Skip to main content
Catherine, Princess of Wales, visiting children's trauma therapy service in Bradford.
Zendaya and Tom Holland posing together at an event.
Margot Robbie at the BAFTA Awards, showcasing her elegant style.

Food

A Fitness Coach Who Lost 250 Lbs. Shares Her Favorite Trader Joe's Items For Slimming Down: Shawarma Chicken Thighs, More

December 15, 2024 by Mariam Qayum
shefinds | Food
Featured image

Slimming down starts with smart choices, and the grocery store is the perfect place to set yourself up for success. At Trader Joe’s, you’ll find a variety of items that make weight loss both convenient and delicious. From nutrient-packed snacks to low-calorie meal options, these foods can help you stay on track without sacrificing flavor.

@smallersam_pcos Trader Joe’s low calorie + high protein haul Here’s what I picked up: Shawarma Chicken Thighs/ 160cals + 21g protein. Chomps Turkey Sticks/ 80 cals + 12g protein. Organic Light String Cheese/ 60cals + 8g protein. BBQ Teriyaki Chicken/ 240cals + 31g protein. Pumpkin Greek Yogurt/ 130cals + 12g protein. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Patties/ 140cals + 13g protein. Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sausages/ 100cals + 11g protein. #traderjoes #shopping #groceryhaul #healthy #lowcalorie #high #protein #weightloss #pcos #weightlossprogress #caloriedeficit #transformation #realistic #mealprep #quickrecipes #fastfood original sound – SmallerSam_PCOS

Samantha (SmallerSam_PCOS), who lost 250 pounds and has over 1.6M followers on TikTok, recently shared her favorite low-calorie, high-protein items from Trader Joe’s. Some of her go-to options include BBQ teriyaki chicken, shawarma chicken thighs, and more. Read on to get all her suggestions.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
chicken shawarma

1. Shawarma Chicken Thighs

Chicken shawarma is a beloved and flavorful dish, and Trader Joe’s has simplified the process with their Shawarma Chicken Thighs. Now, you can enjoy this protein-packed meal at home without the hassle of extensive prep. With just 160 calories and 21 grams of protein per serving, their chicken shawarma thighs make it easy to savor a delicious, satisfying meal anytime.

turkey sticks

2. Chomps Organic Turkey Sticks

For a quick snack that’s not loaded with unhealthy fats or high amounts of sugar, Samantha suggests Chomps Organic Turkey Sticks. They’re only 80 calories and 12 grams of protein. She notes that it pairs well with Trader Joe’s Organic Light String Cheese (60 calories, 8 grams of protein).

teriyaki chicken

3. BBQ Teriyaki Chicken

This item is the perfect option for dinner when you don’t have much time to prep and cook before bed.

They’re already marinated and chopped, saving you even more time in the kitchen. This high-protein meal is 240 calories and 31 grams of protein.

greek yogurt

4. Pumpkin Greek Yogurt

Regular Greek yogurt is one of the best protein-rich snacks to eat (read about its benefits here!). Why not put a seasonal twist on it by trying Trader Joe’s pumpkin-flavored Greek yogurt? Besides being delicious, it’s only 130 calories and 12 grams of protein.

chicken breakfast sausages

5. Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties

We can’t forget breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Forget the pastries, donuts, processed meats, and cereal because they do nothing for your body and will only cause your blood sugar to rise and crash before it's even lunchtime.

Samantha says to opt for these Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties that are 140 calories and 13 grams of protein.

chicken sausages

6. Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sausage

Processed sausages are filled with nitrates, high sodium content, and preservatives, which can be detrimental to your health. Instead, go for these Spicy jalapeño Chicken Sausage that are all natural. 1 link is 100 calories and 11 grams of protein.

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Mariam is an Editorial Assistant and writer at SheFinds, covering everything from style and beauty to health and wellness. Splitting her time between New York and Philadelphia, she brings a sharp eye for trends and a passion for storytelling to the digital space. With a strong editorial background, she’s always exploring the latest in fashion, skincare, and wellness. When she’s not writing or pitching, you’ll find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or planning her next travel adventure. You can reach Mariam at mariam@shefinds.com.

Grocery store aisle featuring sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Grocery store aisle featuring sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.