When you’re fasting to lose weight, eating low-carb during your eating window is crucial. The less glucose (which results from the breakdown of carbs) your body has to use for energy, the faster you will start burning fat. Finding healthy low-carb options you like can be a bit of trial and error though and most people don’t want to eat the same thing over and over. One of Krista’s favorite stores is Trader Joe’s, and below (as well as in this YouTube video) she shares a few of her favorites.
Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup
First up is Trader Joe’s Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup. I’m a fan of soup of any kind. I eat it when it’s 90 degrees outside, when it’s below zero, and everything in between. There are so many low-carb soup recipes. But this store bought one has become a regular go-to for me. There are just 6 grams of carbs in a cup, so you can eat it without guilt. Sprinkle some shredded parmesan cheese on top for more flavor, or eat it with some pork rinds for a super-low-carb meal. It will be especially nice to sip on as the weather cools down in coming weeks.
Canned Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon
Salmon patties (aka salmon cakes) bring back warm childhood memories for both me and Lori. We’ve been fans ever since Mom served to us with hominy. We’re both skipping the hominy (except on those
special occasions Mom cooks them up when Lori makes a trip home) these days, but it’s easy to make a low-carb version. I usually get four patties out of one can of Trader Joe’s canned salmon. I form the patties, wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and pop them in the freezer. Then I just thaw one when I’m ready to eat. I’ve even enjoyed one with eggs and fruit for breakfast before. They’re so good. Here’s a link to an easy low-carb version (the secret’s in the pork rinds).
Egg Salad
Trader Joe’s Egg Salad is a great option for low-carb fasting or keto eaters. It packs 9 grams of protein and only 3 grams of carbs in each half cup. Egg salad is a simple, healthy choice for a meal, it’s even better when you don’t have to make it, but only if it isn’t full of ingredients you can’t pronounce or overloaded with sugar. If you want to, you could add to this healthy store bought version – pickles, capers, paprika, whatever you want. Scoop it into a tomato or eat it just like it is. Pair it with the chicken soup, bone broth, or some other healthy low-carb soup! Such a versatile item to have in the fridge.
Chicken Breakfast Sausage Links
Last, but definitely not least, is Trader Joe’s Chicken Breakfast Sausage Links. I’ve eaten a lot of bacon and sausage as part of my low-carb lifestyle. And I love both! But some mornings I want something a little lighter but still full of protein. These links fit the bill well. Mind you, they are lighter. They aren’t as spicy as pork sausage and just have an overall lighter taste. So don’t expect them to taste like pork sausage or bacon. They aren’t meant to. But they are very good and have been a satisfying replacement for pork sausage and bacon. Not that I’ve given them up! This is just a nice addition to my options for breakfast meat.
A Few Last Words
I’ve really enjoyed all four of the items above. I’ve found Trader Joe’s to be a great place to find healthy, low-carb, great tasting options. But not 100% of their items are 100% healthy. Read the labels at Trader Joe’s and any other store where you buy groceries. It’s been my experience that it’s much easier to find good options at Trader Joe’s than it is at most grocery stores. But be particular about what you put in your body, whether you buy it at Trader Joe’s or somewhere else. Not that we have to be perfect when we fast, or do anything else for that matter. We don’t. Strive for progress, not perfection.