2 Trader Joe's Products That Helped Me Lose 365 Pounds at 41
Getting in the recommended amount of protein daily can feel overwhelming – especially if you are busy. However, according to one weight loss expert, fueling up with fat-burning food doesn't have to be complicated. Steve Lutsk (@dadbodsteve) is a fitness trainer and influencer who has transformed his body over the years, losing a whopping 365 pounds. He regularly shares simple but effective tips on how to maximize your workouts, including how to shop for food. "I am 41 years old. I stay shredded year round. I have two high protein pre-cooked hidden gems from Trader Joe's your whole family's gonna love," he says in a recent TikTok clip. What does he recommend and why? Here is what you need to know.
Each Meal Offers 30 to 50 Grams of Protein
Both proteins are "easily gonna get 30 to 50 grams of protein per meal," he says. "All you have to do is heat 'em up in a pan. They are so good, they sell out."
Meal One: Sous Vide Chicken Thighs
"I had to go back the next day to get these Sous Vide chicken thighs," he says about the popular protein, which boasts 18 grams of protein per 3 oz serving.
Easy to Cook and Versatile
"Cook them in a pan for about seven minutes. They get nice and crispy as they cook in their own fat. It's better than most restaurant chicken. Just throw it on top of the salad," he recommends.
Meal Two: Bulgogi Beef
"You also gonna get this Bulgogi Beef, which also sells out sometimes," he continues, adding that it is "flavored phenomenally." One 5 oz serving is 280 calories, 16 grams fat, 740 mg of sodium, 13 g carbohydrates, 9 g sugar, and 21 g protein.
Serve with Rice, Kimchi, and Gochujang
"Heat it up for a few minutes and serve it with some rice, kimchi, and gochujang," he suggests. "It's so good. You'll think you're in Korea, or at least Korea town."
RELATED: This is the Optimal Amount of Protein You May Need Every Day, According to Expert
Our Expert Agrees That Premade Proteins Are a Good Idea
Why are premade proteins a good idea? "Premade proteins can be very convenient," explains Body Network's Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. "They come prepped and ready to just bake, grill, or throw in the skillet with minimal prep work trimming the meat or waiting for a marinade to soak in. Sometimes they are already cooked and all you are doing is warming them up which makes them especially convenient for throwing on top of salads or combining with other leftover veggies and starches for lunch."
However, Read Labels Carefully
Collingwood does suggest paying attention to the nutritional labels. "Because they often have sauces on them, the sodium content can be quite high and might also have a lot of added fat. Read labels to look at overall calories, fat, sodium, and protein content to make sure it fits into your goals for the day," she says.
Other Great Trader Joe's Protein Options: Sous Vide Turkey Breast Tenderloins
Another great option if you like turkey? Sous Vide Turkey Breast Tenderloins. They offer 20 grams of protein and 100 calories per 3 oz serving.
Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken
Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken is also incredibly tasty and great for adding to salads, rice bowls, or wraps. One 3 oz serving boasts 21 grams of protein and just 110 calories.
RELATED: Drop 40 Pounds in 6 Months with These 7 Simple Adjustments
Sriracha Flavored Baked Tofu
For those who don't eat meat, Sriracha Flavored Baked Tofu offers 15 grams of fiber per 3.5 ounce serving with 140 calories. Add it to stir fries, salad, wraps, or anything else you can think of.
💪🔥Body Booster: Always keep some premade proteins on hand. That way you are less likely to reach for unhealthy food when you are hungry.
@dadbodsteve High protein Trader Joe's hidden gems. So good they sell out! It's easy to get 30-50 grams of protein per meal from both the beef Bulgogi, and the Sous vide chicken thighs. What's your favorite source of protein from Trader Joe's? #protein #traderjoes #diet #nutrition ♬ Big Gangsta (Instrumental) – Kevin Gates
