Recently, we here at Reformed Metabolics (ok, it's just me!) started beta testing a Trader Joe's meal plan with some lovely and willing participants. It has been so much fun to research and concoct and shop and plan around meal ideas from my favorite grocery store. While not everyone has access to a TJ's, most of us can find a way to get to one. And I recommend that you do!
Aside from the coconut coffee creamer and the tiny dark chocolate bars and the $0.79 bags of organic carrots, there are plenty of fun meal hacks available at your neighborhood Trader Joe's. Most of the meals can be made with plenty of protein, a moderate amount of fat and carbohydrates, and a reasonable amount of calories. Plug this formula into your meal planning three times a day and you should be on your way to a healthy spring in no time.
Enjoy the following recipes with my compliments. Let me know if you try any of them and how your family likes them.
Herbed Lemon Pork
This herbalicious pork recipe yields at least 6 servings. Make sure you take the time to marinade it for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight. I like to use fresh herbs, though you can use dried herbs too. Add an extra tablespoon of the rosemary, chives, and parsley if you like! Serve with jasmine rice, TJ's precooked Steamed Lentils, or cauliflower rice.
Teriyaki Salmon with Garlic Broccoli
I adore one-pan meals. This is a two-pan meal, I guess, but if you had a pan large enough, it could be a one-pan meal. Ok, I adore two-pan meals as well. Better than three-pan meals, right?
If you have a soy sensitivity, obvs skip this one. Trader Joe's has a great selection of decent bottled and fresh salad dressings to use as marinades or baking sauces.
Five ingredients, though? Really?
Yes, please.
PS- I use the pre-peeled tiny packages of garlic in everything. Roast a bunch of them with a whole chicken, or a sheet pan of root vegetables, or throw them into a slow-simmering stew. Yummy.
Italian Mozzarella Chicken
The smell of Italian food wafting through the house is really unparalleled. Oregano and tomato and pepper and basil- so comforting!
Trader Joe's Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce is only $1.79. Two jars comes in under $4. This is a great recipe to serve to company or bring to someone's house after a baby is born or while they are recovering from illness.
This recipe does include some dairy. If you are dairy-free, just scoop off your mozzarella and give it to your husband or kids or dog. If you can tolerate dairy, I see no reason not to enjoy it every once and awhile. This recipe is done in 45 minutes, start to finish. You start the chicken in the cast iron skillet on the stovetop and then finish it in the oven, like the badass chef that you are. Enjoy!
With my Trader Joe's recipes, I was aiming to keep grocery costs minimal, kitchen prep time minimal, and flavor and protein maximal. I hope you feel like these recipes do that for you and your family.
Happy Spring!
To your health,
Jennifer