I recently lost over 70 pounds. Here are 12 staples from Costco I swore by while losing weight and still buy today. (2024)

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BelVita Breakfast Biscuits provide a nice boost in the morning.

BelVita biscuits quickly became my best friend during my weight-loss journey. Each individual pack has four biscuits that offer a mix of fat, fiber, and some vitamins and minerals like iron and B6.

Yes, they have quite a bit of added sugar, but at just 230 calories a package for many of the flavors, I think you get a lot of "bang for your buck."

Costco typically stocks 30-count boxes in two flavors: blueberry and cinnamon brown sugar. Boxes with 30 packs of biscuits retail for $15.

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I like to enjoy some Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt.

When belVita biscuits aren't enough to tide me over, I pair them with a cup of low-calorie Greek yogurt.

Although Costco sells plenty of yogurt varieties, Dannon's Oikos brand is one of my favorites. Each cup packs 15 grams of protein and is just 90 calories. In terms of taste, it holds its own against other yogurts despite not having added sugars.

Oikos Triple Zero yogurt comes in an 18-cup variety box. Boxes cost about $13.

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Bananas are low-cost, filling, and packed with energy.

Bananas are one of my all-time favorite fruits. A medium banana is about 105 calories and it has fiber (to help you feel full), potassium (to help get those muscles moving), and other helpful nutrients.

Costco sells Del Monte bananas in bundles of eight to 10. I've found prices hover between $1.00 and $1.50 per pound.

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Sometimes I brew a cup or two of coffee to hold me over until lunch.

For many, coffee is a zap of energy in the morning. For me, it's a helpful way to curb my appetite when I'm not feeling like having breakfast but don't want an early lunch.

Costco carries a variety of coffee brands including both Starbucks and Dunkin'. Despite my Boston roots, I opt for the Crafted Classics Coffee K-Cup pod variety pack.

The 72-count variety pack contains six different flavors from five brands — including Green Mountain and Newman's Own — and costs about $35.

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Costco's organic roasted seaweed is a salty, low-calorie snack.

Each individual pack of Kirkland Signature seaweed snacks contains a stack of neatly packed crisps to munch on.

At just 100 calories per package, the seaweed is a nice go-to when I crave something savory but want to avoid higher-calorie snacks like potato chips.

A 10-count bundle of snacks sells for $10.

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Try Del Destino organic sliced mangos for a sweet snack.

If bananas aren't your thing, try Del Destino mango slices. Costco sells pairs of 42-ounce jars for about $12.

The slices are on the larger side, making them nice for individual snacks. Although they're seeped in a thick syrup, I think the syrup itself feels relatively light.

After I eat the sweet slices I use the glass jars they came into store other foodstuffs.

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I use Kirkland Signature chicken breasts for a lot of great meals.

Because it's fairly lean, chicken is an all-star weight-loss protein for me. I choose skinless chicken breast over heavier cuts.

Costco sells its chicken breasts in family-sized packages, which are about $3.50 a pound and can last me a few meals.

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I pick up a massive bag of Royal basmati rice whenever I run out.

When on a tight budget, I've found one of the most cost-effective foods you can buy is rice. For just $20 I was able to find a 20-pound bag of basmati that will last me months, if not an entire year.

Tip: Use one of those Del Destino's mango jars to keep rice on the counter, and store the rest of the rice in your pantry.

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Kirkland Signature egg whites help me add more protein to my life.

Eggs are a wonderful source of protein, but the yolks can quickly add up in terms of fat. Kirkland Signature egg whites act as a nice substitute.

Sometimes, if I'm not trying to have a low-calorie dish, I'll add a whole egg to the whites for added flavor.

A single box comes with six 16-ounce cartons, each with 10 25-calorie servings. Boxes retail for about $10.

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I didn't give up Rice Krispies Treats during my weight-loss journey.

Yes, I lost 70 pounds, but I did it while eating foods I love. Rice Krispies Treats may not be the healthiest snack on Earth, but they're only 90 calories per bar.

If you have a sweet tooth but want a lower-calorie snack, I think these treats are a great choice. You can get 60 bars for $14 at Costco.

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I think Sargento Balanced Breaks are particularly well-portioned snacks.

I've found Sargento Balanced Breaks supply a nice mix of fat, sugar, and fiber.

Costco sells two different variety packs: one contains cheese and crackers and the other contains cheese, nuts, and dried fruit.

A box of 12 Balanced Breaks retails for about $10.

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Kirkland Signature smoked salmon is seriously delicious.

I end my list with what's quite possibly my favorite Kirkland Signature item: smoked salmon. My dad loved bringing home this smoked salmon after work, and I've continued the tradition.

Be careful — it's so good it'll be gone before you know it.

You can buy Kirkland Signature smoked salmon for $24 per package.

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