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The Ultimate THM Grocery List

February 20, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Trying to figure out what to buy at the supermarket when you are a new Trim Healthy Mama? The ultimate THM grocery list will give you an idea of lots of things to stock your THM fridge and pantry.

The Ultimate THM Grocery List

As a THM veteran, shopping for on plan products has become second nature. But as a beginner I remember thinking “can I have this” with every turn of the grocery store aisle.

What kind of bread is allowed? Is Salmon an S or an E? What kind of store bought cereal is on plan? 

So I put together the ultimate THM grocery list to help you stock up on healthy, on plan products on your next grocery trip. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Free THM Resources for Beginners:

  • How to Rotate Your Fuels on THM – When to East S, E and FP
  • Eating out on THM at Restaurants or Fast Food
  • 9 Things to Try if you aren’t losing on THM 
  • Trim Healthy Mama A to Z – A Complete and Easy Guide to THM

The Ultimate THM Grocery List

There are so many things that you can eat on the Trim Healthy Mama diet but finding those things can be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for.

The ultimate THM grocery list makes it easy for you to find the basics to make THM easier when you are first starting out. 

Where Should I Shop For THM? 

Any supermarket will get you the Trim Healthy Mama basics. Of course there are certain items that you may only find at certain stores or even only online. But the special ingredients are just extras and not necessary for success. 

You can do this plan with ordinary things that you find at stores like Walmart, Aldi, Target or Kroger. 

If you want special THM branded items that you can’t buy at the grocery, you can get those directly on their website. 

THM On Plan Produce  

The produce department is your best friend on Trim Healthy Mama because virtually nothing is off limits. 

-Salad Greens, Cabbage, Spinach (FP)

– Berries (FP)

– Apples/Pineapple/Plums/Peaches/Bananas/Watermelon (E)

– Asparagus, Zucchini, Jicama, Okra, Eggplant, Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Brussels (FP)

-Tomato (FP) Use in moderation in an S 

– Corn, Potatoes (E) These are to be used in moderation 

– Avocado (S)

-Time savers like bagged salad or pre-cut cabbage/slaw are fine. Just watch for any off plan items like croutons/wonton strips etc. in the salad kits. 

THM On Plan Meat 

Lean Deli Meats (FP) – natural brands are best (I like to grab from the deli)  

Hot Dogs (S) – Look for options with 2 carbs or less per serving 
Serving Idea: Lavash Pigs N A Blanket

Beef (S) unless 96% lean. You can also rinse ground beef in hot water to use in any meal. 

Pork – All cuts are an S except for Pork Tenderloin. It is lean enough to be a FP. 

White Meat Chicken (breasts, unbreaded tenders) (FP) 

Dark Meat Chicken (legs, thighs) (S)

Bacon (S)

Turkey Bacon (S) but you could eat a couple slice in an E or FP. 

Rotisserie Chicken (white meat FP & dark meat S) 
Serving Idea: 1 chicken, 5 THM lunches

Half Ham/Spiral Ham (S)
Serving Idea: Dump the sugary packet and make this Instant Pot Holiday Ham

Fish

Shrimp (FP) 

Salmon (FP) If it has >5 grams of fat, it moves to an S. 

Most fish will be a FP. Lobster, Tuna Steak, Crab and Tilapia all fall in this category. Remember if you add butter or oil, you will likely move into S. 

THM On Plan Bread 

Sprouted, Dark Rye, true whole grain pumpernickel (no added wheat flour) and true sourdough breads are ok for Trim Healthy Mama in an E meal. You can find more info on acceptable brands and places to find the bread here. 

Two favorites are Ezekiel bread or Pepperidge Farms Sprouted. 

There are also some wrap/tortilla options that you can have on plan. Mission Carb Balance or the store brand alternatives are my favorite. Find that full list here. 

THM On Plan Canned Items 

Canned Vegetables – Avoid any seasoned varieties that may contain added sugar. 

Pasta Sauce (FP)- Look for no sugar added options like this. If you look at the nutrition label, all pasta sauce will show sugar because of the natural sugar in the tomatoes. You just want to avoid sugar as an ingredient.

Pasta – Dreamfields pasta is a PC FP (I buy it online or at Walmart). You can also have lentil or chickpea pastas like this & those would be an E. 

Brown Rice/ Wild Rice / Quinoa (E)

Tuna (FP) 

Pickles (FP) – Avoid sweet pickles 

Canned Soup – Lots of Progresso Light soups are on plan as a PC FP. Avoid any that are “creamy.” Some have noodles (like the chicken noodle) but the amount of noodles is minimal which is what it allows it to be ok. 

Salad Dressing – Look for a dressing that has 1-2 carbs. My favorite is Bolthouse Farms & it is actually in the produce refrigerator near the bagged salad. 

Pesto (S)

Jelly – Polaner’s or Simply Fruit – 1 Tsp okay for S or FP. 1 Tbsp for E

Jerky – Epic bars are a favorite (S)

Sugar Free Store Bought BBQ Sauces/Ketchup etc – These are generally not on plan because they are typically sweetened with off plan sweeteners. I choose to use them on occasion because I refuse to make my own ketchup but if you are a purist, keep in mind that they are probably not on plan. 

Peanut Butter (S) My favorite is this no stir, creamy option. You can check out a list of on plan options here but basically you just want the only ingredients to be peanuts &/or salt. 

Defatted Peanut Flour (FP)

Unsweetened Cocoa (FP)

Nutritional Yeast (FP) – Some people say it has a slight cheesy flavor
Serving Tip: Make Homemade THM Taco Seasoning

Oils – Olive & coconut oils are favorites. Avoid Vegetable Oil. 

Coconut Flour/Almond Flour 

THM On Plan Snacks 

Nuts (avoid glazed/sugary varieties) 
Serving Idea: easy toffee pecans or pumpkin spiced almonds. 

Pork Rinds (Avoid Flavored varieties like BBQ) 
Serving Idea: On Plan dips for Pork Rinds

Popcorn (Skinny Pop has premade and microwave options that are on plan) 

Popcorners (E) – Sea Salt variety

Crackers – Wasa crackers are one option – here is a list of lots of on plan chips & crackers. 

Brown Rice Cakes (E)

Chocolate – Must be 85% or higher if sweetened with Sugar. You can also use Lily’s chocolate bars – they are delicious and not as dark if you prefer a milk chocolate. 

For more on plan snack options, check out this list. 

THM on Plan Dairy 

Yogurt – Low fat no sugar added (FP), Full fat no sugar added (S). I like the Oikos Triple Zero brand or the Two Good brand. 

Milk – Regular Milk is a XO but there are other options as well. 
– Almond Milk – FP (Buy unsweetened) 
– Coconut Milk – FP (Unsweetened, refrigerated. Canned variety is an S) 
– Unsweetened Oat Milk – E 
– Goat Milk – XO 
– Unsweetened Cashew Milk – FP 

Cheese 
– Cottage Cheese – Full Fat (S); 1-2% can be used in an E. Daisy brand is my favorite because they don’t add “junk”
– Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Blue Cheese, Goat Cheese, Feta (S) 
– Parmesan (S) Small amounts can be use in an E or FP

Eggs
– Whole Eggs (S)
– Egg Whites (FP)

Butter (S) 

Coffee Creamer Options
– Nutpods (FP)
– Half & Half (S)
– Heavy Whipping Cream (S)

Fat Free Reddi Whip (FP) – Great to top berries or desserts. 

Cream Cheese (S)

Light Laughing Cow Cheese (FP) 

Double Fermented Kefir (FP)

THM On Plan Frozen Foods

Frozen Vegetables & Riced Vegetables – Avoid those with sauces added. 

Frozen Fruit

Tyson Blackened Chicken Tenders – Thank me later. These are amazing for quick meals. 

Ice Cream – there are a few store bought ice cream options. Halo Top is one variety. 
Check out more on plan ice cream here. 

*Remember that many supermarkets keep their sprouted bread in the freezer. 

THM On Plan Cereals / Oatmeal 

Love Grown O’s Power O’s (E)
I like to eat with half a banana, a bit of sweetener and unsweetened Almond Milk 

Ezekial Cereal (E)

Quick Cook or Regular Steel Cut Oats (E)

Old Fashioned Oats (E) 
Serving Idea: Bake it with Peaches or Pumpkin

Quaker Fiber & Protein Instant Oatmeal (E)

THM On Plan Sweeteners At Grocery Store

Sweet Leaf Sweet Drops – Great in coffee and desserts. 

Monk Fruit – This is my favorite brand.

Truvia 

Stevia 

Erythritol  

*You can buy any brand of the on plan sweeteners. Just watch because some brands will advertise as a blend. If that is the case, check the label because they may blend with off plan ingredients. 

THM On Plan Beverages

Sparkling Water (FP) – these are kind of an acquired taste because they are not packed with flavor but after drinking a few, I started to love them. Any unsweetened brand is on plan. I like La Croix, Bubbly, Aha and even store brands.

Bai, Bai Bubbles, Bai Tea (FP)
Serving Idea: Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet

True Lemon Brand Flavoring Packets (FP) – These cause a lot of confusion because they contain sugar. The amount is kept to 1 gram and that is why they are allowed on plan. 

Virgils Sodas (FP)

Zevia Soda (FP)

THM Alcohol 

Think you need to skip the alcohol all together while on THM? You don’t! 

Stick to unsweetened options like dry wine, spirits or even spiked seltzers. It is best to avoid beer but if you must have one, stick to the light version. 

For a full list of 20 alcohol options for Trim Healthy Mama, click here. 

Looking for something that isn’t included on the ultimate THM grocery list? You can look for it on the free THM Analyzer app or comment below & I’ll see if I can help you out!

Filed Under: Buy Smart, Featured, Trim Healthy Mama Tagged With: Grocery List, Shopping List, THM

THM Kroger Deals 1/17/21

January 17, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Save money on your favorite Trim Healthy Mama products this week. Here are the best THM Kroger Deals 1/17/21.

Best THM Deals @ Kroger THis Week - 1_17_21

When I was in my mid-20’s, I moved across the USA from Tennessee to Texas. I spent what seemed like a ton of money at the time to move. And I also quit my job before I left with no job in TX waiting on me. Smart, right?

So after spending a bunch of money and no way to replace it (remember no job!), I had to find a way to survive while I found employment.

I found out about these cool things called blogs and started reading some that taught you how to save money and coupon. I even took a class in Houston by one of my favorite bloggers, Tiffany at MyLitter. 

She taught me (and a bunch of others in the class) the grocery game. How to get tons of products for very little OOP (out of pocket) money. And it helped me eat and pay my bills during that time period!

And now that I’m a Trim Healthy Mama, I want to show you how to get the best THM Kroger Deals 1/17/21.

Never Miss a THM Deal – Join the Protecting Your THM Pennies Facebook page.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

THM Kroger Deals 1/17/21

*Prices listed are my local prices in West TN. Check your store for accurate pricing.

Bubbly Sparkling Water $3.99 (Buy 2)
Coupon 1: Save $3 on 2 (With Pickup or Delivery)
Coupon 2: Save .75 on 1 (Best Customer Bonus May not be available to everyone)
Expires: 2/7 
Total Cost: $4.23 or $2.11 per 8 pack

Chobani Complete Single Cup $1.25 (buy 4)
Coupon 1: Save $1 on 4
Ibotta Rebate: .75 Back 
Expires: 2/16
Total Cost: $4 OOP + .75 Back on Ibotta (.81 per cup)

Need a free Ibotta Account? Get one here & start earning rebates that transfer directly to your bank account or Paypal.

Simple Truth Organic Sprouted Bread $4.00
Coupon 1: Save 0.75 on 1
Expires: 1/26
Total Cost: $3.25
*This is probably my favorite on plan bread

Prego No Sugar Added Sauce $2.00 (buy 2)
Coupon 1:$1 off 2
Ibotta Rebate: .75 back
Expires: 1/26
Total Cost: $3 OOP + .75 Back on Ibotta ($1.12 per jar)

Bai or Bai Tea 18 oz Bottle $1.99 (Buy 2)
Coupon 1: .50 on 1 (will take off twice)
Ibotta Rebate: .50 back
Expires: 1/26
Total Cost: $2.98 OOP + .50 Back on Ibotta ($1.24 each)

Try this Bai Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet.

Truvia Naturally Sweet Calorie-Free Stevia Sweetener 9.8 oz $6.49
Coupon 1: $1.50 off 
Ibotta Rebate: $1.50 off 
Expires:2/28
Total Cost: $4.99 OOP + 1.50 Back on Ibotta ($3.49)

Love Grown Original Power O’s Cereal 8 oz $4.59 (Personal Choice)
Coupon 1: $1 off
Ibotta Rebate: $1.50 Back
Expires:2/21
Total Cost: $3.59 + $1.50 Back on Ibotta ($2.09 per bx)

See how I like to eat Love Grown O’s on this THM No Cook Meal Plan.

Banza Chickpea Pasta $3.00 (Buy 2)
Coupon 1: Save $1 on 2
Ibotta Rebate: $1 back (will be redeemable 2 times per receipt)
Expires:1/26
Total Cost: $5 OOP +$2 Back on Ibotta ($1.50 per bx)

Lily’s Chocolate Bar $2.99
Coupon 1: Save $1 (Use up to 5 times)
Expires: 1/26
Total Cost: $1.99 per bar **Great Price**

Who says you can’t eat well on a budget!?!

Tips for Saving the Most Money

There are a few things to make your couponing journey a little easier & to ensure you get your deals. 

Download Ibotta & Check Rebates On Shopping Day

Sign up for a free account here. Ibotta rebates do expire so it is best to search the app on the date of your shopping trip to ensure everything is still available. 

It is no fun to think you are going to get a rebate only to find it expired after you bought the item. 

Remember that at this time, Ibotta doesn’t allow the pick up receipt from Kroger. This means you have to shop in store and get a traditional receipt for the Ibotta rebate items.

Check the Current Sales Price + Coupon Expiration

The expiration date listed is for the coupon. However, if the item is on sale right now, buying it before the next sales cycle would be beneficial to get the best price. For example, the Lily’s bars are on sale this week so when you combine with the coupon, you get the best possible price. 

Never Miss a THM Deal – Join the Protecting Your THM Pennies Facebook page.

Filed Under: Buy Smart, Discounts, Featured, Trim Healthy Mama Tagged With: Cooking through THM, Kroger, THM Deals

Christmas Gifts for 0-3 Month Old

November 8, 2020 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Find a list of ideas for Christmas gifts for 0-3 month old babies.

Christmas Ideas for Your Newborn Baby

You always hear “give them a box” when new parents ask seasoned parents about what to buy their toddler as a gift. It’s all they will play with any way is the advice. And while it is pretty much true, I always had a problem with it. 

Of course I know that they don’t really need anything at that age. But lots of times the parent wants to start a tradition. To experience the fun and some of the holiday magic with young kids at home. 

So when both of my babies were born near the end of the year, I found myself with a 3 week old one Christmas and a 2 month old at Christmas a few years later. 

And of course I fell into the category of I wanted to give them something for Christmas. So we did a couple of small gifts and then Santa even brought them a few presents. 

Here I will share with you ideas for Christmas gifts for 0-3 month old infants. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Christmas Gifts for 0-3 Month Old

Baby in FLoor Seat for Christmas gift - 0-3 months old

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when shopping for a brand new baby for Christmas. 

  • Keep it Practical – They don’t have wants for “things” yet so feel free to grab something practical that they really need. 
  • Minimize the Gifts – I get that it is so fun for your toddler or young child to have a pile of presents to open (even if they are small because it is all about the box at that age, right?). But for a 1 month old, they will have zero interest or ability to engage with a wrapped present. So keep it to just a few items. 

Practical Baby Gifts for a Newborn Infant

If someone is asking what to get your new baby for Christmas, these are some things that are fairly practical but also make good gifts for infants. 

  • Clothing – anything that you might need that you didn’t get prior to them being born. 
  • Books – start building their Christmas book collection now so that you can do this Christmas Advent calendar when they are around 2! It is so fun. 
  • Splurge Items for Baby that Also Help Mama – a Baby Brezza if you are bottle feeding, luxury jogging stroller etc.
  • Essential Items for when they are older – Think about things you didn’t get at your baby showers that you will need in a few months. Spoons, divided plates, sippy cups, extra blankets. 
  • Start them a College fund – It is not too early!

Toys That Santa Brought for Our 1 Month old 

Both of those years that we had tiny babies at home, Santa visited! He brought a few toys that were perfect for an infant to enjoys.

Activity Gym – These are great to entertain young babies. Not only do they keep the infant engaged, it helps to encourage their motor skills and provides a nice spot for tummy time. 

Fisher Price Rattle & Teether Gift Set – The sweet treats set is discontinued but any set that you like would be great for this age. 

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Camera

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Puppy (We actually had the monkey but that had been discontinued too)

Toys That Santa Brought for our 2 Month old

Floor Seat

Smooth Moves Sloth – I think we had a different animal but it was similar to this. My baby loved watching it move at this age. 

Whatever you decide, remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to Christmas gifts for 0-3 month old babies. 

You do what makes you happy. Does a 1 month old need a Christmas gift or toy? No not really. Is it totally fine to want to buy that sweet baby something? Of course! 

Have fun & and enjoy your first Christmas with your new precious baby.

Filed Under: Buy Smart, Discounts, Featured Tagged With: 0-3 month, Christmas gifts, infant, newborn, presents, Santa

Free Thanksgiving Dinner From Ibotta

November 7, 2020 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Do you want a free Thanksgiving dinner from Ibotta this year? It is easy to do. Find out how below. 

Free Thanksgiving Dinner from Ibotta

I love the Ibotta app. If you have never used it, essentially it is a rebate app that rewards you for purchasing certain products. 

Think the new face of coupons. You simply add offers, buy the product, scan your receipt and your rebate will be added within a few hours to days. 

Once you get $20 in your account, you can cash out with Paypal or a variety of gift cards. It is easy, trustworthy & really works. 

And for a limited time, you can get a free Thanksgiving dinner from Ibotta at Walmart. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Free Thanksgiving Dinner From Ibotta

Getting your free Thanksgiving dinner from Ibotta is really easy. 

  1. Go to Ibotta.com and sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one from your computer.
  2. A pop up for the Free Thanksgiving Dinner will pop up. 
  3. Follow the directions to link your Walmart account with Ibotta. 
  4. Once Linked, you can add the free Thanksgiving items online or on your Ibotta Mobile App. 
  5. Add them to your Walmart grocery pickup cart. 
  6. Once you checkout and have your groceries delivered or picked up, your rebate will automatically deposit within 24 hours.

What Free Thanksgiving Food Items Do You Get? 

It really is a complete free Thanksgiving dinner from Ibotta. Here are the items that you will receive to feed a crowd of 5 people. 

  • Free 2 Liter Coca-Cola 
  • Free Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom 
  • Free Great Value Stuffing Mix
  • Free Great Value Fine Green Beans*
  • Free Great Value Cranberry Sauce
  • Free French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions
  • Free McCormick Gravy Packet
  • Free Idahoan Mashed Potatoes
  • Free Butterball Turkey Roast (3 lbs)*

*Items with a * are approved and on plan for Trim Healthy Mama. 

The total value of this free meal is $20.91! What a great freebie that I think will help a lot of people during this busy and expensive holiday season. 

Make sure you sign up soon because it says that supplies are limited. Always check the app before you purchase to make sure the deal is still available.

Foods that I don’t Eat

Since I am a follower of the Trim Healthy Mama diet, there are several things that I don’t eat that are included in this free meal. 

If you are in the same boat, you can always grab them anyway and donate them. Food pantries have been seeing record usage thanks to COVID so I’m sure they would appreciate the donation. 

It is an easy way to give to those in need. 

Join my Facebook group for more money saving deals – Protecting Your THM Pennies.

Filed Under: Buy Smart, Discounts, Featured, Holidays Tagged With: free meal, free Thanksgiving dinner, ibotta, rebate

Cheap AHA Sparkling Water At Target Through 7/18/20

July 16, 2020 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

This week you can get super cheap AHA Sparkling Water at Target now through 7/18/20.

Cheap AHA Sparkling Water At Target

After moving to Houston, TX with little money and no job in my mid-20’s, I learned to coupon so that I could eat! Now, I’m helping you save money with on plan, THM approved products. 

Have you tried AHA sparkling water? It is seriously my new favorite brand. 

I love the flavor combinations and that they even have one with caffeine (which this mama needs, alot)! 

And thanks to a digital coupon, you can get cheap AHA sparkling water at Target through 7/18/20! 

Never miss a THM Deal! Join the Protecting Your Pennies THM Facebook group today.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Cheap AHA Sparkling Water At Target Through 7/18/20

I got this deal & never even had to leave my car thanks to the Target Drive up option.

AHA Water Target Drive Up Price – $3.33

Target Circle Coupon – 40% Off
Find it on your Target App

Total Cost for 8 pk = $2.14 or $0.26 a can 

Smart Sweets are also 15% off with a Target Circle Coupon. Not on plan but a lot of us use as a personal choice & they are so good!

While you are doing your Target run, don’t forget to stock your THM pantry up “just in case” for a sick day. 

Filed Under: Buy Smart, Discounts, Featured Tagged With: AHA, Deal, Sparkling Water, Target

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