Hey there Reader,
I’m gearing up for my next Costco run—time to stock up on the essentials! As usual, I’ll need to brace myself for the chaos in there. Between dodging massive carts and navigating crowded aisles, it’s always a bit of a challenge. But honestly, I secretly enjoy it. There’s something about being surrounded by so many food options—and let’s not forget the joy of snagging a sample or two (or every single one of them?!).
I’ll be sure to share some of the highlights from my haul—deals, staples, and time-saving shortcuts. If there’s anything specific you want me to cover about Costco shopping, just hit reply and let me know!
Okay, here we go - time for Sizzle, Crunch, Scoop!
- SIZZLE: Must-try cooking hack that'll save you time, energy, and money.
- CRUNCH: Inspirational boost to keep you motivated for the rest of the week.
- SCOOP: Latest scoop on a trending nutrition topic + insights from your fave dietitian ;)
SIZZLE 🍳
The Pantry Staple You Didn't Know You Needed
Make some room in your pantry for TVP—the true MVP of plant-based ingredients!​
Alright, enough with the acronyms. I’m talking about Textured Vegetable Protein. Now, I get it—the name doesn’t exactly sound exciting. But trust me, this ingredient is a total game-changer for your kitchen. Here’s why:
- It’s versatile: On its own, TVP doesn’t have much flavor (kind of like oatmeal). But that’s what makes it great—it easily blends into recipes like meatballs, bolognese, chili, soups, tacos, and burgers without being noticed. It takes on the flavour of whatever you’re cooking, making it the perfect hidden hero.
- It saves you money: TVP costs less than half the price of ground meat when you compare it gram for gram in terms of protein. Whether you use it as a meat substitute or a meat extender, it’s a budget-friendly way to bulk up your meals.
- It’s super convenient: Unlike meat, TVP is shelf-stable and doesn’t need to be cooked to a specific internal temperature. Just add it directly to soups, stews, or sauces, or rehydrate it with boiling water or broth as per the package instructions. Easy and hassle-free!
Still skeptical? Check out the video I shared a while back on Instagram where I added TVP to a store-bought sauce for an easy, protein-packed dinner.
CRUNCH 🍿
Quick & Budget-Friendly Meal Idea!
This recipe keeps things simple with just a few basics: pre-shredded coleslaw mix, ground meat, and your favorite grain. It doesn’t get easier than that! The star of the dish? The sauce. This is how I enjoy homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen—I focus on one flavorful element and let shortcuts like ready-made ingredients or leftovers handle the rest.
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Broccoli, Cabbage & Ground Chicken (or any meat) Bowl!
You can customize this recipe by switching out the ground chicken for any other ground meat or alternative. Serve over rice, soba noodles, in rice wraps (my absolute favourite) or with any other grain of choice!
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SCOOP 🍦
A Capsule Pantry for Endless Meal Options
Think of meal planning like putting together outfits with versatile basics. Just as a few staple pieces can create endless outfit combinations, a handful of simple ingredients can lead to a variety of delicious meals throughout the week—without much effort. By combining essential grocery staples with prepped ingredients, you can create balanced meals in no time.
The key is to have a few options from each food group on hand: proteins, veggies, and grains. Then, it’s just a matter of mixing and matching to create a variety of meals and snacks.
Join me on November 17th to prep these essentials and get inspired with meal ideas to make the most of them during your busy week. All recipes will be shared ahead of time and can be adapted to fit your and your family’s needs.
Use code MMP-FALL2024 for 50% off discount. Hurry, there are just 2 redeemable coupons left! And don't hesitate to hit reply if you have any questions.
Have a lovely weekend,
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