Two questions I get asked, with consistent frequency is tips to stay on a healthy and clean food regimen… and top products to purchase from Trader Joe’s. So, today I thought I’d share a few quick thoughts on the 4 ways I stick to a well balanced food routine, as well as my weekly snags from Trader Joe’s…. hope it helps!
4 WAYS TO EAT HEALTHY CONSISTENTLY
1. Stimulus Control: One of the easiest ways to ensure that I will eat clean + healthy is to stock up on the foods that fit that criteria…. and keep those foods that don’t out. It’s a term we used a lot in the therapeutic setting… control the environment to set you up for success. If there is a food that is your achilles heel (maybe loads of sugar products or fried foods) simply don’t buy them so they can’t tempt you. It makes a huge difference… kind of like out of site, out of mind. Instead, find better for you alternatives. Instead of fried chips, try beet chips or kale chips (they give you the crunch + salty taste, but they’re loaded with nutrients…)….
2. Meal Prep: A little meal prep at the beginning of the week, or even the night before the following day, helps so much. Chop some veggies (or be lazy like me and buy them pre-chopped… opportunity cost….), toss some salad ingredients in a tuberware, make a batch of chia seed pudding or egg muffins on Sunday evening to have an easy grab and go breakfast… use a crock pot for evenings you know you’ll be really rushed when you get home (I love this salsa verde chicken, and Skinnytaste has some excellent crock pot options as well!). You can also put some chicken in a crock pot on Sunday evening, shred it up, and have an easy protein for wraps + salads throughout the week (great for lunches).
3. Don’t Deprive Yourself: It’s kind of like the saying “Forbidden fruit is the sweetest….” if you tell yourself you can’t have something, you’re going to crave it so much more. I have a sweet tooth, so after dinner I always have a little something… I just choose wisely… maybe it’s some Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Granola… or some Perfect Bar. Either way, it really satisfies my sweet tooth, all while being clean and healthy. Also… live life! If you’re on vacation, enjoy yourself (my tips on vacation balance), if it’s a special occasion, have fun! You don’t want to be so rigid that you miss out on the fun, and small indulgences, of life. Just know you have a plan to get back on track when you get home, or the following day! YOLO!
4. Accountability Partner: Sometimes when you’re getting back on track, or starting from scratch with a clean eating plan it’s helpful to have someone to journey along with. Maybe it’s you and your SO making a lifestyle change together… or maybe you and your BFF want to make some changes together. Sharing pictures with them, swapping new recipes you’ve found, and encouraging each other can make is easier!
FAVORITE TRADE JOE’S ITEMS:
Green Goddess Dressing
Turmeric Almond Butter Dressing
Diced Onions
Frozen Minced Garlic Cubes
Organic Pre-Chopped Broccoli
Riced Cauliflower
Frozen Brown Rice Packets
Frozen Quinoa Packets
Cauliflower Pizza Crust (frozen)
Vegan Cashew Pesto Spread
Tomato Paste (in a tube… so easy to use when you don’t need an entire can)
Refrigerated, Pre-Cooked Lentils
Fresh Pico De Gallo
Jarred Salsa Verde
Perfect Bars: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor
Organic Garlic Herb
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Organic Ground Turkey
Spiralized Carrots
Salad Toppers
Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Carrot Spirals (frozen)
ABC + K Salad Mix (I use a different dressing)
Organic Ground Turkey
And their Organic Produce……
FAVORITE ACTIVEWEAR:
Annnnd, because I’m a huge fan of versatile…. wear to workout and go about your day…. workout pieces, I thought I’d share a few that I have my eyes on as of late….
This white and rainbow striped sports bra is on the top of my list…. as are these super cute high waisted leggings (and the contrasting sports bra)…. and I love this Nike tank to front knot…. and this open back graphic tank is super cute too! I’m wearing these leggings, pullover, and kicks.
