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This is my whole30 shopping trip to Trader Joe’s on a budget. This week’s meal plan, prices, shopping list, and brands I shopped for. Easy, accessible, and healthy!
Budget friendly whole30meal plan at trader joe’s
Ughhhh… Just moving out. And buying food. It can be stressful!! I realized I’m eating like half what I ate at home just so I can save money (okay, maybe not half ;). But still!!! I am sorry if you are offended because I am talking about money on the blog today, but I think this could be super helpful for you, so keep reading 🙂 .
This goes out to all my college friends out there 🙂 Hahaha. #budgetbutwanttobehealthy
Today I shopped for groceries at Trader Joe’s. This is what I picked up + how much it cost me + what I am going to make with it!
- Frozen cod pieces (enough for 4-6 meals!) $4.75
- Organic chicken breast (3 large breasts) $13.84
- Ripe avocados (3) $5.37
- Bagged avocados (4) $3.79
- Plantain chips $1.69
- Raw green beans $2.99
- Canned wild salmon (boneless and skinless) $2.99
pin it for later!
Tips + what I took away from this shopping trip
First of all, canned salmon is expensive!! And I eat it regularly, so… yea
Also, Green beans are a great budget friendly snack! I got a large bag for $2.99. That should last me around five days.
Number three: Be prepared! I forgotmy list and meal plan with me, so I was a bit at a loss when it came to remembering what I had to purchase. But I eventually figured it out and didn’t buy ANYTHING I didn’t need (key people! key.) Oh, I also bought lunch for on the go, because I knew I was going to be working from a coffee shopand walking around town. So lunch was a must.
Lunch on the go was:
- 2 pieces Applegate roasted turkey breast
- handful of plantain chips
- handful of fresh green beans
- 1/2 avocado sprinkled with sea salt
- Plus a steamed milk from Woods Coffee, because when working… yea.
Oh! Another tip I forgot to mention about this shopping trip: bring my recyclable grocery bag!!! Because here in Bellingham you have to pay for paper bags, so bringing along a grocery bag helps out… like 5 cents. 😂😂
What I am going to make
So, with these finds I am going to make up some yummy whole30 recipes!
Salmon-With the salmon I am planning on mixing it up with mayo, green onions, and bell pepper. Then stuffing avocado halves with it! Lunch. Check! Update: here’s the recipe!
Chicken- I am planning on making shredded chicken salad lettuce wraps with the organic chicken breast. Simply roast the chicken breast then shred, add mayo, apple chunks or grape halves, then some fresh cracked pepper, sea salt, and chopped celery. Yummm. All of that wrapped up in a lettuce leaf will do just fine 🙂 .
Cod- That fresh cod is going to make some mean spicy fish tacos!!!!
Avocados-Makin me some baked avo egg boats!
Green beans and plantains are for snacking.
Stay tuned for ALL THESE RECIPES! I can’t wait to share the whole process and recipes on the blog later this week. Stay in the loop and make sure you get these recipes by signing up for my email list (this is the only way you are guaranteed to get the recipes 😉
other recipes you can make withthese ingredients
Zesty herb salmon burgers with lemon asparagus and tzatzikisauce
Creamy avocado pesto zucchini noodles
Greek chicken salad
Homemadecrispy plantain chips
Also, I am planning on adding other ingredients I already had in the fridge to these items to make up my complete week’s meal plan. The main ingredientsI already had were- eggs, lettuce, mayo, red peppers, and sweet potatoes.
Lastly, I would love to hear what you thought of this post, because I would like to know if you guys are interested in me doing more like this…?? I am thinking of including recipes and weekly meal plans/shopping lists. Thoughts? THANK YOU! xx
30Comments
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1 2 Kaylie Johnson Reply
So glad!!
3 Rene Reply
Great idea, I love this!
4 Kaylie Johnson Thanks!
5 Lauren DeBolt Reply
Just stumbled across your site, and I love it! I would love to see the recipes you plan to make with this TJ shopping trip! Super helpful Kaylie!
6 Kaylie Johnson Reply
Yay! Thank you Lauren 🙂
7 Kaylie Johnson Reply
Here is the first recipe I made with it: https://paleoglutenfree.com/recipes/creamy-whole30-avocado-tuna-boats/
8 Lilu Reply
Soooo about green beans… are they Paleo or not? I’ve read so many conflicting things! Thanks
9 Kaylie Johnson Reply
As far as I am concerned they are, but everybody has their different opinions. 🙂
10 Leslie Reply
I LOVE this post. It is nice to see someone buying NORMAL ingredients and making yummy, wholesome food 🙂 COST is a factor. I work in healthcare and the number 1 excuse I hear from patients as to why they cannot eat healthy is due to cost constraints. You show how a person can pick up a few items and make a decent menu. Bravo! Keep posts like this coming.
11 Kaylie Johnson Reply
Aww, thanks so much Leslie! That’s so good to hear 🙂
12 dave Reply
like the bring your own bag .I live in town Humbolt st off Lakeway
13 marie Reply
steamed milk??
14 John Tramble Reply
Did you make your own mayo?
15 Tina Reply
This is so helpful. I’m new to Paleo and want to feel better and lose some inches. I love finding new recipes to took especially when not too sure what I can eat.
Thanks 😁16 Katie D Reply
I’m new to Whole30 (1 week down) and this was helpful to get an idea of basics that can be used in several different recipes, but are also affordable. Thanks!
17 Ariel Swoboda Reply
Kaylie, this is a wonderful addition to your blog. I recently graduated from college and let’s just say it hasn’t been easy finding a job. I think I’m where I need to be at for work now but I’m very dissatisfied with my first week on the whole 30. I didn’t prepare myself like I should have with weekly meal plans / snacks. I was finding myself on day 8 caving because of gooey butter cake! Needless to say, I’m starting over! I found your amazing blog and would absolutely love to download your Whole 30 meal plans but for some reason I am unable to find the download button. I’ve signed up for your newsletter and I’m very much looking forward to seeing more of your budget friendly grocery/meal plan ideas. Thank you!
18 Kaylie Johnson Reply
Hi Ariel, there should be a download button that appears and if you don’t see it you can just right click and download then print. 🙂 Best of luck on your whole30 journey!!
19 Laura Reply
Hey! I have been looking for something like this everywhere! Not only the budget stuff (which helps so much) but everything on here! You are amazing! Please keep at it! You are helping me feel so much better!
20 Kaylie Johnson Reply
So good to hear Laura! Thank you so much!! Glad this is helpful 🙂
21 Emily Reply
Kaylie, everything about your blog is so well put-together! This has now become my favorite site for Paleo recipes. From the pictures, to the recipes, to the meal plans, etc. I find some Paleo recipes I’ve seen elsewhere are a little boring. All of your recipes are creative and tasty. Thanks for doing you!
PS. Really grateful for all the paleo dessert recipes.
22 Kaylie Reply
Hi Emily! Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
23 Samantha Sandstrom Reply
Yes!!!! I love this post so much!!! We don’t have a Trader Joe’s though so I have to go to the Co-op instead. Also, weekly shopping lists and recipes would be great! I have a really hard time finding time to figure out what to eat during the week and what I need.
24 Brittany Nicholl Reply
Hi Kaylie, I just came across your website from Pinterest. Do you live in Bellingham WA?? I live here and it looks like your from Washington state and I saw you mentioned Bellingham. How cool if so!! I looked at some of your recipes and meal plans and they look great! I’ll definitely be trying some out! I’m considering doing Whole 30!
25 Kaylie Reply
Hi Brittany, I did for a bit- I am currently back in Leavenworth. 🙂
26 Courtney Reply
The simplicity of this post is awesome! I have been so overwhelmed with trying to do the whole30… but this post gives me hope! More please!!
27 Chelsea Reply
This post is super helpful! All I really have near me at school is a Trader Joe’s and I want to get better at meal planning on a budget.
28 Elena Ragazzo Reply
Like the simplicity of your blog & info. I will continue to
Follow. Thanks!!29 Kaylie Reply
Thank you Elena!
30 Toni Jobes Reply
Love it! I shop Trader Joe’s and am a Paleo newbie so I’d love some food ideas so I am able to stick with it and continue to feel better and get healthier!
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