It goes without saying that my top favorites at Costco, and all markets for that matter, will be the fresh, organic produce. Frozen too as long as it doesn’t contain added sugars, oils, and chemicals. Costco also has great, organic protein sources, both plant- and animal-based – beans, tofu, chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish.
What about other products? Well, here are a handful of favorites. Do you have favorites? Please message me, I'd love to hear from you!
Outer Aisle Cauliflower Sandwich Thins
These are a simple, lower carb ‘bread/tortilla’ option – cauliflower, cage-free eggs, parmesan cheese, and nutritional yeast. They’re gluten free, grain free, no additives, and can even count towards your daily vegetable goal. My husband is even opting for these over bread. I do wish they could make them without the cheese, but I gather I’m in the minority. Nonetheless, two pieces contain 9 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and only 3 grams carbohydrates. Cauliflower thins are easy to use, pop in a toaster, air fryer, or oven. I’ve generally used these as a wrap, but the options are endless – mini pizza crusts, tacos, pot pie, as a ‘chip’, and even used for Thanksgiving stuffing. Who knew? Click here for recipes.
Mary’s Gone Crackers
Let’s face it. Most crackers are processed, use refined grains or flours, and lack nutritive value. Then, in steps Mary’s Gone Crackers, and you have a cracker made with whole ingredients – brown rice, quinoa, flax, and sesame seeds. They’re organic, naturally gluten free, contain 4 grams plant protein per serving, and offer 3 grams dietary fiber per serving. You do need to have teeth for these crackers, they pack some definite crunch!
Kirkland Organic Almond butter
Provides healthy, cancer- and cardio-protective, monounsaturated fatty acids. Almonds also offer various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. One tablespoon of almond butter contains almost 4 grams protein. Not enough protein for a meal, but four more than zero. With 9 grams of healthy fats per tablespoon, almond butter is a nutrient dense food. That’s great if you seek extra calories and nutrition. If not, be cognizant of your portion so to not overconsume. Costco’s almond butter, in particular - only one ingredient! It contains no added sugars, oils, or additives. You can add almond butter to celery or apples, mix it into smoothies, oatmeal, stir fries, or eat straight from the spoon!
La Mexicana Organic Mango Salsa
A fresh, mango salsa can hit the spot! This salsa is made with organic mango, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeños. I don’t eat mango salsa most days, but it can really enhance certain foods or dishes. A personal favorite – atop a piece of wild salmon. You can also add to fresh-cut veggies, tacos, kebabs, green salad, or other. No doubt one could make their own mango salsa, but time may not always allow for that; this salsa can be a good option. In a perfect world, I would omit the 1 gram of added sugar. Use it as a condiment, not your primary fruit servings.
Wildbrine Raw Organic Sauerkraut
Trying to add fermented foods to your diet to help diversify your microbiome. A couple of tablespoons of sauerkraut, fermented cabbage, would help you attain that goal. Ingredients in this sauerkraut are simple – cabbage, sea salt, and garlic. Sauerkraut is an excellent source of probiotics and you even add 1 gram of dietary fiber in 2 tablespoons of kraut. If you’re watching your sodium, however, be cautious. While the taste may not be for everyone, it’s definitely worth a try - even a bite or two.
Kirkland Organic Hemp Hearts
Seeking added nutrition? Each 3 tablespoon portion contains 10 grams plant protein, 1 gram of fiber, and 3000 mg omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid). Additionally, they’re an excellent source of iron, thiamin, niacin, phosphorus, manganese, copper, zinc, and magnesium. That’s an impressive nutrition score. These seeds are very mild tasting with a nutty flavor. Serve as a great addition to salads, smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or other foods. With their high omega-3 fatty acid content, be sure to refrigerate hemp hearts after opening.
Go Raw Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds
These seeds are delicious and pack nutritional punch! The fact that they’re sprouted allows for easier digestibility and nutrient absorption. A ¼ cup portion provides 8 grams of plant-based protein and a plethora of micronutrients, including zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and iron. Sprouted pumpkin seeds can be incorporated into a sweet or savory dish or simply eaten on their own. Add to salads, as the base of a pesto, grind into seed butter, and more.
I’m excited to announce, Nat Pack. Nat Pack offers accountability, community building, personal connection, and loads of cutting edge nutrition discussion. This membership includes virtual 30-minute discussions twice monthly; meetings will be on Wednesdays at 12pm pacific time. These sessions will be recorded and available to members.
Nat Pack Membership:
$47/month
OR
12-month annual membership for $470 (includes 2 months for free)
* This is the founding price - lock it in now. When the membership cost increases, you’ll stay at the founding price.
What will we be discussing? First and foremost, what YOU request. Other topics may include:
Pros and cons of intermittent fasting
Superfoods
Are you confused about carbs?
Supplement discussions
Sugar and potential substitutes
How to diversify your microbiome withfiber
Diet hype - vegan vs paleo vs keto
What’s the science behind the Prolon Fasting Mimicking Diet?
How to increase prebiotics in your diet
Muscle cramps - how to resolve
Can’t sleep? Let’s discuss why that may be.
How to ease those aching joints
Not thinking clearly and efficiently? Why you may have cognitive fog.
Strategies to help with weight management
How to reduce inflammation
Boosting bone mineral density
Tips to manage autoimmune conditions
Is your hair vibrant & healthy? If not, let’s change that.
How to improve blood sugar control
Nutrition for healthy hormone balance
Message me with your questions and/or topics of interest. This membership is all for you!
Hope your summer has been going well and that you've been able to get outdoors and perhaps travel elsewhere!
Warmly,
Natalie