Trader Joe’s is a grocery store renowned for offering a wide selection of healthy options. Yet sometimes, it can get a bit overwhelming in there, and it’s valid to wish you had someone tell you precisely what to buy to stay on track during your weight loss journey.
Thankfully, there are many content creators and health experts who have shared videos detailing some of their favorite items from Trader Joe’s that are less likely to hinder your weight loss progress. One of those creators is a weight loss coach named Amber C., who has gone viral on TikTok after sharing how she lost a whopping 160 pounds “through diet and exercise.”
Some of Amber’s most popular videos feature her sharing with her followers what she likes to buy at certain grocery stores to keep her pantry full and her waistline slim. In 2023, she made a video all about “macro-friendly” and convenient food items you can find at most Trader Joe’s locations, and some of the things she included are super tasty and decadent. Check out eight of her items below.
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1. Carb Savvy Tortillas
Amber purchased two packages of the "Carb Savvy" tortillas, which are made from whole wheat flour and contain only 35 calories each.
"What I really like about these is that these only have six grams of fiber per tortilla," says Amber in her video.
"Some of the low-carb tortillas have so much fiber; these only have six grams [so] they're much more manageable. Fiber is good, and fiber is important, but I get a lot of fiber in the other things that I eat in my diet, so I try not to overdo it."
The tortillas are a great find for those who love the occasional snack wrap or at-home taco night!
2. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Who doesn't love a spicy and tangy buffalo chicken dip every once in a while? Amber points out that the one made by TJ's is only 60 calories per serving and three grams of protein, making it "not bad" macro-wise.
Amber also told her followers that she had plans to spread the dip onto some of her low-carb tortillas, which sounds delicious. It can also be enjoyed with some fiber-filled dippers, such as carrots and celery sticks.
3. Lite Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If you cannot imagine yourself living without cheese, then the shredded bags of lite mozzarella at Trader Joe's are an excellent option for you. Amber notes that a serving of the lite shredded cheese contains only 60 calories and 7 grams of protein, making it a healthier choice than other cheese products.
Plus, it's another ingredient you could throw onto the carb-savvy wraps!
4. Shiitake Mushroom Chicken
"One of my all-time favorite macro-friendly fast food options is the mushroom chicken from Panda Express," Amber tells her TikTok viewers.
"[Trader Joe's] has this, the Shiitake Mushroom Chicken and it's only 180 calories per serving and [has] 20 grams of protein."
Amber says the tasty, saucy chicken makes for a "super easy, macro-friendly dinner" that you can easily prepare at home instead of ordering from your local Chinese food takeout place.
5. BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
This option is similar to the Shiitake Mushroom Chicken in that it's a very easy frozen food to make at home and won't hinder your weight loss.
"This has chicken thighs [in it], so it's super juicy," says Amber.
"There's only 240 calories and 31 grams of protein per serving."
Like the shredded cheese and the wraps, Amber reveals that she likes the BBQ Teriyaki Chicken so much that she had to buy two bags of it. Pairing the chicken with a serving of brown rice and some steamed broccoli would make for a delicious, balanced dinner.
6. Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese
This frozen meal is a fan favorite amongst many Trader Joe's shoppers, as it's just as gooey and comforting as boxed mac and cheese but is a whole lot more macro-friendly.
Amber picked out two packages of the mac & cheese, revealing that if she had more space in her freezer, she would've purchased additional boxes.
"These are so good," she tells her followers. "The Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese is 270 calories and 50 grams of protein. I like to add some chicken sausage or a slice of chicken in here, and it's delicious."
7. Chicken Apple Sausage
Trader Joe's is famous for its wide selection of chicken sausage, allowing customers to enjoy the indulgent pieces of meat without worrying too much about the potentially harmful effects that red, processed meats can have on their health over time.
Amber selected two packages of sausage, noting that the Chicken Apple Sausage has 140 calories and 16 grams of protein per serving, making it a great addition to a filling breakfast or other dishes.
8. Baked Pizza-Flavored Pillow Crisps
Amber finishes her haul video with several different products, like oat milk creamer and spices, but notes that she was "so excited" to try the Baked Pizza-Flavored Pillow Crisps as a crunchy, light, and airy snack.
"They're 130 calories per serving, but a serving size is 30 pieces," reveals Amber. "They also have four grams of protein per serving."
If you consider yourself a 'volume eater' and can't resist a crunchy, flavorful snack, you may want to give these a try.
Big thanks to Amber for showing off her healthy, macro-friendly options!
