I'm a dietitian on the Mediterranean diet who shops at Trader Joe's. Here are 15 of my favorite things to buy when I don't feel like cooking.

Lauren ManakerJan 12, 2024, 19:40 IST

I get all my Mediterranean-diet staples at Trader Joe's.Lauren Manaker

I've been a dietitian for over 20 years and follow the Mediterranean diet, but I don't love cooking.
Precooked hard-boiled eggs, bulgar, and frozen pizza from Trader Joe's make my life easier.

When I tell people I've been a registered dietitian for over 20 years, the assumption is that I love to eat nutritious foods and cook them myself.

I try to eat balanced and nutrient-dense meals that follow the Mediterranean diet, but I don't enjoy spending time planning, cooking, and cleaning. Thankfully, Trader Joe's has some gems that help me feed my entire family (including a picky 8-year-old daughter).

Here are 15 of my must-buys to help create healthy and easy meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Envy apples seem to stay fresh longer.

I don't usually have any issues when I preslice Envy apples for lunches.Lauren Manaker

Clif Bars are my go-to for a boost of energy.

I like Clif's crunchy-peanut-butter flavor.Lauren Manaker

I buy Norwegian farm-raised salmon for a kick of healthy fats and protein.

Trader Joe's salmon is pretty affordable at about $10.Lauren Manaker

The vegan kale, cashew, and basil pesto tastes good on almost everything.

I'm not vegan, but I like Trader Joe's vegan dip and sauce options.Lauren Manaker

Pineapple salsa is my secret slow-cooker ingredient.

I like to dump a jar of pineapple salsa in with some chicken.Lauren Manaker

Raw pistachio nutmeats are a complete plant-based protein source.

I find many uses for the shelled pistachios.Lauren Manaker

Trader Joe's fruit and greens smoothie blend makes morning smoothies a breeze.

I like that I don't have to chop up the fruits and veggies myself.Lauren Manaker

Vegan creamy dill dressing elevates a slew of dishes.

I use the dill dressing on salads and as a sauce for other meals.Lauren Manaker

Trader Joe's chicken Drummellas make my 8-year-old very happy.

I like to bake the chicken Drummellas from Trader Joe's.Lauren Manaker

The organic Mediterranean-style salad kit helps us eat more veggies.

Having a salad kit in my fridge makes it easier for me to get veggies on the table.Lauren Manaker

The bulgur pilaf with butternut squash and feta cheese is an easy side dish.

Trader Joe's has some nice flavor combinations in the freezer aisle.Lauren Manaker

Asparagus sauté makes eating veggies so much more delicious.

Trader Joe's sells a few preprepared sauté kits.Lauren Manaker

Riced cauliflower stir-fry is a great base for a low-carb meal.

I think anyone could enjoy Trader Joe's riced cauliflower.Lauren Manaker

Hard-boiled eggs are a secret shortcut in my kitchen.

Having the eggs precooked and peeled is a huge time-saver.Lauren Manaker

Trader Joe's Tarte au Brie et aux Tomates is my solution for pizza night.

I love the flavors in Trader Joe's Tarte au Brie.Lauren Manaker

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