Top 10 Healthy Useful Finds At Trader Joe's

When grocery shopping it's important to have a list to make sure you get everything you need while still staying within your budget. But when you're also trying to live a healthy lifestyle and have fun in the kitchen, it can be essential to experiment with new things. Check out these 10 finds you never knew you needed.

Ezekiel Bread

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I've spent a ton of time in the bread aisle of every supermarket, trying to find a low calorie, healthy option (you know the ones your favorite bougie brunch places make your avocado toast on?) until I did my research on what my body actually needed and found my answer: ezekiel bread. Besides the fact that it tastes great at only 80 calories per slice, more importantly it's full of many nutrients that most breads lack. Disclaimer, a package may say whole grain, but unless it says 100% whole grain, it's pretty much false advertising. Unlike a lot of other "healthy" breads, this one doesn't taste like cardboard. It's made of sprouted whole grains, has an immense source of fiber, and doesn't contain sugar or preservatives. Basically, if you want a great sandwich or a healthier alternative to peanut butter toast, it's better to have it on a bread that tastes just as good as the regular old white dough plus has nutrients that will give you energy and make you feel good.

Just Chicken

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I love this Just Chicken White Meat because it pretty much adapts to any flavor. It's great in a simple salad with stand-up dressing (see below) or on top of cauliflower pizza (also see below) with hummus. Best of all, there's a lot in the package compared to other ready to eat meats that have bones and barely any meat. Throw it in pasta, in tacos, whatever! Nothing is more annoying than coming home from work hangry and having to defrost meat before sitting down to enjoy your dinner.

Champagne Pear Vinaigrette

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This dressing will tingle all of your senses. It's not too sweet and goes with just about any salad topping from oranges to salmon and chicken to potato and beans, etc. And my favorite part: it's only 50 calories per serving.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

This is my favorite one on the list simply because it's like a chameleon. Similar to the ready to eat chicken above, you can do anything to this "dough" without the guilt. It takes under 25 minutes to make and the possibilities are endless! Replace red sauce with hummus and you have a Mediterranean pizza. The flavor of the base isn't too strong so you can go ahead and make it a dessert; i.e almond butter and banana, nutella and strawberries, etc. It's a guilt free healthy alternative!

Butternut Squash Zig Zags

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Who doesn't love a vegetable shaped as a french fry? When baked, they are just as soft and savory as a great fry. Add hot sauce and you've got a delicious snack!

Multigrain Triple Berry Oatmeal

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There are many reasons I love this oatmeal. One being the great flavor; most oatmeal can taste pretty bland but the triple berry flavor has the perfect amount of sweetness. Second and probably most important is what is in it: it already has both flax and chia seeds, which is a good source of fat and great for digestion and weight loss, respectively. My favorite way to eat this quick meal is with some almond butter and banana.

Go Raw Trek Mix

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Nuts aren't out of the ordinary however this specific blend has actual nutrients in comparison to the drug store bought trail mix that is not full of the best stuff (vanilla bites, sugar-full dried fruits, salt, candy, etc.) And the reason I go for this is because it can be really easy to over-do it on nuts when it comes in a can. Nuts are good for you however when eaten in excess can result in weight gain, as nuts are high in calorie. For anyone else who doesn't know how to stop themselves when eating directly from an open bag or a large can, definitely get your hands on this (the nuts come in single serving packs within the pack!) And most importantly it is full of variety: almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc. that aren't roasted in salt or sugar. I love to throw these into yogurt when I am on the go and I need something to hold me over until my next meal.

Chobani Greek Yogurt- Plain

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So this product may seem really boring but the reason I always go for it is because it saves money. Buying single yogurts, even at Trader Joe's can definitely add up. I personally love throwing some in a bowl with berries and nuts, and mixing it up really well so the yogurt adapts the flavor of the berries. Also since it's non-flavored it also can be used to throw into a smoothie to make the consistency thicker without clashing with your other ingredients!

Zucchini Noodles

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This one seems very simple but if you're anyone like me who wants to eat healthy foods at somewhat of a convenience, these are a savior. Pasta in it of itself doesn't have much flavor, but when we're craving carbs many of us go for pasta. When zucchini noodles are cooked in the sauce of your choosing, they adapt that flavor and taste just as good. However they are packed with nutrients and won't have you feeling sluggish afterwards like most macaronis. Trader Joe's sells them ready to eat, expiration date within 5 days of buying and better yet, you can probably get 3 bowls/dinners out of one package! That is so much more than usual ready-to-eat vegetable noodles.

Riced Cauliflower

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This is probably my second favorite product on this list because it's the perfect, healthy base for any meal. Throw in some egg and chicken and you have a low calorie alternative to your favorite chicken fried rice. Craving Mediterranean? Throw it under some tzaziki sauce or hummus with chicken and veggies and there you go.