I lost 125 pounds in a year. Here are 8 items I always buy at Costco to meal prep for myself and my family.

• I lost 125 pounds, and rely on Costco products that keep me full and make meal prep a breeze.
• Chobani Greek yogurt and S&W black beans are my go-to sources of protein.
• I also love using the Darigold cottage cheese to make a delicious no-bake dessert.

At 43 years old, losing weight hasn't been easy, and I've learned I can't rely on my willpower alone.

Instead, I need satisfying meals that help me meet my protein and fiber goals. Just as importantly, my family needs to enjoy the foods I buy.

Luckily, shopping at Costco has made that much easier. After losing about 125 pounds over the past year, these are the items I buy on repeat that are perfect for meal prepping.

Prices may vary depending on location.

The great thing about plain Greek yogurt is that I can make it into anything I want. My go-to is the Chobani version at Costco, which has 20 grams of protein in each serving.

Right now, my favorite use of this yogurt is as the anchor of my chia-seed pudding. I like to mix it with sugar-free applesauce, sprinkle tons of cinnamon, and then add some chia seeds.

After chilling it in the fridge overnight, I love waking up the next day to a pudding that tastes just like an apple pie.

I love grabbing a pack of ground chicken or turkey from Costco whenever I'm there.

My favorite way to eat this protein is cooking it in a big skillet with a lot of veggies, creating an amazing stir-fry or filling for a lettuce wrap.

Or, if I want a burrito bowl, I'll use that same meat but pair it with potatoes, avocados, greens, corn, and a lot of salsa.

Some people like to throw ice cubes in their beverages or smoothies. Instead, I use frozen berries because they taste amazing and add some extra fiber to any drink.

Given how many berries I go through over the course of the week, it would be too expensive to buy only fresh. So, the Clovis Farms organic Super Smoothie frozen berries at Costco serve as a good cushion to have on hand.

I know that for some, the texture of cottage cheese can be off-putting.

To avoid that, I love blending the Darigold cottage cheese with various fruits and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey, and then letting it freeze in a baking dish.

What comes out is a delicious, refreshing, light, no-bake cheesecake that's high in protein — about 13 grams per serving — and low in sugar, that I'm absolutely obsessed with.

Black beans are cheap, filling, and one of my favorite ways to get protein and fiber in.

I love to buy a bulk bag, cook a huge pot of them for about six hours, and have enough to last me one to two weeks. They taste amazing when added to a ground‑chicken burrito bowl or in an egg breakfast bake.

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, and at Costco, they're only $9 a pack.

I like to throw one into a daily smoothie to make the creamiest texture. Or, I enjoy them on the side of any meal I can.

Sometimes, a little lime juice and Tajin make it a perfect snack on its own.

I'm a fan of making juices, so Costco is the ideal place to stock up on my favorite produce in bulk.

That way, I'm always ready to whip up a delicious smoothie or drink at a moment's notice.

I can't get enough of the Jongga Korean-inspired pickles at Costco.

They're crunchy, packed with flavor, and never blow up my calorie intake.

This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Curious to know what other shoppers put in their carts? Check out our other Costco diaries here.