’ (3/24/15)

Lots of base greens this week – I’m feeling all the salads!

From Trader Joes: Mandarin oranges, organic Tuscan kale, sliced mango, organic arugula, organic baby spinach, organic romaine, frozen pineapple, pomegranate seeds, tomato basil hummus, greek yogurt, radishes, lemons, tempeh, sun dried tomatoes.

I like to pick up frozen fruit from Trader Joe’s to keep stock in my freezer. They’re easy to throw into smoothies (frozen fruit just gives better texture!) or to just snack on. I’m loving frozen mango and pineapple as dessert!

Trimmed radishes are only 99 cents at Trader Joe’s, friends. Scrounge up some change from your couch and get you some. Great to toss onto salads!

A pack of sun-dried tomatoes made it into my shopping basket this week because I’ve been craving a nice big salad with all the toppings and sun dried tomatoes would be one those said toppings. These are also fabulous toss into omelets!

From Whole Foods: Pineapple mango salsa, crumbled goat cheese, kiwis, frozen tri-color carrots, bananas, organic bell peppers, and Japanese sweet potatoes. Oh, and the green tea and coconut flavor coconut milk ice cream from So Delicious (sale!!!!) Swooning.

Seriously hands down my favorite flavors of all time from So Delicious. It’s like, if I were an ice cream, this is what I would look like. Green tea and coconut. Either one or maybe both. Probably both swirled together. A girl can dream.

I am SO happy to get some Japanese sweet potatoes back in my kitchen. They’re one of my favorite sweet potato variations besides my number one purple sweet potato.

So I know what you’re thinking – it’s definitely more economical to make your own salsa. However, when I’m shopping for myself, I like to to pick up a small container such as this from Whole Foods because it’s the perfect amount for the week. Sometimes making a big batch of salsa for myself results in me wasting half the batch – not good! I love the house made ones from Whole Foods – I stir them into salads or pair them with a protein for a little extra kick.

Stahibush Island Farms is often a go-to frozen vegetable brand of mine. The company’s passion for sustainable farming resonates in their products – I love their frozen sliced beets! I usually reach for the Whole Foods 365 Brand most of the time, but I’ll pick up a some from Stahibush when they’re on sale.

And even though Trader Joe’s sells a goat cheese crumble for less ($2.99 vs $4.99), I’ve always found that the Whole Foods version is a taddd bit creamier. Adding a touch of goat cheese crumble is a nice addition to salads, omelets, sweet potatoes….basically anything!

What’s in your grocery cart this week?

March 24, 2015 TAGS: coconut milk, food, goat cheese, green tea, groceries, grocery haul, healthy food, ice cream, meal prep, nutrition, nutrition happens, salads, snacks, so delicious, spinach, trader joes, vegetables, whole foods BY: May

Nutrition + Food

Friday Favorites. (3/6/15)

March is finally here! Warm weather totally happened this week and so did running outside in shorts. Such a spring weather tease, since I’m currently back in pants (it’s a high of 40’s today, seriously?)…so not cool (not literally.)

This week’s Charleston picture is brought to you near Waterfront Park. The views here never get old for me. Everyday gives me new perspective – it’s beautiful on many different levels!

However, Sunday is Daylight Savings Time and I’m so excited to have extra sunlight. I’m 100% a summer kinda person – the beach and warm weather are more of my scene.

Hope you are having the best of Fridays. Enjoy a few favorites of my favorite link-ups and shenanigans of the week and I’ll catch you back here Sunday!

1) Salads at Verde. I went 3 times this week for lunch. Sorry not sorry. It’s their March Madness….gotta support the locals! #thechickpeaismylife

2) I’m sorry, but I just found the cutest umbrella ever. If it’s going to rain…I want this to match my rainboots, because let’s be real, the best part about rain is wearing your rainboots.

3) Fun fact: I am obsessed with the show Modern Family. Can’t even put to words how I felt when they filmed this episode with the use of just iPhones and iPads. Week made.

4) These car snacks of the week: (mini) Go Macro bars and handcrafted peanuts via Lush Gourmet.

4) This article from Thrillest. The most popular Instagram-ed food items on social media – interesting, right? I mean, cake is fun and all..but really? Maybe I’m a little (or very) bias but seriously, how is avocado NOT on this list? Or the fact that avocado is STILL not an emoji? #emojilife #wherestheavocado

4) This handcreme. I took another shopping lunch break the other day and strolled over to L’Occitane and convinced myself that my dry hands needed some help. So glad I instigated myself to treat myself – cause this smells deeevine! It’s made with almond milk and has a slight almond-y fragrance. Love.

5) This Buzzfeed article that made me literally LOL – 25 Things We Took for Granted in the 00’s. Number 8 though. AOL away messages were my life.

6) Mid-day coffee breaks via Collective Coffee Company. Iced coffee is has no seasons.

7) These portion marked zip-lock bags from Target. So CUTE. Basic girl problems…I know, but okay when was the last time you walked out of Target buying only one thing? Yeah, okay. Long live Target and impulsive buys! #whatissavings

8). Friday Throwback: This situation right here happening. Seriously, when my pool opens again….no joke I will be the first person there!

March 6, 2015 TAGS: food, friday favorites, life, nutrition happens, wellness BY: May

Nutrition + Food

What I Ate Wednesday (3/4/15)

Hi, friends! We made it to hump day. Best way to celebrate? Sharing with you all the eats. Going with the trend of my past few What I Ate Wednesdays, this has been a compilation of a few meals over the past week.

Breakfast.

I tried out something new for breakfast this week (trying to branch out a bit!) – the Rip’s Big Bowl Triple Berry Walnut cereal from Engine 2. I love their line of plant based items, but I do admit I’ve never been a cereal fan. But this has changed my mind – it’s very hearty and filling! The textures are perfect. It’s a combination of flax, walnuts, oats, shredded wheat, and freeze dried berries..a great wholesome mix. I love adding cashew milk and fresh raspberries + strawberries. For one serving, it’s got 6 grams of fiber + 7 grams protein at only 1 gram of sugar – I’ll take it! You can check out a full ingredient list and nutrition facts here.

The cappuccinos from Collective Coffee are my absolute favorite. It’s hard to foam almond milk but they make it look like it’s a breeze – which keeps me a regular customer, for sure!

They also make a pretty kick ass parfait. If it’s one thing to be true, it’s my love for Collective Coffee – you’ll catch me there often!

With an almond milk chai.

Lunch.

A messy salad mix at work. I used their salad bar that day – it’s a mix of spinach + spring greens + peas + tomatoes + carrots + onions + avocado and grilled shrimp.

I packed some leftover roasted brussels sprouts and put together this combination – Rudi’s Spelt english muffin + Trader Joe’s chili lime chicken burger + avocado + spinach. I had an afternoon workout planned that day and this kept me full until dinner – it was great! Typically I get hungry again 2 hours after lunch (forever hungry….#reallife) – I was suprised at how satisfied I was!

Afternoon Pick-Me Up.

The Lemon Love Suja is my favorite out of the entire Suja Juice line – it’s so light and refreshing but that pinch of cayenne is definitely the kicker!

Dinner.

I posted a “What I Bought Tuesday” yesterday that went through a look into how I prepare a few extra meals for busy weeks. It really makes such a big difference in my days because after an eight hour work day and a trip to the gym afterwards, I get home around 7pm hungry and ready to eat my entire kitchen. Being prepared is just one of those habits you can easily take on to adopting a healthier lifestyle. Here’s another look into some other meal ideas I like to do –

Have you tried the Trader Joe’s wild caught salmon burgers before? You can grill, bake, or pan fry them. I prefer to bake them – since it only takes 10 minutes in the oven! I’ll make two at a time so I can have one for lunch or dinner the next day.

And I always prepare a batch of vegetables. (but what’s new?)

With this balsamic vinegar of Modena via Trader Joes + black pepper.

And a few cloves of peeled garlic.

With leftover Annie’s Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese + tomatos & spinach.

I also made the crispiest batch of broccoli ever last week – my favorite! Like, the crispier, the better (am I right, though?). I simply spray a batch of broccoli with Trader Joe’s coconut oil, add garlic powder and black pepper (sometimes nutritional yeast) and bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes. Boom.

Anddd I added this red beet kraut I mentioned before here. Kraut is a great way to add some extra probiotics (for digestive health..important!) into your meals. This is a great informational article on the benefits of fermented foods.

My favorite tempeh marinades lately….the Island soyaki (classic) and the MANGO CHUTNEY from Trader Joe’s. Could possibly eat the mango chutney by the spoonfuls. Struggles.

For days when I’m just a bottomless pit: a plain Siggi’s + stevia + dark chocolate chocolate chips + Original Puffins. The best combination of simple flavors, textures, and just overall goodness. The 15 grams of protein is a plus! 🙂

How did this end up in my cart the other day?! Oh, because I put it in there. Because cookie dough. Because coconut. Because it was on sale. Because it was Thursday. Because….it’s so delicious. But really, work hard and play hard, friends. Everything in moderation!

Thanks to Jen for always hosting the best virtual foodie party on Wednesdays!

March 4, 2015 TAGS: food, life, nutrition happens, personal, product reviews, what i ate wednesday, what i ate wednesdays, whatiatewednesday BY: May

Uncategorized

What I Ate Wednesday (2/11/15)

It’s Wednesday and I’m here to show you my eats!

This is actually more like what I’ve been eating recently. Aka a compilation of all the food that did (and didn’t) make it on Instagram, Twitter, or every other social media platform there ever was. Onto the food!

Breakfast

Breakfast sandwiches (on spelt english muffins) are back. Mainly because Rudi’s Organic Spelt English muffins are back in stock at my Whole Foods. They’ve really done some sweet renovations to the Whole Foods in Mt. Pleasant – I mean, a glass of wine while I shop? Oh, okay. I guess it’s fair a trade off for the lack of spelt english muffins these past few weeks. I love these spelt muffins because they are the perfect size for my mornings – not too big or small. They toast up nicely and double duty as either toast or sandwiches – super versatile!

So, avocados were on sale other week and I always feel the need to stock up – not an issue except for the fact that avocados don’t store that well when you’re grocery shopping for one. Like, you know when you slice open an avocado and hold your breathe because you’re praying that it’s the perfect non-blemished surface? That’s been me for the past two weeks. But seriously avocados are my favorite food, so avocado toasts have been pretty common around here! (what’s new?)

Oh, and smoked salmon. Because smoked salmon + avocado…is seriously a hell of a combo. Currently buying the smoked salmon from Trader Joe’s.

An au lait with almond milk via Caviar and Bananas. Double agendas at work..which means I’m productive Patty.

You know how I feel about local coffee shops, but I couldn’t resist the Valentine’s Day cups from Starbucks. Those hearts! I usually for for a soy misto with a dark roast.

Lunch

Verde. Verde. Verde. I’ve talk about this combination before but I’ll talk about it again because sometimes I catch myself dreaming of this salad combination. It’s romaine + chickpeas + roasted red peppers + feta cheese + lemon tahini dressing + squeeze of lemon juice – sometimes I’ll add chicken to it. It’s a dreamboat – I had this 3 times last week for lunch!

Stopped by Black Bean Company the other day – got a “beach burrito” with guacamole, mixed greens, mango salsa, sprouts, tofu, and black beans/rice – love how fresh everything is there!

Dinner

Basically, my dinners look a lot like this all the time.

Salmon/ tempeh/ or eggs + greens + quality carb time a la squashes and sweet potatoes. Oh, and this sesame ginger dressing is still on rotation. Pretty much still put it on everything.

I make big batches of vegetables to eat throughout the week – saves me so much time for those days I get home later.

Just a big batch of cauliflower + broccoli..simple and quick to cook! I toss it in coconut oil spray, garlic, and black pepper. 425F for 25 minutes and you’ve got an easy snack/side for the week.

Veggie mix + seared tempeh.

Leftover veggies + kimchi salmon a la Earthfare.

The usual + this awesome red beet and red cabbage sauerkraut.

Crispy sweet potato wedges. My Vitamin A intake is on point.

Snacks.

Mama Nutrition Happens passed through town the other week and brought kiwis! Lady knows the way to my stomach. Snacks have been lots of berries, kiwis, pears, apples….aka all the fruits.

Oh, and Siggi’s, all the Siggis.

Whole Foods had a Siggis sale this weekend – Siggis were a dollar. A dolla. Holla. I stocked up!

The new mango jalapeño flavor is perfect – there are little chunks of mango in it with just the right amount of spice. Wish they would keep this as a year round flavor!

Anddd this KIND Snacks banana nut clusters granola —

Got special something coming on the blog for ya next week with this bag of love. It’s bananas!

Oh, and CITRUS.

Grapefruit, oranges, and blood oranges. Oh em gee. Citrus is the best around this time of year – you literally cannnot get a bad (aka tart) batch of oranges currently. Very refreshing!

Random.

Gotta get in my smoothie fix at my favorite juice bar in town – Blend Juice Bar! This is a green sweetie (bananas + apple + dates + almonds + kale/spinach + coconut/almond milk).

Obsessed with these cut beets from Trader Joe’s. I’ve got through numerous jars of these in the past month. I love to snack on them plain – nature’s candy at its finest! It’s also great roasted, tossed into salads, and juiced.

Going through a big sauerkraut kick. Trader Joe’s never disappoints me!

But this one has to take the spot for me. Red Beet and Cabbage via Wild Brines. Pretty much in love with their entire line.

Favorites.

Allaffia Good Soap.

This soap from Whole Foods smells DEVINE. Oh and it’s only $2.50 a bar. You know I love my LUSH butttt this one is super creamy and smells like I just got back from my tropical vacation, still holding pineapples and sippin’ out of coconuts. Love!

Produce Candles.

AKA candles that smell like vegetables because you know I am a veggie lovin’ hippie. These are made based out of a local company here in Charleston, SC – but you can order them online! (you reallly should.)

And that’s a wrap! Photo spam for the week. Come back tomorrow for a knock your socks off new recipe!

February 11, 2015 TAGS: food, health, healthy meal ideas, nutrition, nutritionhappens, recipes, wellness, whatiatewednesday BY: May

Nutrition + Food

Summertime Favorites

Okay, how is it July already? I thought I just graduated like last week. And yet here I am, looking at the calendar saying it’s the week after July 4th! Speaking of July 4th, did you check out the sale at J.Crew this weekend? Ridiculous. Seriously though, with an extra 60% off, how could I say no? I think I almost bought the entire store. Summer sales, in general are the best. I did a bit (a lot) of damage this weekend, but it’s all for a good cause (just nourishing my closet, I’m kind like that). Words of a J.Crew addict. But c’mon, these shorts.

Anywho, no complaints as I am fully enjoying summer before I start a new job – and soaking in it’s good vibes and vitamin D in the process!

Strawberry shaped firework – do you see that or is it just me?

Here a few things I’ve been loving lately this summer:

1. Monogrammed Clear Camelbak from White Elephant Designs

I hoard Camelbaks. I never think I have enough bottles, mugs, or anything that vehicles liquids – but hey, hydration is important! I switched up the look this time and ordered this one from White Elephant Designs on Etsy. Love the mint monogram with a clear base!

2. Summer Fruits

I love basically all fruits, but cherries and watermelon are two fruits I can only imagine eating in the summer – it just doesn’t feel right any other time of the year! Peaches and nectarines, too. I find these summertime gems my local Farmer’s Markets for the best price!

3. Smoothies

Hot weather = cold smoothies. Have you checked out my sweet potato smoothies yet?

4. Summer Reads

I love reading anything that deals with nutrition, science or food in general.

And I’ve got two Michaels on my reading list this time – Michael Pollan & Michael Moss. Great reads about the inner workings of the food industry or if you’re looking for some insightful reading to make you rethink a little bit of some of the nation’s popular food choices.

And two fun reads: Sophie Kinsella & John Green. I’ve read the entire Shopholic series (fitting, I know) from Sophie Kinsella….but like back in middle school. For some reason, I was really feeling it again! Fun, easy & entertaining reads..gotta love em’. Oh, and a good John Green novel made the list too, because sometimes you just need a good sappy heart jerker. Justin’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups included.

5. Summer Shows

Big Brother. So freaking addicting. It’s like the CBS version of the Real World, you would think you hate it because the cast can be somewhat annoying but I cannot steer away! So you know where to find me Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings around 8-9ish.

Orange is the New Black. Enough said. Everyone and their mothers talk about it for a reason. The reason I finally am putting my Netflix account to good use – so please, go Netflix it ASAP.

6. Summer Veggie Grillin’

Families who grill together…well, eat grilled foods together.

7. Yogurt Makin’

Coconut milk yogurt, that is! I adapted the instructions loosely from Nom Nom Paleo. Crumble some granola from Purely Elizabeth and fresh fruit, and you’re golden. Oh, a mountain of cinnamon, duh.

And, if you haven’t heard – Purely Elizabeth granolas are now in Target stores! Now I get a wholesome snack as I put the entire store into my shopping basket. Case in point:

Went in for granola. Out with granola and two new bathing suit tops. Hey, they were buy one get one half off!

9. Summertime Packages

Alright, I can’t fool anyone – packages in general. A few favorites from last week though: Everlane Tees, glasses from Warby Parker, and a new Kate Spade agenda for the year. The mailman is like the grown up Santa Clause. Beards not included (sometimes).

10. Recent Trader Joe’s finds

You know how I feel about good ol’ Joe. I frequent Trader Joe’s so much the manager knows me by first name. Story of my life. They really need a frequent buyer program!

My jaw dropped when I saw that Trader Joe’s started carrying coconut flour – for $2.99 a pound! Such an incredible price – I often bake with coconut flour, so I was one happy camper!

I also tried these new fruit bars – literally just apple and mango or apple and banana. Not my favorite from Trader Joe’s – I prefer just eating a fresh apple or banana by itself!

Need I say more? Green tea and coconut. Trader Joe’s ya did it again.

11. Gardening

My parents have a green thumb and I always look forward to the fresh produce from our garden every summer. Currently, we have tomatoes, cucumbers, blueberries, and fresh figs coming in, as well as this —

…it’s beautiful, am I right or really right? Yep, it’s kabocha squash! We planted the old seeds from a kobocha squash we ate back in late April and this baby came in a few weeks ago. It’s cute and all, butttt I’m ready to eat it. Green thumb, orange hands. Oh, yeah.

And quite frankly, nothing is better than fresh salad with produce picked right from your garden. Power green mix with carrots, strawberries, red onions, grape tomatoes & cucumbers (from the backyard) and honey roasted sunflower seeds for some crunch.

Bonus:

Currently fawning over: THIS.

Alex Chacon, holla at ya girl.

What are your summer time favorites?

July 8, 2014 TAGS: coconut flour, cooking, fitness, food, fruit, granola, health, healthyfood, hydration, jcrew, lifestyle, nutrition, purelyelizabeth, recipes, shopping, smoothies, traderjoes, vegetables, wellness BY: May

1 2 Next

Nutrition Happens

Nutrition Happens

Tag: food

5 Trader Joe’s Items, 5 Ingredients or Less

Grocery Haulin’ (3/24/15)

Like this:

Friday Favorites. (3/6/15)

Like this:

What I Ate Wednesday (3/4/15)

Like this:

What I Ate Wednesday (2/11/15)

Like this:

Summertime Favorites

What are your summer time favorites?

Like this: