What I Bought: Costco on the Whole30

If you've been with me on my blogging journey for awhile, you've seen many grocery haul posts.  

 Well, I decided to do this one slightly different-- and I'm hoping the extra effort will make it just a bit more helpful to you guys.

I made a super exciting Friday Night Out trip to Costco the other night, and this is what I came home with.  Dathan & I were heading into week two of our Whole30, so I avoided the areas of Costco I knew I shouldn't be in, and stocked up on some super-clean items.

While I did manage to get out in under 30 minutes, don't worry~  I still took the time to double check the ingredients (although many of these don't have more than one!) to make sure they were Whole30 compliant.

& Now, for the twist:  I decided to include a list of meal ideas at the end, using the items I bought on this trip & just a few more ingredients you might already have on hand.  They are all Whole30 compliant, and easy to make!

PRODUCE

butternut squash

cauliflower (2)

zucchini & yellow squash

black seedless grapes

strawberries

MEAT

pork chops

lamb chops

organic eggs

Aidell's Organic Sweet Basil & Roasted Garlic Meatballs (2)

Aidell's Chicken & Apple Sausage (2)

PANTRY

Kirkland's organic marinara sauce

So, it's a pretty simple list~  but between this haul & a little Sunday meal prep, we were all set for some great dinners throughout the week.  Here are a few ideas:

1. Marinara Meatballs Over Roasted Veggies:  Roast a baking sheet full of chopped squash and cauliflower with a little olive oil, salt, & pepper at 425ºf for 30 minutes.  Heat your meatballs in jarred marinara in the microwave or a large pan until the meatballs are warm.  Serve the meatballs & marinara over the roasted veggies.
2. Slow Cooker Lamb Chops & Cauli-Mash:  I have a recipe coming for this soon, but I basically sliced an onion & laid it in the bottom of my slow cooker.  Rubbed the lamb chops with a homemade spice blend, and topped with fresh garlic.  Cooked on low for 4-6 hours and served with mashed cauliflower.
3. Creamy Spiced Butternut Squash Soup:  Find the recipe to one of my favorite recipes here.  Top it with bacon or pan-fried chicken apple sausage.  Also a great side to go with your pork chops!
4. Cauliflower Rice:  I have a tips/how-to post on how to make your own here.  I try to rice my cauliflower as soon as I get it home, then mix it into a stir-fry-- or steam & use the immersion blender for a cauli-mash.
5. Beef Enchilada Bake:  With your cauliflower riced & ready to go, you might as well make this super-easy, extra filling & delicious Whole30 version of a traditional enchilada casserole.  Find the recipe here.
6. Zucchini Fritters:  For another way to use up that zucchini, try grating it & combining with egg, spices, and a touch of coconut flour.  Shape into patties & fry in coconut oil.  We blended ours with sweet potato & served it under a runny fried egg.  Recipe to come!
7. Pork Chops & Cinnamon Apples:  This meal reminds me of Outback Steakhouse & my Grandma~  both good things (especially my sweet Grandma).  I use my recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce (which you can bake or make in the slow cooker), and serve it with my Perfect Pork Chops that start in a pan & finish in the oven.  Roast some veggies or toss together a quick salad & you're all set for dinner.

& Like you've probably heard me mention 100 times by now, I seriously make at least double the amount of food we need~  that way we've got leftovers for lunch or even dinner the next day.  Really helps cut out the whole "I'm cooking every night" thing that so many people dread on a Whole30.

Let me know what you think in the comments below, and leave suggestions for future posts!  I love hearing from you!