Costco is easily one of the top resources that I recommend to my clients. Why? A couple of reasons:
Cost savings- almost everyone, especially families with kids, are feeling the effects of rising food costs, especially in the availability of healthy options.
Ready made, high quality meals and snacks- most of my clients are busy. Most of ALL of us are busy. Costco has the best variety of high protein, quality ingredient fresh and frozen meals, ingredients and snacks of any store I have come across besides ones that cost twice as much.
Without further ado, let’s run through some of my top recommendations
Disclaimer: Costco’s in different locations carry slightly different supplies. ie, I think Costco in Alaska is the only one ever to carry pilot bread. If you can’t find an exact item at your Costco though, you are likely to find a similar one.
Breakfast Solutions
A little high in fat, these are still a great protein option. Pair with your favorite carb, or toaster waffles to complete your protein intakeDelicious, energy packed instant breakfast option. Top with greek yogurt or pair with a protein shake to prevent a blood sugar crash. Excellent whole food, high protein option. Simply heat and eat. Pair with protein or collagen coffee.One of my top instant recommendations- much cheaper than smaller grocery store packs. Pair with collagen or protein coffee. Add a scoop of protein powder into the batter for an extra boost. Make a large batch at once and freeze for toaster pancakes a 10th of the price of store bought protein toaster waffles.This six pack of egg whites is over 50% cheaper than grocery store options. Freeze to keep fresh and pull out 24 hours before needed to fridge. Pair 1 whole egg to 1/4 cup egg whites for optimal flavor and macros.Use as snack or base for a protein parfait. Boost protein by stirring in collagen or half a scoop of protein powder. Top with berries/nuts/granola etc
Pure Protein Sources for Easy Lunches
Simply heat and enjoy. Pair with a sweet potato or sweet potato friesDid you know that prosciutto has a two to one protein to fat ratio? Get extra fancy and pair with a cheese and apple for a very balanced, boujie adult lunchable.
Saute these (or another flavor from the same brand) with gnocchi, ravioli, or add to soup or serve on the side of breakfast as a protein boost option
Chicken breast does not have to be bland or boring. Add to a salad, wrap or bowl for instant protein.I will always recommend getting your deli meat from costco or from an actual deli counter. The price/pound of this turkey is excellent and there are minimal “extra” ingredients or chemicals. Pair with rice and veg or dipping sauce and crackers of choiceMake delicious chicken club sandwiches with this- add a slice of bacon, some avocado and lettuce and serve on killer daves breadThese are delicious with tartar sauce on a sandwich thin- or pair with stir fry veg and riceSimply heat and eat! Pro tip- dip these in Chick Fil A sauce. Thank me laterAttention chicken nugget lovers- these are a great option for kiddos and for mom and dadI recommend cooking these ahead of time and storing in ziplock freezer bags for easily adding to pastas, taco salads, burger salad etc
Simply heat and eat, on a bun or not. These are DELICIOUS
Shred and mix the white and dark meat. Add to salads, boost the protein content of soups and stir fry or ready made meals with less than 20g of protein. Make chicken salad, buffalo chicken casserole, or heck, eat alone. It’s delicious
High Quality Sides to Go With Protein Options
These instant rice bowls are a life saver for on the go meals- simply heat and eat. Minute rice cups from a grocery store are another optionNeed less carbs as a side? This preseasoned mix is delicious, never soggy. Saute on high heat with a smidge of sesame oil. Pair with shrimp, chicken, salmon burger, ham and egg etcLove the high fiber content of these wraps- save your carbs for some fruit or favorite crackers on the sideExcellent option to pair with added rotisserie chicken, especially when feeling under the weather
One of my favorite bread options- find regular or thin sliced both at Costco
Minimal ingredients, delicious and so fast and easy to throw in the air fryer
Ready Made Meals for Dinner (or Lunch)
Honestly any Kevin’s brand meal is a phenomenal optionKeep in mind that every Costco carries a different selection of this brand. This option is a little higher in sugar so recommend pairing with the Cauliflower stir fry vs regular riceThere are a few different Indian style options from this same brandAbsolutely flipping delicious and with phenomenal macros. Recommend pairing with salad or sweet potato friesThis brand has a number of different options- all are super low carb and high protein. Great choice if you know you’ve already blown your carbs for the day or will later on in the night! Pair with any carb of choice for a balanced mealEasy heat and eat option with high protein and veggies hidden inside. Recommend pairing with ricePair with a potato and veggie steamable for the full pot roast experience in an instantAnother delicious option from Real Good- and yes, it is REALLY good. Remember to use when your carbs or tapped out or when pairing with another carb option
Make sure to ensure that you measure 4-6oz of chicken into your taco assortment. Easy grab and go for a few days of fresh meals. Throw in some avocado or guacamole for added delicious.
Snacks
Low carb, HIGH PROTEIN snack to just knock that salty craving right out. Biltong has 3x as much protein as jerky.
Love this low sugar option for salty/sweet holiday cravings
No carbs left to spare but still have a sweet tooth! These are tasty- high in fat make no mistake but this is beneficial at night because it promotes satiety
Excellent preworkout snack!! Minimal ingredients and rapid release sugar
Another excellent minimum ingredient snack. This is pure carbs, making it easy to mentally track on the go. I always have a few of these in my purse to stave off unexpected hangerOne more instant sugar option! If you bonk at the gym in the morning but also can’t eat anything beforehand, this is for youLove this grain free, low inflammation option for fixing that salt craving. Do still watch your portions!
Drinks
This soda alternative is zero calorie, all natural and has NO weird taste or aftertaste! Normally pretty expensive per six pack in grocery stores so I was STOKED to find this in Costco!!
Absolutely my most common recommendation for hydration. Delicious, all natural, no artificial flavors/colors and less than $1/drink at Costco vs $3/each elsewhere
These are great in every flavor. The ONLY on the go protein option I recommend because it is not heat processed whey, simply filtered milk. Save yourself the bloating and inflammation of crappy protein drinks by sticking to these and 1stPhorm
Other Favorites/Sides
This double pack of goat cheese is only $7. Pair with that prosciutto or add to salads!Love these individual guacamole packs to save you any brown ness. Add to the street tacos or things like fajita bowls or Kevin’s chicken verde
Excellent option for making smoothies, topping yogurt, making overnight oats etc. Blend with a fairlife shake for an instant, two ingredient smoothie
Eat as an on the go snack, part of a meal, a salad topper or make high protein deviled eggs with greek yogurt!Love the hummus packs as pre-portioned options because it is too easy to go way overboard on dips like this. Use with fresh veggies, in a mediterranean bowl or as spread in a wrap
Summary
I hope this helped! This is a living document so I’ll be coming back along to add more items- check back every so often!
