I'm a 65-year-old fitness trainer who stocks up on healthy foods at Costco. These are the 11 products I swear by.

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 08:33

Tech Insider

Janet Osborne in front of grocery cart at Costco with Rao's inside — I shop for kitchen staples at Costco.
Janet Osborne

I'm a 65-year-old personal trainer who stocks my kitchen with healthy foods from Costco.
My cart always has frozen protein sources, like wild shrimp and organic chicken breasts.
I also love buying healthy snacks, including macadamia nuts and grass-fed beef sticks.

As a 65-year-old fitness trainer, I prioritize consistency and simplicity over perfection in my workouts and diet. I avoid fads and strict rules, instead sticking to simple, easy-to-follow habits I can maintain.

The key to following through on these habits is preparation — hence why I love grocery shopping at Costco. Buying food in bulk means I'm prepared to make meals that support my energy, strength, and overall health on even my busiest days.

Nutrition, like exercise, doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to be maintainable, and certain products make that easier.

Kirkland Signature Greek yogurt is an excellent protein source when I don't want to cook an elaborate meal.

Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt — I buy the 1.36-kilogram tub of Greek yogurt from Costco.
Janet Osborne

I always have a tub of Greek yogurt in my refrigerator and reach for it almost every day.

I use it for yogurt bowls, which I dress up with berries and nuts, and sometimes mix it into my smoothies. It's also useful for cooking, as I often swap it for sour cream in recipes.

The yogurt has a rich, creamy texture, and the large container is an excellent value. Most importantly, it makes it easy for me to get more protein, which is important for aging women.

When I want a nutritious meal that feels special, I reach for the Nanuk Coho smoked salmon in my refrigerator.

Nanuk Coho Smoke Salmon — I buy the Nanuk Coho smoked salmon.
Janet Osborne

Adding Coho smoked salmon to my meals instantly makes them feel more elevated.

It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and key nutrients like vitamin D and B12 — all of which are important for heart, brain, and immune health.

I love having smoked salmon ready to pull out when I host guests at my home. I have it with eggs and avocado for brunch and also arrange it on my charcuterie boards.

Kirkland Signature wild Argentine shrimp is a high-quality protein I can prepare in minutes.

Kirkland Signature wild Argentine shrimp is one of my freezer staples. It requires minimal cook time and makes meal-prep so much easier.

It's a low-fat, high-protein option loaded with nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, iron, and iodine. The shrimp also contains antioxidants and omega-3s that support overall health.

I prefer wild shrimp over farmed shrimp (I think it tastes better and is of higher quality), and because I don't always have the easiest time finding it, I like having this bag ready in my freezer.

Having Kirkland Signature organic chicken in my freezer keeps me from reaching for less nutritious options.

chicken breasts at costco — Chicken breasts at Costco
Janet Osborne

I buy organic chicken breasts or thighs in bulk and freeze them in small portions.

It saves money, reduces the number of trips I have to take to the grocery store, and ensures I always have a protein source ready to prepare.

Keeping chicken available is one of the simplest ways I stay on track. When I have healthy, delicious options at my disposal, it's much easier to make choices that align with my health goals.

Kirkland Signature grass-fed beef sticks are the perfect size to slip into my purse or travel carry-on.

Kirkland Signature grass-fed beef sticks, which each have 10 grams of protein, are one of my go-to snacks, especially when I'm running errands.

My days out of the house often last longer than I expect, so having a snack with me helps me avoid grabbing fast food or making impulsive choices when I get hungry.

The sticks are also a great travel snack. Because they're so easy to slip into my purse, I always have them with me.

Bags of Nature's Touch frozen mixed berries fill my freezer.

Nature's Touch organic frozen berries — I put frozen berries in my smoothies and yogurt bowls.
Janet Osborne

I use this mix of frozen fruit to make smoothies and top yogurt bowls almost every day.

They're packed with antioxidants and fiber, and I love how affordable and convenient they are compared to fresh berries.

Frozen berries also carry all of the same benefits, and they're perfectly ripe whenever I need them.

Frozen riced cauliflower and broccoli make it easy to incorporate more vegetables in my diet.

organic riced cauliflower from costco — Frozen cauliflower lasts long in my freezer.
Janet Osborne

I always store frozen organic broccoli and cauliflower rice in my freezer to make sure I eat enough vegetables.

They're just as nutritious as fresh vegetables. Plus, they're typically less expensive, take less time to chop, and don't spoil within mere days.

Avocados are one of the most versatile foods in my kitchen.

Costco avocadoes — I buy avocados at Costco.
Janet Osborne

I pair avocados with eggs, mix them into salads, or just eat them on their own.

They're full of healthy fats, fiber, and important nutrients that support heart health and my overall well-being.

I also like to keep Kirkland Signature macadamia nuts on hand for snacking and dressing up my meals.

I often buy a range of nuts, but my current favorite is macadamia nuts. They're rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

I throw a couple of the nuts into my yogurt bowls or snack on a handful to keep me full between meals.

For cooking and making salad dressings, I use Kirkland Signature Italian extra-virgin olive oil.

Kirkland Signature olive oil — I use the olive oil for cooking and salad dressings.
Janet Osborne

Kirkland Signature Italian extra-virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and high-quality. It's a kitchen staple, and I feel good using it daily for cooking and making salad dressings.

My dinner plates often include a small serving of Wildbrine raw organic sauerkraut.