{Purse (c/o), sunglasses}
As I move closer and closer to delivery, I am realized two things. The first: My desire to cook has drastically decreased (hence the decrease in food posts… I promise I’ll get some good holiday ones). Maybe it’s fatigue, or maybe it’s the simple fact that many foods just don’t sound as appealing as they once were. Either way, I’ve found myself looking for quicker meals, while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Two things that are not always synonymous with one another. The second epiphany? Time will be difficult to come by once Harper arrives, so the need to find healthy, yet quick food options is even more critical. In light of these two realizations, I decided to sit down and think about some of my favorite food options and concluded that, yeah, they are actually really tasty and pretty healthy. So, I decided to share them with you. In case you’re finding yourself in my situation, or you just find that time isn’t on your side when it comes to eating healthy… hopefully these suggestions will help. *Many of these items are from Trader Joe’s, so I hope that it can be a one-stop for many people.*
Breakfast:
Trader Joe’s Rolled Oats: I’ve been eating these for years. They are gluten free and the consistency is firm, just how I like it. You can microwave them for a really quick breakfast, or if you have 10 minutes to spare, boil some water on the stove and cook them that way (my preferred method).
Amy’s Breakfast Burrito: All you need is 2 minutes for this tortilla goodness. I give myself a few extra minutes and add some egg whites… but it’s delicious on its own with a little bit of salsa. It’s also low in sodium (about 280 mg), which is rare for frozen entrées. (Found at Sprouts or Target)
Love Grown Power O’s: These are pretty much an adult, healthier, version of Coco Puffs. Pair with some cashew milk, a banana, and you have yourself one quick, and tasty breakfast. (Whole Foods, Sprouts
Creamy, Unsalted Almond Butter + Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin Bread: The yummiest combo there is 🙂 (Trader Joe’s)
Double Dose Bakery Waffles: Um, hello goodness! These are gluten free, dairy free, paleo friendly, and GMO free. Quick, absolutely delicious, and the result of two adorable sisters! These are a #winwin.
Lunch:
1.Trader Joe’s Black Bean & Corn Enchiladas
2.Trader Joe’s Split Pea Soup (found in refrigerator section)
3.Trader Joe’s Super Spinach Salad (I sub out the dressing for balsamic vinegar)
4.Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato & Kale Superfood Burrito: This is amazingly delicious. Period.
5.Trader Joe’s Hummus Wrap
6.Trader Joe’s Spicy Lentil Wrap
7.Trader Joe’s Mexicali Salad
8.Trader Joe’s Seasonal Pumpkin Kale Salad (found with the lettuce products)
9.Udi’s Side Dishes: I eat these tossed with a little bit of kale or spinach and my favorite dressing Annie’s Lite Goddess. (Sprouts)
10.GI Love Sweet Potato Burger (Sprouts)
Snacks:
1.Happy Mama Nourishing Fruit & Veggie Blends (℅): My favorite is the Apple + Carrot with soothing ginger. They are packed full of nutrients and are a perfect on the go snack to nourish my little Harper in utero.
2.Two Moms in the Raw Nut Bars
3.Lara Bars: When the ingredient list is less than 6, and you can pronounce all the ingredients… I’d call that a pretty good snack. (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joes)
4.KIND Bar: Unlike most bars, they maintain a low sugar level (5g), are GF, and GMO free…which I tend to prefer. (Target, Trader Joes, Sprouts, Whole Foods)
5.Chia Bar Health Warrior: GF, full of omega-3, and low sugar. An excellent and tasty little snack. (Whole Foods)
5.Pre-boiled eggs: Pre-packaged hard boiled eggs. A perfect protein snack. (Trader Joe’s).
Dinner:
1.Vegetable Fried Rice: Don’t let the word “fry” deceive you here. I use a little EVOO. (Trader Joes)
2.Olexa Sweet Potato Fries (Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts)
3.Sweet Potato, Quinoa, Kale Melange (Trader Joe’s)
4.Brown Rice Packets: These are a lifesaver. Available in the frozen section at Trader Joe’s they make for a quick side dish, as they only take 3 minutes.
5.Trader Joe’s Quinoa Packets: The same as the brown rice packets
6.Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi: This. Is. Delicious. Found in frozen foods section.
7.Various Veggies at Trader Joe’s: In their fresh veggie refrigerated section, they offer numerous vegetables in microwaveable packets. My favorites include the broccoli, asparagus, and green beans.
8.Various Pre-marinated Meats: I was told, by a manager at Trader Joe’s, that their brand of meats are always anti-biotic free (something I am pretty particular about). My favorites: Pollo Asado, Pepper Garlic Pork Loin, Santa Maria Tri-Tip
9.Trader Joe’s Frozen Un-Cooked Shrimp: Not fishy at all! Love to pair with the veggie fried rice and broccoli. The dish takes a total of 15 minutes… that’s pretty good for a healthy dinner!
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