As a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, I try my best to prioritize protein-heavy and nutritious items while food shopping.
That's why I love shopping at Trader Joe's. Since I started visiting the grocery chain in 2015, I've built up a solid list of mindful pantry staples, meats, and frozen items that make quick and easy meals.
Here are some of the many items that always make it into my cart.
I like Trader Joe's peanut butter, which is made with one simple ingredient.
Some peanut butters contain added oils, sugar, or stabilizers, so I opt for Trader Joe's creamy, unsalted version instead. I love that it keeps things simple with just one ingredient: peanuts.
Plus, at $2.49 a jar, I can't go wrong with this purchase.
Trader Joe's mild cheddar cheese snack sticks are a good source of fat and protein.
When I need a quick snack, I grab Trader Joe's mild cheddar cheese snack sticks. With 8 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein, this 100-calorie cheese stick keeps me satiated between meals.
I especially love to pair them with a stack of Trader Joe's golden round crackers.
The store's chili-lime chicken strips make taco night a breeze.
I love making tacos and burrito bowls with Trader Joe's fully cooked chili-lime chicken strips — especially if I'm in a pinch. I simply toss the chicken in the microwave and add it to soft shell tacos.
Fresh broccoli makes a great side dish for any meal.
Fresh broccoli is a must-purchase item on my bimonthly Trader Joe's runs, mostly because it pairs well with everything. I like to roast it with a drizzle of avocado oil and enjoy as a nutritious side dish.
When I need a break from chicken, I usually opt for a roasted pork tenderloin.
Packed with black peppercorns and garlic seasoning, Trader Joe's pork tenderloin is a quick and easy meal, especially when I have guests over.
I like to pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet-potato cubes.
I love elevating my meals with Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi.
When I want to sneak extra vegetables into my meals, I reach for Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi.
I pan-fry it with some avocado oil and serve it with chicken for a quick and easy dinner.
Trader Joe's wild-caught salmon is one of my favorite dinner options.
I love salmon and typically eat it two or three times a week. Luckily, Trader Joe's wild-caught salmon comes in a pack of two filets.
The fish is especially tasty when served alongside steamed jasmine rice and roasted broccoli.
Canned beans are a good plant-based protein.
On days when I'm not in the mood for meat, I reach for a can of beans.
Black beans pair well with jasmine rice, and the store's refried beans taste great with soft tortilla shells.
I always grab a bag of jasmine rice.
Jasmine rice makes a great foundation for pretty much any meal. I use it as a base for homemade burrito bowls and stir-frys, or enjoy it as a side dish with any protein source or veggie.
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Ashley Martens is a contributing writer for Business Insider.
