Trader Joe's on a Diet

Trader Joe's Frozen Quinoa Duo with Vegetable Melange

http://www.mykidsreallyeatthis.com/post/5927616357/thinking-of-adding-quinoa-to-your-diet-but-unsure

Thinking of adding Quinoa to your diet but unsure how to cook it or what to serve it with… try this simple shortcut. Trader Joe’s frozen Quinoa Duo with Vegetable Melange. It’s slightly spicy (galangal and chili pepper) and very delicious. Couple of minutes in the microwave and you’ve got a quick lunch or a side at dinne

I just discovered this in the freezer aisle and am HOOKED! It's perfectly seasoned and great as a side or stand alone dish - I promise you'll love it!

Bacon

Or as I like to say "Facon"..it's Fake Bacon but oh so good! Worth a try if you are going the healthy/vegetarian route.

Spinach

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/11-health-benefits-of-spinach.html

This one is a no-brainer..Spinach is filled with antioxidants, helps fight against cancer, is a great source of fiber and the list goes on. Be creative and mix it with your eggs in the morning, make it a side dish with mushrooms, or toss it in a salad.

Aria Vanilla Protein (for women)

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://di1-1.shoppingshadow.com/images/pi/5d/6c/7b/98315796-260x260-0-0_Aria%2BAria%2BWomen%2Bs%2BProtein%2B12%2Boz%2BVanilla%2Bby%2BDesigne.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.shopping.com/Aria-Aria-Women-s-Protein-12-oz-Vanilla-by-Designer-Whey-Aria/info&usg=__ONwvqm9x1NQVhHEr5a6HcZr_6vc=&h=259&w=260&sz=12&hl=en&start=0&sig2=f98ZLoXv1i-ZfSKecr0D3g&zoom=1&tbnid=K3bHcqrI4Smm5M:&tbnh=134&tbnw=189&ei=j_TFTfXsBI_2tgOc0timAQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Daria%2Bvanilla%2Bprotein%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den

Love Love Love this protein powder! It great in the summer time when you want to make a fruit shake or smoothie. Also goes well after a big workout! Just add fruit, milk or orange juice. Also, if you like a creamier, thicker shake add in the "Fage Greek Yogurt". Taste really good in shakes!

Stuffed Mushroom Caps

http://blog.cookingwithtraderjoes.com/2010/03/04/quick-appetizers-stuffed-mushroom-cap-and-artichoke-dip.aspx

Stuffed with Spinach and Cheese

Just bought these the other day and loved them. They have a lot of flavor and are low in calories (if your watching your calorie intake).

Healthy Eating On-The-Go by Claudia Roldan

http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/claudia/healthy-eating-on-the-go2

Like most of us, we all have a busy lifestyle and not much time to plan out home cooked meals. This is where Trader Joe's comes into play. I've compiled a list of some "on the go" food ideas that can be used as meals or a healthy snack. Enjoy! What.....

Another list I've compiled on keeping with your diet plan while living a busy life.

Latin Style Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup has a excellent source of fiber. Great for a quick meal on those lazy days. Just head on the stove top and you are good to go.

Pair with some tortillas and guacamole and you have yourself a nice meal

Steel Cut Oats

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://asthescaleturns.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/trader-joes-steelcut-oatmeal.jpg&imgrefurl=http://asthescaleturns.com/&usg=__CV_iwtCMF_n8TaPN-R7QdLB6EMc=&h=294&w=150&sz=14&hl=en&start=0&sig2=_zL6A69HUXcvMaQG9pDttA&zoom=1&tbnid=xhkD0WwlXJn0dM:&tbnh=153&tbnw=95&ei=1-_FTYe9NY30tgOjlYnsAQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsteel%2Bcut%2Boats%2Btrader%2Bjoes%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DAEE%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D919%26bih%3D855%26tbm%3Disc

Taste great with sliced ripe bananas (let them melt) and cinnamon powder on top. You wouldn't even think you eating a healthy breakfast.

Looking for a new healthy breakfast??? This one is healthy and has a little crunch to it since its not your ordinary oatmeal! Add fresh fruit, raisins, honey to boost the flavor. Very filling and full of nutrients!

Reduced Guilt: Mac & Cheese

If you like Mac & Cheese search no more. This is a 270 Cal meal with plenty of flavor.

I recently tried out and LOVE it. I've never been a big fan of the original mac & cheese. I tend to go for the mac & cheese with breadcrumbs and more "gourmet" cheeses. But this one is guilt free so you really can't go wrong :)

California Veggie Burgers

http://www.drpraegers.com/California-Veggie-Burgers-P127.aspx

California Veggie burgers have a lot of flavor and different ingredients. The only set back in this burger is that it gets very soft when you microwave/or toast it. Just use a fork when eating it and problem solved!

Also another great item to keep in the freezer. I have many days where I don't bring lunch. Instead of spending $$ eating out this is a great meal idea that you can have with sweet potato spears or make into an actual burger.

MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sausage Patties

http://www.morningstarfarms.com/morningstar-farms-veggie-sausage-patties.html

Need a hearty breakfast? Try these morning star sausage patties.

I just bought these at traders joe's and love eating them with a side of egg whites. It keeps you full and satisfied. I wouldn't recommend the "tj's" brand of these patties. Definitely go with the morning star and heat in oven for crispy flavor.

Food labeling and what you should know about GMOs and MSG {infographic} | This Mama Cooks! On a Diet™

http://www.thismamacooks.com/2012/01/food-labeling-gmos-msg-infographic.html/comment-page-1#comment-95319

An infographic about food labeling, GMOs and MSG

A great infographic on how understand a food label. It's a great sheet cheat!

Sweet Potato Spears at Trader Joe's

Sweet Potato Spears that are clean and precut

These are the perfect snack similar to carrots but you can also toss them in a mini-oven to get that crispy taste. A great side dish for your lunch/dinner or even a snack. Very simple and not much planning involved.

Egg Whites In A Carton

http://www.examiner.com/healthy-food-in-san-diego/egg-whites-a-carton-are-super-convenience-food

Trader Joe's and State Bros. sell pasteurized egg whites in 16-oz. cartons.  What has all the benefits of eggs and none of the drawbacks? Egg whites.

This is a fast and easy way to get your protein in during that morning rush. I recently bought to make at work in the microwave and it taste great. Just add your personal condiments and you are set!

The Best of Trader Joe's

http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/claudia/delicious-trader-joes-foods

Here is a list of some of the best, (and sometimes healthy) and tasty foods at Trader Joe's. What should I add to this guide?

Not all healthy but still delicious! Be sure to check out some of my favorites at Trader Joe's.

Hard Boiled Peeled Eggs at Trader Joe's

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/dairy-products/look-hard-boiled-peeled-eggs-at-trader-joes-081780

No time to make hard boiled eggs? Then just buy them in the egg section at Trader Joe's.

I have found these to be super convenient when you need that extra snack. They work great with salad and there is no need to peel. It's all done for you! Also great before/after working out to keep you satisfied while giving you some needed protein.

Frozen Organic Brown Rice

http://blog.cookingwithtraderjoes.com/2008/06/23/a-cheer-for--frozen-organic-brown-rice.aspx

Trader Joe's has a great pre-cooked brown rice available frozen in individual 2-serving bags. You would never guess that rice this good came out of a plastic bag heated in your microwave.

Suggested by Larissa:

I always stock up on these when I'm cutting back on carbs - they're convenient and don't taste so bad.