There’s one trip you have to make when feeding a crowd: Costco. This membership-only warehouse offers affordable prices for just about any bulk food item you can think of. Yes, you can buy more Twinkies and maple syrup than you know what to do with. But when you’re watching your waistline, you know you should put down the junk food no matter how tremendous the low price.
So, for those looking to eat clean, what products should you buy at Costco? We have a few suggestions. Here are the healthy foods you definitely should purchase from the food giant.
1. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are a’plenty at Costco, so it’s time you take full advantage. The store offers a variety of almonds, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and chia seeds in bulk for a reasonable price.
And WebMD explains there’s evidence to suggest eating 1.5 ounces of nuts a day can protect your heart, and the high fiber and protein content can assist in weight loss. Just make sure you eat them — nuts can go rancid after a bit because of their high oil content.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Mixed Nuts
2. Frozen berries
Buying your fruit frozen is great for desserts and smoothies, and berries do particularly well in the freezer. And if you’re buying at Costco, you can get a great deal on huge bags of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries — or a mix of all three.
So, why should you be eating more of this fruit in particular? EatingWell explains they support your digestive system, can help improve your cholesterol, and can help lower your blood pressure. Need we say more?
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend
3. Nut butters
Gone are the days of your boring peanut butter sandwich — nut butters of all flavors can be found just about anywhere. And you really should be joining in on the trend. Almond butter is high in calcium and copper, which are both good for the brain, Livestrong.com reports. And like the nuts we mentioned before, nut butters keep you satisfied for hours while fueling your body with healthy fats. We highly recommend you purchase these products at Costco to get the most bang for your buck.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Creamy Almond Butter
4. Olive oil
You’ve probably heard by now you should be incorporating healthy fats, like olive oil, into your diet. Healthline explains it primarily has monounsaturated fats, which reduce inflammation and may have cancer-fighting properties. And olive oil may even help protect against heart disease and stroke.
The trouble with this oil is it can be quite pricey, especially if you’re going for organic varieties. If you’re buying at Costco, however, this is no longer a problem.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5. Canned fish
Canned tuna has gotten a bad rap over the years thanks to its mercury content. Luckily, the vast majority of brands give you nothing to worry about — and the fish actually quite good for you.
SFGate explains canned tuna has tons of protein, is low in calories, and also has omega-3s to support brain health. And Costco doesn’t just have tuna — they also sell canned wild salmon and packaged anchovies or sardines.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature White Albacore Tuna
6. Organic produce
One of the greatest perks about shopping at Costco is how much organic produce they offer. As Well+Good notes, Costco sold over $4 billion in organic produce in 2016 alone — so much so that the company could barely keep up.
And eating organic certainly has its benefits. TIME says organic fruits and veggies may have more antioxidants and way fewer pesticides and heavy metals.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Normandy Vegetables
7. Organic meats
Costco doesn’t just sell organic produce — they also have a huge selection of organic meats. The blog Practical Stewardship notes this grocery giant sells organic ground beef, eggs, and chicken for extremely reasonable prices.
TIME reminds us conventional livestock are given antibiotics to keep them alive while they’re living in unsanitary cages. Organic livestock are not given antibiotics or growth hormones. Your body will thank you for making the switch.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef Hamburger
8. Organic almond milk
We know by now cow’s milk has calcium for strong bones, but the saturated fat and inflammatory properties of dairy have many running in the other direction. If you’re trying to cut down on your dairy consumption, Costco’s here to help with its organic almond milk.
Live Science explains almond milk is simply made by blending together almonds and water, and then adding in vitamins.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
9. Plant-based protein powder
Cheap protein powder isn’t tough to come by, but Costco offers a variety of high-quality protein powders that even vegans and vegetarians can enjoy. Mindbodygreen explains animal proteins, like whey, can contain growth hormones and more saturated fat. Plant-based protein powder may be something to consider for improving digestion and still making major gains at the gym.
Best Costco buy: Vega Organic Protein Powder
10. Organic coconut oil
Coconut oil has been the subject of controversy for quite awhile now, but it really does have plenty of health benefits you shouldn’t ignore. Some studies have found consuming coconut oil may contribute to a smaller waist circumference. This product does contain a lot of saturated fat, though, so you don’t want to go overboard. But more research suggests your good cholesterol levels may also get a boost. And don’t forget — this oil has great benefits for your skin and hair.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Coconut Oil
11. Organic quinoa
Looking to get more protein in your diet? Costco has the answer to your prayers by offering large bags of organic quinoa. You should really add more of this grain into your diet, as it contains all nine essential amino acids and has tons of filling fiber. It’s also helpful in reducing your risk of heart disease and helping out your blood pressure.
Not a quinoa fan? No worries — Costco also offers oats in bulk, which are another super healthful grain.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Quinoa
12. Roasted seaweed
In need of a healthy, crunchy snack? Costco has you covered with roasted seaweed. In case you didn’t know, Elle says seaweed is rich in vitamins A and C as well as calcium. It’s also one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin B12, which is excellent for your brain health. And sea vegetables generally contain way more minerals than land vegetables. This low-calorie snack will be a staple in your diet in no time.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Seaweed
13. Plain Greek yogurt
Here’s another high-protein food you should add to your diet. And thanks to Costco, you can purchase plain Greek yogurt in bulk. The beauty of this yogurt is that it’s unflavored and low in sugar, so you can use it in all your savory dishes instead of fat-laden heavy cream. And if you are craving something sweet, just add a drizzle of honey and some berries on top for a super healthful breakfast or dessert.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Plain Greek Yogurt
14. Organic applesauce
You might want to reintroduce this kid-friendly food back into your healthy adult diet. Applesauce, particularly unsweetened, provides loads of fiber and antioxidants to ward away disease, azcentral says. And you can even use it when you’re baking to replace oil or melted butter. Kirkland’s Organic Applesauce even comes in convenient to-go packages, so you can always have a snack on hand.
Best Costco buy: Kirkland Signature Organic Applesauce
15. Smoked salmon
Smoked salmon contains a lot of sodium, this is true. But when it comes down to it, this fish is full of heart-healthy omega-3s. It’s also an excellent source of protein that’s low in saturated fat and rich in vitamins you may not be getting otherwise. While smoked salmon can usually be quite expensive, Costco offers a superior price when you buy it in bulk. You can freeze whatever you don’t use immediately, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment