Trader Joe's Non-fat Pumpkin Greek Yogurt

Pumpkin! There is something super savory and super tasty when it comes to anything pumpkin. Cinderella definitely had it right choosing to ride off in a giant pumpkin. Since it may be difficult for all of us to find a giant pumpkin to ride off into the sunset, it may make more since to just try Trader Joe's Non-fat  Pumpkin  Greek Yogurt. Not only is it super delicious, but its packed full of protein and probitotics with live and active cultures that keep your immune system strong and provide you with that glowing skin which we love! Try some today and let us know what you think. Remember this item is seasonal, so try it before it's too late!

Get nutrition facts for Trader Joe's Non-fat Pumpkin Greek Yogurt. 

Fun Facts: There are so many benefits of adding yogurt to your diet, but one hugely important one is that of aiding weight loss.

A 2010 study found that 200g of probiotic yogurt (containing Lactobacillus gasseri) each day, helped participants lose weight across the whole body, and particularly in the stomach area. - dietriffic

Trader Joe's Pick's for Hollywood Bowl Concert

One of my favorite past time events is attending concerts with friends. This week, I was lucky enough to see Dave Mathews Band at the Hollywood Bowl with the opening act being Allen Stone. We had a great time and of course we packed a Trader Joe’s picnic basket. Here are some essentials I always pack in my Trader Joe’s basket (in reality it’s not a basket, I use one of their reusable bags): 

1) Ginger Beer (mixes great with tequila if you want a lively spirit) 2) Super Spinach Salad (remember to bring a fork!)  

3) Cold Cuts!  4) Smoked Gouda Cheese  5) Bar-b-que Popped Potato Chips ( or Baked Lentil Chips)  6) Balela (Garbanzo  beans mixed with black beans, super delish)

 Hanging with Greg Ehrlich from Allen Stone band. 

Dave Matthews Band putting on an amazing Show!

Always remember the trick for a perfect basket is keep it at finger foods, always bring chips and dips and something fun to drink; don't forget napkins and paper cups! 

A Trader Joe's BBQ

Summer BBQ dish! 

Even though it is September, we can still enjoy Summer BBQs! One of my favorite nights of the week is Sunday as it is a time when all my friends come together and we eat, drink good wine, and laugh. Trader Joe's is the perfect stop for all your BBQ groceries. I love that I can pick up so many items and it is usually half the bill than if I were to go to a big name super market.

@TraderJoesList cooking away! 

Last night we did quite an assortment of items for the meal: grilled eggplant brushed with garlic infused olive oil topped with melted Havarti cheese, grilled chicken breast bites on fresh kale, mini sliders and red bean lentils. For an appetizer we wrapped melon in prosciutto and also had popped potato chips and guacamole. As usual, everything turned to be delicious with barley any leftovers! I definitely recommend inviting Trader Joes to your BBQs. 

Grilled Chicken Breast with Kale

The final dish! 

Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole with Greek Yogurt

Pigs can't fly, but guacamole just lost a whole lot of calories without sacrificing the taste! The geniuses at the Trader Joe's lab have certainly hit the jackpot with Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole with Greek Yogurt. It has the guacamole taste our taste buds love with a creamy consistency full of real chunks of Haas avocado and hinted with an authentic salsa flair. With only 30 calories per serving your waistline and snacking habits will definitely benefit from this guacamole counterpart laced with chunks of tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, a bit of jalapeño, garlic and fresh lime juice. Definitely add this item to your Trader Joe's List. 

Photo taken from Trader Joe's website.

Get nutrition facts for Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole.

Healthy Facts: 

• Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health. -  Health Diaries 

•  Greek yogurt is loaded with protein and full of probiotics which do wonders for your digestive system.

• Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn't include avocados. - Health Diaries 

Trader Joe's Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert made with Coconut Milk

Let's cut the dairy and introduce your mouth to a new favorite dessert, Trader Joe's Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert made with Coconut Milk! Call us coco-nuts, but this dessert is beyond addicting. It has a fluffy, creamy texture allowing you to eliminate the ice cream lag time that occurs when the ice cream is so hard it has to sit out before the spoon can actually break ground and find its way to your mouth. Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert is always the perfect consistency allowing you to improve your spoon to mouth speed leaving you with a smile and indulgent pleasure faster than ever! To make it even better, Trader Joe's also makes this non-dairy frozen dessert in strawberry!

Get nutrition facts for Trader Joe's Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert made with Coconut Milk.

Fun Facts: Here are some of the health benefits of Coconut Milk provided by Sues Nutrition Buzz: 

Benefits of coconut milk

Higher in calcium than regular milk and almond milk.

Nutrient Rich : Coconut milk is rich in a wide range of minerals and vitamins. It contains iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, and also the following important vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Coconut milk is also a good source of protein.

Boost immune system : Half the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk are composed of lauric acid, which is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal thus strengthening the immune system.

Weight Loss : The saturated fat in coconut is made up of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids which the  body quickly turns into energy instead of storing as fat. Therefore, even though it’s high in saturated fat, coconut can aid in weight loss. No wonder it’s the number one recommended milk for protein shakes. It is also said to boost metabolism.Coconut milk makes you feel full very quickly because of high concentrations of dietary fiber.

Relaxes muscles and nerves:  Rich in magnesium which can help relive and ease cramps, muscle pulls and muscle soreness.

Aids in Digestion :  Coconut milk contains beneficial substances that allow the stomach to digest food properly. Due to the high content of lauric acid, coconut milk is anti-bacterial and it kills off bad bacteria in the stomach that can cause you to not digest food properly. So adding  coconut milk  to your diet will help with digestion.

Dairy Free,  Nut Free and Vegan : Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to nuts. This vegan drink is also soy-free and gluten-free.