Breakfast Delight
For breakfast, I’m all about kicking off the day with something
that’s both satisfying and protein-packed. I reach for my
favorite—a couple of slices of Kirkland’s Black Forest ham from
Costco. It’s savory, smoky, and importantly, high in protein.
With 12 grams of protein per two slices and only 70 calories,
this ham is a powerhouse compared to other deli meats.
To accompany the ham, I indulge in half a cup of fresh
blueberries and strawberries, providing a sweet, nutritious
contrast. The fruits are fresh and full of antioxidants, making
them perfect to jumpstart my morning. To round off my breakfast,
I opt for two roasted red pepper egg and cheese bites from
Cuisine Adventures. These are another Costco gem, conveniently
portioned and easy to prepare—just a minute and a half in the
microwave. This combination makes for a fulfilling meal with
only 314 calories and 28 grams of protein, keeping me energized
and satiated until lunchtime.
Hearty Lunch
Midday, it’s time for lunch, and I love a good roast beef
sandwich. I assemble mine with three slices of Kirkland seasoned
cooked roast beef, which undoubtedly tastes like it was freshly
sliced from a prime cut. I add a slice of marble cheese and a
smear of mustard on two slices of Carbonaut bread. This bread is
a revelation with its 7 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein
per slice; who knew low-carb could be so nutritious and tasty?
On the side, I enjoy some veggie crunch with cucumber spears and
baby carrots, paired with a touch of Hidden Valley Ranch—
Costco-sized, of course. I also share a tip for keeping those
giant bags of baby carrots fresh: immersing them in water as
soon as you bring them home is a game-changer. This lunch is a
hearty 409 calories, generously supplying 34 grams of protein.
Dinner Simplicity
For dinner, simplicity rules once more with a creamy dill pickle
chicken wrap. I start with a low-calorie, high-fiber Mayi Cono
wrap. With a whopping 17 grams of fiber in just 90 calories,
it’s a brilliant substitute for traditional tortillas. I fill
the wrap with pre-cooked, lean chicken strips that I buy in bulk
and freeze, making meal prep a breeze.
Taylor Farm’s creamy dill pickle chopped salad from Costco
complements this dish perfectly. It’s filled with all the
fixings like dill pickle croutons and creamy ranch dressing,
adding zest and freshness to my wrap. This meal, paired with a
refreshing ginger zero-sugar Canada Dry, totals 425 calories and
comes with a substantial 30 grams of protein.
Dessert Indulgence
No day is complete without dessert, and I create what I call a
“blueberry pie bowl.” Utilizing ¾ cup of Oikos 2% vanilla Greek
yogurt, it serves as the creamy base. I add a half-cup of those
lovely Costco blueberries and top it off with crushed arrowroot
cookies for a nod to pie crust. This treat is delightful and
packs only 280 calories, along with 16 grams of protein.
Nighttime Snack
Finally, my nighttime snack is a bag of Quest nacho cheese
protein chips. These chips are not only a tasty nod to
traditional nacho cheese Doritos but are also loaded with
protein—18 grams per bag, to be precise. Paired with some juicy
fresh strawberries, this snack rounds off my day deliciously at
just 187 calories and 19 grams of protein.
This typical day of eating sums up to 1,615 calories. My
approach is about high volume, high protein, and flavor-packed
meals that keep me full and satisfied. The key to maintaining a
calorie deficit, I find, is enjoying the food I eat and ensuring
it’s rich in nutrients to keep my body fueled and fit.
Having lost 130 pounds and maintained that loss for over a
decade, my journey underscores the importance of selecting your
foods wisely. Always check labels; sometimes, the most
unassuming products are the most nutrient-dense. I hope my
experiences inspire others to find joy in their food as they
work towards their health goals. Whether you’re a Costco shopper
or not, remember, you can enjoy delicious meals and lose weight
without spending hours cooking. Embrace the simplicity, and let
your meals be a source of nourishment and pleasure.
