Shopping on a Calorie Budget

I have a pretty steady diet of the things that I like to eat when losing weight, so I’m sharing what I buy here along with some simple and fast recipes for on the go. These foods currently supplement the Nutrisystem diet I’m on, but can be used anytime, regardless.

My local Smith’s Market has most of the items I’m listing below. Smith’s is a Kroger market, so depending on where you live, Kroger includes City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Smith’s Food and Drug, and Kroger Supermarkets.

I also recommend Costco for a good portion of items. Costco has a great selection of top-quality produce, and carries the deli-sliced turkey and bacon crumbles I use.  I love coffee, so that also gets purchased here as well.

Shopping List:

Turkey Wrap – 175 cals

  • 1 – Ole Mexican Foods – Xtreme Wellness Tortilla Wrap (50 cals)
  • 104 g – Turkey Breast (100 cals)
  • Pico De Gallo
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • 1 Tbsp – Bolthouse Ranch Yogurt Dressing (25 cals)

Use 1 tortilla wrap – add 104 g (approx 6 slices of deli cut) turkey breast and as much pico de gallo and lettuce as you like.  Add Bolthouse dressing to complete. Roll and eat away.

Morning Egg Wrap – 182/190 cals

  • 1 Large Brown Egg (70 cals)
  • 2 Tbsp Tomatillo Salsa, or Green Enchilada Sauce (10 cals)
  • 52 g Turkey Breast (50 cals), or  14 g Bacon Crumbles (60 cals) (choose one but not both)
  • 1 – Ole Mexican Foods – Xtreme Wellness Tortilla Wrap (50 cals)

Mix the egg and tomatillo salsa in a microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave on high for approximately 50 seconds.  Use a fork to remove the egg and place on tortilla.  Add turkey or bacon crumbles, then wrap and run.

Maple-Caramel Latte,  16 0z – 101 cals

  • 1 cup Simple Truth Organic Fat Free Milk (80 cals)
  • 1 cup Water (as little or as much as desired)
  • 1 Tbsp Instant Coffee (or more if you like strong coffee/rocket fuel)
  • 1 Tbsp Lakanto Maple Flavored Syrup (21 cals)
  • 1 Tbsp Torani Sugar-Free Classic Caramel Syrup

Combine milk and water, then heat on high in a microwave for 1:30 minutes.  Add the instant coffee and syrups.  Mix (I either shake or blend to make it frothy) and pour into your favorite coffee mug.  Perfect for the season and upcoming cooler days.

Lunch Salad – 125/165 cals

  • Taylor Farms Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad (salad only – don’t add the feta, pita chips or dressing packets)
  • Cherry Tomatoes, sliced
  • 104 g Turkey Breast (100 cals), or  28 g Bacon Crumbles (120 cals) (choose one but not both)
  • 1-2 Tbsp BoltHouse Yogurt Dressing (25-45 cals)

The key here is to get your veggies in – these aren’t only good for you, but will help to make you feel full.  Add as much salad and tomatoes as you like, but stick to the plan for the rest of the stuff.  Mix in a large salad bowl and get ready to munch down.

Snacks

Any one of these snacks will keep you in the sub 250 calorie range:

  • Yogurt + 1 Med. Apple, 2 Mandarins, or 1 Med Banana
  • 1 Med. Apple + 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
  • Cherry Tomatoes or Carrots + 2 Tbsp Bolthouse Dressing
  • Kirkland Signature Nut Bar