A few weeks ago I interviewed Erin from Raw Beauty Co to talk about intuitive eating. I learned so much from our discussion and the questions many of you all previously submitted via Instagram. I had tons of questions flood in about my personal lifestyle choices and how I’ve overcome some of my obstacles with food over the years.

I like to believe at my core, I am quite simple and a lot of my lifestyle comes down to convenience and joy. That being said, the hunger for that joy has led me to a wild array of experiences that shape my lifestyle today. It has also led to me being a very busy woman, I think I could be the poster child for “Girl on the Go!” So when it comes to fueling my lifestyle, preparation is key! At the beginning of a week, I try to set myself up for success. Prepping my kitchen and refrigerator with things that just make my life easier because as I mentioned earlier, I am a woman of convenience.

My Go-to Foods that Fuel me:

• Chicken Salad - I like to make a big batch of chicken salad at the beginning of the week! This is a great source of protein that I can eat as a snack alone or with romaine heart leaves. Sometimes I throw it right into a salad or plate it as my main source of protein for a meal along with the other elements of my meal. (Hot take - to save myself time, I use canned chicken. I know it freaks some people out but it’s so convenient, I don’t even think twice!) 

• Overnight oats - Every time I eat overnight oats I think of my friend Mel that worked with me at Tokyo Disneyland. She would come to work everyday with a new batch of overnight oats just bursting with excitement to have me try her delicious new concoction. It honestly became a huge joke on the daily because I have never seen someone so excited to share their food (oatmeal of all things) before in my life. It’s so easy to tweak the recipe with things like cinnamon, vanilla flavor, chia seeds and so much more! Plus it will make breakfast a no brainer in no time at all! 

• My Go-To Feel Good Take Out - Okay this one is not about prepping my kitchen but has more to do with knowing that sometimes life just happens! If I go into my week assuming that I will eat all three meals at home with no plan of action in the case appointments move around and I have to make an adjustment, then I’m kind of setting myself up for failure. That’s simply because I know how I am and how my world works. Instead of bumming myself out over it, I just try to make a take out choice that is going to leave me feeling fueled and satisfied. For me it’s usually a grain bowl from Cava! (Specifically the Harissa Avo Bowl in case anyone ever wants to surprise me!)

If you know me, you know I love my Trader Joe’s. As many of you also know I will be moving soon and have decided on the life hack that I have to live within 15 min of one or else, that neighborhood is not for me. I am going to link out my absolute favorite TJ staples that I keep in my kitchen that just make sense.

• TJ Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry - This stuff is literally delicious. If you’re not completely sold on cauliflower rice but want the fiber and vitamins it has to offer, try adding in regular rice to appease the rice lover within. I love to top this meal off with a fried egg! 

• TJ Nutritional Yeast - Calling all popcorn lovers!!! This is an ingredient I started using when I was vegetarian/vegan! It is a great source of vitamin B12 and honestly adds such a delicious (almost cheesy) flavor to so many dishes but especially popcorn! 

• TJ Cauliflower Gnocchi - If you didn’t know, now you do. These are so good, there are so many ways to cook them.

• TJ GF Norwegian CrispBread - I feel like a lot of people don’t know about these but they are so good and truly crispy!! I love to put avocado or my chicken salad or even both on top! Lots of seeds, a bit of protein and tons of vitamins!

• Organic Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea - I’m a sucker for hot tea! Sometimes I just drink hot water with lemon because it’s just such an experience to have something warm between meals. It reminds me of my time in Japan. This Ginger Turmeric tea hits the spot everytime.

If you’re on health/fitness TikTok at all, like me, you’re obsessed with creative ways to get your protein in. I have been trying out every protein snack possible and I will share the ones I have actually liked below. 

• Chomps - If you don’t like beef jerky, this isn't for you. I don’t eat these all the time but if you are in the mood for something savory, this may do the trick. 

• Quest Cheese Crackers - They are basically like protein Cheese Itz! Of all the quest chips, these are my favorite!! 

• Quest B-day Cakes - These are actually so delicious. So worth it when you are in need of a sweet treat! 

• Fruit Loops Protein Shake - THIS! This is legitimately the best protein shake I have every tried. I know, dramatic. But it tastes like the milk when you finish a bowl of fruit loops. 

I typically don’t drink during the week except for on special occasions or when I’m out for dinner. I’ve gotten way more into mocktails in my late 20’s because I love enjoying a beverage but try to limit my weekday consumption of alcohol. I follow this girl Gracie Norton on Tik Tok and she has the best Wellness Recipes including this homemade ginger ale!

I am just going to leave this here for you all to try!

I also love a fake margarita with super simple ingredients! Try this one out for the non alcoholic take on one of my favorites! 

Okay let me know your thoughts on any of these favorites from above and what I need to be adding to make my life easier and tastier!