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A few of my favorite things (Part 2)….

I love Trader Joe’s! They make it so easy! The veggies, the meats, nuts, you name it… And, their prices are mostly reasonable. My weekly shopping list tends to be a lot of the same stuff. As you are starting to learn, I love roasted veggies. In fact, I roast something just about every single day. Typically that includes, okra, eggplant, kale or some precut, prewashed, prepackaged veggies like sweet potatos, brocolli, or brussel sprouts. The sweet potatoes are probably one of my favorite veggies but I try to limit my tubers as they can increase insulin levels and sometimes cravings. But, if I’ve got a long run or ride ahead of me, I will almost always eat these before I heading out.

Here’s how to roast them:

  • Preheat oven to 450
  • Spray cookie sheet
  • Place sweet potatoes flat on tray. Spray again with coconut oil spray
  • Cook 25 min., stiring once or twice so all sides cook 
  • Add Celtic sea salt and cinnamon. For picky eaters, add a little stevia.

If you want them cripsy, cook them for 20 minutes, turn off the stove and leave them there for about 50 minutes. They will end up similar texture to freeze dried fruit. On a day when you’re craving carbs and something crunchy, this hits the spot. Check on them periodically though to make sure they aren’t burning. 

Brussel Sprout for lunch

Now these brussel sprouts aren’t roasted but they are so easy to make thanks to TJs. Here’s how to make this yummy and filling meal:

  • Put bag of brussel sprouts in the microwave for 3 1/2 minutes
  • Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Careful not to burn yourself opening the bag
  • Cut brussel sprouts in half length-wise
  • Cook Trader Joe’s Vegetable Chicken Sausage (take out of casing)
  • Add sausage, roasted flax seeds (you could use sunflower or other seeds), about 1 tbls EVOO, some lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and/or apple cider vinegar, and some avocado. I didn’t have any but adding avocado or guacamole makes this especially good!