If you want to eat healthy then you can do so by using a slow cooker. Many people believe that using a slow cooker means having comfort food that can have a ton of fat and calories, but that is simply not true. You can have the convenience of using a slow cooker without fattening and unhealthy dishes.
There are many advantages to using a slow cooker or crock pot for healthy slow cooker recipes.
Working parents everywhere love the slow cooker. You can set it up in the morning and then come home to a nice home cooked meal.
Cooking food at home is cheaper and easier than eating out. You can also eat healthier at home because you know exactly what is going into your food.
I learned the benefits of a crock pot when working full time and having a family. I wanted us to have home cooked meals but I did not have time to stand over a stove all night. It was nice to sit down to a nice meal that I was proud to serve to my family.
Below is one recipe that I used and it has the added benefits of being under two hundred and fifty calories per serving. This recipe will make up to ten servings.
Healthy Beef Stew prepared in a slow cooker
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds (1.5 kgs) of flank steak that has been sliced into bite size pieces
- ¼ cup of cilantro leaves that have been minced
- ½ cup of sherry vinegar
- 2 cups of reduced fat chicken broth
- 1 ½ stalks of celery that has been cut into pieces
- One medium onion cut into pieces
- One green pepper cut into pieces
- 3 teaspoons of minced garlic
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Prepare all ingredients and place in an eight quart (7.5 litres) crock pot or slow cooker.
Put the meat on the bottom and then add the vegetables and other ingredients adding the spices last. The prep time will take about twenty to thirty minutes depending on how fast you can prepare the meat and chop the vegetables. Once you have it together in the slow cooker then turn it on low and leave it for eight to nine hours.
If you have less time then you can turn it on high and cook for five to six hours and check it to make sure the meat and vegetables are cooked.
You can modify, but keep in mind that modifications can add calories to the dish. If you have extra you can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or you can freeze it for up to thirty days. When you reheat it you have to throw it away because you cannot eat food that has been reheated a second time.
This is a meal that is low in calories and yet it is a complete meal for your family. You can add bread if you want and you can also add another side if you so choose. Cornbread goes great with a stew even though it can add calories and fat to your meal.
Healthy slow cooker recipes are a way for busy families to still have a dinner that is worth sitting down at the table and enjoying the food and the company. If you are single this can still be a choice for you because you can freeze the leftovers and have it to eat for a full month. There are many choices for meals in the crock pot and they do not have to be full of fat and calories.
Slow cookers are the best way to cook when you have a full schedule but still want good food.
Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment – It’s how you discover yummy new combinations.
HowOMG.com
