Lazy meals can still be nutritious meals.  ;)

When the cold weather rolls in around November and December that's when my family starts introducing slow cooked meals (a.k.a. lazy meals) into our dinner week.  Monday becomes are designated Crock-Pot night because the meat is fresh (we grocery shop on Sundays) and I have the time to prep and chop all the veggies.  

Crock-pot meals never disappoint.  They're delicious, hearty and soul warming, but unfortunately can lack nutrients when it comes to the vegetable department.  Most people already know that the longer your veggies are cooked, the less nutrients they possess.  In order to still enjoy those lazy meals (Crock-pot meals) as well as get those healthy nutrients into our bodies, I have found some simple ways to "health up" your slow cooked dinner options!  


6 WAYS TO "HEALTH UP" YOUR CROCK-POT MEAL

1.  Use a good organic bone broth or vegetable broth.  Bone broth is great for healing our gut (which is key for optimal health). 

2.  Use grass-fed + antibiotic-free meats.  The less toxins in our bodies the better. 

3.  Skip the corn, it's difficult for us to digest and has little nutritional value.
 
4. Regular potatoes are great, but try adding in a more nutrient dense starchy vegetable like sweet potatoes or butternut squash. 

5.  Experiment with new veggies such as leeks and parsnips.  These veggies cook up well in a tasty broth or stock. 

6.  Never put broccoli, zucchini or dark leafy greens such as kale and Swiss shard in your Crock-Pot to cook over a long period of time.  Instead, pour your hot meal over these types of veggies and mix together right before serving.  These greens will cook and/or wilt quickly to help them stay pretty, as well as maintain their optimal nutritional value. 

Healthy doesn't have to be complicated. 

​Let's all eat and feel well friends!


                     Always craving good food,
                                      Jillian                   

The holidays are about GIVING to the ones you love. 
Giving your time and attention, not your wallet. 

The holidays are upon us and can be quite overwhelming if you just follow the masses.  The masses (of people) are most likely spending their time at malls shopping or buying all the things online for family and friends. 

I was convinced that this was the only way to show others that you cared about them during the holiday season.  I grew up receiving tons of gifts as a kid and just assumed that's the way it was.  Adults go into debt buying gifts for their family and the kids stay "happy" as they tear open all the presents, one by one.  THIS SOUNDS RIDICULOUS. 

I honestly can't remember one material gift from past holidays as a kid that brought true meaning to my life.  I do however remember the traditions and experiences we had.  I remember baking cookies with my grandmother, getting the Christmas tree from our local tree farm, attending family Christmas Eve parties and the anticipation of waiting for Santa to visit our house.  None of these favorite memories of mine involved actually opening up a present.  Funny, right?! 

We think gifts make people happy, but how many gifts do you remember getting that truly left a long-lasting positive imprint on your life? 

The answer is none for me.  It was all EXPERIENCES. 

Simplify your holidays by giving your time and attention to the ones you love. 

It's never to late to change your holiday traditions.  Make it a priority to plan a mixture of small and large trips with loved ones.  Whether it's a trip to have a cup of coffee with your mother or a weekend camping trip with your kids. 

Experiences are what make meaningful memories, not stuff. 


                   Always craving health + happiness, 
                                               Jillian