With so many items available at Costco, it can be tricky to determine what is a truly healthier option vs. what is just marketed as a good option. Jenn is here to help!

This week, Jenn is diving into all things Costco. She walks through a variety of items from meat, to refrigerated foods, frozen foods, and even some non food items. Jenn discusses the nutrition facts, how you can spruce up a meal using some Costco items for quick meals, and what she would stay away from. This is definitely an episode to listen to before you hit Costco for your next food haul! Tune in to learn what you should add to your cart! 

The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food industry. Let’s dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:12 ] Jenn shares the recipes members are getting this week!
• [5:34 ] What are some good meat options at Costco considering the type and price?
• [13:34 ] What is the quality of the food in the refrigerated sections? 
• [17:09 ] Are there healthy noodle options available at Costo? 
• [19:54 ] What are some good frozen food options? 
• [26:29 ] Which snack options are good to buy at Costco? 
• [34:01 ] Any good non-food items you should look out for?

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Costco meats are a great option for price and quality!
• Even if something is marked “healthy” make sure you check the ingredients and amount you are getting for the listed price.
• You always have the option to create meals that add in healthy options - for example Kevin’s mongolian beef with some organic veggies. 

QUOTES: 

“We know that in any store, the produce is going to be our best option...the organic berries at Costco are, hands down, the best prices I've seen anywhere...they actually have quite a bit of organic produce.” - Jenn Trepeck

[5:36 ] “So they have organic ground meat. First of all, four pounds for $24.99 for organic ground beef is wild. I was curious, it doesn’t say it on the package if they are grass fed, so I went to the internet, according to the internet it is grass fed. I think it is more challenging to find organic grass fed beef for that kind of price, which is why I thought it was notable. Actually, the same for the organic, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, they are $5.99 a pound.” - Jenn Trepeck

[9:37 ] “Some things at Costco are region or geography specific. So, not to say that everything we found here you'll find at your Costco, but you know, I think if they have them at any Costco, it's something you could even ask your Costco for.” Jenn Trepeck

[16:10 ] “I would say, add vegetables to this right. Round out your meal, it’s going to give you some of the fiber and I would add some quality fat in there also. You can make a meal in a few minutes for your family, but for something that’s pre-packaged and one of these sauces, I’ve seen way worse.” - Jenn Trepeck about Kevin’s Chicken

"Anytime we are getting these frozen, or already prepared in some way, foods, they are adding these other things to it, that you're not getting if you bought ground chicken or the chicken breast. But, this is a healthier option compared to some of the other ones that you could pick.” - Jenn Trepeck

[36:34 ] “I live in the world of practicality vs. idea. You know, only eat green things, not that that’s even an idea, but you know what, I think some people can make it feel like if you are choosing some of these pre made or prepared or frozen things that you’re failing, and I think that’s 100% not the case.” - Jenn Trepeck 

RESOURCES:

Find Your Nearest Costco

Become A Member of Salad with a Side of Fries

Jenn’s Free Menu Plan

A Salad With a Side of Fries

A Salad With A Side Of Fries Merch

A Salad With a Side of Fries Instagram