Trader Joe’s Best Bites for Entrees When Time is Tight!

My Diet Matters
trader joes best bites

It’s summer, and I cannot figure out why I am so busy! And, today is no exception. I decided to hit my favorite specialty grocery store this morning in order to handle feeding the family. Trader Joe’s was my destination. I like to keep a few “convenience” type meal alternatives that do not require either thinking or labor. These options are great when I am either very tired or too busy to spend time in the kitchen. These foods are my Trader Joe’s best bites!

My criteria for TJs best bites

My criteria when purchasing such foods is typically limited to evaluating: total fat, calories, and sodium. For many convenience foods, it is easy enough to find limited fat and calories, or limited sodium, but rather hard to find convenience foods already prepared that are OK across the board. Read on for a “look-see” into the dietitian’s grocery cart for TJ’s best bites!

My favorite best bites from Trader Joe’s

trader joe's best bites
  • Breaded Tenderloin Chicken Breasts (per 66 gram piece, has 110 calories, 3.5 gm total fat, 180 mg sodium); toss on a bed of lettuce greens for a quick meal.
  • Roasted Vegetable Multi-Grain Lasagna (per 1/4 package, has 240 calories, 7 gm total fat, 480 mg sodium)
  • Wild Salmon in Yogurt and Mint Sauce with Orzo Pasta, Spinach and Zucchini (one container has 350 calories, 10 gm fat, 310 mg sodium)
  • Chile Lime Chicken Burger (one burger has 150 calories, 6 gm fat, 310 mg sodium)
  • Organic No Salt Added Marinara Sauce (has 60 calories, no fat, and only 35 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup).  Just put on pasta, add a dash of favorite cheese and serve with a salad.
  • Reduced Fat Fish Sticks (6 fish sticks have 220 calories, 9 gm fat, and 240 mg sodium)
  • Grilled Chicken Strips (3 oz. serving has 130 calories, 2.5 gm fat, and 210 mg sodium).  Toss on top of a bed of greens, with a lower sodium roll, and you are good for dinner.

Wrap up

Here’s to a night out of the hot kitchen! And, for dessert, there is always a bite of TJ 56% cacao dark chocolate (1/2 bar has 80 calories, 5 gm of fat, 0 sodium, and  a lot of antioxidants).

Do you have any healthy meals to recommend from Trader Joe’s or other specialty grocery stores?

Sue Rose, MS, RD, LDN

Sue Rose helps readers sort through the maze of nutrition information available to the public. As a seasoned clinical dietitian/nutritionist with decades of experience, her blogs attempt to educate and inform the public at a time when there is so much information it is often overwhelming to understand. Stay tuned for clarity on a variety of topics!

Disclaimer

Use this information at your own risk. Although I am a licensed IL dietitian/nutritionist, I am not your dietitian. The information in my blog Chew on This located at www.mydietmatters.com is for educational and informational purposes only. It is also my own opinion and subject to change in the future. Please consult with your own medical professionals for individual treatment.