Whole Foods & Trader Joe's Tips?

squatsandlipgloss
squatsandlipgloss Posts: 595 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am going to Chicago and Los Angeles in July/August and even though I don't want to pay too much attention to eating overly healthy (I will be visiting my favorite spots like IHOP, Chipotle, In-N-Out, Sprinkles...), I do want to make sure I eat enough fruit and vegetables.

I go to the USA every year, but this is the first time I am going since I changed my lifestyle. We have never really done our groceries at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, but this time we want to.

Does anyone have any tips for us? What do you like to buy? We can't cook in our room, but we do have a small fridge in our hotel room. Is it expensive to buy fruit there? Would we be better off buying it at the farmer's market?

Replies

  • upsidedownjelly
    upsidedownjelly Posts: 52
    I would go Farmer's Market in Chicago. Produce at most chain grocery stores in the city is overpriced and just "meh". Unless you can find a Pete's Fresh Market or a smaller Hispanic grocery... July and August are pretty great times for farmer's markets anyway.. Depends where you are staying but Wicker Park has one every weekend, and there is the Maxwell Street Market which is open every Sunday, and is a pretty big part of the history of that area!
  • zillah73
    zillah73 Posts: 505 Member
    Whole Foods stores usually have an extensive deli, hot & cold food bar and salad bar – when I am in a bind or time crunch, I often pop in there to put together a health(ier) dinner than other take out options. You can eat there (they have microwaves for reheating and seating sections) or take it back to your room.

    Just mind your portions because, while these foods are prepared fresh in-store with whole foods ingredients, they aren't necessarily "lighter" foods when it comes to calories and fats.
  • alli_baba
    alli_baba Posts: 232 Member
    I don't know where you'll be in LA, but definitely try to go to the Santa Monica farmer's market if you get a chance. There are tons of farmers markets in LA, but the one in Santa Monica is the best (I've heard it said that it is the best in the U.S). All the produce is organic. It's open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. I live north of Santa Monica and my town has its own market but I sometimes make the trek to Santa Monica just because it has the best variety and quality IMO (the produce is far, far better than at any Whole Foods)

    In LA, you don't have to look to hard to find a Trader Joes -- they are everywhere. If you are looking at these stores for takeout, I would definitely choose Whole Foods over TJs. But the takeout at Whole Foods can get pretty pricey -- you probably can get sandwiches and salads cheaper at regular restaurants and takeout places.
  • diolpah
    diolpah Posts: 134 Member
    I don't know about Chicago, or what your dietary protocol looks like, but when you are in LA I suggest locating an In n Out Burger and getting a "double double protein style" - it's an excellent choice if you're trying to eat paleo or low-carb style.
  • JudithEssex
    JudithEssex Posts: 34 Member
    Whole Foods is SO expensive! I use Trader Joe's for tons of stuff: raw veggies for snacks - plus hummus. I also like the egg white salad for a good protein low cal snack or even breakfast. they also have Pure Protein drinks - again, good for a punch of protein for low cals and carbs. You said you have a fridge but no microwave? I also buy the pre-portioned raw almonds. don't forget Laughing Cow lite cheese bites and string cheese. I also like TJ's low cal lemonade - to help get in all my liquid.

    once in Cali the farmer's markets are everywhere but you might need an app to find them!

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