I’ve lost over 50 pounds while prioritizing easy-to-prep meals and a high-protein diet. Here are 12 things I get at Costco.

• Costco has been one of my go-to places to buy groceries throughout my weight-loss journey.
• I buy ingredients for high-protein, easy-to-prep meals, like Kirkland Signature chicken sausages.
• Avocados, Premier Protein shakes, and premade salad kits are also staples on my Costco trips.

I fondly remember walking through Costco as a child — it was our grocery shopping haven.

My mom would always take us kids, and at the time, I looked forward to trying the free food samples and seeing what new items the wholesale retailer had in stock. Plus, nothing beat grabbing a hot dog at the Costco food court after a long shopping trip.

That was a long time ago, though, and I hadn’t shopped there in years until I started my weight-loss journey. Since 2023, I’ve lost over 50 pounds, and Costco has been a lifesaver.

Between my full-time tech job and the variety of workout classes I take (from Pilates and barre to boxing and core training), I need fairly healthy meals and snacks that I can prepare quickly.

Fortunately, I don’t live too far from a Costco, and I save time buying groceries in bulk instead of going on frequent, smaller shopping trips.

Plus, I’ve found a lot of easy-to-prep options at the chain that help me eat a diet low in saturated fat, high in protein, and rich in fiber.

Here are a few of my favorite things to get at Costco.

Sliced beef brisket is one of my favorite proteins to have on hand.

I like to keep smoked sliced beef brisket from Mission Hill Bistro in my fridge as it’s low in calories and high in protein. Each 3-ounce serving has 15 grams of protein and 120 calories.

The brisket can be heated up in the microwave in just a few minutes, yet it tastes like it’s been cooking for hours. It’s tasty on a sandwich and pairs well with roasted vegetables.

Kirkland Signature chicken sausages are another quick protein option.

I am in love with these Kirkland Signature chicken sausages flavored with Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Each link contains 14 grams of protein and 150 calories.

They’re packed with flavor, and each bite has ooey-gooey cheese that melts in your mouth.

Since the sausages are fully cooked, they only need to be warmed up on a stovetop or grill. In a pinch, they can even be heated up in the microwave.

Sukhi’s chicken tikka masala is a great premade meal.

I love the creamy tomato curry in Sukhi’s chicken tikka masala, another one of my favorite heat-and-eat meals at Costco.

Each serving is also fairly low in calories (180) and packed with protein (22 grams). To make the meal more satisfying and higher in fiber, I’ll pair the chicken with cauliflower rice or vegetables.

Avocados are a versatile staple in my diet.

I buy avocados in bulk at Costco as they’re an easy source of fiber and healthy fats. I love eating them on their own with a pinch of salt or adding them to a salad.

Sometimes I’ll use my air fryer (which I also got from Costco) to make a crunchy piece of toast that I can top with mashed avocado.

I also use beef kebabs as a quick protein source.

I love these Falafel Company beef kebabs, which come already seasoned and contain 19 grams of protein per serving.

They’re easy to heat up in a microwave, or they can be put in an air fryer for just a few minutes. I like to pair a few of the flavorful kebabs with rice and vegetables to create a full, satisfying meal.

Cuisine Solutions has a tasty seared salmon.

When I want fish that’s tasty and easy to prepare, I heat up some seared salmon with soy, honey, and ginger sauce from Cuisine Solutions.

The flavorful, fully cooked salmon pieces only need to be warmed in the microwave for a few minutes. They’re delicious on their own or on top of a salad.

Each serving contains 23 grams of protein.

It’s always handy to have a premade salad in my fridge.

When I have salads that are easy to throw together, I’m more likely to eat them.

So, I grab salad kits at Costco — the Taylor Farms Mediterranean Crunch is one of my favorites. It has a diverse mix of ingredients, like romaine, chicory, broccoli stalks, carrots, cauliflower, red cabbage, and feta.

To upgrade the salad and give it more protein, I usually mix in olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoned rotisserie chicken.

Häagen-Dazs ice-cream bars are one of my favorite sweet treats.

Being on a diet or losing weight doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all sweet treats — it’s about achieving a balance.

So, I still buy some of my favorite snacks and eat them in moderation so I can keep my caloric intake in check.

Each Häagen-Dazs chocolate-almond ice-cream bar is 270 calories, and I try to have just one a week. My mom always bought these bars when I was a child, so the taste feels especially nostalgic.

Premier Protein shakes are easy to grab on the go.

Whenever I want to quickly add more protein to my diet, I pick up a protein shake.

I like the ones from Premier Protein, which contain 30 grams of protein each and come in fun flavors like chocolate and caramel.

They’re enjoyable on their own or added to coffee.

I always try to have a big bag of nuts handy, since they’re so versatile.

This Kirkland Signature unsalted mixed bag of nuts lasts me quite a long time, and I like the variety of cashews, almonds, pistachios, and pecans.

As a snack, nuts are filling and packed with healthy fats. Plus, they’re easy to add to salads or yogurt bowls for a nice crunch.

Nothing beats Costco’s rotisserie chicken.

There’s a reason Costco is famous for its $5 rotisserie chicken. As a kid, my mom grabbed one of these on every shopping trip.

Now that I’m older, it’s become a tradition for me as well. I usually add the chicken to salads or wraps for extra protein.

Lastly, fresh fruit is a necessity.

I always buy fresh fruit on my trips to Costco. It’s just a great, quick snack whenever I’m looking for a nutritious fiber boost.

My favorites are peaches and mangoes, but the chain often has a fantastic selection of produce that can vary based on what’s in season.

Click to keep reading Costco diaries like this one.

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