I'm a personal trainer who's been shopping at Trader Joe's for over 10 years. Here are 9 items I always buy.

Canned beans and cheese sticks are some of my favorite things to buy at Trader Joe's. Ashley Martens I'm a certified personal trainer who loves shopping at Trader Joe's. I pick up proteins like the store's cheese sticks, chili-lime chicken strips, and pork tenderloin. Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi and fresh broccoli make excellent side dishes. As a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, I try my best to prioritize protein-heavy and nutritious items while food shopping. That's why I love shopping at Trader Joe's . Since I started visiting the grocery chain in 2015, I've built up a solid list of mindful pantry staples, meats, and frozen items that make quick and easy meals. Here are some of the many items that always make it into my cart. I like Trader Joe's peanut butter, which is made with one simple ingredient. Ashley Martens Some peanut butters contain added oils, sugar, or stabilizers, so I opt for Trader Joe's creamy, unsalted version instead. I love that it keeps things simple with just one ingredient: peanuts. Plus, at $2.49 a jar, I can't go wrong with this purchase. Trader Joe's mild cheddar cheese snack sticks are a good source of fat and protein. Ashley Martens When I need a quick snack, I grab Trader Joe's mild cheddar cheese snack sticks. With 8 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein, this 100-calorie cheese stick keeps me satiated between meals. I especially love to pair them with a stack of Trader Joe's golden round crackers. The store's chili-lime chicken strips make taco night a breeze. Ashley Martens I love making tacos and burrito bowls with Trader Joe's fully cooked chili-lime chicken strips — especially if I'm in a pinch. I simply toss the chicken in the microwave and add it to soft shell tacos. Fresh broccoli makes a great side dish for any meal. Ashley Martens Fresh broccoli is a must-purchase item on my bimonthly Trader Joe's runs, mostly because it pairs well with everything. I like to roast it with a drizzle of avocado oil and enjoy as a nutritious side dish. When I need a break from chicken, I usually opt for a roasted pork tenderloin. Ashley Martens Packed with black peppercorns and garlic seasoning, Trader Joe's pork tenderloin is a quick and easy meal, especially when I have guests over. I like to pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet-potato cubes. I love elevating my meals with Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi. Ashley Martens When I want to sneak extra vegetables into my meals, I reach for Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi. I pan-fry it with some avocado oil and serve it with chicken for a quick and easy dinner . Trader Joe's wild-caught salmon is one of my favorite dinner options. Ashley Martens I love salmon and typically eat it two or three times a week. Luckily, Trader Joe's wild-caught salmon comes in a pack of two filets. The fish is especially tasty when served alongside steamed jasmine rice and roasted broccoli. Canned beans are a good plant-based protein. Ashley Martens On days when I'm not in the mood for meat, I reach for a can of beans. Black beans pair well with jasmine rice, and the store's refried beans taste great with soft tortilla shells. I always grab a bag of jasmine rice. Ashley Martens Jasmine rice makes a great foundation for pretty much any meal. I use it as a base for homemade burrito bowls and stir-frys, or enjoy it as a side dish with any protein source or veggie. Read the original article on Business Insider