It Sux To Be Fat –

Hi, my name is Jacynta and I’m having an affair with TJ!

So, I have a love affair with a guy named Joe. Trader Joe to be exact! Shhh, don’t tell my hubby although he’s seen his name quite a few times on the AmEx! You see, all my clients know that I’m constantly saying, “Have your tried this or this from Trader Joes?” I love everything about the place.

First, it is easy to shop there because they have no gimmicks! There are no BOGO’s! Thank God! The prices are amazing and you don’t have to cut coupons or be stuck behind one of those extreme coupon chicks who always make me feel bad for not having any! And…you certainly will not smell fresh fried chicken being pumped through the store or any sugary scents or bread baking! Those are a NO GO at TJ! The place is quaint and easy to get around (well except for the parking lot!).  They are your neighborhood grocery store, friendly, funny and fast! And did you know they are a debt free company and that they pay their vendors in cash? So cool!

So, you’re wondering if I work there or if they give me LOTS of cash for always being their #1 fan? The answer is, “No!” But, what they do give me are healthy food choices to help my clients make their journeys fun and successful! As a matter of fact, I’ll be having two Sparkle events in April at the East Cobb location! To top is off, they will be coming to help me celebrate my grand opening for Sparkle a New You in April!

I love this place and love being able to share the my TOP 10 favorite food finds from Trader Joes with you!!

Almost every morning my hubby and I have their 1) Multigrain Organic oatmeal. It is so hearty and filling! I add just a few 2) TJ Dried Cherries at the end for some yumminess!

This oatmeal only takes 5-6 minutes to make and it will keep you full for hours!! So delish! Now, we all know that breakfast is THE most important meal of the day and even skinny people eat breakfast so why shouldn’t we!?!

Next up, are the 3) Reduced Guilt Guacamole and 4) Spinach Kale dip!

These will blow your mind. Very low in calories, perfect for when you need a quick party appetizer and just plain TASTY! It will feel like you are getting away with something! Don’t forget to pick up some of their reduced guilt tortilla chips!  Gosh, wish I had some right now!

So, if you are like me, you live in your car most days. Or you have a tendency to crave something sweet, then you want salt, then you want sweet and you know how this story ends… you devouring a bag of chips then going in search of something sweet.

Well, that vicious cycle is over with 5) TJ Individual bagged Kettle corn!

Yes, it’s a rockstar! I keep it in my car because it keeps me from the drive thrus! Perfect for travel, and only have 110 calories! Just beware sometimes when you go get it, it’s not there. That’s a good sign!

Another couple of favorites are from the spectacular frozen section. One challenge for some of my clients is drinking water.  Most of them still struggle with getting enough…I am one of them! I decided I needed some kind of incentive to drink it, (as if great looking skin wasn’t enough), I needed an added bonus. That’s where my next fav came in my life, 6) TJ Frozen Mango chunks. I use them like edible ice cubes for my ItSuxtoBeFat tervis tumbler! And then, I really look forward to my water!!

Pictured with my frozen mango are the very delectable 7) Chicken Chili Lime Burgers! These are so incredible tasty and BIG! They do require cooking as they are raw and my preference is on the grill. Then, put them over lettuce for a salad protein or on a sandwich thin piled up with veggies and some avocado! QUE BUENO!! They have a bit of a kick for those of you who like to live on the wild side!  Then, add some of their 8) Trader Joes Cowboy Caviar and take it to another level of fun! It is just 25 calories for 2 Tb. and it will spice things up!

I saved my top favs for last! I think we all agree that there is nothing like creamy delicious cheese! However, when we eat an entire block of it that’s a problem for the waist line. But, this is why I am in love with 9) TJ Mini Brie and Mini Goat cheeses, they are the perfect pre portioned sizes of decadence.

I actually feel like I’m getting away with something. I use veggies and 10) TJ Savory thins or salt and Pepper crisps to add to the fun!

There you have it…my top 10 Trader Joes food finds.  My next Sparkle Tours at the Trader Joes in East Cobb will be on April 22. Feel free to send me an email at jacyntaharb@gmail.com for info on how you can be part of the healthy eating tour and tasting!! It will be super fun and will be a “must be at” event!!

Sparkle on Peeps!!

(c) It Sux To Be Fat – Read entire story here.