It’s hard to find time to cook healthy dinners during a busy semester. These Trader Joe’s items make it easier.
If your school year is anything like mine, you’re busy. Really busy. With hours upon hours spent on homework, extracurricular activities, professional development, and a social life (if you have time to spare), taking care of your own well-being can fall through the cracks.
It can be time-consuming to prepare healthy meals, but it’s important to fuel your body to feel your best. It’s difficult to show up as your best self to class, student organizations, or professional opportunities without taking care of yourself first. Luckily, TikTok’s favorite grocery store has a lot of healthy options that require minimal preparation!
- Trader Joe’s Organic Microwave Brown Rice
If there’s one thing I buy every time I go to Trader Joe’s, it’s this frozen rice. It only takes 3 minutes to heat up in the microwave, and the texture is perfect! I love how versatile brown rice is; I’ll use it as a base for stir fry, or an Elote bowl with Trader Joe’s Everything and the Elote dip, or a Mediterranean bowl with Trader Joe’s avocado tzatziki.
Here’s an extra bonus: you won’t have to scrape sticky rice off the bottom of your pots and pans!
- Trader Joe’s Grilled Chicken Breasts
If cooking raw meat makes you uneasy, or you simply don’t have the time, this chicken is a must. The chicken is already cooked, seasoned, and cut into strips, so you can easily heat it up and throw it into a salad or wrap. With 23 grams of protein per serving, you’ll feel full and well-fueled! It’s very yummy over some rice with veggies and your favorite dip.
- Trader Joe’s Bolognese and Quattro Formaggi
Hear me out on this one. The sauce is delicious, and you can easily heat it up in a pan or in the microwave. I love having a high-protein pasta, like chickpea or lentil pasta, and topping it with the bolognese sauce and a little bit of cheese. Steam and season some pre-cut broccoli or your favorite frozen veggies to eat on the side, and you have a quick, yummy, and balanced meal!
- Trader Joe’s Organic Green Vegetable Foursome
Speaking of frozen veggies, this is a great option! This vegetable medley includes seasoned broccoli, peas, green beans, and zucchini. There are several ways to cook it, like sauteing, roasting, or microwaving, if you’re in a pinch.
- Trader Joe’s Sprouted Whole Grain Pizza Crust
This item is perfect for meal prepping! Add your favorite toppings, bake, and then save some for later (or eat the whole thing, it’s that good). You’ll save plenty of time without having to roll out the dough or make your own. Plus, it’s nutritious! According to Julianna Heaver, a plant-based dietitian, sprouted grains often have nutrients that are more easily absorbed by the body. Heaver also claims that sprouted grains are gentler on the digestive system.
Being busy doesn’t mean you have to give up healthy eating! This time in the semester can get stressful for everyone, make sure you prioritize your own well-being. You got this!