Tag Archives: trader joe’s

Trader Joe’s Vegan Grocery Haul

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Happy Tuesday to all. Ok, last night I did my second part of my vegan on a budget grocery haul. Spanky my Siamese cat was excited too, don’t judge. My goal was to spend $80.00 total for the week, but I went over that just a bit. Our vegan grocery haul for the week total with Trader Joe’s and HEB combined was $107.00. I ended up getting some produce that was higher than I thought. I got flax seeds, chia seeds, tons of fruits, veggies and greens. Lentils and canned no salt beans. I ended up getting healthier flax tortilla chips and salsa for my hubby James, because he’s going to need some foods that resemble what he’s used to. The goal is for him to eat wfpb and not feel deprived, so a little balance here is needed. We also bought all paper products etc so we won’t need to go to the store at all until next Sunday night. I can’t wait to see how I feel with very low salt and sodium.

Overall I think I did well. Plus we don’t eat out, so that’s it for the week. All the other money will go to debt and bills, and new work shoes for me. If you are wondering what meals I’m going to make I will do what I eat in a day in the near future. I’m going to make my own hummus. As far as exercise I’m starting with walking and stretching. My knee needs to heal so I’m taking it somewhat easy. It’s still really swollen. Legs up a walk pose every night for 15 minutes for better circulation. I’m not going to deny I’m in a little pain, so it’s a little concerning. I’m determined to heal though, and losing weight is always recommended for the knees and joints. My long cardio sessions will have to wait.

What is your grocery budget? Do you eat out? I’m curious to know how you manage your grocery budget. Happy Tuesday to all. Like I told my hubby, January I’m doing the grudge work, the healing, building the foundation of my new year. My happiness begins with good health, better finances and less worry. Happy Tuesday to all.

 

TACO TUESDAY

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It’s Taco Tuesday again, and ever since I found these cute mini corn/wheat tortillas on sale  I’ve been making vegan tacos.
It’s a perfect food to meal prep and take to work. Last week I roasted vegetables, tofu and sweet potato with thyme and a teaspoon of olive oil. I used a little vegan mayo and a little vegan sour cream mixed with Trader Joe’s Siracha to make a sauce.

I also made tacos from Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils. I bought a big container of pre-cut veggies from Trader Joe’s and sautéed them in very little olive oil. I added the Steamed Lentils and Siracha Sauce. Two mini tacos was my serving with the sauce I made and steamed spinach. Pretty delicious if I must say, easy and high protein and low in WW points. It’s so easy to take leftovers to work. Instead of skipping dinner and eating super late night I eat at work so I have fuel for my after work #benderfitness workouts. 

I’m late to the Taco Tuesday party because up until now I admit I just wasn’t a taco fan. Now I have two vegan taco recipes in rotation. What will I come up with next week? Hmmm stay tuned!!

Gracias, Rose

TRADER JOE’S INSPIRED SOUP

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I love Trader Joe’s, I really love it there. When we lived in West Hollywood CA I used to walk to two local Trader Joe’s, one on the Sunset Strip and the other on Santa Monica Blvd. the management and staff were always just wonderful, like family. When our cat Stormy passed away in 2013 the kind staff gave us a dragon plant, which means life and living. Very healing indeed. That’s Trader Joe’s, the staff ended up being my friends and it was hard to say goodbye when we moved. 

We don’t get to The Trader Joe’s here in the Woodlands TX as often as I like, but after shopping there on my day off I realized that needs to change. The staff is equally kind, and when I wrote a kind email asking if they could offer vegan creamer at the coffee station I received a personal text from the manager. He was so cool, and Monday I noticed they offered coconut creamer at the coffee station. I’m very grateful to our local Trader Joe’s, it must be their culture to be so wonderful. They even play great music.

I also love Trader Joe’s because I get inspired to create when I’m there. This weeks creation is Vegan vegetable soup with red lentil pasta. It was so easy and healthy. Here’s my newest soup. It was extra delicious after my Wednesday workout and cardio. 

You will need Trader Joe’s Mirepoix Mix,

8 chopped garlic gloves,

1 TBS olive oil,

3 cartons low sodium vegetable broth,

3 cans no salt diced tomatoes,

1 bag mixed cabbage,

1/2 bag fresh green beans,

1 bag frozen sweet corn,

1 bag frozen mixed vegetables,

1/2 bag mushrooms,

1 full bag red lentil pasta,

salt, pepper, basil, Italian seasoning.


Step one,  bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook red lentil pasta for six minutes. Drain and set aside. Sauté mirepoix mix (diced celery, onions, carrots) in olive oil for 5 minutes, add garlic and cook a few more minutes. Add 3 cartons vegetable broth, cabbage, green beans, frozen corn, frozen mixed vegetables, mushrooms, canned tomatoes and pasta and season to taste. Cook on low for one hour and 15 minutes. You can add any vegetable you like, it was so delicious and hearty. We served it with whole grain rosemary sourdough bread we found at HEB. We love HEB too, a wonderful place to grocery shop with equally kind staff. I made sure I counted my points, and I really enjoyed the bread and soup with zero guilt. Sometimes recipes do not need to be complicated to be delicious and of course healthy.

If you live near a Trader Joe’s I recommend you go and see what food inspires you. Happy cooking, eating and health to you and yours. Love and Light,

Rose 

 

 

INJURY AND BODY IMAGE ISSUES

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Happy Saturday to all. I am about to drink this delicious Cinnamon Dunkin Donuts coffee with my ThinkThin Protein Bar. Yesterday after my run at the park we discovered they are opening a brand new Trader Joe’s right next to the park. That is such a game changer for me. I can go run on the track at the park, and shop for a healthy dinner at my favorite grocery store. I love Trader Joe’s.17105711_10154962767403617_1649281781_n17125017_10154962776603617_308116148_n

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We bought the coffee at Target, and we did a little shopping after my run and walk. I was so hungry so we stopped at Jersey Mikes, and we each had a mini Turkey Sub on whole wheat. It was so delicious and satisfying and 12 points. A little high considering it was a mini but it was really delicious and worth it. I had plenty of points for the day so all was well with the world. 17105402_10154962763878617_739443869_n (1)

We stopped at the famous Formosa and took a few selfies. The Formosa is a Hollywood Landmark and I am so sorry to say has recently closed. The Formosa was known for being a place where the stars went late nights for drinks and Chinese Food. 17101914_10154962763633617_643638916_n

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I am at my lowest weight since I began my blog at 159 lbs, and I decided for fun to try on some workout pants and a few dresses at Target when I was there. I remember right before I started my blog and weight loss journey I tried on clothes at this same Target location, and they had the two-way mirror. I remember how devastated I was about how I looked, and I admit going back in that same dressing room gave me a lot of anxiety. I still have issues with body image and I don’t always realize how far I have come. I don’t think I will shop for clothes there again.

The dresses were large size and they seemed to be more than one size too big. The workout pants were a little big, and the small tank was just right. In that same rear view mirror I saw my upper arms and I realized I lost a lot of muscle since I injured my rotator cuff. I need to find a way to detail my workouts and tone my arms without injuring my shoulder any further.I admit I hurt it pretty bad, and I am not healed. At the same time I want to continue on.

I do my workouts four days a week after work and I would prefer to do the same workouts each time for at least a month, and then switch it up. I am reaching out to Melissa Bender at Benderfitness to see what she thinks I should be doing. I felt a lot of those same feeling I felt years ago in that very same dressing room, This time I felt like a failure because my arms were so strong and lean and now with my injury I am starting all over in that area. I need to get it back. 

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Moving forward. I am going to figure this out and heal and get my strength back. I am getting small but so many of my goals are about so much more than my size and the scale.  I have fitness goals, and a fitness bucket list I wish to tackle. I am always thinking ahead, but I also know it is about the daily work. I have a lot of hard work to do, one day at a time. I will continue with my training schedule that includes my workouts, my walks, my runs, and my yoga. Today is work, walking, and a workout tonight.

We tend do be our hardest critics. I will try to lighten up on myself and keep at my schedule and my goals. One day at a time. I practice kindness but not on myself, that still needs to change after all of these years. I will look to the beauty of the trees for inspiration. They are strong and graceful despite the storms that come their way. The are the ultimate survivors and our original mentors. I will pay attention and emulate their lessons.

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Happy Saturday,

Rose

 

Trader Joe’s Lentil Dip

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If you have followed me or you know me, you know I am often inspired when I walk into a Trader Joe’s. I love it and love their products. I sometimes think I am their biggest fan.

I had the opportunity to sample this Trader Joe’s recipe at one of my local Trader Joe’s some time ago, and I decided to recreate it at home and serve with all natural plantain chips. The original recipe calls for plain feta, but as the suggestion of a Trader Joe’s crew mate I used Mediterranean feta instead. This could be served over fish or chicken, or as a side dish as well as a dip. It was so delicious, both James and I loved this dip and we will be having it again. We killed it!!

INGREDIENTS

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1 package Trader Joe’s Steamed & Fully Cooked Lentils, rinsed to remove extra sodium

1 package Trader Joe’s Mediterranean feta cheese

1 container (7.25 oz) Trader Joe’s bruschetta Sauce

 

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, combine steamed lentils,  Mediterranean feta and bruschetta sauce, then stir. Serve cold with homemade or store-bought plantain chips. Trader Joe’s has two types of plantain chips and both only have two ingredients, a clean eating win. I am absolutely hooked on this healthy dip as I know you will be as well.  

You can treat your body as a temple and still enjoy the pleasures of life. Healthy does not equal boring.  As with everything I practice portion control.

Manga’

Rose

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EASY VEGETABLE LEAN BEEF SOUP

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soup
Happy Saturday, he is a post and favorite recipe from 2013.  Today was a laid back Caturday, with a simple soup and a trip to our local Trader Joe’s in Millbrae CA. I sampled their new Vegan Gluten Free Brownie Crisp, and just 100 calories for three crisps. Just what I need when I feel a chocolate craving coming on. I know how to portion control and limit my treats, but it is ok to splurge now and then and work it into my program. Nicole from Trader Joe’s was the sweetest and her kindness reminded me of the Trader Joe’s of West Hollywood.  She is also a weight loss inspiration since she just lost 35 lbs. Congrats to Nicole and everyone making it happen.  For you naysayers out there, it can be done. You can do it.  It just takes a little hard work and a can do attitude. I did this recipe as is, but I chose to pass on the potatoes for tonight’s soup and added mixed bell peppers instead. I hope you like my easy one pot vegetable lean beef soup recipe from 2013.
Manga’ love and light.
tjs
My Mother in Law Julie Bailey used to make us the best homemade Vegetable Beef Soup. When I would visit on a cold January day she would whip up this one pot wonder, and serve it with some warmed crusty Italian bread. Comfort food at it’s finest. My recipe is inspired by my dear Mother in Law, but with a healthy My Change For A Ten twist, with the help of Trader Joe’s here in West Hollywood CA.
 
I am just a little obsessed with Trader Joe’s, particularly my neighborhood Trader Joe’s. The staff is the best you will ever find anywhere, always there to help and say hello to you by name. It makes me feel like I live in this little idyllic town. When my cat passed away last January one of the amazing staff members gave me a Dragon Plant, which means healing. I actually look forward to reading the famous Flyer, it is so witty and I have to admit I buy into the cute advertisements.
 
This recipe is so easy and delicious. I skip the warmed loaf of bread but that would be a delicious addition to this one pot meal.
 
~You will need~
 
Three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
One Mirepoix mix of Chopped celery, carrots, and onions
One package diced onions, garlic, and shallots
6 diced red skin potatoes
One small package of extra lean stew meat
Trader Joe’s frozen organic foursome or any frozen mixed vegetables
1 large can diced tomatoes
Half package Crimini mushrooms
1 beef broth carton
1 low sodium vegetable broth carton
Basil, sea salt, ground pepper to taste
A dash of crushed red pepper (optional for heat)
 
Add olive oil to large pot and turn on flame to medium
Saute’ shallots, onions, and garlic
Add Mirepoix mix or diced celery, additional diced onions, and diced carrots
After the vegetables cook for a few minutes and become transparent
Add cubes of meat, chopped into smaller pieces
Brown meat
Add 1 can tomatoes
Half packet Crimini Mushrooms
1 package organic foursome or frozen vegetable packet
6 diced raw red skin potatoes
1 carton low sodium vegetable broth
1 carton beef broth
 
Mix thoroughly and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to one hour.
Let cool a little and enjoy with oyster crackers, which are not high calorie if you watch your portion.
This soup is so easy.
 
I absolutely loved this soup, it is a new staple in our home.
I always listen to Big Band music when I cook, especially The Andrew Sisters. I can almost imagine I am cooking dinner for my honey in a small but cozy flat in Manhattan or Los Angeles in the 1940’s.
 
After all, a little Rum and Coca Cola never hurt anyone.
 
 

GROCERY HAUL FOR THIS WEEK

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 Grocery Haul, and a very bad Siamese cat who assumes it is all for him and jumped on my table when I turned my back. 

Food for the weekdays.

Mostly meat free

I eat tons of produce.

Just a sampling of what I purchased

Vegan burger with vegetables. Grilled eggplant, tomatoes, onions, kale and oil and vinegar and a bit of feta.

I heart eggplant.

I heart my Siamese Rascal even when he is not where he is allowed, on my table when I look away.

Weekday meals will be a breeze

GROCERY HAUL

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Ok, so I am new at trying to budget food but I think I have food for two for the next five days. That would balance out to ten dollars a day. I am trying to improve my food budget and I probably can do so even more. This is my first attempt.

Sometimes for dinner I make simple tuna sandwiches with veggies with no salt albacore tuna and veganaise. I bought mahi mahi burgers to have with either brown rice or baked potatoes with fat free sour cream and lemon.  I also purchased 97% lean burgers to eat with veggies and potatoes or brown rice and Dr Praeger veggie burgers with vegetables. I am hoping this works through Wednesday and next time I may walk to Ralph’s or Jon’s to see if I can do even better and buy food for a full week.

We have eggs, oatmeal, protein bars and vegetarian sausage and bacon on hand. We also have a loaf of Ezekial sprouted bread and bags of frozen fruits. I know I could be stocked up better but this is a beginning. I do all of the shopping on foot so this is where I began with my quest to eat healthy on a budget. I got a lot of my ideas from my bestie Melissa Bender Fitness.

http://www.benderfitness.com/2012/07/melissa-benders-grocery-list.html

Here is my grocery haul for the next five days. I still need to pick up a bag of onions, some 0% Greek yogurt and vinegar and more protein bars and coffee. I probably should make a list.

I have been in a major slump the last few days. I am trying to pull myself out of the gutter so to speak. This healthy eating and planning should help. I am a work in progress and this is my first meltdown so to speak in one year. I almost started crying out in public earlier. I think I may start a gratitude journal to get myself back to my Pollyanna ways. I am human, after all.

Namaste’
Love and Light
Rose



RAINBOW BERRY COFFEE CAKE

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Happy Pride Day LA. I wish all of my friends a beautiful and safe day celebrating out in West Hollywood CA. Remember, we are all one connected to the core that is our humanity.

I have decided to bake today, and in honor of LA Pride I baked a Berry Coffee Cake and renamed it Rainbow Berry Coffee Cake.



I bought Trader Joe’s Multigrain Baking and Pancake Mix, and inspired by their recipe on the box made my own version with some healthy changes.



You will need:

Trader Joe’s Multigrain  Baking and Pancake Mix, or another brand if you please Use 2 1/2 cups

1 egg

1 cup low fat buttermilk, I substituted low fat milk

3 tablespoons oil, I used extra virgin oil because that is all I had, but you can use vegetable oil 

1 bag Trader Joe’s frozen mixed berries no additional sugar (I used most of the bag)

1/2 cup raw sugar, or sugar or agave

Preheat oven to 350 degrees 

In a large bowl mix together  1 egg,  1 cup low fat milk and  3 tablespoons oil.  Stir in 2 1/2 cups Trader Joe’s Multigrain Baking and Pancake mix and  1/2 cup sugar. Fold in almost a full bag of frozen berries but make sure to thaw the bag first. I used most of the full bag, I wanted tons of berries.

Mix well and spray a glass pie pan with cooking spray. Spread evenly in pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for ten minutes and serve this not so decadent treat with your favorite coffee or tea. I am of course practicing self control over the portion size. It was oh so delicious.



This recipe is very low cholesterol, low fat, low sugar, high fiber and whole grain. It is a little higher in sodium than I usually eat but it is an occasional treat. 

It was the perfect Sunday accompaniment for some quiet reflection on life before I have to get moving and work out. No rest for the weary, but who is weary anyway? I love working out,yoga, meditation and dancing, and I forgot how I much I love to bake and cook. Sundays are a great reminder to slow down and smell the roses and LA Pride is a reminder to wear your colors with confidence. Be you, your best authentic self always; critics be damned. 
Gotta love life.

Love, Light to all.
Namaste’
After all Namaste’ means we are all one
Rose








HEALTHY CHICKEN SOUP WITH GRAINS AND VEGETABLE

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Soups, they are so simple and satisfying. I love to make soups, one pot wonders that make it easy to eat healthy and there is always an abundance for the next day. Warm your heart and soul with my healthy yet delicious chicken soup with grains and vegetables and remember to share with someone you love. Soups are the perfect autumn dinner and make the chill a little more tolerable. Paired with some crusty whole grain bread and a simple  spinach salad mixed with oil and vinegar and you have such a well rounded and healthy meal. Manga’

HEALTHY CHICKEN SOUP WITH VEGETABLES AND GRAINS
You will need:
For grains
Olive oil
Low sodium chicken stock, as much as directions calls for in place of water.
One package Mirepoix mix or a blend of chopped celery, carrots, and onions.
One pack of Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend or a pack of Orzo
Start by sauteing Mirepoix mix in 2 tablespoons olive oil, and make Harvest Grains Blend or orzo with low sodium chicken stock in place of water, following directions. After cooked set aside.

For Soup:
One package of carrots
One large onion
One package turnips
One package carrots
a few cloves of garlic
Two cartons low sodium chicken stock
Four boneless chicken breasts
Fresh dill
Dried thyme
sea salt, ground pepper

This is such a simple yet delicious soup.  
1. Add chopped carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and turnips to a large pot. 
2. Add boneless chicken and both cartons of low sodium chicken stock.
3. Flavor with a generous amount of fresh dill, sea salt, ground pepper and dried thyme.  
4. Bring to a rolling boil, careful to not let the soup over boil. 
5. Bring temperature down to low and let simmer for over one hour until the chicken has cooked through. 
6. Remove chicken and chop in nice size bites and add chicken pieces back to the soup. 
7. Add half of the grain/orzo mix to soup and blend. 

It was so delicious, especially with oyster crackers. James ate three bowls. I am making soup this evening, and I just purchased a crock pot so I will be experimenting with my new cooking toy soon.


Namaste’
Love and Light to all
Rose