A lot of people love the Kirkland muffins at Costco, but I find them a little bit alarming — they are massive and seem to weigh more than the dumbbells in my basement.

I wasn't able to find the serving size or full nutritional information on the packages I found in store, but I'd estimate one of these muffins is double the size of standard ones you'd make in a tin at home. 

I still enjoy pastries and sweet baked goods, but I prefer to go to a bakery and get one really good, more appropriately sized muffin when I have a craving.

Some people may prefer eating only egg whites — they contain fewer calories and less cholesterol than the yolks — but I'd rather use whole eggs and also get the benefits of the yolk.

Whole eggs are an excellent source of protein, amino acids, iron, and vitamins A, B6, B12, and D. Egg whites aren't so much.

Starting the day with a frozen breakfast sandwich, skillet, or burrito that contains more than half of my ideal daily sodium intake is not for me. 

I like to keep my sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day, which is what the American Heart Association says is ideal for most adults. Consuming less sodium comes with some benefits, like reducing your risk for high blood pressure . 

One way I keep my intake low is by not relying on premade breakfasts. Instead, I try to have whole grains, nut butter, and fruit in the morning.

I'm all for eating as many fresh vegetables and fruits as you can, but the bulk Costco quantities are too much for me and my husband. 

At Costco, I only buy oranges and apples that can last several weeks in the fridge. Otherwise, I opt to pick up frozen fruits and vegetables that are ready to use whenever I need them.

There are a lot of Kirkland-brand soups that sound delicious, but I still haven't found one that meets my strict sodium requirements.

For example, I won't buy any soup with more than 20% of the daily recommended value of sodium per serving on a label.

Instead, I prepare my own soup using homemade broth, which can be made with things like water and veggie scraps.

Likely in part because I eat a diverse diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, I haven't needed to buy multivitamins or special supplements. 

But that's just me — if your healthcare provider recommends a supplement or multivitamin, Costco might be just the place to stock up on it. 

Spices are wonderful for adding a flavor explosion to your meals and can be a healthier alternative to added salt.

But those giant canisters are just too big for most home cooks and many seasonings lose potency over time. I love cinnamon and I don't even get through a small container of it before it expires. 

Unless it's October, I avoid having tasty candy bars like Kit-Kats in my pantry to tempt me. 

As much as I love a good snack, I prefer to pick up a single chocolate bar when I have a craving.

I know not everyone is so lucky, but I live in an area with safe, clean drinking water.

I also have more reusable water bottles in my cupboard than I need, so I have no reason to waste money or resources on bottled water.

As I mentioned, I prefer to make my own breakfast. This helps me control my sodium intake and my sugar intake — many kinds of cereal contain more sugar than I'd prefer to have at the start of my day.

Instead, I stock up on other breakfast essentials at Costco, like whole-grain bread, oats, and eggs. I only buy smaller boxes of cereal when I'm craving it. 

Cauliflower crusts can be great for those who are avoiding gluten or minding their carb intake but I love a classic pizza. And when I want it, I opt for the real deal with a doughy, bready crust. I'll happily eat my cauliflower on the side.

Between the dough, cheese, and meat toppings, pizza can get pretty high in sodium so I like to add veggies on top and serve it with a salad. 

I've learned that many American adults actually exceed their daily protein requirements. When this is the case, there's usually no need to worry about getting extra protein boosts. 

Protein bars and drinks can certainly be handy for those who need them, but I try to get my protein from eggs, nuts, or hummus.